The RCAF Group Build Birthday Party

brain44 wrote:

Poppie, we all understand completely, and we all wish you well!  I, for one, respect your determination not to let anything get in the way of living well, and I thank you and all your family members for your service and sacrifice! Brian

Thanks Brian,  that means a lot. Believe it or not, it makes it a lot easier too.

Hey, Poppie!

I goofed and forgot to mention the dish soap in the sludge wash - it greatly improves the adhesion of the wash to the substrate.  What a dunce !  Ashey's books (I have both) are good basic refrence materila, but the very best I have seen are Swanny's DVD how-to manuals, they are great for beginners and experts alike.  I don't know if he has any left, you might contact him.

By way of update, I am trying desperately to clear the bench of my Shorts Sunderland and Mk IX Spitfire builds, so I can start on the Avro Arrow for this group.  Given the level of detail in that $60 cockpit, I wanna devote my FULL attention to this build and not be distracted by other projects.  I should be in build mode by the first of the week, maybe sooner!  Thanks for the email, btw!

Poppie, we all understand completely, and we all wish you well!  I, for one, respect your determination not to let anything get in the way of living well, and I thank you and all your family members for your service and sacrifice!

Brian 

* Calls in - - low, high speed pass in full burner---------------------*

 Hi guys! I'm not dead yet! Been away for a spell and will be for a tad longer. When I get back I'll start working shortly after

Cheers
Drew

*--------------- Pulls verticallllllllllllllllllll---------------disapears in to the high clouds*

Reload wrote:

Poppie wrote: hoto's of so called 'weathering' - FSM magazine has samples that outshine his work by miles. In a competition with the mailed in models to FSM, Ashley wouldn't get published today unless his work and styles have kept up - he seems to rely on a pencil and a 'touch-up' brush   Actualy Poppie, Mike is published freaqently within the pages of FSM, the latest being a few months ago with a ship he did. I have yet to find a book today that shows how to scratchbuild and do some of the removal steps for parts the way he shows them. If you had wanted a book on weathering, you should have asked specificaly for that. Mike may not weather to today standards, but his builds are top notch. His kits may be old, imagine what he could do with a kit of today. Besides, his passion is for old and out dated kits that he re-vamps and turns into great models. Everybody's idea of weathering is very different. Brent

Brent, Mike's book came in the mail today and I started reading it (as usual I started from the front - something I learned in college - ) turns out that the first book I bought was indeed the first book he wrote.  In the preface to the second book he wrote:"I began that book because I saw a need for a basic how - to detailing book, that could help any skill level modeler, from youth to adult, build better models by using common tools and materials and without breaking their bank account." Well, it seems my expectations were a little too high because he did meet his target audience and his goals.  His second book, is way more detailed, and a lot more technical.  I'll be keeping an eye out for his articles in the future.  Thanks for the 'heads-up' about the guy.  Poppie

razordws wrote:

Speaking of decals.  Does anyone know where I could get a sheet of late war code letters for Lancasters with the yellow outline on them.  I've seen sheets with the red code letters but not with the yellow outline.  I'm not sure if one was ever availalble.

I'm looking for the same thing, guy, - I was really disappointed when I went up to the Warplane Museum - I thought for sure, that, given they have one of only two fly 'Lancs' in the world, they would have a wide selection of goodies.  Heck, they don't even have a set of decals for the Lanc they have on the tarmac!!! I sent in a letter to the director of the museum and one to the National Heritage Foundation (they fund our small museums) and asked "What gives".  It just seemed awful strange that they had lots of American planes and US decals for sale in a Canadian Aircraft Museum and liltch for Canadians in a Canadian funded, owned, operated, themed, museum!! I'm some ticked off!

Oh ya, thanks Popie!!!  Get our hopes up and then squash 'em. 

Speaking of decals.  Does anyone know where I could get a sheet of late war code letters for Lancasters with the yellow outline on them.  I've seen sheets with the red code letters but not with the yellow outline.  I'm not sure if one was ever availalble.

