FAA builds, 32nd Hawker Nimrod re started, Firefly AS Mk.6, 32nd Malta Sea Gladiator now finished.

[bigbadbadge]

11 hours ago, 2996 Victor said:

Hi Chris,

 

just having a bit of a catch-up with your production line  (I've had a post-house-move mojo slump, and done nowt in over two months..... ) so it's been fab to see what you've been doing.

 

The Sea Gladiator is just phenomenal. There's no other epithet worthy as far as I can see! Superb attention to detail and amazing finishing as always. The Malta Aviation Museum would be proud to have it on display!

 

Great work on the Eduard Spitfire - how are you finding it? I'm part-way through their Mk.I - its a great kit if a bit fiddly, so it'd be an interesting comparison. I love the alu' finish and the tail band. Fab start on the SH Firefly as well - another kit I'm quite tempted by so I'll be watching how it progresses.

 

All the best,

Mark

Thanks Mark , Very kind of you. 

Congratulations on moving , hope the mojo returns soonest and you build apace fella.

Really enjoyed the Sea Gladiator, Pleased with how it turned out. I have a Mk.1 in the stash for one day soon.  

The Eduard Spitfire is good although a bit over engineered in places, but they build up fabulously.   Pleased with it, although I might have to add some more stencilling, I was thinking if repainted for the race then might have painted over them, but then might have been silver anyway so will add them later.  Finish will now be another night🙄

The Firefly is coming together well and am just finishing tidying the Fuselage and will then cut the wings for the folds.

I have a 32nd Whirwind on the go  well just started, was thinking of not doing a WIP for it but might well add one, and there will be some large scale Spitfire builds on there too.

I am not working as fast as I normally would😄 I have a lot going on at the mo, we are taking my son to University tomorrow in Brighton and SWMBO is going into hospital on Wednesday as when she had her appendix out a few weeks ago, they found something else and so she is having a full hysterectomy,  she is a bit scared and so am I although I am trying not to show this to her, so not functioning on all cylinders although modelling certainly helps take one's mind off things, I just can't get rid of the anxious state I feel at the moment. 

Thanjs fella

Chris

[2996 Victor]

Chris,

I'm so sorry to hear about your good lady. I'm not in the least surprised that she is scared and that you are, too. I do hope that all goes perfectly well and that her recovery is swift and trouble free, and please give her my best wishes.

Good luck tomorrow - it's a big step! What is your son going to be studying?

All the best, 

Mark

[bigbadbadge]

52 minutes ago, 2996 Victor said:

Chris,

I'm so sorry to hear about your good lady. I'm not in the least surprised that she is scared and that you are, too. I do hope that all goes perfectly well and that her recovery is swift and trouble free, and please give her my best wishes.

Good luck tomorrow - it's a big step! What is your son going to be studying?

All the best, 

Mark

Thanks Mark for the good wishes,  I will pass on.  Certainly going to be strange without my son about, although he is coming home the following weekend  to go to a car show. I was going to go with him but not sure if SWMBO might be coming home or not so will  need to be ready to pick up.

My son is doing Automotive Engineering, hopefully he will be able to keep our fleet of classic vehicles goingo😉😃.

I have just taken delivery of something thst will appeal to you,  an RT models 009 De Winton vertical boiler loco kit after selling some N gauge stuff.  Looking forward to making this. I promise I will fo a WIP or two for my Railway builds.

 

Thanks fella

Chris

[AdrianMF]

Gosh good luck with the medicals, hope it all goes well.

 

I don't know what Humbrol is doing. Just pre Covid, I thought they were running down their acrylic range! You couldn't get a bunch of colour in acrylics including my favourites like 116, 79 and 93. So I've drifted out to Revell and AK as well, with a smattering of Citadel and Vallejo. Now it looks like the whole range is there again.

 

Like you, I brush paint, but I switched over to water-based acrylics in around 2016 when they changed the enamels (around the time that they introduced all the RLM colours). After getting used to acrylics you couldn't pay me to go back to enamels! Water clean up, no smells, super fast drying times - luxury!

 

Regards,

Adrian

[marvinneko]

Best wishes on the medical front. I've been through the wringer myself over the last 13 months with various family members. These things can pull us together when we're supportive and reach out across our inhibitions... new kinds of connections can happen. Best wishes for your son's studies, too!

[bigbadbadge]

7 hours ago, AdrianMF said:

Gosh good luck with the medicals, hope it all goes well.

