Weekend Goals and Accomplishments

[DRUMS01]

Lately I feel like i'm just treading water as my modeling has slowed. My desire is still there but the activity is lacking because of other life activities take over my modeling time. Jarrod and I added some final details on the Churchill and the figures before jumping into painting, like mikes and headset cables on the figures, resin stowage on the tank, etc.

Also finally found the RLM color Jarrod and I will use for the main color (not as easy as you might think, at least in Vallejo).

I was also asked to serve in a contemporary christian praise band starting last Sunday night and Wednesday nights for the next three weeks. That was a jump through hoops trying to learn the songs on short notice, but all is well. This last weekend was also the last for regular season American NFL football as next week starts the playoffs. So yes, I was also occupied with watching a lot of that too.

We also took down all remaining Christmas decorations and stored them till next year. On another note, I also found out through blood tests that its all messed up, which could explain why I haven't been as productive recently. It is surprising just how much your blood composition can effect you, even if its off just a little (energy, recovery, focus, etc.). I'm confidant in my doctor figuring it out, so i'll just keep doing what I can.

Jarrod and I spent some time looking into what we may want to do for the Churchill and suspension bridge as far as a display, or not. We got a correct sized frame for the foundation, foam and putty for basic landscaping, balsa wood for the destroyed bridge, landscape materials, etc. Just not sure if it will be in a city or rural setting?; or if it will have another vehicle or more figures in the diorama?; or if it will be a stand alone model?

Looking forward in starting another large scale build such as the 1/35 sky crane helicopter, the 1/16 German halftrack from Das Werks, a large aircraft (several to choose from), or a 1/16 or 1/12 race car. So much to build with so many interests and so little time.

Hope everybody else weekend was great both from a modeling standpoint and in general.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Lately I feel like i'm just treading water as my modeling has slowed. My desire is still there but the activity is lacking because of other life activities take over my modeling time. Jarrod and I added some final details on the Churchill and the figures before jumping into painting, like mikes and headset cables on the figures, resin stowage on the tank, etc.

Also finally found the RLM color Jarrod and I will use for the main color (not as easy as you might think, at least in Vallejo).

I was also asked to serve in a contemporary christian praise band starting last Sunday night and Wednesday nights for the next three weeks. That was a jump through hoops trying to learn the songs on short notice, but all is well. This last weekend was also the last for regular season American NFL football as next week starts the playoffs. So yes, I was also occupied with watching a lot of that too.

We also took down all remaining Christmas decorations and stored them till next year. On another note, I also found out through blood tests that its all messed up, which could explain why I haven't been as productive recently. It is surprising just how much your blood composition can effect you, even if its off just a little (energy, recovery, focus, etc.). I'm confidant in my doctor figuring it out, so i'll just keep doing what I can.

Jarrod and I spent some time looking into what we may want to do for the Churchill and suspension bridge as far as a display, or not. We got a correct sized frame for the foundation, foam and putty for basic landscaping, balsa wood for the destroyed bridge, landscape materials, etc. Just not sure if it will be in a city or rural setting?; or if it will have another vehicle or more figures in the diorama?; or if it will be a stand alone model?

Looking forward in starting another large scale build such as the 1/35 sky crane helicopter, the 1/16 German halftrack from Das Werks, a large aircraft (several to choose from), or a 1/16 or 1/12 race car. So much to build with so many interests and so little time.

Hope everybody else weekend was great both from a modeling standpoint and in general.

You are such a solid human being and great dad...doing so much for your son,including him in hobbies and sports events and everything else
I can only imagine how hard that is.
Just wanted to point it out and acknowledge your efforts

[RangerNeil]

Lately I feel like i'm just treading water as my modeling has slowed. My desire is still there but the activity is lacking because of other life activities take over my modeling time. Jarrod and I added some final details on the Churchill and the figures before jumping into painting, like mikes and headset cables on the figures, resin stowage on the tank, etc.

Also finally found the RLM color Jarrod and I will use for the main color (not as easy as you might think, at least in Vallejo).

