I popped into town today to visit the bank and get some exercise in walking around with the aid of my walking stick. I realised I very much needed the latter as short distances are fine but anything over fifteen minutes and I struggle. What struck me is how many empty units there are in the shopping centre and in town generally. A sign of the times and I had little trouble extracting some money from the bank despite their advice to book an interview to discuss savings schemes with them. I politely refused and stated I would rather spend any savings before the expected financial crash and collapse of western civilisation. But I thanked her for asking. I think what still astonishes me is seeing pubs open in the morning and people drinking, perhaps it's one way of burying one's head in the sand as alcohol will blur the edges of the reality of what is happening around one. We had a chap in the supermarket queue in front of us yesterday and he told the cashier 'I'm 93 next year and I had the best life. I feel sorry for you youngsters for what's coming. Isn't that right?' which was directed to me and Sue. I certainly agreed because the last three years have changed everything but I believe the 2008 banking crisis only kicked the can down the road. He looked very good for ninety three and the cashier who was astonished by his statement told us he pops in for some shopping every day and is a lovely man. I suggested it gets him out of the house, he sees and speaks with people and possibly assuages his loneliness. He looked healthier and fitter than me! Ho hum, enough of the doom and gloom and onto exciting news...

I am like a dog with two tails today as the kit I pre-ordered three weeks ago has finally arrived.

It is big being a 1/32 scale kit and as you can see in the following photos it is a complex kit of many parts, possibly the most complex kit I have ever bought.

There are a lot of parts and the instruction manual is fabulous, lots of clear colour coded instructions and excellent photographs of the aircraft. 

Seeing this makes me realise that although I model because of the history, the machines and people who used them, there is the engineering and craftsmanship aspect as well as the artistic side of painting, weathering and display.

It will be a major build and one that will take a lot of time, patience and skills but it is one I am very much looking forward to. I plan to do it as a winter build later this year as I do have a couple of biplanes in the stash to ensure my rigging skills are up to scratch.

It might be that I opt for metal rigging as well as thread, a combination of both to ensure durability and stability.

I am particularly taken by the sharks mouth on the this aircraft, a splash of colour but the camouflage is also a mixture of colours including a shade of mauve.

Just a selection of pages from a thirty page instruction manual and a great introductory background for the build. As I said previously, I had wanted a Wingnuts Wings Gotha aircraft from WW1 but the prices for that are astronomical and even I have a limit as to how much I will pay for a kit. I have two Gothas in 1/72 scale and I will build one as a practice mule to get my hand in.

Now just awaiting my car and hopefully I can buy some compost in as this morning it was mild and sunny but has now turned gloomy and rain is waiting in the wings. A theme from todays post!

TTFN.

 

Progress on the Wirraway so far as filling, sanding, scraping, sanding and more filler was required because the parts didn't fit correctly. I plan to brush paint the earth / brown colour on and then the green. No modelling today as I dropped the car off for its annual MOT and I await the news regarding how much work is required. Having driven a lot of miles at work yesterday in pouring rain on bad roads with the usual various road closures for road repairs, I expect there is some damage to the suspension. I believe this county has roads that are most definitely third world in status. Dreadful, with potholes, sunken parts and loose gravel / tarmac as well as lots of water and mud. But enough moaning about the roads.

Jerry got in the house the other day and we found him asleep at the top of the stairs. He didn't pester our cats, just brought himself in out of the rain for a warm comfy bed! We only realised when I queried why Sherlock was sleeping on the stairs when he walked past me and on closer inspection I found Jerry. I left him asleep after a brief head scratch and he left soon afterwards when the rain cleared. He has made it to our local fb cat rescue page as he is making the rounds of various local houses but I explained that he has an owner and home. 

I was asked a question t'other day about holidays and it dawned on me I could have a holiday this year or at least a few days away. We have no major work on the house booked this year and I could visit a few places on my list before the world implodes. Scotland and Hadrian's Wall come immediately to mind as does a visit to the Tank Museum in Dorset and a trip to Whitby. I need the car in good shape as I plan to make regular visits to see my Mum this year and it might be I spend a couple of days exploring East Anglia as well, make a small holiday of it. It's been confirmed my Mum has cancer in her shoulder as well as osteoporosis and with her limited eyesight she has declined any trips out beyond local ones in Colchester. 

Update: The car failed its MOT but not a huge amount of work required and cheaper than I expected and I should have my car back tomorrow.

TTFN.

 Woke up to discover a deluge outside so garden plans postponed again. What’s annoying is that it will be excellent weather whilst I am at work but unable to get into the garden. C’est la vie but excellent weather for the modelling table. I started on the Wirraway and the link makes for an interesting read.

This is a very different kit compared to the Stug build. Lots of flash on the sprues and parts, the sprues are attached to the parts by very thick connections so care required to remove. There will be lots of filler and sanding but I couldn’t be happier, a proper challenge to turn it into a decent model aircraft.

