Fleet Air Arm Group Build

OK...this thread gets better and better each day! Great to see the faces associated with the names, and Dave....great work on those Spits!

....and, in keeping with the current theme, here I am along with the Mrs.....you didn't want to see my ugly mug all by itself now did ya? Figured if I included the wife, you guys wouldn't notice me so much!

Hey.....nice to meet all of you! 

Thanks for putting a face to the name fella's we have a great group here. I will add my details soon. (I promise!)

I've been very busy at FAA GB HQ and due to popular demand........

I know I've jumped the gun a bit but what the heck! Posts in the GB and Aircraft Forums have been started...........I'm going to need to start building a new squadron over at the Spitfire GB so dust off those flight jackets and prepare for a bloody good time.......

Tally-Ho! 

Dave-

Nice looking Spits!  I have three done so far, but am hoping to do another one soon.

I looked, and this is the only picture I have of me on my 'puter.  (I'm the one on the right!)

Did someone say spitfires?

As for jobs and stuff, i'm in the Australian Army (20 years last sat 14th) doing the fun and exciting jobs that I get landed with. Currently Resource Manager for the unit i'm in.

As for the Barracuda, it is currently waiting a wash so I can put down an undercoat prior to painting with Xtracolour paints. The Firefly is not far off having the wings put on and then painting after filling and sanding of joints.

Well if we are swapping job info and such, I'm an IT Project Manager and I work for a major Health Insurance provider her in Aus.

Also, I know some of us have done this before a few times but here is the least hideous photo I could find of yours truly to give you guys an idea of who you are talking to.

Cheers

I, too, would be willing to add another build to the "To do" list for a spitfire GB. I have always kind of wanted to get one of those kits (Airfix I think??) that even have a dog figure included; to make a scene with a dog...perfect fun . Anyway, I would join.

Also, thanks for the job info. It has been really interesting to learn what some of us do when not modeling.

Hope all is well.
Leon

ruddratt wrote:

Sounds like I need to buy a Spitfire kit, being as I may be the only guy on this entire forum who does not have at least one in their stash.

I may be up for this one also.  If it involves you guys I KNOW it will be fun.

Roy

darson wrote:

Awesome work on the front office Frank it looks fantastic .  How much of the cockpit is kit and how much is AM by the way? If anybody posts a Spitfire GB I am in for certain.  I have 5 unbuilt Spits of various marks in the stash at the moment including the Eduard Spitfire Mk. 22/24 which I'm dying to build. Cheers

WOW! Thanks!  Just asking if there is any AM is a huge compliment!  I used the kit decal for the instruments, and added a drop of epoxy for the "glass", the seatbelts are lead foil from a good bottle of scotch with home-made wire buckles.  Other than the home-made belts, it's OOB.

As for a Spitfire GB, say the word and I am in!

Mmmm.........Spitfire Group Build? I'm up for it!

Are you?

TANGO 1 wrote:

Just reading through our posts and looking at the work displayed here I feel really proud of this GB. We have a great "crew" here and its definately a fun place to be. Thanks for that. In the time honoured tradition, I salute you with a drink. "Cheers!"

Oh no, more rum... better have one!

Thanks everyone for the kind words!  I really inspires me to push myself to get better.  The techniques I have learned from all of you has really helped!

Also, it's nice to hear a little bit about everyone.  Makes people seem more like people than just another user name.

Leon-

As for training, most people spend a year or two in school and then a few years as an apprentice.  However, I started working with a guy who showed me everything on the job and with my modelling background was able to pick it up very quickly.  Right now I have been doing some computer training to learn to use our new CAD software which allows me to design pieces on a computer, then email it to a computer-controlled mill to mill it out.  Very cool and high-tech!  My visor is beginning to leave a permanent crease around my head...

Darren-

I use Gunze acrylics for all of my airbrushing, and Vallejo for brush painting.  Thanks a buch for the compliments buddy!

Thanks everyone for making this such an enjoyable GB, can't wait to do another with you guys!  Didn't I hear a rumor a while back about a Spitfire GB?

Just reading through our posts and looking at the work displayed here I feel really proud of this GB.

We have a great "crew" here and its definately a fun place to be. Thanks for that.

In the time honoured tradition, I salute you with a drink.

"Cheers!"

Frank,

very nice work mate! The seat and office are very well detailed and the finish you have on that prop is beautiful. What paints are you using? I'd love to know!

Hey Crew! How's everyone out there?

First off, let me say thanks very much for your kind comments about my builds, its very much appreciated.

Now to answer a couple of questions!

Darren ,

I'm using Humbrol enamels. Extra Dark Sea Grey/Slate Grey for the camo. I wanted a faded look, so I messed around with the shades. For the E.D.S. Grey I just added a little white, I did the same for the slate grey too-big mistake! It will go too light.....I corrected it with a few drops of dark green. Seems to have done the trick!

Leon, 

Those invasion stripes......I am useless at masking! The curves at the top of the fuselage are not in line with the rest of the stripes, so I want to correct them. Got that done earlier, hopefully it be look right when the masking tape comes off.

Frank, your office looks fantastic.  Lots of great work showing up here.  Don't worry, I'll lower the standard when I get around to starting my build.

As for playing Mr. Mom and careers.  I've done the laundry most of my married life and most of my younger life too.  Something about being raised in a house with 8 kids, if you want your clothes to be clean and to make it back to the same room you do the laundry yourself!   As for careers I'm a landscape designer with a Landscape Architecture degree.  I do mostly local government stuff like ballfields, parks etc.  It's quite fun, I just wish "some" contractors weren't such idiot's.   I've enjoyed hearing what other people are up to.