Fantastic Decal Sheet!!

I was more than a little bit skeptical when I ordered this decal sheet from Victory but I was was really happy with what my postie brought me this afternoon.

I imagine some of you have already found this beauty but I thought I'd pass it on to you lot as there may be some who haven't made this discoverey yet. It's an absolutely beautilful, full coloured, collection of 41 different Spits from which you should be able to make 16 - 17 different 1/48  different Spits from the   colours of the 41 Allied Forces displayed.  The colours are superb, the stories that go with them are fascinating, they tell of the heroes and the odd balls and the 'odds and ends' of fighter command.  As far as campaigns go...this decal sheet includes Spitfires from; 1939, Dunkirk, B.O.B., Dieppe, South Pacific (Australian) Campaign, North Africa, Malta, Sicily, D-Day Striped Spits, European campaign (St. Croix-sur-Mer and Holland). I've never come across anything like this before.  Take a peek at http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Rev1/201-300/Rev289_VPD48006_Victory-Models/rev289.htm  just to 'wet your whistle, and from there take a long look at Victory Models - you won't be able to take just a 'quick peek' believe me.  Hope you enjoy this selection of decals.  The only drawback is, is that there all 1/48.  Enjoy looking at this one even if yoiur not a Spitfire fan. Poppie

SORRY GUYS -  I just read the little note that was included that said that the copy I received was a copy that was found 'kicking about' the shop. They are all out and there are no reprints scheduled at this time.  I'm really sorry guys. This is a beautiful set - now that I look at mine closely, I can see that it is a bit yellowed around the edges so it must have been hidden away for quite some time. Shame on me.

Yeah Brent, I sure didn't mean to 'put the guy down'. It was just that one area of 'weathering that really touched my eye, mainly because I'm such an amateur at everything that I noticed the old and new really quickly.  There is stuff in that book that it's going to take me a very long time to even get around to it, I do give credit where credit is due - the guy is undoubtedly a master builder.  I'm looking forward to his second book, actually I think that wou;d be his first (that was recommended to me) so I can bury my nose into it for awhile. I do that - whenever I get a new book on techniques, I go through my stash to see what I have that is applicable or that I can apply, then I sit myself down with a little book of hasti-notes and start making some notes. Then I compare my 'hasti-note collection,  and see if I "have a technique that speaks to me"i  I remember in graduate school when there were times when I had books that had more hasti-notes in them than actual authors ideas.

Poppie wrote:

hoto's of so called 'weathering' - FSM magazine has samples that outshine his work by miles. In a competition with the mailed in models to FSM, Ashley wouldn't get published today unless his work and styles have kept up - he seems to rely on a pencil and a 'touch-up' brush

Actualy Poppie, Mike is published freaqently within the pages of FSM, the latest being a few months ago with a ship he did. I have yet to find a book today that shows how to scratchbuild and do some of the removal steps for parts the way he shows them. If you had wanted a book on weathering, you should have asked specificaly for that. Mike may not weather to today standards, but his builds are top notch. His kits may be old, imagine what he could do with a kit of today. Besides, his passion is for old and out dated kits that he re-vamps and turns into great models. Everybody's idea of weathering is very different.

Brent

jssel wrote:

I was visiting my very first grandson in Madison WI over the weekend.   My grandson is only three weeks old but we had a chat.  I said to him "Can we say Tamiya, Hasagawa.........."  My daughter cautioned me that his nursery was not big enough for a kit collection. Jeff

