spruecutter96

I've just finished "Nimitz Class" by Patrick Robinson. It's about an American aircraft-carrier being destroyed by an atomic-tipped torpedo, fired from a "stolen" Soviet Kilo-class submarine. The aftermath gets interesting. I'm not really into naval stuff myself, but it kept my attention pretty nicely (some chapters waffled on a bit, but I just skipped through them). Recommended. Chris.

Very unlikely, unfortunately. The reason? Money. I don't think there is a UK-based broadcaster who could stump up the money for a "proper" series. Obviously, streaming-services have much bigger wallets, but the British-angle would put them right off. A case in point? Peter Jackson's attempt to re-make the Dambusters - crashed due to lack of funds, I believe. I'm still still a bit surprised that the Hollywood studios paid for Chris Nolan's Dunkirk. Having said that, Nolan's previous films have made them billions of dollars. But, never say never..... Cheers. Chris.

So, pretty much like the real-life experiences of anyone who went in to any major-combat arena during the war, then? If we're to believe this is very heavily-based on genuine events (which I have no reason to doubt), then some folks here are suggesting that real events are not "Hollywood" enough for their tastes? If real-life is too boring for some people, then I guess that's their look-out. Being an arm-chair critic is the easiest job in the world. I've watched six episodes now and - generally - really enjoyed them. OK, some of the flying-CGI is a lot more convincing than other bits, but I get the impression that a lot of care has been put in to the series and it's not just a hollow, meaningless, fan-pandering "cash-grab" (Marvel - are you listening?). I'd recommend the show to most of my friends, even the one who have no interest in war or aviation, whatsoever. Cheers. Chris.

Am I the only person who views this as more-than-a-little "ghoulish"? Yes, there will be significant public-interest in what happened that terrible day, but an entire documentary seems a bit over-the-top...... Just my two-penneth. I don't want to stir up a big, old row about the subject. Chris.

One thing occurs to me here..... The Lightning graffiti was locally-added and NOT anything official (just to state the very obvious!). So, is anyone really going to complain if naughty, big words become much-less-naughty, smaller words? I think not (but model-makers can be a very funny bunch when they want to be). Why not do the swearing as heavily-veiled versions of the original? Folks can always put 2-and-2 together, if they want to..... Cheers. Chris.

My main bit of advice? Build at your own pace..... and take as long as you need. Might seem a very obvious bit of advice, but it's far too easy to get into a "Must finish as quick as I can!" habit with model-making. This path ultimately leads to disappointment and failure. Also, it's great to aspire to better standards in your modelling, but the stuff you see on-line has taken hundreds (or, possibly, thousands) of hours of dedicated learning and experience. NO-ONE starts off a master-crafter in any field. The only way to really learn to build models is to make the bloomin' things. Having said that, there are some great instructional videos on YouTube, aimed at all levels of modelling-experience. A bit of practical advice? ALWAYS use thinners with your paint and never go straight from the bottle/tin to bare plastic. Put your paint on a palette of some description (scrap cardboard or paper will do, at a push, but watch out for stray bits of "lint" and dust) and control the consistency of the paint. It will go on smoother and in a more controlled-fashion if you don't apply it directly. Sure, you'll use more paint via this method, but you'll like your end results much better. This rule particularly applies when your using red, white or yellow paints (always "problem" colours to do well). Hope this helps. Chris.

Hello. Just a quick listing for the next plastic-modelling show in North London. Please note: In a change from the previous, two-day shows at this venue, this show will be on SATURDAY 23rd March ONLY (no Sunday opening for the Spring show this year). Also, please note that the one-day show will combine both the Plastic Model and Toy Soldier shows into one, single-day event. In other words, plastic-modelling may be of lesser emphasis than visitors have encountered previously (I'm judging this by the December 2023 show here - it's NOT intended as a critical comment). Having said that, there will be a number of new and second-hand plastic kit-traders attending, alongside a selection of scale-model Clubs (which often have under-the-table bargains available). Please see The Guideline Publications website for more details. I believe the contact there is Tom Foxton. Adult admission is £6.00. Venue: The Haverstock School 24 Haverstock Hill Chalk Farm North London NW3 2BQ PLEASE NOTE: Parking is on the school-grounds - fairly limited spaces, so early attendance is advisable. Access to the main school-gate is via Crogsland Road (a one-way street - please drive around the back of the school to access Crogsland Road). The nearest London Undeground station is Chalk Farm (approximately a 2 minute walk to the school).

Bump 22/2/24.

Bump 22/2/24.

Glad to be of service, my friend. All joking aside, I don't think you'll regret buying it for one second. Cheers. Chris.

If anyone's in the market for the ULTIMATE Lightning photographic reference, I can't recommend DACO Publication's "Uncovering the EE Lightning" strongly enough. Put simply, it is every internal and external part of the airframe, presented close-up and in living colour. The coverage is just staggering. Not a cheap book, but worth ten other books on the subject, IMHO. Order it from the company directly (don't go to E-Bay or Amazon - the prices on there are hideously inflated). DACO's shipping-charges from Belgium are reasonable, from what I remember. Chris. PS: I have no association with DACO, other than buying several of their books and having been amazed by every one.

Always a good thing to hear! What have you just started, out of interest? Chris.

To be fair, the article simply says the MOD is "reviewing" the possibility of buying new Chinooks. It sounds more like the early stages of rejecting the idea to me, as opposed to seriously considering signing a contract. Time will tell.... Chris.

Could you elaborate on both of these, Ben? If you want to save anyone's face, you could DM me, of course.... Cheers. Chris.

Bump 19/2/24.

Bump 19/2/24. Please note that there are now two listings for this show in the Britmodeller shows section. Be assured that they are both for the same event.

A big thank you to Alec, the other members of the Brampton Club and Shuttleworth's staff for all their hard work providing yesterday's show. I looked at some amazing builds, did a lot of socializing and sold lots of my unwanted kits and bits. I will definitely be back next year! Cheers. Chris.

OK, the video is very clearly propaganda, but does that make it "bad", necessarily? Both sides are spreading a load of fake news and heavily-biased reports, but I think that most folks can see past the fog and have an accurate take on the war's progress. I feel most sorry for the Ukrainian civilians - they must be suffering horribly and there's no obvious end to the conflict for them. Chris.

There's no such thing as un-necessary naughtiness! We need more of this sort of thing (easy now!). Cheers. Chris.

Just..... plain....... WOW! That has to be the best model of the 'Falcon I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing with us. Chris.

You've made a very nice job of her, Steve. As I'm sure you know, this Mig was one of the very first 1/32nd airframes Trumpeter produced and that fact is reflected in her "accuracy" (term used in a VERY loose sense). I seem to be collecting resin to tart her up a bit - why do the words "Lipstick on a Pig" come to mind, here? I reckon she would look very good in a NMF, but as you've implied yourself, the outer surface probably just ain't up to the job and I just wouldn't be bothered with all the sanding, panel-line re-scribing and rivet-making that modern modelling-fads might dictate to be necessary. Thanks for sharing with us. Chris.

Possible captions: "Can anyone else smell roast-lamb?" "No more curried-eggs and Irn-Bru for me, then!" "Green-house gases, Guv'nr? I've no idea wot you mean...." Chris.

So, four inches of snow and -9 degrees all day, then? Oh, I'm SUCH an old cynic... All joking aside, it should be a great show. Chris.

As Manuel would often say: "Que?" Chris.

Bump 14/2/24.