 (what better way to get to know each other) Speaking of flooring, I am almost finished installing wood flooring in my house.  The upstairs are complete except for two rooms, I finished the two set of stairs last weekend.  When I get off work I have to pick up my 2 ½ year old son from daycare, come home and I play Mr. Mom.  I not only clean floors but windows, dishes, cloths, anything that has to be done I have to do before the wife gets home.  That will allow be time to work on my modeling.  All in all life is great and so are you guys.

Roy

LOL Bob!

She won't let me anywhere near the washing machine either, unless it's to wash my own stuff.

...and my wife thinks I do the windows (and the floors)....how else can I explain the constant need for replenishing our supply of Windex & Future. (and with the laminate flooring I just installed in our kitchen, now I have to come up with another reason).

gwaihir wrote:

Bob, The job sounds interesting. I am actually interested in what does a automotive stamper do.    Leon

We take coils or cut sheets of aluminium or steel and 'stamp' (or press under great pressure, some times up to 2000 tons)them in large presses (with special dies that are item specific)to form parts like fenders, hoods, roofs, floor pans, etc.  These parts are then sent to the auto/truck manufacture to be assembled, painted and then go thru final assembly then to the showroom floor.

Bob, I appreciate the compliments very much! Thanks!

All I can say, Frank, is "WOW!" That looks incredible! Six hours well-spent if you ask me. Very nice job on the seat & belts.....your bird is gonna look awesome!

....and in keeping with one of the current themes, yes, I have to  agree....this is a great thread with a great bunch of guys participating. The support, the skill levels displayed, and just the warm atmosphere in general have made this, my first GB, a very pleasant experience. Thanks, guys!

On the subject of work, I am currently doing my best impression of Michael Keaton in Mr. Mom (but without the kids). Long story, but I'll try to keep it brief. I am origionally from NY State, where I worked 28 years as a technician/machinist for a small company that builds computer-operated transformer/relay/inductor test systems...lived there for 48 years before relocating up here to be with my wonderful wife, who was born & raised in these parts. All the paperwork done to get me here with permanent residence status has been completed with the exception of a border official's signature on my visa, so a trip to Hyder, Alaska (only 3 hours each way) is planned for this weekend. Once that is done, I can then apply for a Social Insurance # up here, as well as turn in my NYS driver's license for a provincial one. Then I can join the work force (which will be nice.....I hate vacuuming!)

Frank, Excellent work on the pit, seat, and propeller. I am especially taken with your propeller - it looks really great!  Your work sounds very interesting. I laughed about the visors - very funny. Just out of curiousity, what kind of training do you have to go through for that?

Roy, I'm glad you found your way to this forum. It is a good one. As for junior highers...once you teach them, you can do anything...

Bob, The job sounds interesting. I am actually interested in what does a automotive stamper do. 

Leon 

Frank,

Looks great!  It would seem that my Corsair will have a few big brothers

Since you asked, after 12 years in the military (infantry)  I became a teacher.  During my time in California I was a middle school math & science teacher.  Here in Wyoming I teach elementary.  Yes I too love teaching it is the greatest job.  I still miss the Army sometimes.  As for modeling, I just got back into it after being away 10 years.  This is my first model forum and so far these guys are the best.

Roy

Daywalker-very nice work.  Your skills as a goldsmith is showing.

btw-I'm an ERP Support Analyst.  ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning, a software tool that supports a manufacturing concern from importing demand to shipping product and all the financial ramifications in between.  The software in particular is QAD's MFG/Pro (always looking for new opportunities).  I've spent 27 years in the automotive metal stamping industry. 

Well, I finished the office tonight.  I spent the better part of 6 hours painting and chipping the paint on the seat, only to cover most of it up with the seatbelts!  Looks sorta strange in black paint, but my references clearly show this aircraft with a heavily worn black painted seat.

Leon,

Same here.  I have had guys send me replacement parts, decals, and advice whenever I needed it.  To be honest, I almost gave up this hobby completely a couple of years ago after dealing with the "nitpickers" at the LHS's.  After seeing some of the work these guys did (and I will NEVER criticise anyone else's work unless they ask) and listening to them pick apart my latest creation because a certain color was one millionth of a shade off, I was completely put out and started to sell off some of my collection.  Then, I discovered this site.  What a HUGE confidence builder it has been.  My skills have improved more in the last 6 months than in the previous 10 years.  Thanks everone!

As for careers, I am a goldsmith.  I started it 10 years ago after a friend saw the models I did and thought I would be good at it.  Needless to say, he was right!  I love it, and a lot of the tools I use at work I also use on my models.  The parts don't seem as small as they used to after spending all day setting dozens of 1mm diamonds in a ring!  But, my girlfriend thinks it's kind of funny that I wear a visor all day at work, and put one back on when I get home.  It's starting to become a sort of security blanket for me...

Sorry to patter on.

Roy, I accidentally just clicked on your name and noticed that you are a teacher. What do you teach? I teach 1-8 computers, 6th grade math, and 8th grade pre-algebra. Teaching's such a great job...

Sorry to be so random, and, heh, so everyone is included anyone else want to chime in with what they do to earn modeling money?

Leon 

On an actual topic that has been brought up - the friendliness/helpfulness of the forum - I wholeheartedly agree. Since starting visiting this and a couple other similar sites, I have learned so much and have been given things that have helped in builds (decals for example). It is really great to see a group of like minded people coming together and helping each other out and grow in their skills. I can truthfully say (knowing myself) that without all of the knowledge and encouragement that I have gotten from people on sites like this, I probably would either completely suck at building or have lost interest a long time ago. I'm starting to blab, sorry, so anyway thanks everyone for any past, present, or future help/encouragement you have given to me or others. Cheers!