JEFF! Congratulations!!!! Your news about being a grandfather went right over my head!  That's fantastic news!  Being a grandfather has been the most exciting and fulfilling period of my life. I once told my wife that I was getting the chance to be a Dad all over again with the experience of having made the mistakes, so hopefully, I've learned from them, and I've relaxed with these little guys. I absolutely love it when they call me Poppa or Grandpa or 'hey you'.  Your in for the best time of your life Jeff, and not only that, you'll find that your relationsip with Grandma grows stronger too - I guess it's having that common bond again.  I loved being a Dad, it was great, but being a Grand-dad was the best thing that ever happened to me. My daughter let me be in the delievery room and after Michelle was cleaned up, and wrapped in flannel blankets they came over and put her in my arms.  I still swear to god that that child could see - I don't care what they say about their little eyes not focusing when their newborn. My g/daughters eyes focused on me and she, honest to God, stared at me. I cried all over the place.  I turned to her "Other Grandfather" who was there in the room as well and said:"Get this, and get it straight now Commander, (he's in the navy) "You may be her 'Grandfather', but this old Commander (I'm retired out of the navy) is her official "Poppa". That name has stuck ever since, in fact everyone calls me Poppy or Poppie or Poppa or some derivative of 'Poppa'.  When she was almost 4 she came to me and said,"Do you know I have another Poppa?", but he has white hair and we just call him 'Grandpa' cause your our 'Poppa'.  Stake out your territority, Jeff, deciede what it is you'd like them all to call you, because whatever the first little guy calls you is yours for life and it will set you apart in everything you do. I'm really happy for you my friend, your in for the best time of your life. Having your kids was just a 'full dress rehearsal' for having 'g/kids'. I kid you not.  By the way, make sure your camera's working and that your wife knows she has to take turns taking pictures or else one day you'll go look at the pictures and you'll notice that there are none of you and the little guy together.  Besides, when the little guy starts looking through your albums he'll be asking you questions like "What were we doing there Poppa?"  They love to hear there own little histories. I had 3 kids and lost one. I wish each of my kids had 4 apiece. WoW! During the summers we have 'sleep-overs for a couple of weeks with all the kids here together and no parents - just Grandma and Poppie - I've made a 'Hobby Room' in the basement and we do models together, string beads, do some painting, moulds, oh yeah -  and  I'm pretty good at painting and sewing paper dolls (and proud of it!!) We've stuffed , "stuffed bears' and sewed em up - playing 'hospital'.  Oh Jeff, I could ramble on here all night just re-living all the wonderful things you've got to look forward to.  If I had your address, I'd be sending you a Hobby Craft E-Z Build for the little guy and Poppa to dream about doing together.  I did my first one with Megan when she was 3 - It was supposed to be 'snap-together' but we 'snipped' off the sprue, sanded the parts, put on Elmer's glue, and put on 'real decals' (I have no idea what they were for - we just learned how to s-l-i-d-e the decals off the paper.  (She [and the other older kids] each have their modeling kits - small plastic tackle box - and when they sleep over, we do up a 'shopping list' and Saturday morning we go to our LHS and stock up and while were at it, we might just as well get a 1/72 - hey, she's 9. A kids gotta learn how to make a stash too you know.

Good afternoon everyone.  This is my update on KH*R, the Monogram/Revell P40B Tomahawk I used by 403 Squadron. 

The construction is going well but tedius as can be seen by the amount of putty and sanding, putty and sanding ad nauseum.  Once the primer coat is put on I'll feel better about the project.  I don't know about you but I find the process between putty and sanding and the actual painting a real "downer."  Tools I find that work very well in finishing is of course wet dry paper, Squadron white putty because the paint covers it so well (especially light colors).  Sanding sticks either from the cosmo section of the local WalMart or sanding sticks from Steven's International called swizzle sticks sanders.  An assorted 25 pack consists of various grits mounted on swizzle stick size foam pieces.  They really reach into small areas like between the nose guns.  Being foam construction it is easy to slice them thinner with a number 11 blade.  They retail for $2.25 U.S.

Well I will carry on now and do some final cleaning up and then shoot on the primer.

Thanks for looking

Jeff

Good Morning Poppie and all.  Well, I have been absent from the GB this weekend as I was visiting my very first grandson in Madison WI over the weekend.  My wife and I left the frozen north just ahead of a pretty good storm and had a wonderful weekend.  My grandson is only three weeks old but we had a chat.  I said to him "Can we say Tamiya, Hasagawa.........."  My daughter cautioned me that his nursery was not big enough for a kit collection.