I was also asked to serve in a contemporary christian praise band starting last Sunday night and Wednesday nights for the next three weeks. That was a jump through hoops trying to learn the songs on short notice, but all is well. This last weekend was also the last for regular season American NFL football as next week starts the playoffs. So yes, I was also occupied with watching a lot of that too.

We also took down all remaining Christmas decorations and stored them till next year. On another note, I also found out through blood tests that its all messed up, which could explain why I haven't been as productive recently. It is surprising just how much your blood composition can effect you, even if its off just a little (energy, recovery, focus, etc.). I'm confidant in my doctor figuring it out, so i'll just keep doing what I can.

Jarrod and I spent some time looking into what we may want to do for the Churchill and suspension bridge as far as a display, or not. We got a correct sized frame for the foundation, foam and putty for basic landscaping, balsa wood for the destroyed bridge, landscape materials, etc. Just not sure if it will be in a city or rural setting?; or if it will have another vehicle or more figures in the diorama?; or if it will be a stand alone model?

Looking forward in starting another large scale build such as the 1/35 sky crane helicopter, the 1/16 German halftrack from Das Werks, a large aircraft (several to choose from), or a 1/16 or 1/12 race car. So much to build with so many interests and so little time.

Hope everybody else weekend was great both from a modeling standpoint and in general.

You are such a solid human being and great dad...doing so much for your son,including him in hobbies and sports events and everything else
I can only imagine how hard that is.
Just wanted to point it out and acknowledge your efforts

I'll echo TwoKids thoughts - and add to them its time you and Jarrod cut your Rotary Wing teeth - so take the plunge and build the Skycrane next - and if you can, figure out a way of leaving the main rotor as detachable. Saves on storage/display space if you can.

[digger303]

Well done guys

[digger303]

Not done a hell of a lot lately. Got back from Xmas holiday, baggage handlers destroyed our 2 bags and we both got covid the day after we arrived.
Did manage to build 2 kits to 90% assembled whilst I was away. Unfortunately didn't take a lot of pic's.
Covid is now day 4 and starting to function again.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Well this is my last night of Christmas/ NewYear’ Vacation…it was a long one of 18 days!
I did some office stuff and emergencies so wasn’t away from the office entirely. Today I went in cleaned and organized took down Christmas stuff.

The highlight of the time off was skiing with the kids and spending time in the mountains.
Skiing was mostly with my son as daughter’s knees are worse than mine so she just did a few runs. The hot tub was well used by all
So we spent some dad and kid time and it was really good. It is strange seeing my little boy growing into the man he is becoming. He was alone on this trip as serious girlfriend had school and a lacrosse tryout. He and I drove up in his truck which was super fun too. The girls and all the animals came in the other car.
He starts chiropractic school in Portland for 3 yrs next October, so great to spend some time, talk future and business and just get the sense of how hardworking and planned he is.

I did ski despite a wonky knee; very careful skiing mind you, and had a great time. We got a good dump of snow so that inspired us.
I grew up here and the mountain ski environment is awesome.







And of course Piper the pup was in her snowy element


Sad to have Christmas end but had a great break and ready to get back into some work

[digger303]

Looks like fun.

[DRUMS01]

The skiing sure looked like fun. Nice to hear about your great time with family. It seems that the older we get the more valuable it is.

Sorry to hear you got the VID digger, but its nice to see you posting again, you were missed.

Heavy rain all day today with a chance of snow accumulation tonight into tomorrow. Considering I was out on the motorcycle on Christmas at 60 degrees (F), we really cannot complain about our weather here this winter as its been very mild (20-30 above normal most days).

[BigWall]

On another note, I also found out through blood tests that its all messed up, which could explain why I haven't been as productive recently. It is surprising just how much your blood composition can effect you, even if its off just a little (energy, recovery, focus, etc.). I'm confidant in my doctor figuring it out, so i'll just keep doing what I can.

I hope they get your blood chemistry straightened out soon. I can sympathize with you. My chemistry is messed up from all the pills I have to take after my bone marrow transplant in February. Get better soon!

[BigWall]

Covid is now day 4 and starting to function again.