 

I don't know what Humbrol is doing. Just pre Covid, I thought they were running down their acrylic range! You couldn't get a bunch of colour in acrylics including my favourites like 116, 79 and 93. So I've drifted out to Revell and AK as well, with a smattering of Citadel and Vallejo. Now it looks like the whole range is there again.

 

Like you, I brush paint, but I switched over to water-based acrylics in around 2016 when they changed the enamels (around the time that they introduced all the RLM colours). After getting used to acrylics you couldn't pay me to go back to enamels! Water clean up, no smells, super fast drying times - luxury!

 

Regards,

Adrian

Thanks Adrian, very kind, fingers crossed for her and a swift recovery.

I recall you're a fellow brush painter.   That is interesting re the acrylics you use, do you have to use anything other than water to assist like some sort of retarder to be able to brush it on okay. Can you achieve a faded edge by brush too?

 

6 hours ago, marvinneko said:

Best wishes on the medical front. I've been through the wringer myself over the last 13 months with various family members. These things can pull us together when we're supportive and reach out across our inhibitions... new kinds of connections can happen. Best wishes for your son's studies, too!

 

Thanks David very kind too. Yes definitely can help, I hope your family members are okay and you are coping well too.  The modelling helps with taking your mind off things for a while. 

Aiden is excited to be going to University,  we are going to pack the car in a mo for a 10 am departure.

 

Thanks guys

Chris

[Dunny]

Chris,

 

Very sorry to hear about Mrs Badge - best wishes for a speedy recovery (look on the bright side - there are opportunities for stash enhancement)

 

All the best to you all,

 

Roger

[bigbadbadge]

46 minutes ago, Dunny said:

Chris,

 

Very sorry to hear about Mrs Badge - best wishes for a speedy recovery (look on the bright side - there are opportunities for stash enhancement)

 

All the best to you all,

 

Roger

Thanks Roger,  very kind, ha ha yes normally that would be a great idea, but have been pondering a hefty stash reduction recently.

Thanks fella

Chris

[2996 Victor]

11 hours ago, bigbadbadge said:

Thanks Mark for the good wishes,  I will pass on.  Certainly going to be strange without my son about, although he is coming home the following weekend  to go to a car show. I was going to go with him but not sure if SWMBO might be coming home or not so will  need to be ready to pick up.

My son is doing Automotive Engineering, hopefully he will be able to keep our fleet of classic vehicles goingo😉😃.

I have just taken delivery of something thst will appeal to you,  an RT models 009 De Winton vertical boiler loco kit after selling some N gauge stuff.  Looking forward to making this. I promise I will fo a WIP or two for my Railway builds.

 

Thanks fella

Chris

Hope all goes well with Aidan's settling in at university! Automotive Engineering sounds like a great option - if I lived a bit nearer, I'd be looking for help with the MG!

You'd scarcely believe it but I've been looking at the RT Models de Winton kit for a new 009 micro layout project I've been planning! I'm quite envious and very interested to see what you make of it.

 

Although we're settled in to the new house, I haven't got a workbench yet and going forward I'm wondering what to do about airbrushing. I wonder in the meantime whether to have a stab at brush painting, although the only brushes I've got are suitable for detail painting. When I began modelling again, I did start out using Vallejo acrylics and got on quite well, and as Adrian says the lack of odour and water clean up are definitely pros I've got quite used to Tamiya paints now, though.

 

Cheers,

Mark

[corsaircorp]

So sorry to read that sad news Chris !!

All my wishes to your wife for a fine recovery !!

Load of wishes to your son !!

Take care of yourself too.... 

To me lodelling has always been a way to keep my batteries and mojo at an acceptable level...

Sincerely.

CC

[AdrianMF]

3 hours ago, bigbadbadge said:

do you have to use anything other than water

London's finest tap water works for me.

 

I do dilute my silver with Future to get a smoother finish, and I have some Daler-Rowney slow drying gel to get translucent wood effects (and more recently horses). I've also recently bought a Galeria matt acrylic medium for washes because paint that's over-diluted with water doesn't flow nicely into the corners (I've been using matt varnish for that up to now but it's got too much body).

 

I can do mottles, fades and exhaust stains now but it took a bit of re-training. At least, I don't think they are any worse than the ones I used to do in enamels

 

Regards,

Adrian

 

 

[CJP]

Hi Chris, I'm excited to see you tackling the Firefly/Wolfpack combination - best wishes for your wife & good self - I'm sure it will all go well, my wife went through the same thing a few yeas ago & all is good now👍

regards Chris

[Quiet Mike]

Chin up Chris! Well done keeping a brave face on for the missus, I know we all go through 'worst case scenarios' in our heads but she'll be fine. Hoping for a swift recovery. Look after yourself as well!