Anyways, I'm back at KH*R and should have a progress report by the end of the day.

Jeff 

Summit wrote:

4I have put in a new floor of 5/8 plywood and now I am awaiting office type carpet. As soon as my carpet gets installed I will build the "Super Bench" for my son and I. After that I'm heading for Colorado to spend a week or so with my favorite WWII vet - My Dad. ( he is 91) Time to go help him do some spring chores on the ranch .So looks like I wont be starting on my Moth until May something. Sorry for being long winded, did not want you fine group of Guys thinking I left the GB.

Yeah Sean, I've gotta put down some neew carpeting (or something) in my office. I'm using my  son's old bedroom which is really handy as it's right next door to my bedroom, has extra electrical service (he put in a 30 watt panel for his goodies).  I was thinking of putting in something a little more solid and without a 'pile' so things don't get lost - they don't call me 'lumber foot' for nothing.

Man I miss my Dad. What I'd give to hear one of those old 'war stories', revised for the 300th time, that I can speak along with him. I'm not sure how old I was when I realized that he truly was my best friend.  I think it was when my Mom told me that when I was in the Navy, he used to stand at the kitchen window every morning , at sunrise, with a coffee in hand, facing east, and a big tear drop would roll down his cheek, not just some mornings, but according to her, every morning. She confronted him one morning and apparently all he said was something like:"I know what my boys doing right now."  If he did, I'm really glad he didn't tell my Mom!!!!!  When I was in the army, I was in his regiment and some of the guys he served with had stayed in and were my senior Warrant Officers, and Officers. I overheard him tell one sergeant when I was boarding the train for the first time:"Watch out for my boy for me Tommy, watch out for my boy......I've already given enough."  I was embarrassed at the time, but as the years passed, I loved him for it more and more, and more every passing year until, finally, he wasn't there to talk to anymore.  This is a picture of him just before he won the Military Medal for Bravery Under Fire:

He looks like he should have been winning roller skating contests, not Valour Medals.  Someone once said that 'it' is in my family. My Dad won the MM, his Dad won the VC, his Grandfather won the Distinguished Service Medal, and I picked up the Governor Generals 125th  Anniversary Medal and the Veterans Commendation Award.  Hope it stops with me, too risky to have a son gambling for one hunk of bronze. 

Brian,

I'm going to give your weathering technique a try, but the technique I'm thinking of was a two step one.  First you made up a sludge that contained dishsoap that you used to get into the crevasess, then you used a light wash on a q-tip or make-up applicator to 'brighten' areas. If I remember correctly, the overall effect was quite starteling.  I've been leafing through my old books all week-end.  "Detailling Scale Model Aircraft: by Mike Ashey came in the mail on Friday blut I was in no shape to look at it. I looked at it yesterday and got some ideas but nothing to 'knock your socks off'- it's all pretty basic at this stage of the game - it was writtten in 1994 so a lot of his ideas have been pretty well hashed and rehashed - there's nothing new and startling, and a lot of the kits he refers to are long gone. I'm hoping the second book of his that I ordered" Model Aircraft Tips and Techniques: An Illustrated Guide" will shed more light on the subject. The write up by Albis booksellers says it shows:" how to detail cockpits, guns and wheelwells, and more, so It may be what I'm looking for."

Albis books lists Ashey's books as 'Rare and Wanted' and they have one copy listed for $87.00!!!!!! Jeez Louise, I do hope this guy is worth his salt.  I was disappointed to see the photo's of so called 'weathering' - FSM magazine has samples that outshine his work by miles. In a competition with the mailed in models to FSM, Ashley wouldn't get published today unless his work and styles have kept up - he seems to rely on a pencil and a 'touch-up' brush.