I'm glad you're feeling better!

[BigWall]

The highlight of the time off was skiing with the kids and spending time in the mountains.

Absolutely beautiful location! I'm glad you and your family had a good vacation.

[Twokidsnosleep]

The highlight of the time off was skiing with the kids and spending time in the mountains.

Absolutely beautiful location! I'm glad you and your family had a good vacation.

it was a lot of fun

[digger303]

Covid is now day 4 and starting to function again.

I'm glad you're feeling better!

thank you...me too

[Stokesy44]

The highlight of the time off was skiing with the kids and spending time in the mountains.

Absolutely beautiful location! I'm glad you and your family had a good vacation.

Stunning location and great to hear how your son is getting on. So he's hopping the fence for his education, any particular reason why Portland?

[digger303]

While not a lovely ski trip the east coast of Aussie ain't bad either.

unfortunately people aren't far away either.

That was the Tweed head area on the QLD/NSW border.
However back in the top end of Qld in Cairns is the southern hemispheres largest armour museum.
All under cover in the sheds not clearly seen here.

But this gives a bit of a idea showing maybe 20%

[Twokidsnosleep]

Oi that looks awesome!!
Not picky, I would take a warm seaside holiday too

[BigWall]

Looks great Digger!

[aur0ra145]

That museum looks outstanding

[digger303]

That museum looks outstanding

I wouldn't recommend visiting in Dec-March though the humidity is 90% most days and it was damn uncomfortable in that shed despite having huge fans overhead....August is best. Although they have ride on's twice a year, which is very tempting.

[Tomcat64]

However back in the top end of Qld in Cairns is the southern hemispheres largest armour museum.
All under cover in the sheds not clearly seen here.

But this gives a bit of a idea showing maybe 20%

Is that the Australian Armour & Artillery Museum (OzArmour)??

I'm a big fan of their YouTube channel since @Stokesy44 pointed it at me a while back - the craftmanship they use in their restorations is simply jaw-dropping.

OzArmourFest is firmly on the bucket list if I ever win the lottery

Channel is here for anyone that hasn't seen it: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheAustralian ... eum/videos

Please share more pics if you have them

[digger303]

However back in the top end of Qld in Cairns is the southern hemispheres largest armour museum.
All under cover in the sheds not clearly seen here.

But this gives a bit of a idea showing maybe 20%

Is that the Australian Armour & Artillery Museum (OzArmour)??

I'm a big fan of their YouTube channel since @Stokesy44 pointed it at me a while back - the craftmanship they use in their restorations is simply jaw-dropping.

OzArmourFest is firmly on the bucket list if I ever win the lottery

Channel is here for anyone that hasn't seen it: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheAustralian ... eum/videos

Please share more pics if you have them

That's the one. I have another 648 pic's, but mostly of close ups. The website has better pic's for a over view than what I have.
:th however if you want some pic's of something I'll do my best to provide what I have.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Holy shoot what a week.
Worked Monday and Tuesday and then the weather set in bad early Wednesday morning

Planned snow day off as weather advisories to not travel any roads.
We got at least a foot of snow Wednesday and it snowed hard most of the day.
Somebody was in her element




Not great on roads Thursday and we spent five hours shovelling snow from that driveway, also a trip up on the roof for me to clear the gutters from overhanging snow.
I am absolutely exhausted

[krusty69]

Thanks for the reminder on why I moved to Phoenix. 73 and sunny, and I'm crabby about having to wear a sweatshirt.

[digger303]

However back in the top end of Qld in Cairns is the southern hemispheres largest armour museum.
All under cover in the sheds not clearly seen here.

But this gives a bit of a idea showing maybe 20%

Is that the Australian Armour & Artillery Museum (OzArmour)??

I'm a big fan of their YouTube channel since @Stokesy44 pointed it at me a while back - the craftmanship they use in their restorations is simply jaw-dropping.

OzArmourFest is firmly on the bucket list if I ever win the lottery

Channel is here for anyone that hasn't seen it: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheAustralian ... eum/videos

Please share more pics if you have them

That's the one. I have another 648 pic's, but mostly of close ups. The website has better pic's for a over view than what I have.
:th however if you want some pic's of something I'll do my best to provide what I have.