[bigbadbadge]

10 hours ago, 2996 Victor said:

Hope all goes well with Aidan's settling in at university! Automotive Engineering sounds like a great option - if I lived a bit nearer, I'd be looking for help with the MG!

You'd scarcely believe it but I've been looking at the RT Models de Winton kit for a new 009 micro layout project I've been planning! I'm quite envious and very interested to see what you make of it.

 

Although we're settled in to the new house, I haven't got a workbench yet and going forward I'm wondering what to do about airbrushing. I wonder in the meantime whether to have a stab at brush painting, although the only brushes I've got are suitable for detail painting. When I began modelling again, I did start out using Vallejo acrylics and got on quite well, and as Adrian says the lack of odour and water clean up are definitely pros I've got quite used to Tamiya paints now, though.

 

Cheers,

Mark

Thanks Mark he settled in a treat and was fine, very impressed with his room and ghe kitchen facilities. There were tears when we left but SWMBO told me to buck up😉😄

Good luck with the brush painting, watch out though it's addictive 😉, one tip, for the larger areas a flat brush in great.

The DeWinton looks lovely in the pics and can't wait to start it.  Will let you know.

Ooooooo an MG, what type, year etc.

 

6 hours ago, corsaircorp said:

So sorry to read that sad news Chris !!

All my wishes to your wife for a fine recovery !!

Load of wishes to your son !!

Take care of yourself too.... 

To me lodelling has always been a way to keep my batteries and mojo at an acceptable level...

Sincerely.

CC

Thanks CC, very kind. I will pass on. Son settled at Uni today.  Modelling certainly has helped me get through some low points too.

I am taking a trip to the Porsche dealership in ghe morning to pick it some dust seals for the rear brake calipers, it's about the only thing I can afford in there 🙄

 

4 hours ago, AdrianMF said:

London's finest tap water works for me.

 

I do dilute my silver with Future to get a smoother finish, and I have some Daler-Rowney slow drying gel to get translucent wood effects (and more recently horses). I've also recently bought a Galeria matt acrylic medium for washes because paint that's over-diluted with water doesn't flow nicely into the corners (I've been using matt varnish for that up to now but it's got too much body).

 

I can do mottles, fades and exhaust stains now but it took a bit of re-training. At least, I don't think they are any worse than the ones I used to do in enamels

 

Regards,

Adrian

 

 

Thanks Adrian good to know you can get the paint effects with it.  I fo use Future and I use the Galeria matt varnish  great stuff that, so I guess I do partially use acrylics😉

 

3 hours ago, CJP said:

Hi Chris, I'm excited to see you tackling the Firefly/Wolfpack combination - best wishes for your wife & good self - I'm sure it will all go well, my wife went through the same thing a few yeas ago & all is good now👍

regards Chris

Thanks Chris, very kind and good to hear your wife is okay too. I am hopeful that all will be well  for SWMBO.

I will hopefully progress the Firefly a bit further soon will get the Fuselage tidied and make the wing cuts.

35 minutes ago, Quiet Mike said:

Chin up Chris! Well done keeping a brave face on for the missus, I know we all go through 'worst case scenarios' in our heads but she'll be fine. Hoping for a swift recovery. Look after yourself as well!

Thanks Mike, I hope all will be fine and she makes a full recovery.

I am a worrier too, always thinking worst case scenarios.   Thanks for the kind words.

 

Thanks guys

Chris

 

[keefr22]

Evening Chris, just catching up and as with all the others, send Mrs BBB all the very best for a swift recovery - don't forget all the cooking and housework will need doing when she rests up.....

 

Best wishes for your son too, uni was the best three years of my life, so hope he enjoys as much too! Like Mark @2996 Victor I wish I was closer too, he could get the Mini up & running! 

 

All the very best to you all

 

Keith

 

 

[2996 Victor]

8 minutes ago, bigbadbadge said:

Thanks Mark he settled in a treat and was fine, very impressed with his room and ghe kitchen facilities.

That's good, Chris, glad to hear all went well!

 

17 minutes ago, bigbadbadge said:

There were tears when we left but SWMBO told me to buck up😉😄

 

17 minutes ago, bigbadbadge said:

Good luck with the brush painting, watch out though it's addictive 😉, one tip, for the larger areas a flat brush in great.