BTW = Just a word of thanks guys for not taking my Mrs. too seriously. A couple of Doc's scared the heck out of her once by telling her that 'one day I will sneeze or cough and that will put me in a chair for the rest of my life. Well, me, I don't let hypothetical  or maybe situations slow me down. Heck, in the early days of my dishcharge, I've driven semi-tractor trucks, broke horses, worked a farm, been a guard in a young offenders detention center (heck, some of those 16 -18 year olds could really wrestle with you, scuba dove, been a security guard, lots of stuff like that, and I've turned out not so bad. I figure why worry. I just ain't going to let things stop me - they may slow me down a bit, but, they ain't going to stop me.  When I grew up, it was the 'norm' for folk to be missing body parts from the war years. My dad had most of one arm gone, my uncle lost a leg, my uncle was blinded, another uncle lost a lung in the navy, another uncle had 3 fingers and a thumb shot off, his brother was gassed in WWI, another uncle was stone deaf,  another had seizures from shell shock, another had a steel plate in his head, hell fellas, the worse insult you give a man in my family was to say to him "What are you, handicapped orsomething?" Nobody asked for quarter and none was given . A family re-union at our house looked more like a garage sale for spare and used body parts!!

 I admit, I rely on a lot of morphine every day to function and if I should forget to turn the computer off and 'shut-up', I'll either 'babble' a lot, or not make a lot of sense. Please, just ignore me, I trust you guys to know the difference, and I'll tune back in when I'm 4 x 4 again. Sorry again for last week guys, I'll try not to let it happen again and usually, I am in control - I control it - it doesn't control me. (Except when I go for a pension re-board, then I cry like a baby all the way out from the parking lot!!!!!)

brain44 wrote:

Poppie wrote: Well, It's been a little slow on the old GB this week-end, must be this beautiful spring time weather. I've got nothing to shovel. Listen guys, I saw an article in an old FMS that I cannot locate, on how to weather a pit. Can anybody remember that article or its content or have any ideas on how to weather the inside of a Spitfire cockpit?  I'd appreciate some guidance. Mine always look so 'sterile' - more like an operating theatre than a combat theatre. Poppie, I usually spray a thin coat of Future over the completed "pit, then use a very thin wash of tire black and a touch of red brown over the entire thing.  Use a cotton swab to lightly rub off the high spots, and voila! a dirty, weathered 'pit!  A little silver dry brushing to simulate paint wear rounds out the process.  There are many better builders than I on here, and perhaps they will have a better suggestion...here is an example brian

Brian, Of all the things to forget to do, it was the Future! I had tried a wash before direct on an acrylic finish of interior green but it just looked 'Ack'.  I don't think I use Future enought between different coats, especially using acrylics which I find are a bit 'rought' as far as finishes go.  Thanks for the tip and the pic.  Poppie

Poppie wrote:

Well, It's been a little slow on the old GB this week-end, must be this beautiful spring time weather. I've got nothing to shovel. Listen guys, I saw an article in an old FMS that I cannot locate, on how to weather a pit. Can anybody remember that article or its content or have any ideas on how to weather the inside of a Spitfire cockpit?  I'd appreciate some guidance. Mine always look so 'sterile' - more like an operating theatre than a combat theatre.

Poppie,

I usually spray a thin coat of Future over the completed "pit, then use a very thin wash of tire black and a touch of red brown over the entire thing.  Use a cotton swab to lightly rub off the high spots, and voila! a dirty, weathered 'pit!  A little silver dry brushing to simulate paint wear rounds out the process.  There are many better builders than I on here, and perhaps they will have a better suggestion...here is an example

brian 

Well, It's been a little slow on the old GB this week-end, must be this beautiful spring time weather. I've got nothing to shovel.

Listen guys, I saw an article in an old FMS that I cannot locate, on how to weather a pit. Can anybody remember that article or its content or have any ideas on how to weather the inside of a Spitfire cockpit?  I'd appreciate some guidance. Mine always look so 'sterile' - more like an operating theatre than a combat theatre.

I hope your back gets better soon Poppie and thank you for posting the link  to that decal company. After seeing what they have I think I'll change my entry to a Mosquito.

