Group Build 6 month- open class (9-1-08) $$PRIZE

[Geek44]

I'm pretty sure white metal has a lead content...at least I treat it like it does. Other than that, I don't really know.
I've been so lucky in my modelling. My father was a jeweller and most of his tools translate perfectly into modelling. I have sets of files in little pouches and a beautiful saw that uses those nifty wire blades. Tweezers that grip and ones that don't, side cutters, needle nose pliers, a dentist's motor for drills, burrs and even tiny sheep-skin polishing mops. A suite of drill bits I can hardly see and the best of all, a really good quality German vernier caliper.
Thanks Dad.

[TRDG]

Thanks, and you are indeed "blessed" with those tools, I have looked at prices for those kind of things, and the better ones are a little $$.

Cheers

Tom

[TRDG]

[IMG][/IMG]

And this one is my second entry for this build, the Grasshopper. Now this one should be fun to do!!

Cheers

Tom

[Geek44]

Now that's a beautiful kit Tom. I really look forward to seeing that come together. My last project was a Dragon kit...the first I've done and it was a real pleasure. Good luck and I hope you enjoy it.

[TRDG]

I main problem though is an accurate camo pattern, not just the German Grey one, so I'll have to ad-lib this a bit, should be fun to do though. A very interesting and limited supply vehicle, nice of Dragon to do so many new kits on the not to ordinary "rare" German stuff!!

Cheers

Tom

[Sir JJ]

Originally Posted by TRDG

I main problem though is an accurate camo pattern, not just the German Grey one, so I'll have to ad-lib this a bit, should be fun to do though. A very interesting and limited supply vehicle, nice of Dragon to do so many new kits on the not to ordinary "rare" German stuff!!

Cheers

Tom

thats the good thing about dragon and trumpeter. they are willing to make kits of vehicles that was either very limited or on the drawing board like the E100. i was reading the other day that Mr Tamiya will only produce kits of tanks and aircrafts that were mass produced. one reason is that he likes to get his engineers to visit different museums and measure every inch of the vehicle thay are going to make. he believes people will mass buy tanks that were in everyday use rather than obscure vehicles which he don't think will sell very well.

as for the camo pattern, the vehicles weren't rolled off the production line with camo paint on them. it was down to the units to do it themselves. if i wasn't confident, i would just give it a plain dark yellow coat like the unit had only just recieved the vehicle. that's what i did before i got a decent airbrush and started to experiment. have a look at this website i found to see what i mean. http://www.militarymodelling.com/new...e/mps/uan/1091

[TRDG]

Thanks JJ, but don't forget that by Late War, they did "Camo up" some of those new tanks coming off the line, but I know what you mean in general.

Cheers, nice link, thanks! One has to wonder though, after so many "mass production" vehicles many people put together, I would think that "sales
would dictate a change to at least some of the rare stuff.......

Tom

[Geek44]

I guess that depends on the modeller Tom. Some folks are happy to build Sherman after Sherman, Tiger after Tiger. Some bash out dozens of kits in a year, some only a few...or even only one. Personally, I find myself most attracted to two kinds of models. The first is of something 'everyday' like a Tiger or a Spitfire but done so well, or differently, or placed in a clever diorama that I can't fail to notice it. I really admire originality among modellers. The other thing that inspires me is something unusual....like your 'Grasshopper'. I've never seen this vehicle before. While I probably wouldn't build it myself...I can see why you are.
I love to see what people do instead of chasing money, playing Playstation, getting drunk...the usual crap people fill their lives with. The very idea that somebody spent time making something with their hands is worthy of respect because they are putting a tiny piece of themselves into it. That inspires me, impresses me and gives me hope when I sometimes lose sight of the depth people are capable of. Whatever the results of our endeavours here, it's the process that is important.
I can see Mr Tamiya's point, but it would seem a little old fashioned. Dragon are tearing him a new one in the market place and his conservatism may prove to be damaging to him. There's no doubting Tamiya's quality...their aircraft are beautiful. But again, he has three versions of the Bristol Beaufighter, each with minor (read cheap to make) variations. Dragon on the other hand have some weird stuff such as the Bachem Natter (Google it if you don't know...it'll surprise you) to name one. I like the weird stuff, but others may not. It seems that Tamiya are no longer the kit of choice for the more experienced builder...unless I have no choice as far as subject matter is concerned, I'll pick a Dragon kit every time over the equivalent Tamiya vehicle. Speaking aircraft, same statement, manufacturers reversed.

[TRDG]

Another great post on some very good thoughts, thanks, I know what you mean. We all go through "stages" at the best of times, but the ones who grow out of it, or maybe into it, per say is the key to life in general sometimes. Will I ever be a "master" modeler, no way in hell, but it is fun at least trying to do something other than just glueing up another regular model, to collect dust in most cases.
That's why I am so into my FoW miniature models, they actually have a functional; use after you put em' together and Camo them up. Have you seen my Flames of War game in the Game Den yet? They are not my "best", especially the infrantry, but I am kinda prowd to have them up here at The Zone.

Cheers, thanks for the insightfull and heart felt post, that really kinda made my night when I read that one!!!

Tom

[Sir JJ]

that was my excuse to my ex wife. i'm teetotal and i've never smoked. i haven't really got any other hobbies so why not spend my dosh on models. when i had some money to myself and bought a model, she said i was wasting my money. with my fiancee, she loves me doing my models because she's into jewellery making and painting so we're both 'arty'. i like it when my friends come around and they want to see what model i'm doing next or see my current project. it gives me a sence of well being and pride. i love getting postive feed back on here because it's like minded people into the same thing who gives their honest opinion. i also like looking at other peoples work as well and some times i'm very envious, example is nicks panzer IV.