Thanks - I might have to ask your advice on best techniques!

 

19 minutes ago, bigbadbadge said:

The DeWinton looks lovely in the pics and can't wait to start it.  Will let you know.

Sounds good! It's allegedly fairly straightforward so who knows, even a soldering dunce like me might be able to cope! 😆

 

20 minutes ago, bigbadbadge said:

an MG, what type, year etc

She's a 1946 TC sports.

 

My Dad bought her in '68, he gave her a chassis up resto from the mid-70s through to 1989 including building a complete new ash frame for the body and a change of colour from original black to red.

 

Dad built a new engine late 90s, using a Wolseley 4/44 block opened out to 1350cc (100thou overbore), and fitted a Shorrock C75 supercharger.

 

She's been off the road awhile. She needs rewiring, a new water pump, paintwork needs redoing, plus umpteen other little jobs! 

 

Cheers,

Mark

[bigbadbadge]

1 hour ago, keefr22 said:

Evening Chris, just catching up and as with all the others, send Mrs BBB all the very best for a swift recovery - don't forget all the cooking and housework will need doing when she rests up.....

 

Best wishes for your son too, uni was the best three years of my life, so hope he enjoys as much too! Like Mark @2996 Victor I wish I was closer too, he could get the Mini up & running! 

 

All the very best to you all

 

Keith

 

 

Thanks Keith, very kind. Will do. I am also going to need detailed washing machine instructions , as it baffles me🤪

 

I think he will enjoy it, he already has a job down there and we are putting money aside for the rent of the  room too. 

 

You never know where he will end up after Uni yet, he could meet a nice young lady and end up elsewhere in the country near you gor some Mini work😉

 

50 minutes ago, 2996 Victor said:

That's good, Chris, glad to hear all went well!

 

 

Thanks - I might have to ask your advice on best techniques!

 

Sounds good! It's allegedly fairly straightforward so who knows, even a soldering dunce like me might be able to cope! 😆

 

She's a 1946 TC sports.

 

My Dad bought her in '68, he gave her a chassis up resto from the mid-70s through to 1989 including building a complete new ash frame for the body and a change of colour from original black to red.

 

Dad built a new engine late 90s, using a Wolseley 4/44 block opened out to 1350cc (100thou overbore), and fitted a Shorrock C75 supercharger.

 

She's been off the road awhile. She needs rewiring, a new water pump, paintwork needs redoing, plus umpteen other little jobs! 

 

Cheers,

Mark

Ask away Mark,  no worries.  

 

I haven't soldered a loco for a while so will poss need some practice, if I can do it, anyone can!

 

Oh wow, what a lovely car.  Some TLC and will be as good as new.   I hope you can get done okay.  The bore out and supercharger, some great old school extra BHP, brilliant stuff.

 

I would hope to be able to pass on my classics to the kids although my daughter would prefer the money instead😄😉

My son would be happy having them both though 🙄, you should speak with Pat on here as Jockney  he has the same type so may be able to give you some pointers.

 

Thanks guys.

 

Thanks to all who have commented,  it certainly has helped me.  Just talking about it has made me feel a bit more positive.  Much appreciated.

 

Chris

 

[2996 Victor]

11 hours ago, bigbadbadge said:

Oh wow, what a lovely car.  Some TLC and will be as good as new.   I hope you can get done okay.  The bore out and supercharger, some great old school extra BHP, brilliant stuff.

 

I would hope to be able to pass on my classics to the kids although my daughter would prefer the money instead😄😉

My son would be happy having them both though 🙄, you should speak with Pat on here as Jockney  he has the same type so may be able to give you some pointers.

Thank, Chris, that's very kind of you - she's a great car to drive! I forgot to mention the long-duration cam, ported head and lightened flywheel. Aerodynamics are the limiting factor, though, the big square radiator means she tops out about 85-90, any further increase would need masses of extra hp.

 

I've actually been in touch with Pat, and we've talked TCs at length. It'd be nice to get them together when they're both back up and running.

 

I hope your son will take on your classics. I'm not sure what will happen to the TC, but hopefully grandson will be interested when he's older!

 

Cheers, 

Mark 

[AliGauld]

Hi Chris,

I hope that Mrs. Badge has a very speedy recovery and that your son has a blast at Uni.

I know I did. 

