albergman

My days in Dunfermline ended in 1951 when we emigrated to Canada and I was just 12. We had no money for that kind of stuff and I don't think I even knew it existed. Anyway, all my free time was spent trainspotting or reading the Dandy, the Beano or Dan Dare's adventures LOL. Frank

Oh dear ... you really DO have the bug!! You might be surprised to know that GPL is still going and last month it celebrated its 25th anniversary. There's a great video been done that takes you through the story. It has well over 400 circuits and at least ten different mods available now. My favourite was the 55 GP cars ... with brake fade built in!! Has the Maser 250F, Merc W196 and the Lancia D50. Would you believe the "modders" managed to crack the 12 mile limitation for circuit design and now have the FULL 45 mile Targa Florio circuit and the FULL 39 mile Isle of Man (my favourite). I maybe should get back to it as I enjoyed it so much. Yes, I'm getting old but I still try to get a couple of hours in at the bench most days .. while I wait for a hip replacement! Frank

Rabbit Hole is right Nick. This stuff is VERY addictive. In the last year I gave away all my gear as I just couldn't "drive" as well as I used to (an age thing I'm told). But for ten or more years I was deeply into Grand Prix Legends ... hot lapping by myself or racing in on-line leagues. It can take over your life so beware! Just watched your hot lap and it sure looks like a fun game ... watch those track limits! I recently had a friend write me to say that he'd just watched the Korean GP on YouTube ... what??? I looked it up and it was a game with beautiful graphics and very convincing. I felt bad telling him it was just a simulation. Frank

Bit of a late reply as I don't often visit this section but Hello to both "local" lads as I'm nearby in Innisfil (just next to Barrie). Bowmanville eh? On the way to Mosport. Frank

Lovely model engineering going on here Rob. Almost enough to make me want to tackle another ... LOL Frank

The character I've put him on to is the Fangio figure at Cults. Check out those racing shoes!! Maybe you could have a look at it and see if you think there'd be any problem printing it. What I can't tell is what size it has been drawn at but maybe that's not a valid consideration as slicers can change the scale. I think the head has been extremely well shaped and will be needed at 1/8 scale to match the model. If you'd prefer to take this offline you can reach me at frank.smart1938 (at) gmail dotcom. Frank

Hi there and thanks for replying. So far you are the only person to reply and offer so yes, he might still want someone to print a figure. This really isn't for myself as I said above and I know he just opened box 1 (of six) and started the assembly this week so there's a long way to go before a figure is needed. He's an accomplished sculptor and will probably be comfortable carving a body in a suitable stance. It was the head of the piece that he's most interested in as it is incredibly well shaped and a remarkable likeness. Strangely the original designer has outfitted Fangio in truly bizarre clothing and huge construction boots!! So it will likely just be a 1/6th scale head/helmet that needs printing. I'll get in touch with him and see how he wants to proceed. Thanks again Frank

For someone who doesn't build metal kits, doesn't like to solder and doesn't like painting I'd say you're doing a fine job. Can't wait to see it painted.

Some lovely model engineering going on here Rob. I'm curious how you will finish these brass pieces of motion? Will you try plating them, painting them or maybe just leave them unfinished. Probably a decision that's too far down the road at the moment?

Not familiar with these engines having only ever seen LNER power. Still they look like lovely models to me and I was hesitating to mention that "plasticy" coal but was glad to see you don't like it either. I think your idea of sprinkling some real coal over it would work a charm. Frank

Hey I have a friend in Ohio US who is about to start assembling a 1/8 scale W196 Merc from IXO. For fun I suggested he consider getting a 3D figure of Fangio to either stand beside or be seated. He like the idea and there's a couple of wonderful likeness figures (separate pieces for arms, legs, torso etc) available at CULTS. They obviously need to be resin printed and I'm wondering if anyone on BM is offering this kind of service to hobbyists in the USA ... preferably Ohio. He hasn't started the model yet ... got it yesterday so there's no urgency. Appreciate any assistance. Frank

I just looked at the real-world chassis and I see it's a "C" cross-section so you'll want it recessed. Carry on.

Glad I could assist on this marvelous project. An invoice is on its way. Nice that you can actually print the recess to take the fitted brass support. Will it be a flush fit or be recessed?

Why not just 3D print them Nick? Too soft maybe for what they need to support? If so maybe a brass "brace" glued out of sight? Beautiful progress anyway. Frank

WHAT WHAT WHAT???? Making something by hand??? What's the world coming to ... LOL. I started wondering as soon as I read that the floors should be wood ... now will Nick replicate wood in Fusion and 3D print it? Hats off to you for going the analogue route Nick! I can't imagine how stressed out you must be. 🤣 Frank