AA-5 Ash

One of the kits I am slowly working on is the Trumpeter Tu-128.  Recently I’ve been on hold on the M-30 and Mosquito for various reasons.  So, I decided to turn my attention to the AA-5 (Ash) missiles in the Tu-128 kit.  I figured I could weak point of most 72nd scale kits.)  However, much to my surprise the missiles in the Trumpeter kit are pretty good representations of these missiles.

Really, the only problem that jumped out at me is that the missiles seem to be molded with rear cover protective plates that you only see in place on museum examples of the missile..  The actual in service missile has this removed for operations.  Thus you can see into the rear of the missile to the exhaust.  I decided this would not do.  But, how to simulate the hollowed out exhaust.  Then I remembered that Mike convinced me that it would be a good idea to order some Micro chisel drills on eBay from China.  I did , but this was my first opportunity to use them. (Ignore the stray hair in the shot as I didn’t see it until later and didn’t feel like shooting the photo again.)

I have to say they produced exactly the effect I was looking for.

SpaceX and fairing recovery

It appears that SpaceX has determined that catching the fairings prior to their hitting the water isn’t worth the extra effort. (Post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Power from space?

The X-37B spaceplane, that up until now has conducted missions so ultra secret, that nothing other than the launching and landing are ever reported, is currently conducting a flight where, for the first time, we know at least part of what it is doing.  Story here. (Post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Faster please

The headline is a classical reference to the blogfather, Instapundit. Here is a story that is very encouraging.

Plastic Model Mojo Ep. 35

The new episode is out.  Come and get it.

I hope

I hope this is what happens. (h/t Jeff “Inch High” Groves)(Post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Rest easy

The oldest living Medal of Honor recipient has died.  Clearly a life well lived.

Asteroid mining

NASA is sending a probe to a rare metallic asteroid.  While they don’t say so, clearly this has implications for asteroid mining which may be the next big thing in space. (Post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Hmmmm

Someone smacked the Iranians.  Was it the Israelis, the Saudis or both?

It was a nice dream

while it lasted. Apparently the EM drive isn’t what it was hyped to be. (Post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)