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| Dragon Mustang On-The-Bench Final Installment |
| 29 September 2011 |
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Just completed the final update on the Dragon Mustang build . All in all, the painting, decaling and weathering went without too many glitches (hey, maybe I'm getting the hang of this hobby). I've started working on the Tamiya P-51 and as I have 5 weeks before the next IPMS club meet, I'm curious to see how much I can get done by then ... Watch this space :)
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| Dragon Mustang Complete ! |
| 28 September 2011 |
I'm glad to say that the Dragon Mustang is complete. In the end I'm very happy (and proud) of the result and it encourages me to tackle some of the other "non Tamiya" kits in my stash. I've not completed updating the "On The Bench" yet, but I wanted to get the finished pics up for people to see ASAP. Cruise over to the Gallery
Please let know what you think either via Facebook or email. Was it worth the effort ?
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| Mustang Ready For Paint |
| 04 September 2011 |
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The Mustang has progressed to the point of painting. I hope that the end result will be worth all the time and effort spent on this sucker :) I have decided on the paint scheme and hope to get the Alclad colours on this week. Check out the latest progress here -> Mustang build.
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| Mustang Progressing |
| 04 August 2011 |
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Short update today. The Mustang is progressing well as I head towards a coat of paint. As you will see, latest work has been around correcting some errors and ommissions by Dragon. Mustang build.
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| Tamiya P-51D arrives |
| 29 July 2011 |
Like most of you, I have now received my Tamiya P-51D from HLJ. Due to the cost of the kit, HLJ automatically shipped it EMS which meant it took 3 days to reach Sydney from Tokyo (not bad).
I have to admit I was fairly apprehensive about its arrival as I feared it would make me feel like I was wasting my time with the Dragon build.
I guess it's inevitable that my Dragon 1/32 Mustang will be compared with the myriad of Tamiya builds that will no doubt spring up on the web now. The timing is unfortunate, but I'll learn to live with it.
Having now fairly closely examined the Tamiya kit, it is of course a work of art. No comparison to the Dragon or Trumpeter kits that came before it. It's a completely different class to the Dragon kit or even what I hope to turn the Dragon kit into. Accordingly, my fears of impending de-motivation are unfounded. I'm keener than ever to finish the Dragon build, if only so I can start on the Tamiya kit sooner :)
Despite my lack of website updates, I have been modeling fairly regularly. Most of the work has been scribing and riveting, which too be honest is hard to convey with photos on the web. Trust me when I tell you that many hours have gone into the kit. A small on-the-bench update this time around, but stay tuned for a far more signifcant update in the next week or so as I get closer to painting. Mustang build.
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| Slack Web Updating but modeling progress being made. |
| 02 June 2011 |
Ok, I admit I have been slack with web updates. The good news is that I have actually been modeling, just not sharing it with you as frequently as I'd like to.
I have been working on getting the fuselage and wings closed up so I can have a crack at those panel lines and rivets. (yeh I know, just bin it and get the Tamiya kit)
I'll be taking some vacation during July/August and I hope to get a fair bit of modeling done. Expect regular updates and substantial progress on the Mustang during that period (if not earlier).
For now, here's a fairly meaty update (30 images) on my recent benchtime. Mustang build.
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| P-51D Update |
| 29 Apr 2011 |
Hi All, Firstly my apologies for such a long delay between updates. I have been modeling on and off, but to be honest life in general has been getting in the way of my modeling pursuits. You all know how it is....
By now I'd assume most of you will have heard that Tamiya has announced a 1/32 P-51D. Now I would like to take full credit for this as I am sure the only reason they released the kit was because I started working on this Dragon project !!!!!
Of course I have pre-ordered the Tamiya and yes I fully intend to finish this build too. I've come too far to put it aside and besides, building the Tamiya kit will be nowhere near as rewarding as this model. I expect the Tamiya model will fall together (come to think of it, thats does sound somewhat appealing right about now :)
Here's a quick link to the latest update of the Mustang build.
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| P-51D Update and (another) New Model |
| 21 Feb 2011 |
Filling and sanding. That has been my modeling life for the past week. A "monstrous amount of work" was what Dave P called my Mustang project, and right now, I gotta agree with you Dave...
To be honest, its not all the hard yacka thats slowing this model down, its actually stuff that I enjoy, ie problem solving. For example, how do I selectively remove rivets and accurately reproduce them ? How do I simulate the
wooden ribbing and doped cloth on the rudder ? Figuring this stuff out takes trial and error and hence time. To me, its what modeling is all about (well the enjoyable bits anyway).