Photo etch parts for the seat belts, levers and fascia but some new CA glue has done the trick and parts are attached. This should keep me busy and away from street corners looking menacingly at passers-by!

We also had a deluge of post this morning including a survey which I initially assumed was from the council but turns out to be from our local Tory MP. She’s been absent from the area since the election although noticeable on TV creeping and crawling around Johnson until he was removed by the various traitors in his party. There are local elections coming up and then the general election next year, hence this sudden interest in our view. I tore it up as a better option to scrawling ‘Fuck off’ and sending it back to them. Lying, thieving, useless wastrels. Watching Paris burn, inflation escalating, local councils cutting down trees to promote Green policies, transport infrastructure crumbling, politicians unable to identify what a woman is, hotels and now local camps full of economic migrants, people struggling to eat or heat whilst corporations get richer and the financial crash about to hit us. The media focus on bollocks and the war in Ukraine is likely to spread into a larger conflagration. Sorry for the rant but I am angry with them all and my vote is likely to go to a smaller party like TUSC or Save the Cleethorpes Donkeys Party. 

Putting my cool rational head on for a moment, the reality is that society has grown increasingly complex and simple ‘Left v Right’ solutions no longer necessarily work. But if politicians stopped basing their policies on the small noisy lunatics and narcissists on twitter and other social media and engaged with real people who want to live a happy life with their families and friends, secure jobs, housing and a decent place with less crime, I am sure they would do a better job. No wonder I happily ensconce myself in the modelling table and others do the same in their hobbies because the protests against the Iraq war twenty years ago show how much real notice the bastards take of us. Rant over and blood pressure allowed to settle down.

Hopefully you will all have a nice relaxing weekend and the weather is better for you. It is Spring and the clocks go forward tomorrow. Best make the most of the shortened weekend.

TTFN.

It is finally finished and displayed on a shelf in the front room well away from the inquisitive cats.

 

I opted for minimal weathering as it is a model of a Sturmgeschutz III G at the battle of Kursk and very likely newly arrived from the factory. Sadly, the figure couldn't be squeezed through the turret but is on display beside the vehicle. I had assumed this build would take several weeks but it has taken three weeks in total. Easier because of the larger scale to assemble but I also invested a lot of time and effort during days off, often to the exclusion of other activities and the bad weather certainly helped there by keeping me indoors. I have looked at other tanks in 1/16th scale but I will leave that for another time as I have more than enough models in the stash that require my attention and shelf space is currently at a premium although I have plans to add more shelving. Sue and I visited furniture stores yesterday looking for chairs but also noted suitable shelf units. The new 'computer chair' I bought yesterday is actually a garden chair but it is comfy, fairly cheap and ideal for me. We got to look around some of the charity shops as well but I didn't see any cheap models for sale. I think Sue was aware I was on the look out for any!

Same view but with the flash on the phone camera.

I had planned to spend time in the garden but rain stopped play and boy did it come down. The weather is making up for the dry February and there is again a possibility of snow in some areas this weekend but I think our precipitation will consist of rain. I have a few kits out to choose the next build, an aircraft this time. I chose the following, an Australian Wirraway.

I had wanted to start on the Breda BA 65 but I am still awaiting delivery of new craft knife blades which seem to have disappeared into the ether. The other kit I really like is below and I am impressed with the explanatory notes that accompany it. 

An old New Zealand kit but the notes are more of a brochure with loads of photographs and history of the Spitfire PR Mk XI. A Photo Reconnaissance aircraft and I had built another later model all in blue in Swedish markings. Just a couple of pages from the brochure and decals for a US, Danish or Norwegian aircraft circa 1945.

A simple kit with few parts, the expectation is that the modeller scratch builds the other parts for the cockpit and interior so I need to find where I have stored away the plasticard and yes, I need those craft knife blades! The beauty of 1/72 scale fighter aircraft is that they are easily displayed and take up little shelf space. I suspect my weekend will be occupied with the Wirraway as the weather will keep me indoors, a good result!

TTFN.

 An early start as the cars MOT was booked for today but was then cancelled and rescheduled for next Wednesday which suits me fine as that was the day I had originally requested. It gives me three days for any work that is required as I think there will be some needed. What does surprise me is looking at the mileage I have completed in the past year and it works out just under 8,000 miles. Compared to previous years this tells me that dropping to three days a week is having a beneficial effect. Some paint touch ups on the build which I now have to leave alone plus Sherlock has taken up residence on the table.

This was the progress from the weekend with the figures showing the various scales of 1/16, 1/32 and 1/35. The 1/32 figure is a WW1 aircrew for the aircraft I have ordered and I couldn't resist making a start on it. The Stug itself is now built apart from a few small parts, the decals and weathering. I'll complete that this weekend and find somewhere to display it. The photo below shows progress from today as I slowly add to it. 