Alain

razordws wrote:

Reload wrote: Dave, How is the weather in the old O - ka - new - gun? My dad lives in Kelowna, just off the lake. Brent Brent the weather is nice and should hit 20C (68F) by the weekend.  It has been a little colder than normal this spring though.  I've lived here in Vernon (North end of the Valley) for about three years.  I'm originally from Winnipeg which is not far from Minni-soo-tay.  Sure don't miss the mosquitos or the Winters

I always love the spring in the valley. Yrs and yrs ago we used to go to peach fest....now that was fun!!!! I grew up in Cloverdale in the Lower Mainland. Winnipeg, HA! We lived in Morden for almost 5 yrs, 1 hr south of peg, that is where I took my Medic training. I was also at the base in "Peg" for a little while. I hear you about the skeeters though, down here I beleive they call them the state bird!!! Bloody awfull! As for the winters........lets not go there.......on a good note, after the 9 yrs I spent on the praries in Man and Sask, the winters down here are a piece of cake........mmmmm.........cake......

Poppie - good to hear your up and about O'l chap, ah don't be embarrassed about the missus, you are lucky enough to have one who cares enough to let us know how you are and to worry about you.

Poppie,

Glad to see you back up & about again!  Haveing been the recipient of a powerful pain killer, I can clearly understand.  Please take good care of yourself (like I should talk....) but we need your leadership here on the build ! 

Brian 

Poppie wrote:

Sorry abour that little bump in the road, guys, it s embarrassing when then the mrs has to tuck me into bed like a little kid  I-m going to be a bit sore for a few days, thats all, She's going to be hoveing  over me like a like a hen for a day or two. I just fell over my own big feet and wrenched my back - she's always afraid I;m going to end up back in hosp but no sweat. Just a little uncalled for  concern and sympathy and I'm fine in a few hours. See, I'm fine. Popppie.

Poppie Glad to hear your feeling better now listen to Mrs. Poppie and put the new airbrush down and slowly step away from the work bench

I have not forgotten your bio & pic request, I'll be posting it soon (work is pretty intense these day's so not much free time) also a progress report will be forth comming.   All when I return from visiting my Mum  in Ottawa.

Cheers

Bear

Sorry abour that little bump in the road, guys, it s embarrassing when then the mrs has to tuck me into bed like a little kid  I-m going to be a bit sore for a few days, thats all, She's going to be hoveing  over me like a like a hen for a day or two. I just fell over my own big feet and wrenched my back - she's always afraid I;m going to end up back in hosp but no sweat. Just a little uncalled for  concern and sympathy and I'm fine in a few hours. See, I'm fine. Popppie.

Reload wrote:

Dave, How is the weather in the old O - ka - new - gun? My dad lives in Kelowna, just off the lake. Brent

Brent the weather is nice and should hit 20C (68F) by the weekend.  It has been a little colder than normal this spring though.  I've lived here in Vernon (North end of the Valley) for about three years.  I'm originally from Winnipeg which is not far from Minni-soo-tay.  Sure don't miss the mosquitos or the Winters

Mrs. Poppie,

I do hope that the Mr. is resting comfortably and feeling better!  We miss him!

Brian 

Dave,

How is the weather in the old O - ka - new - gun? My dad lives in Kelowna, just off the lake.

Brent

Mrs Poppy,

Having been a Paramedic /Fire Capt for 9 yrs I will prescribe and order Poppy to take a break..........that is....if he will listen to me. Heck....he sounds like the rest of us that have trouble listening to our wives.........hehehehehehe. My wife says when she is telling me to take it easy all I hear is Charlie Browns teacher...." WA WA WA, WA, WA WA"

POPPY..............you should know better..........listen to your wife!!!!!

Brent

NO worries Mrs. Poppy.  We'll keep an eye on him!   Honest!

Seriously though I hope he gets some rest and is feeling better in the morning.  Doesn't matter what age you are you've got to know your limits.  I'm 44 but sometimes I still think I'm 18 and I wind up in all kinds of trouble.  If I'm lucky only my ego gets bruised .