Of course during these sanding sessions, one's mind tends to wander to kits you have recently acquired. So I found myself (somewhat surprisingly) cutting parts off the sprue of my latest purchase, the HobbyBoss
1/32 IL-2 Sturmovik. This kit has been around for a little while, but I'd not seen inside the box, till last week. I was pretty impressed and ordered one from my friends at Frontline Hobbies in Newcastle (Australia, not UK)
Why did I start another model ? Does this mean the P-51D has stalled already. Well I hope not. Sometimes modeling, any modeling, is better than no modeling at all.
Think of it this way. I come home from work, consider doing some modeling, but can't get
motivated because I know I have a big job ahead of me on the P-51. So I don't bother modeling, rather I watch TV. However, if I also have a less intimidating project on the bench, I am much more likely to actually sit down and work on it. Brett Reynolds accurately refered to it as "getting into 1st gear" and it
really works. Once I'm in first gear (ie actually sitting on my butt, modeling) before you know it, I've picked up the P-51 and moved to 2nd, 3rd and finally top gear. You see, the second kit (in this case the IL-2) encourages me to get started.
Thats the theory of it, and I gotta say, for me it works a treat (not always, but more often than the alternative).
Finally for today, a quick thanks to those of you who have visited Scalespot's Facebook page. Even if you don't have a Facebook account, you can still view the page and see what short updates I have been posting. I hope it will be a useful addition to the ways I share my modeling activities with you. As always. I'm keen to hear from you, either via Facebook or email.
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| Scalespot on Facebook |
| 14 Feb 2011 |
For a while now, I've been considering adding a guest book or forum section to the website to allow more interaction than basic email allows. I had a guestbook once before (in the early days) and it basically
got spammed to the point of being useless. As I was browsing around yesterday, I came across a Facebook page run by a fellow Australian modeller, David Harmer.
He has setup a page on Facebook (Davids-Model-Pages) to allow him to do easy and quick updates and also to allow people to contribute directly in the way of comments and questions.
Always happy to borrow a good idea when I see it, I have now created a Facebook page of my own for Scalespot.
Scalespot-Models is now live and I encourage you all jump over and post a g'day on my wall.
I hope to use this new page for much more frequent updates on my modeling endeavours and as I understand it, Facebook will alert you to new posts etc
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| New Model for 2011 - 1/32 P-51D |
| 08 Feb 2011 |
So, I've started my next model and despite all my predictions of what it may be, even I had no clue.... I've officially given up trying to understand how I make decisions on what is likely to motivate me :)
The Mustang is one of those iconic machines with whom everyone who has a love of aviation has some familiarity. Instantly recognisable, many Mustangs, both original and restored, can be found today in museums and in the hands of private collectors. This is a somewhat unique situation for any WWII aircraft and offers the modeler access to invaluable reference material and photos on which to base a model project.
I don't pretend to be a Mustang expert but I do want to build one in 1/32 scale and once I decide to do something (set my self a challenge if you will), I like to do my best. "Do it once, do it well" (as my Mum always says).
Having therefore decided it was time to add a Mustang to my collection, I had to settle on which kit to build. Speaking with several fellow modelers who had "been there and done that" and searching the internet for peoples thoughts and valuable
comments on the merits of the various offerings in 1/32, with some resevations, I settled on the Dragon kit.
Why ? Well from most things I have seen and read, the other offerings (Hasegawa and Trumpeter) have major shape issues. These sorts of core problems are typically very time consuming and difficult to fix.
The main issue it seemed with the Dragon kit was with the surface detail, being grossly excessive in both panel line and rivet detail. Despite (or perhaps in spite of) some scathing reviews, I choose the Dragon kit to set myself a challenge.
As of the time of writing, there is not much in the way of aftermarket sets available specifically for the Dragon kit. Aires has released quite a bit fo stuff for the Trumpeter kit and I will endeavour to make it fit as best I can, where appropriate.
Anway, enough of the "why", to see some of the "how", click here.
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| T-2 is Finished |
| 30 Nov 2010 |
Yep, it's true. That pesky T-2 is officially off the bench. Thanks to all of you who kept enquiring and proding me over the years to keep it moving.
I'm very happy with the end result. It looks the way I had imagined it. Of course there is always more that could be done to it, but it has had it's bench time, and I'm ready to move on.
If you'd rather take a look at the final pics than read my rantings, click here.
One thing you will notice is that I've changed the way the Gallery photos work. Instead of using the next/previous buttons as before, you get the lot now, just like the On-The-Bench format.
I figured everyone these days has highspeed internet access and having all the photos load at once is no big deal.
I've also started my next model. It is not, as I had thought, the F-101. It's kinda out of left field. Back to 1/32 scale and its a jet. More on that next time ....
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| Decals are on ... |
| 13 Nov 2010 |
Well its almost time to crack open the champagne. Nothing short of a meteor strike will stop the T-2 from being finished now.
I've had a breath of wind these last two weeks and as you will see from today's update, the decals are on and we are racing towards the finishing line.