We're hoping for better weather this weekend to get some gardening done and I need to buy some compost in for the pots and the raised bed. It has rained all week and the media is predicting more rain, sleet and snow so I might just bring the small pots in and plant them up and then transplant to the larger pots when the weather improves. much else to say as I am itching to get out and about again when the weather does improve and drag myself away from the modelling table. I don't drink much anymore so I have lost interest in pubs but there is an Egyptian exhibition in Hull which I would like to attend plus old churches and other sites of interest. Given my back and leg problems I will keep it local to Lincolnshire and parts of Yorkshire this summer. The only caveat is the imminent banking / financial crash and the war in Ukraine escalating might intervene but I'll continue as usual as worrying about these things doesn't change anything or make it go away. I'll buy in more corned beef and baked beans!

TTFN.

 

This morning saw further progress on the big build and paint applied, the fun bit! I airbrushed some black paint for a shadow contrast and as per usual I had to strip and clean an already cleaned airbrush before painting.

A light coat of thinned dark yellow applied and I had to fill the cup twice to cover it all. I deliberately ensured it is a thin coat as I want to make it realistic as possible. The base yellow coat / camouflage was applied at the factory but also in the field by the crews and they used a mixture of water or petrol, whatever was available to thin the paint down.

I also airbrushed the stowage parts in black as a base for the various colours to be added. I haven't yet fully decided which scheme I finish the Stug in and if I add the other colours that will also be thinned down. 

Yesterday I worked my now usual clinic routines but I also had to make a last visit to someone still on my original caseload and the place is at the furthest extreme of the area we cover so a lot of mileage covered. Again, roads closed for repairs and the smaller country roads are truly awful with potholes, large gaps and mud even on a dry day. A beautiful part of the county and I discovered an interesting old church which I intend to go back to on a day off. Odd weather as cold one day and scraping the ice off the windscreen, then very mild the next with sunshine. Base was partially closed as strong gusts of wind had removed some of the roof, four seasons in the same few days. But it definitely feels like Spring is here albeit intermittently. Hopefully winter is loosening its grip.

TTFN.

 More work on the Stug early this morning but whilst doing that an unwelcome idiot caused a commotion outside and in our neighbours front garden. He was clearly under the influence of something, falling over and harassing the paperboy. Sue called the police to report him as he had also displayed a knife to the paperboy who quickly left. After half an hour and  a second call to the police he wandered off down the street. Sue checked on the neighbours and happily all was well but another sign of the times I guess. 

Progress so far with the roof dry fitted into place but today was mainly focused on building the gun and apart from one error I made because I did not read the instructions correctly, it went together well.

I should really have painted it before gluing into the casement but a delicate touch with the paintbrushes should see this ok. With the lid on not much will be seen but I want to do a good job on it. I have the turret and a few other pieces to add to the Stug and the assembly will be completed although I do have some stowage to add to it and the figure to paint up.

To provide a sense of scale I placed an 1/35 scale King Tiger next to it and placed the figures in as well. Good job I ordered extra paint because this is a big bugger! Once the interior is painted later next week I will remove the wheels and tracks, cover the hatches and apply the airbrush to it. It will not be historically accurate as there is no Zimmerit applied to the hull but I can live with that. 

After the excitement of this morning it time for a cuppa, feet up and delve into a good book.

TTFN.

 There was a modelling company called 'Wingnut Wings', based in New Zealand and they specialised in WW 1 aircraft. The models were of a very high standard and the company was started by Peter Jackson but sadly, the company ceased trading in 2020. I mention it because my plan had always been to buy one or two of their kits once my modelling skills had improved to a point where I could do justice to building such models. I particularly had my eye on a number of kits but alas, they ceased trading and the remaining model kits suddenly increased in value and currently ridiculous prices are being asked for the kits. Happily, the remaining stock has now gone out to some model shops and although expensive, they are not the ridiculous prices being demanded. I mention this because I finally bought one from a reputable UK based company whom I have previously done business with and I placed a deposit and will await delivery at the end of April. The kit is an AEG G.IV pictured below and as can be seen it is in 1/32 scale, certainly a large model. I finally bought the kit because in time there will be fewer available unless another company buys everything associated with Wingnut Wings but I also have the time and skills to build it.

The kit I originally wanted was a Gotha bomber but this is similar and they performed the same function. I read about the first blitz on the UK using aircraft after the Zeppelin raids were no longer successful and it is fascinating to think that thirteen years after the Wright brothers first flew, such large aircraft were operational. I should have the Sub completed by then, in fact most of it is now assembled and the tools have been painted up. I have decided to brush paint the wheels and the underneath of the Stug and I will airbrush the upper surfaces. The one figure I bought for the Stug has been partially assembled and painted some time ago and I will crack on with that but I am tempted to add a second figure. 