 

 

Cheers,

Alistair

[bigbadbadge]

10 hours ago, 2996 Victor said:

Thank, Chris, that's very kind of you - she's a great car to drive! I forgot to mention the long-duration cam, ported head and lightened flywheel. Aerodynamics are the limiting factor, though, the big square radiator means she tops out about 85-90, any further increase would need masses of extra hp.

 

I've actually been in touch with Pat, and we've talked TCs at length. It'd be nice to get them together when they're both back up and running.

 

I hope your son will take on your classics. I'm not sure what will happen to the TC, but hopefully grandson will be interested when he's older!

 

Cheers, 

Mark 

Crikey some great tuning mods there Mark, I have to say that would be scary speeds in the MG, wow.  It was brilliant that you spoke about both cars too.

Hope your grandson will be interested.

I am Aiden will, he keeps pestering me about a drive in the Porsche 🙄😃

 

7 hours ago, AliGauld said:

Hi Chris,

I hope that Mrs. Badge has a very speedy recovery and that your son has a blast at Uni.

I know I did. 

 

 

Cheers,

Alistair

Thanks Alistair,  very kind. I will pass on your good wishes.  Aiden will have a great time I'm sure.

 

Thanks guys

Chris

[keefr22]

On 20/09/2024 at 21:03, bigbadbadge said:

There were tears when we left but SWMBO told me to buck up😉😄

 

 - I had to give you one of those for that comment too....!!

 

On 20/09/2024 at 21:03, bigbadbadge said:

I am taking a trip to the Porsche dealership in ghe morning to pick it some dust seals for the rear brake calipers, it's about the only thing I can afford in there 🙄

 

 

You're braver than me - when I had the 924 I needed something for it (really can't remember what!) - drove the heap up to Porsche Centre Cardiff, pulled into the car park, took one look at the machinery parked up there, turned round and went home! Ended up ordering it from the local Porsche 'specialist'! 🤣

 

Keith

[bigbadbadge]

6 minutes ago, keefr22 said:

 

 - I had to give you one of those for that comment too....!!

 

 

You're braver than me - when I had the 924 I needed something for it (really can't remember what!) - drove the heap up to Porsche Centre Cardiff, pulled into the car park, took one look at the machinery parked up there, turned round and went home! Ended up ordering it from the local Porsche 'specialist'! 🤣

 

Keith

Thanks Keith.  Oh man I know what  you mean there,  been embareased before turning up at places with some of my old cars.  I took my daily driver to the dealership, it was still the oldest car in the car park, it is a 2004 Seat Leon, in great condition,  but still felt very insignificant in the car park.   It is a great car to me and is still low in mileage and will have to do me for a few years yet. 

 

I wish I had taken the Porsche but still getting used to it as spent a few weeks trying to sort the rear brakes, my mate came down to give me a hand and figured it out,  it is now great fun to drive,  wahoo.

Thanks fella

Chris

 

[bigbadbadge]

Hi all

 

As SWMBO is in Hospital following her Operation,  which was successful, what a relief.  I thought I would get some bench time in after chores.

 

The little KP Seafire has had the underside painted.

 

The Firefly has been fettled and has taken quite a bit of time.  I have finally been able to insertvthe exhausts and chin cowling.  I am waiting for the Sprue goo to dry at the rear of that panel to fair in.

 

 

 

I have noticed that the vertical tail is tilted over to port slightly, I noticed when I was fitting ghe horizontal tail planes.   I am not going to attempt to straighten now.

 

Ob crikey the Whirlwind has been started too

 

 

And finally... the Sspitfire XVI is finished.

 

 

Thanks for looking in ancthanjs for your support this week too, much appreciated.

 

Chris

 

 

[Dunny]

Chris,

 

Great to hear that the op went well - best wishes to Mrs Badge for a speedy recovery. You have clearly taken the opportunity to push on - great progress on all fronts. Great to see the big Crikey kicked off - been looking forward to that for ages!

 

Cheers,

 

Roger

[bigbadbadge]

4 hours ago, Dunny said:

Chris,

 

Great to hear that the op went well - best wishes to Mrs Badge for a speedy recovery. You have clearly taken the opportunity to push on - great progress on all fronts. Great to see the big Crikey kicked off - been looking forward to that for ages!

 

Cheers,

 

Roger

Thanks Roger for you kind wishes, just have to wait for biopsies  now to see if c.... or not.  Relieved the operation was a success, she could  come home today, fingers crossed.

Pleased with all progress so far and glad to get the crikey underway.  I might create a new WIP for that and all the Spitfires.

Thanks fella

Chris