I hope that all of you who have waited long for this model think it's worked out ok. I'm fairly happy with how its looking so far.
Once I get the panel wash and weathering done, I'll make my final judgement.
Anyway, enough of that, go check it out
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| Light At the End of the Tunnel |
| 31 Oct 2010 |
Short one today. As you will see from today's update, I'm on the home stretch with the T-2. Not had much time for modeling the last couple of weeks, but still, things have progressed.
As always, the latest can be found here
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| Getting There |
| 11 Oct 2010 |
Ok, so I'm sticking to my guns on the T-2 so far. I have been sorely tempted by several other kits, but really wanna finish this guy now.
It also has helped that I have not run into any major snags (you know, looking for any excuse :)
As it stands right now, I'll be ready to start main painting by this weekend. Check out the latest progress here
I've also pretty much decided to change my mind about what my next model will be.
Rather than another 1/32 WWII bird, I'm gonna have a crack at the Monogram 1/48 F-101B Voodoo
I've always liked the look of the Voodoo and I picked up the kit second hand at the last IPMS meet.
Whilst doing some internet research on the kit and decals, I came across a very inspiring build by Roger Jackson on Modelling Madness, where he had re-scribed the panel lines etc.
Anyway, thats all in the future as I gotta get back to the T-2 and stop chatting to you lot....
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| Slow Going |
| 25 Sep 2010 |
Well its been a while since my last update. I've been busy with other things and have not had much time to sit down at the modeling desk.
Now I'm back and ready to do some modeling, I find the demons are trying to call me away from the T-2 (once again).
I'm confident I can stay the distance as I really am in striking distance of completion. Check out todays small 'On The Bench" update to show I'm really working on it :)
Today however, I did no modeling as it was the first real day of Spring here in Sydney.
I took my camera and ventured down to our fantastc harbour. Here is a sample of what we Australians take for granted everyday.
Last weekend was also a no modeling zone as I went to get my fill of real (not plastic) aircraft.
The 2010 Defense Airshow was held at RAAF Williamtown, which was quite exciting for me as it's my old stomping ground from my time in the air force.
It was particularly significant as its the last public showing of our soon to be retired F-111 fleet.
We also got a chance to get a close up look at the new F/A-18F Super Hornets.
I was a long and tiring day, but fantastic none the less
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| T-2 Re-visited ... |
| 18 July 2010 |
Yes, its true. I've pulled the T-2 out of limbo.
Don't believe me, well check out "On The Bench" for an update.
Can I stick to it this time around, well I'm not gonna even speculate about that (given my past track record).
I will say, I am enjoying working on it, so thats gotta be a good thing.
So what triggered this revival I hear you say ? To be honest it was purely because I was waiting for several bit and pieces to arrive for my next project (all in good time).
Almost all of that has now arrived, but still I feel "obliged" to stick with the T-2.
Now don't go asking me about the AH-64 or (gasp) the Wedgetail :). One day ....
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| When did you last clean your Compressor ? |
| 11 July 2010 |
So with the Tojo complete, I've had a bit of a modeling break.
Last weekend I decided to do a spring clean (in the middle of an Australian winter) of my modeling equipment.
I cleaned the airbrush, tools etc and the bench in general. I then swept under the desk and noticed the compressor. Covered in dust and looking
fairly neglected.
I've had this compressor for many years and apart from occasionally topping up the oil, I never touch it.
Well being in a cleaning mood, I pulled it out and gave it a wipe etc. That was good for the outside, but I wondered what (if anything) lurked on the inside of the tank.
So I began to pull apart the various attachments. Eventually I got everything off and could gain limted access to the air tank. I noticed some fluid leaking out
and decided to tip the whole thing on its side to see what would come out. Well ...
As you can see, there was a considerable amount of "gunk" in the bottom of the tank. Its mainly water, but there is also some oil (leakage from the compressor I assume).
The cotton buds were used to unclog the small outlet I had to drain the stuff out with.
So, if like me, you have not looked at your compressor for some time, I'd advise you schedule some downtime soon :)
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| Tojo Completion |
| 28 June 2010 |
So for better or for worse, the Tojo is now finished.
It was really good to have it finished for the club meet on Saturday. Whats more, I managed to finish it comfortably time wise and did not feel rushed.
I was also very happy with how the new base turned out and I guess I'm satisfied with the figures. I'm no figure modeler and as long as they don't detract from the airplane, thats all I ask :)
So if you're wondering what I'm gonna work on next, well for now, you'll have to keep wondering !!
I'm pretty sure it will be another large scale A/C, from WWII, USAF and be in a natural metal finish. Any guesses ? (and no its not a P-51)
Oh and a special thanks to those that have reached out and emailed me. It really makes a difference knowing that people read this stuff. So, if you do read this stuff and have never emailed me, what are you waiting for ??