It keeps glitching on me all over the place I'll just start again with out quoting

[digger303]

That was driving me mad.

[Stokesy44]

That was driving me mad.

Driving YOU mad?

[Tomcat64]

Thanks for sharing mate - I've tidied the post up a bit and removed the Stokesyisms but you might want to edit the text a bit where the glitch trampled over you

Cracking photos though

[digger303]

Ok trying again fresh start and all that.

Here's a couple for weathering master class.




Some Aussie models properly modified.







These m3's were cut down and modified for agricultural use.



Operator comfort came first with all around surround air conditioning


I have many more pic's of different machines if anyone has a request.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Thanks for the reminder on why I moved to Phoenix. 73 and sunny, and I'm crabby about having to wear a sweatshirt.

Ha, you suck!!!

Power was out since 5:30 am too lucky we still have natural gas heat.
I have to do another roof visit and get that snow off the gutters
Kailua Hawaii is where I go when I win the big lottery

[DRUMS01]

My wife has always wanted to move down Florida way, however for me I would prefer an area that does not have fires, hurricanes, sink holes, etc. I'm more of a south-west America man where nothing will harm you other than the heat, earth quakes, drought, drug trafficking, snakes, scorpions, brown recluse spiders, (smile) etc. Unfortunately, we have lived in Ohio for the last 40 years so we are enjoying similar weather that Scott does just north of us in BC. Had to fire up the snow blower for a couple hours today but overall we can't complain. We are also fortunate to have a whole house natural gas power generator. It has saved us many times over the years when weather or accidents have taken power away from most the community.

Now that the base coat is on the Churchill we started some light washes. Next will be gloss coat and decals before we get serious about real weathering and detail painting such as the other colors on the bridge. Other accomplishments will include two practices and three performances of contemporary Christian music at our church over the weekend. I was fortunate enough to retire when my son Jarrod started high school. He has participated in instrumental music education since 5th grade through 12th. Now he enjoys helping me at band practice and sitting in the front row cheering for me during performances. His time with me now while helping me (in spirit) is a very big thing for him and it really makes the time special for both of us.

My 93 yr old mom's car battery died so I got to replace it and test the alternator this weekend too. It surprises me, but she still drives better than most of the drivers on the road. She also lives independently and has a very active life. I just hope that the majority of my genes came from her (smile), at it would give me something to look forward to.

While I have 6 grand children, my youngest at 2 yrs old caught a bad case of influenza B. It took this last week in the hospital and with strong antibiotics to finally kick it. Sure glad to have her up and running around again. My 42 yr old son is getting closer to getting another replacement kidney, which is a very good thing. I gave him one of mine around 15 years ago but they only last normally around 8-13 years. He has been on dialysis for a couple years so we would like to see him getting back to normal again soon.

For me, caring for Jarrod more often lately, band, house and car repairs, and life stuff has had my model building take a hit lately. It looks like we are getting time to get back at it so I'm looking forward to my model therapy time in the weeks ahead. Jarrod is excited about it as well.

[aur0ra145]

The plan is to finish off this starter box for Bolt Action over the weekend. Then I might actually make progress on the Apache.

[digger303]

I have a rather basic and un inspiring goal this weekend.
I plan to shift some of this pile of washed gravel.


around to this area and that has to be dug out more before I can do that a shovel full at a time.


With the plan it is all going to look like this area which I did about 2 weeks ago.


Whats left over will go up here which doesn't need as much prep work and should go so much quicker.

Sorry about the quality pic....phone doesn't like these low light situations and it is early in the day.

Not sure how much I will get done as I had a nasty fall while getting down off the tractor whilst trying to install a auto steer system. My legs went from under me and I landed heavily on my left hip and back, banged my head and have aches and pains all over even in the front although I landed on my back. That was last week and I'm still pretty sore, but I shall see how I goes. I might be good once I warm up.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Wow that, looks like a lot of work!
It’s hard on the arms shovelling the gravel, especially when you have already knackered yourself
Be careful and heal up!



