A lot of the information surrounding hypersonic missiles is just hype, but I did want to at least note this.
January 18, 2020
Paint and masking test Part #3
In the last installment, I applied the masking fluid directly to all three painted surfaces. Molotow recommend leaving the fluid in place for no more than 48 hours before removing it. However, my plan was to start at two days and then remove subsequent areas of the fluid at later intervals to see if the extended exposure had any bad effect on any of the painted surfaces. I sprayed WEM gray enamel over the areas of each of the painted sections where the masking fluid had been applied. After 48 hours I removed the first masked areas. The masking fluid came up easily and none of the three painted areas was adversely affected by the masking fluid.
January 17, 2020
Underwater spy drones
We are apparently using them. Other countries are apparently catching them occasionally. Glad to see the USN out there. More please.
January 16, 2020
Paint and masking test–part #2
In a previous post I discussed using a spare Phantom wing from the scrap box as a “testing mule” for using the Molotow masking fluid pen over several different type of paint to see what effect it might have on the paints. I’ve applied some masking fluid to each paint area. All the paints were allowed to dry for at least 24 hours before application of the fluid. Molotow recommends not leaving the masking in place longer than two days, but I am going to push that and see if longer exposure has any ill effects. You can see in the photo below the masking fluid applied to each painted surface.
January 15, 2020
Test, test, test….paint and masking test
On episode 3 of the Plastic Model Mojo podcast I mentioned that I had picked up a Molotow 2mm fine liquid masking pen. I was initially impressed and decided to run a test to see how it reacted to various paints. So, I grabbed a old F-4 Phantom wing from the scrap box and laid down three different paints to test. From tip to wing root I laid down some Mission Models acrylic paint thinned with their thinner polymer mixture, some WEM Colourcoats enamel, and some AK acrylic thinner with Mr. Color leveling thinner. Photo below. I will be posting updates as the test continues.
Paint/mask test. #1
Favorite legal story of the day
A man in Kansas files a motion asking the court to allow him to settle his legal differences with his ex-wife and her attorney through “trial by combat”. He should be very careful as a woman scorned can be a vicious fighter.
January 14, 2020
China launches new heavy rocket
At the end of 2019, China launched a new heavy lift rocket. This rocket is said to form the basis of the Chinese plans to have their own space station as well as launch missions to Mars. The US better stop dragging its feet. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)
Small thinking
In this story, the plans of the ESA and NASA are discussed in regard to getting samples of Martian soil back here for study….by 2031. This is the perfect example of the small thinking that infects NASA. By 2031, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos will have people on Mars, while the government spaceflight agencies diddle around. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)