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| Tojo Progress |
| 14 June 2010 |
Well with some concerted effort this last week (and a long weekend here in Australia), I have made some solid propress on the Tojo.
I've learned a LOT about how to work with Alclad and masking over and around it.
I'm happy enough with how its looking as it's about a 80% match for what I "wanted" or imagined it would look like.
I don't know about other modelers, but before I start a model I always have a fairly clear picture in my mind on how I'd like it to look.
If I can get it close to that "vision" then I am generally satisfied.
Greg also put me onto a new figure from Wolfpack that is designed specifically for this Tojo.
I've ordered one from Sprue Brothers and hopefully it should make it here in time for me to assemble and paint prior to the next IPMS meet on 26 June.
I also plan to make a new display base for this model and figures which should be interesting :)
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| Singapore Trip |
| 30 May 2010 |
Now my recent trip to Singapore was of course strictly for business.
However ... as I was there over a weekend, I did take some time (make that all day Saturday) to visit the local hobby shops.
I have been to Singapore many times before, so I can find my way around on the ground and MRT (trains).
I also know, that almost all shops (and it seems particularly hobby shops) do not open till after 11am.
Not too worry as they don't close until 9-10pm. So you still have plenty of shopping hours.
Did I buy anything ? Well yes, I suppose I did. Maybe a few things. Nothing too big.
The thing that did strike me was the sad state of the hobby shops. Seems just like in Australia, local hobby shops are struggling to compete
with the likes of Hobby Link Japan, Hannants, Great Models Webstore etc.
So you see, I feel that I did my part in helping keep those shops alive a little longer (hopefully till my next visit).
If you are going to visit Singapore and want the low-down on the best shops and how to find them, drop me a line.
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| Website Problems |
| 30 May 2010 |
Apologies to anyone who tried to access my website over the last few weeks and got the, less then helpful, message "Your Account is Suspended".
It caught me completely by surprise and was due (after much digging with my hosting company) to me not being in their billing system.
Once we realised what was wrong, it was a simple case of signing up online and paying for next year and all was back to normal.
It seems I have not been in the system for at least two years and as a result had not paid !!
To his credit, Brett Deason (of deasoft.com) did not chase me for the past payments, rather he focused on getting things backup and moving forward.
The reason all this took so long to rectify was the hosting server is in the US and I am of course in Australia. All our communications suffered from the timezone differnce which
dragged things out.
All is good now.
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| Slow Ki44 Progress and my Second Big Kit Sell Off |
| 26 April 2010 |
Slow progress is being made on the Tojo. Unfortunately I'm not going to have it ready for the show next Saturday.
As you can see from today's update, loads of small things have been done, which when I stand there and look at it feels like no progress at all.
Well its all been primed now and I'm hoping that once painting starts all this prep work will pay off and it will come together quickly.
With the local IPMS meeting last Saturday, I decided to do an autumn clean (not spring here yet) on my kit collection.
Like many of you, I have more than 10 lifetimes of stored kits in my un-built collection. From time to time, a rational thought pops into my head and
says "Get real dude, you are never gonna build any of these kits. Get rid of them !!"
I normally ignore this voice, but every so often (twice so far) I listen to it.
And so it was that some 100+ kits when up for sale. Many never even made it to the club (thanks Renato) and those that did, were gratefully (and greedily)
consumed by the club members.
It actually feels good as I think I'm a bit more in control of the hobby, rather than the other way round. !!
Hmmm, who the hell am I kidding..
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| New Model Started. Hasegawa 1/32 Ki44 TOJO |
| 04 April 2010 |
As an experiment I will be trying a more BLOG style home page moving forward. Even when I am not actively modeling, there is normally some sort of hobby related
activity going on (research, purchasing (too often) etc ...).
Like most Blogs on the internet, I'm sure that each of you reading this will find some of it interesting and
plenty of it not interesting. Thats ok.
How often will I update it ? Dunno. What will it be about ? Well dunno exactly, but it will be related to my modeling.
So as you can see, I've clearly thought this out (ummm, not...).
Enough of that, onto todays news. I have started a new model !!
I had originally purchased the first boxing of the new tooling of the 1/32 Tojo. I have to say this was am impulse buy because whilst I liked the look of the aircraft the markings and
paint schemes provided in the original boxing did not appeal to me at all.
So it sat in the stash until I stumbled across the second boxing on HLJ. This one grabbed me immediately. The box art just did it all !!
The 40mm cannons and sexy red coloring just got my juices (creative that is) flowing.
So I'm happy say that I've updated the "On The Bench" section with a new page for this model.
I am going to try and finish this kit in time for the Illawara Club event (in early May).
It will be (mostly) out of the box and based on my progress to date, I'm quietly confident of meeting the deadline.
Hey, thanks for reading this far and for visting my website in the first place. If you didn't come I wouldn't bother to keep doing it :)
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