Now I have to find the various figures for the aircraft and consider a diorama of sorts for it but that is part of the fun. Perhaps just the two / three aircrew and suspended against a background picture of the cloudy sky at night as they set out on a mission.

TTFN.

 

Progress from this morning although dry fitted for now as paint will be applied to the interior and the gun to be fitted at some point. Building in this scale has so far been straightforward and an enjoyable build. Put to one side now as I can continue tomorrow morning.

It has also progressed very quickly, partly because I now have the extra time but the wet and cold weather has kept me indoors. 

We had snow this morning which was quite heavy at times but rain and sun has ensured it hasn't settled. Nice to see but very slushy underfoot and this ensured I remained indoors. It has also kept the cats in as they don't like this weather at all.

TTFN.

 Thursday has become the weekly update as Mondays to Wednesdays I am busy with work and I finally get time to catch up on a Thursday. We have had an occasional flurry of snow but it has been rain and sleet. It is cold but nothing out of the ordinary, a late winter / early spring day and the rain is welcomed as February was quite dry. The cats are resolutely glued to the warmest spots in the house and apart from an occasional sprint out, they aren't moving.

Progress so far with the monster build 1/16th scale Stug and paint has been airbrushed on. I haven't used the airbrush for a while so a strip down and clean out required and black paint applied. Once dry I will apply the reddish brown colour to the tracks and spray the main body and wheels a dark yellowish base colour.

Individual track links cut and sanded but in this larger scale very easy to assemble and yes, the wheels and tracks move. Hopefully they will continue to move with paint and clear coat applied!

I am looking at the colour scheme for an early 1944 Stug on the Italian front but I haven't yet made my mind up.

I bought a couple of new kits that were going cheap and the tank pictured below arrived yesterday.

It is a Russian T-28 multi turreted tank which I bought for a good price. There is a larger T-35 version with five turrets and, although imposing to look at weren't really very good but the T-35 has been on my to buy list for a few years now but I snapped this bargain up instead. The other kit I have ordered is a Romanian IAR-80 aircraft from WW2.

I booked my car in for its annual MOT in a couple of weeks time and I have a sneaking suspicion it will require a lot of work, certainly a couple of new tires, the brakes and possibly the suspension as the roads are terrible. Pot holes, some very large ones but there are a couple of roads I regularly use that are quite frankly dangerous. Council have been informed by numerous people so let's see if they act on the complaints. Perhaps the next step is for someone to spray paint around the dangerous parts, various cartoon genitalia and rude messages as once it hits social media councils are usually stung into action. I am just glad to be warm and safe at home and not negotiating those roads in this weather.

I also discovered this week a you tuber called Malcolm Guite whom I had never heard of, a priest and a poet. I follow a few you tube pipe smokers although I don't smoke, mainly for their conversation and  because they are interesting chaps. But I enjoy his poetry, the literature, language and his commentary on life and my interest in the spiritual / paranormal aspects of this world...and the next! With all the nonsense and horror happening in the world it gives much needed food for thought and a welcome perspective upon the world. Time for a warming cuppa. Keep warm folks.

TTFN.

 Taadah! The big build of the 1/16 scale Stug III G has started as I prepared the table and unboxed the kit. 

Despite it being my day off I was awake before 6 a.m. and downstairs for my first cup of tea. I'd had a couple of beers yesterday evening as I watched the football on TV with Grimsby Town winning against the odds to progress to the next round of the FA Cup but sadly, Spurs lost their match.

It attracted the attention of my striped critic who just had to sit in the box I thoughtfully provided for him. Shortly after this photo he decided to lick some glue so I spent the next twenty minutes making sure he was alright. He isn't very bright despite being a beautiful cat. I was then left in peace for a couple of hours and I made some decent progress on the build.

The base, internal and external suspension completed with a lot of parts but easy to do because of the large scale. All packed away for now as I can crack on with the build tomorrow and I can now adopt a lazy position in the armchair with more tea and a good book.  After a busy three days at work it is lovely to know I leave it all behind and forget it all until my return next Monday morning. I've had two colleagues say they envy my role and an interesting chat with a doctor about the role which is task orientated rather than the in-depth psychological narrative and work I had been immersed in. I have also been looking forward to my days off to start this build and to getting some of the work done here at home. A happier work / life balance at long last!

Shopping to do as the cats have decided they no longer like the regular food we buy for them so a work colleague will be receiving the food for her cats as we try and work out what they will eat. Dried food and some ham today for them this morning although we saw another cat in the garden trying to catch the birds and eating the bread and suet pellets we put out for them. No sign of Jerry which is good news...I hope. It was also No.1 sons thirtieth birthday yesterday so we had a takeaway and birthday cake for him.Those thirty years have sped by...

TTFN.