Finally we had good sunny weekend last week.
Relatively mild winter has left moss and lichen on my deck, walkways and driveway so I want to do power washing.
Got the driveway done last Saturday, an entire day of power washing and then my car got a spring wash, wax and vac

Short weekend for me this one and weather is off and on rain. We see if I can sneak in some clean up outside
Been enjoying the Easter Egg Sig and will keep plucking away at that

[digger303]

Thanks Scott.
I find it's hard on the hands and lower back, but I tried to keep it as straight as I could with no twisting at the hips. I finished Saturday not feeling too bad except when I tripped over the missus and jarred my spine, but that went away after a bit.
So at the end of Saturday I shifted around 3 tonnes....double handling so I only actually removed 1.5t

The loader at least helped to shift it far away.
Tomorrow I'm back at it again. I kind of doubt I will finish that back section tomorrow, but there won't be a lot left to remove. Then it's putting the fresh stuff back in. Maybe Monday arvo.
I also got into cleaning the pool and tomorrow I also have to lop some old palm fronds
No matter what I'm claiming 3 hrs tomorrow as my time out.....maybe bench time

That's a long drive to clean. Shame there isn't a way to add a anti mold agent to the concrete.

[digger303]

Sunday is done and dusted and I'm wondering what I did to deserve this. I must have done a lot of wrong ....

Sunday is a goner.
The heap is a bit smaller


Made some progress in the back yard......don't know why we are bothering it never gets used.

[digger303]

Plan to finish the back yard section of the garden. I'm not totally pleased with the product we bought being 10-20 sized washed gravel. The wash process must have been hurried along as there seems to be a lot of sand still present.....P's me off thinking it's sub standard. I might go back to the supplier and ask what gives.
I did a couple of loads during the week so I should get the backyard finished tomorrow. No social events planned so it's all go.



Ps... even hoping to get some paint on the camel

[Stokesy44]

I'm planning a major stash raid because I've finished the whirly and dont know what to do next.

And before anyone berates me for not doing the garden - well, my response is, I dont have one!

[digger303]

Major stash raid ....does that mean pulling 3 kits for a diorama

[aur0ra145]

This weekend I may finally finish the Bolt Action minis from the starter box. Other than that I picked up a 10 lb USDA Prime brisket flat to cook over night. Hopefully it turns out well!

[Stokesy44]

Major stash raid ....does that mean pulling 3 kits for a diorama

Sadly not, it just means I have no friggin clue what to build next!

[Stokesy44]

This weekend I may finally finish the Bolt Action minis from the starter box. Other than that I picked up a 10 lb USDA Prime brisket flat to cook over night. Hopefully it turns out well!

I love the way you USA dudes cook meat. Seen a lot of YT vides of a guy who uses barbecue smokers and the stuff he cooks is amazing. I love his catchphrase too - 'Lets get to cookin!'

[aur0ra145]

This weekend I may finally finish the Bolt Action minis from the starter box. Other than that I picked up a 10 lb USDA Prime brisket flat to cook over night. Hopefully it turns out well!

I love the way you USA dudes cook meat. Seen a lot of YT vides of a guy who uses barbecue smokers and the stuff he cooks is amazing. I love his catchphrase too - 'Lets get to cookin!'

Being from Texas there is an expectation I know what I'm doing. Which I don't. Though, the wife got me the smoker for Christmas and I really enjoy taking a $20 brisket flat and making some really good bbq. It is now paying dividends. Even the most mediocre bbq I make is far better than these local joints. Not better than Texas BBQ but passable given my living situation. One day we'll make it back to Texas.

[Stokesy44]

This weekend I may finally finish the Bolt Action minis from the starter box. Other than that I picked up a 10 lb USDA Prime brisket flat to cook over night. Hopefully it turns out well!

I love the way you USA dudes cook meat. Seen a lot of YT vides of a guy who uses barbecue smokers and the stuff he cooks is amazing. I love his catchphrase too - 'Lets get to cookin!'

