CapnMac82

The Easy Button hack was funny "We need Cat Food!"

I didn't watch that until you mentioned it. Funny.

CapnMac82

Turns out the DCC railroading bunch have taken to using stock replacement "iPhone" speakers as a less-expensive alternative.   iPhone parts are a hassle for DCC as that runs off of 12VDC; the iPhone runs native on 3VDC.   Still looks to be something to tuck into bases, rather than models.  Which clearly suggests using an IR motion sensor as a switch.

CapnMac82

(Wonder if the them song to 20k leagues under the sea is "public domain" . . . )

What does a day off and rainy weather = ?

Answer = Time at the bench. 

I decided to take a break from lighting.  

Below: As I have already mentioned I am making the windows removeable. The window assembly is designed to be mounted to the hull from the back side. That flange must go...

Using a razor saw and the flange as a guide to ride against I carefully cut through the plastic.

I am still using the flange only it is detached from the main window. The flange acts as a spacer and it maintains the integrity of the design. 

Below: The window fits into the recess perfectly. Basically, it is press fit. In its current state and without paint it slides in easily. I imagine it will tighten up when  paint is applied. As is-- it's perfect. With paint--hopefully-- not too tight. If the latter-- some light sanding.

And as a sidenote: I know most of you know this and or have other ways to go about things but, for any new people-- this may be helpful. 

I reach for this simple tool a lot. Basically, it is a sewing needle lopped off at the eye. It is used as an applicator for CA. What I love about it is you get consistent and small amounts of CA. I unscrew the bottle cap, tilt the bottle, and insert the needle into the CA. If by chance you get too much you can wick some off with a paper towel. In short-- you get small and precise amounts. I use this not only for applying parts but also for applying small amounts as filler. 

Secondly, I found another use for the tool. It works great for applying small amounts of liquid mask.

Anyhow-- since I am off work today-- I think I will try seeing the new Top Gun movie.

It's good to be off from work.

Ohhhhhhhh, that looks awesome Bakster! Reminds me of a steampunk TiE fighter!

Interesting on how the digital camera shifts the colours around, I'd never have noticed if you hadn't pointed it out.

Bakster

rainy weather

For the glazing, I'd be inclined to use some 0.5mm magnets (although having to cringe through every revolution of the drill bit in the clear part would probably not me good for my blood pressure).

"Ohhhhhhhh, that looks awesome Bakster! Reminds me of a steampunk TiE fighter!"

Maybe I should get a Darth Vader figure for the parlor. 

What is this "rainy weather" you speak of? 

I take it you have not seen rain in awhile. 

I'd be inclined to use some 0.5mm magnets (although having to cringe through every revolution of the drill bit in the clear part would probably not me good for my blood pressure).

A nice idea indeed. They fit so nicely on their own I don't expect them to fall out unless I give the thing a good jarring. I will take my chances verses the blood pressure thing. 

Btw. I did enjoy the new Top Gun movie. Yes a bit over the top in terms of only in the movies, but I still enjoyed it.

Just more of the journey...

I made the white pieces to do two things: They block gaping holes into the interior giving the piece a more cohesive look. And secondly, it will block any light leaks from the interior.

I also started to paint light blocking.

Next up will be to establish an exit point for the wiring and then to secure the parlor assembly. After that, probably attach the side walls of the hull.

Bakster

I take it you have not seen rain in awhile. Indifferent

Only on tv . . .

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/293283179_612930340189150_2889761356473728081_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=VynVgBli9AEAX_dtLn3&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AT-t1h-YFSWhjWGP0CXjZqUciny6HifpRtUPnE32l2Vq0g&oe=62D982AF

That's looking good over all.

Cat is melting from Capns heat.

Hi.

      I seem to remember, Maybe I am wrong, But wasn't the opening for this on the Harper Goff design, much like a camera Iris? Either way, You are getting me to liking this enough to pull the trigger on buying this kit. Oh boy! Could I have fun detailing it. I guess that's why I have so many models unbuilt, I got carried away by detailing, say just the engine room or something like that. I am sitting here being mesmerized by your unbelievable work. Keep on, Please?

Tanker-Builder

But wasn't the opening for this on the Harper Goff design, much like a camera Iris?

Tanker-Builder

You are getting me to liking this enough to pull the trigger on buying this kit.

Tanker-Builder

Could I have fun detailing it. I guess that's why I have so many models unbuilt, I got carried away by detailing, say just the engine room or something like that.

No doubt about it. I think this kit is worth pulling the trigger on. It seems designed well and the creative potential is huge. There are a ton of things a person can do with it and much that I probably won't do. I have a limit to my madness!  LOL. 

Tanker-Builder

I am sitting here being mesmerized by your unbelievable work. Keep on, Please?

going along in leaps and bounds steve . looking good mate .

where abouts are you capn , that looked like an australian summer weather map .

going along in leaps and bounds steve . looking good mate .

Thanks, Steve

The sides of the hull are glued in. It went well but I had to do a section at a time. The parlor assembly caused a slight fit issue. I had to glue and hold until it locked in. Then I'd moved further down the line and did that all over again. I think my modifications to the opening caused a little bit of a raised area. I was not about to change that because I wanted a tight light blocking fit. Anyhow, not a big deal and they are installed.

The bottom of the hull had locating posts for the parlor to mount to. I noticed that the center post had a hole clear through to the bottom. Simply for its ease, I chose that post to exit my wiring. I also cut a hole in the side of that post so that I can feed through more wires as I progress.

I sprayed the window work that I did with some of the same color paint I used on the flooring. That will be the transition point from the interior to the exterior. Beyond that it will be hull color.

