Tinners

I'm not sure about a hangar diorama, but I am actively planning a Bespin Landing Platform. I want it to 'float', so I am working with a fabricator at work to make me a metal armature that I can hang everything off. I finally made some progress on the Falcon, but Forza Motorsport 4 grabbed me, so I didn't get as much done as I wanted. The undercarriage legs are complete, so on to the upper hull! That's looking pretty bare: we need to do something about it! DSC_0678 by DaTinz, on Flickr *cut/sand/stick* First parts all attached. DSC_0679 by DaTinz, on Flickr DSC_0682 by DaTinz, on Flickr The detailing in the holes in the mandibles is impressive, with piping that connects to the hull plating adding yet another layer of detail. DSC_0681 by DaTinz, on Flickr The parts are held together with screws: obviously Fine Molds was worried about parts becoming detached and falling into the hull. DSC_0680 by DaTinz, on Flickr And this is what comes next: even more holes! DSC_0683 by DaTinz, on Flickr

Well, I have finally started with the Falcon build. I have cleared the mess away and gotten to work. I plan on spending at least an hour a night on this due to the insane number (and size) of parts. It will be worth it though. Oh yes, it will be worth it... With no further ado, I would like to welcome you to my workbench and personal realm of insanity. DSC_0638 by DaTinz, on Flickr DSC_0643 by DaTinz, on Flickr I can't believe that I used to consider 1/72 to be a 'normal' scale! It's tiny! Despite the scale, the parts are immaculately cast and only need a light rub down to remove seams, etc. DSC_0642 by DaTinz, on Flickr Sensor dish & my fat sausage fingers. DSC_0648 by DaTinz, on Flickr And two of the seven legs I need to build. Check out the tiny pistons!

I have decided to throw my hat into this contest by building what is, by far the most expensive plastic in my stash: the Fine Molds Millenium Falcon. With no more ado, here's a pic of it. falcon_box by DaTinz, on Flickr I am waiting on a couple of goodies for it and am currently finishing a 1/350 HMS Repulse, but rest assured this one is going to get built. If I get time, I may even enter a 1/350 Enterprise too.

On the Merkava tanks, the IDF fit a series of chains with a weighted ball on the end that hang down from the sides and back of the turret to protect from incoming RPG fire. Unfortunately due to my sausage-like fingers, I find threading the tiny chin links onto the PE more than a little difficult, so it may be a while before I get around to finishing them.

This 1/35 Merkava is only my second attempt at armour: the other is a well abused Chally II that is used as a test mule. Since I have a good friend who keeps pestering me to upload some pics of my builds, I have finally given in and bitten the bullet, if only to stop him from badgering me! I built this several weeks ago over 2 weeks or so. I wasn't in a great rush to finish it: I just took my time and enjoyed the build, apart from some strange reaction with the blue paint used for the optics on the turret. This model went together with no issues at all and was a joy straight from the box. The Tank was painted with Tamiya Acylics and weathered with MIG pigments. I still need to attach the ball and chain RPG armour along the sides and back of the turret and add some ariels, but the whole thing is pretty much done. Comments are welcome, so feel free to express your opinions! DSC_0619 by DaTinz, on Flickr DSC_0620 by DaTinz, on Flickr DSC_0627 by DaTinz, on Flickr DSC_0624 by DaTinz, on Flickr DSC_0626 by DaTinz, on Flickr

Ooohhh.... I think i'll enter this one too! But what to build: my 1/350 Enterprise, Fine Molds Millenium Falcon, Galactica... Or perhaps I should buy something from the Machinen Kreiger. Hmmmm. Decisions, Decisions...

Pester pester pester... You'll be pleased to know that I have ordered the White Ensign PE madness and metal gun barrels, so I may be forced to make a start I suppose... Although, I would still like to do the 1/32 F/A-18C first. Perhaps the Britmodeller crew should decide...

The cotton wool for the spray is a good idea mate. Don't forget to curl the spray more: it looks a little bit vertical at the minute. Looking good though! Give me a shout this weekend & I'll give you a hand with the gel. Unless, of course you get it done in the meantime.

Those are sweet images; especially the B-1. My friend was over there filming the show for Lockheed Martin, and I am sure he has a few cool pics. I'll ask him to post a few.

Bloody hell, it's Firefox...

I found a Mobieus 1/32 BSG Viper Mk 2, and a 1/72 Fine Molds Millenium Falcon under the tree this year, so I am a very happy bunny!

I have just started using Xtracrylix for painting my 1/32 Spitfire and have been very impressed so far. As with all acrylics, I am spraying on a primer base. I have been thinning with good old tap water at a ratio of 50%. Spray pressure is at 20 psi and have had no issues whatsoever with clogging. The paint has a semi-translucent look to it that alows preshading to show through easily, so I plan on using them for my 1/48 Catalina Diorama too.

I built one of these a few weeks ago as a scrap model to learn how to use Alclad and found to my great joy that it builds into a stunning model and looks awesome when complete. The rockets are fiddly to build, but other then that, I had no issues at all. I'll watch this thread and see how it goes!

I don't care how much this costs: I want one of those...

Well, after scouring the Internet, I managed to find a Fujimi P4; my favourite of the Ferrari racing cars. Even at 1/24, it's small, so making it should be 'interesting'... I'm going to do some research on it and see if I can create a nice dirty mid-race version: I'm not so keen on seeing them all clean and shiny; a bit of dirt never harmed anyone. Pics to follow.

If I can get my hands on Fujumi '67 330 P4, then I'll be happy. If not, I may try for a 250GTB, California or a Daytona.

I think I'll have a go at this! I've never built a car before, and this is as good a time as any to learn. I'm not a great fan of the new Ferrari's, but the old ones, well, that's a different matter. I wonder if I can find a 330 P4...

'George suddenly realised that the prison-issue Camo wan't going to catch on.'

AndyP, the chap building the Hood on the Model Warships site is a very good friend of mine. He has some extensive reference for the Empire cruise, including a photo album from a seaman on Hood herself. I'll have a word with him and see if he can spread the wealth over here. Addendum: One phone call later and I have a list of the refernce works he has used so far: Anatomy of a Ship by John Roberts Battlecruiser HMS Hood by Bruce Taylor British Battleships of World War 2 by Alan Revan & John Roberts British Battlecruisers of the Second World War by Steve Backer Hood:Design and Construction by Maurice Northcott Apparently all of the images he used are on the HMS Hood website. Hope this helps.