Being from Texas there is an expectation I know what I'm doing. Which I don't. Though, the wife got me the smoker for Christmas and I really enjoy taking a $20 brisket flat and making some really good bbq. It is now paying dividends. Even the most mediocre bbq I make is far better than these local joints. Not better than Texas BBQ but passable given my living situation. One day we'll make it back to Texas.

Sounds amazing. I love the distinction between Texas and everywhere else!

[aur0ra145]

I love the way you USA dudes cook meat. Seen a lot of YT vides of a guy who uses barbecue smokers and the stuff he cooks is amazing. I love his catchphrase too - 'Lets get to cookin!'

Being from Texas there is an expectation I know what I'm doing. Which I don't. Though, the wife got me the smoker for Christmas and I really enjoy taking a $20 brisket flat and making some really good bbq. It is now paying dividends. Even the most mediocre bbq I make is far better than these local joints. Not better than Texas BBQ but passable given my living situation. One day we'll make it back to Texas.

Sounds amazing. I love the distinction between Texas and everywhere else!

I'll make it back to Texas one day. Can't beat the sunsets looking at the Chisos Moutains.


Not my photo; but it captures the scene well enough.

[digger303]

Well the pile of gravel is smaller so I guess I am progressing.
The loader was a big help in at least getting it over the back fence.


Back area is complete.


Now just the pool area to do. Thank goodness it is much smaller.


The missus is pleased with her desert garden so far....whew

cheers

Ps....bench time was limited due to the missus pinch all Monday for a social event. The beer was nice though.

[Garion77]

Well the pile of gravel is smaller so I guess I am progressing.
The loader was a big help in at least getting it over the back fence.


Back area is complete.


Now just the pool area to do. Thank goodness it is much smaller.


The missus is pleased with her desert garden so far....whew

cheers

Ps....bench time was limited due to the missus pinch all Monday for a social event. The beer was nice though.

Wow !! lovely work and backyard ! Quite a workout compare to my weekend which was mostly enjoying a break through in the spring temperatures having lots of drinks on a terrasse with the missus !

[Twokidsnosleep]

I did a project very much long overdue….a full clean and revamp of our barbecue
It is a natural gas Webber and needed new burners and metal flavour bars and a solid scraping and cleaning inside and out
Messy smelly greasy job, but fun in the end and the replacement parts all fit and everything worked and nobody blew anything up
She lit up like a champ and came to full temp quickly and cleanly with no smoke and fire

Inside new burner rails and everything scraped clean


Iron grates all cleaned up


Pizza stone installed and ready to make dinner


Outside all wiped, cleaned and polished lid


I am going to remove that side burner as we never use it and replace it with a removable wooden tray, maybe teak

[Stokesy44]

Ah, the spring ritual. Ready for all those vegan products come the summer

[digger303]

Finished the yard gravelling exercise on Tuesday.
The pile out the front which was staring me in the eye every day is now Kaput



The pool area done except for the pool cleaning. Although it's not as bad as it looks...well it is, but a lot of the dirt is filter sand as I damaged the internal piping when replacing the sand a few months ago. It's been getting worse and I'll have to redo it and fix the internal plumbing. No Idea how it comes apart , but I guess I pull and push until something comes loose.


This is the next project using the drain water from the evaporative air con system I'm going to try to make a bird bath. Nothing fancy cause I'm cheap... A few old bricks and pavers thrown together. Those big red bricks are 50 yrs old....never throw anything away as one day you might need it

[Twokidsnosleep]

Looks like Somebody is drinking in the shadows
That is big time yard work, Digger

My spring clean is going too.
Powerwash front of the house yesterday. I have posts to redo and the door to re-stain

[
and I cleaned the green slime off the deck and patio furniture so we can go outside again.

[
Gutters were scrubbed out on that side of the house too.

The bee hive has arrived last weekend.



Art opened it up today and put a second box on and let me tell you, the Tasmanian Queen has laid some nasty helpers. I killed four bees, a few even hours after the hive was open. They is nasty!

Got the golf green tidied up as well, still some weed and moss removal to do in the rest