At this point I think I will mask and paint the windows. I am glad the kit comes with masks. 

She's coming along great Bakster! 

Captain: Hope you get some rain. We got a gully-washer today. 

gully-washer today. 

This kind of gully washer? 

I know... bad joke. Timmy is MIA sooo, what ta do. 

Wow...

I'll say it again.

Wow...

All the attention to detail you've put into the parlor/study means I have high expectations for how great the hull is going to look. 

Can't wait to see where you take this model next!

PhoenixG

All the attention to detail you've put into the parlor/study means I have high expectations for how great the hull is going to look. 

We shall see. I still have that pesky squid to contend with. Could go either way. 

Hey All-- I just want to make an observation about the paint used. 

For the most part, I used Tamiya's LP series lacquer followed by a topcoat of MRP clear. The parlor assembly got a TON of manhandling. From fitting LEDS, soldering, to especially when I was fitting the assembly into the hull.  And most of the time, I did this with no gloves.

I have to say that I am pleased with its durability. Many times the hull slipped as I was test fitting and not once did I see scuff marks, scrapes, or loss of paint. The finish remained pristine. I am guessing the clear offered the most protection since that is the topcoat. Truly, I am amazed. Even finger oils did not melt the clear as I have seen happen with other clears, especially acrylics. This stuff is durable. 

The other part of this is that the AB is so easy to clean. I flip the AB upside down, squirt thinner into the neck of the AB, spray into a paper towel until clear. I have pulled the needle to check it but most often I don't even need to wipe it of any residuals. This is far from the case with acrylics. 

One other thing. Properly thinned, the LP series brush paints nicely. I needed to touch up some areas that masking covered. I was able to do that and you cannot tell that I did. It is smooth with no visible tonal alteration. 

What a breath of fresh air. I can focus on building, not fighting paint. This is how it should be.

Just my two cents.

In a review of this model I read that the masks are not that great. They are correct. The majority of them are oversized and require trimming. I believe there are aftermarket masks that one can buy. I may regret it but I will push through using these.

One more main window to mask and if the mood strikes me, the two gator eyes at the bridge. But those are for another night.

Gamera

Captain: Hope you get some rain.

No such luck, sadly.

Last rain was the 1.26" in the first week of June.

There's a threat of thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow.  But, it's just threats.

Some major fires in the region out towards Possum Kindgdom Lake, too.  As in thousands of acres.

Rain is much needed, SPCA is running out of flea powder for the fish . . .

G'day Bakster. Long time no talkee. I only stumbled onto this build this morning and have spent the last two and a half hours reading through it. Awesome, awesome build and typically great banter. Its an absolute tonic reading your builds. Now where's that gin....

Dodgy

G'day Bakster. Long time no talkee.

Indeed! Ferg, so good to hear from you! 

Dodgy

I only stumbled onto this build this morning and have spent the last two and a half hours reading through it.

YOU sir, are a model Patriot! Anyone spending two and a half hours in one sitting--going through a long thread--is amazingly committed to the cause. I'll have my assistant send you my commemorative-- virtual--medal of dedication. 

Dodgy

Its an absolute tonic reading your builds. Now where's that gin.

If my builds are tonic to you--then YOU are the gin. 

"I long to live in a world where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned"

That STILL cracks me up. Chickens have rights too. I am right there with you. 

Glad you found me, Ferg. Thanks a bunch for following, enjoying, and posting!

More to come...

Holy Guacmole!!!!

      I tink I'sa gwanna Be Crosseyed agin. That looks like a pile of Jewelry! is it, Is It? Pleeze tolla me da trut, Is dat jewels or winders? Winders, Holy Guacamole deys tynie! I hope you don't mind my little try at levity. I don't tell jokes so good, so I play with words. That is a Mind-Bending job there. How many Panes make up that Window assembly? 

"How many Panes make up that Window assembly? "

Hey, TB... it is 60 panes per main window, 120 total for the two. 26 total for the two gator eyes.

Applying them would not be that bad if I did not need to trim each mask. Sadly, they did a poor job sizing them. But, hey, they are better than nothing. I can get them fairly close to decent. I would not want to cut masks from scratch for this. That would be a nightmare.

I hope to have these painted by the weekend.

The masking looks great Bakster! I know what you mean when you have to cut every friggin' piece down to size. But it's still better than trying to cut them out from masking tape... 

Gamera

The masking looks great Bakster! I know what you mean when you have to cut every friggin' piece down to size. But it's still better than trying to cut them out from masking tape... 

 

Thanks, Gam.  And yes it is 

Wowzer!!!

   That's a lot of tiny windows. Now, have you tried the Liquid masks at all? I use to use the early "Pink" colored liquid mask on Planes!

Hey!

 This little animated Old looking sketch, reminds me of the kind of windows A strange looking model of the Nautilus has. I think it is a "Snap" kit! It came along as a part of a trade in a model show! The side windows are more oval and smooth and look like shallow observation Bubbles on a coast guard Aircraft to me!

Tanker-Builder

tried the Liquid masks at all

Dunno, that's both small, and finicky.

I'm guessing I'd have my frisket mask swivel cutter out.  Then, have to go drive 22 miles downtown to go get a five-pack of new sharp replacement blades.  And then, still want for another 5x of magnificationgetting clean demarcations on the liquid masking.

All the while wondering if it would be worth getting the beast 3d scanned so as to make a 3d print of just the frame . . .   [o_O]

Which would lead to thinking about the "movie studio" solution to gazing--they omit it so the glare won't "print."

And, then I'd be so mentally strung out, I'd just sit in my chair with the dog and an adult beverage wondering how a week had elapsed . . . Sigh.