Modeling lists

I note that it has been a week since my last post.  Unfortunately, in my particular practice area, the end of each month is the busiest part of the month.  In addition, this month is even more difficult since I am losing one of my long-time employees.

But the last week has not been a complete loss on the modeling front.  I have made some progress on several kits, and I plan to post some photos as soon as I can get down to the man cave (see this post), since this is where my model photo set up is kept.

In addition to actual modeling, “virtual modeling” has occurred as well.  This recent post on Jim Bates blog got me to thinking.  I think most modelers do what Jim is referring to, i.e. making lists of models they want to build based on a common theme.  I have several of these lists.  Here is one of them.  All models in 72nd scale, the divine scale.

WWII German “Wonder Weapons”

V-1 (MAC kit, finished)

Me-163 (Academy kit, finished)

Me-262 (Revell, Hasegawa or Academy kit)

V-2 (Special Hobby upcoming release. Please don’t even mention the Condor kit)

Ar-234 (DML kit)

Ba-349 (Heller kit)

Go-229 (DML or Revell kit)

Ju-287 (Huma kit)

I want to stay away from “cocktail napkin” aircraft and do only a/c that were actually built.  There are several variations of some of the items listed above that I can add to the collection, such as the night fighter and 50mm cannon armed Me-262, so the list is actually longer than it looks above.  The 262 is the next one on this list to build, though I don’t know when I’ll start it since I have several projects under way.  But that is a story for another post.

The man cave

I am one of the lucky guys who has a dedicated hobby room.  A “man cave” as it were.  I like having such a place since it keeps my hobby related items all in one place, more or less, and safe from the roving hands of the modelchild and the paws of the modelcats.

On the downside I find that I spend way too much time cleaning, organizing and rearranging the cave.  All this eats into my precious modeling time.  Below are some photos of the man cave.  As you can see it is a mess.  It is always a mess, no matter how much I clean and rearrange.  Suggestions are welcome.

A peek into the man cave

 

Another view of the man cave

Photos on the net (Me-262)

Here is another Me-262 photo.  I guess I just have them on the brain since I have been reading the JG7 book.  This one looks to be in primer, though there are crosses on the underside of the wing.  There appears to be at least one Ju-88 in the background.  The photo comes from a wwebsite for a U.S. military unit, but I’ve lost the link so I don’t know which one.

Me-262

BJ’s Brewhouse

The modelwife, modelchild and I recently went to the new restaurant in Oxmoor Mall, BJ’s Brewhouse.  Since the modelwife and I met in a microbrewery, we have a certain fondness for brewpubs.  This one is a chain, and according to their website, they have locations in a dozen or so states, mostly in the southwest.

The avacado egg rolls were good.  My BJ burger was just OK.  The angus beef was good, and cooked to order, but the bun was a stale hogie bun and it was a garlic bun and the flavor of the garlic overpowered the taste of the burger.  The modelwife had angel hair pasta that she said was good.  The wheat beer and the porter that we sampled were excellent.

All in all it was a good meal.  It wasn’t cheap, but it wasn’t way out of line for this type of food at this level of restaurant.  I’d go again.

Photos on the net (He-112)

He-112

Here is an interesting photo.  I’ve always thought the He-112 was a pretty aircraft.  IMHO it is much more attractive than the Me-109.  I’ve always thought it a shame that the He-112 wasn’t the one that the Luftwaffe chose for series production.

This photo comes from the website Warbird photos.  The link is here.

I’d like to know the story on this.  I’d be surprised to find that enough He-112s survived to 1944 still in Romanian service to end up wearing the Red Star of the Soviet Union when Romainia switched sides.  If anyone knows more, I’d like to hear about it.

Photos on the net (Avia B-71?)

Here is today’s photo.  This comes from the WW2 in color website.  The aircraft in the photo wasn’t identified on the site, but several commenters though it was a Russian SB-2.  I though it more likely to be an Avia B-71, the Czech built version of the SB-2.  Also, I think the cowling in the foreground is a French Bloch-151.  It is an interesting photo.  I’d appreciate your input to see if I am wrong or have missed anything in the photo.

Avia B-71

Photos on the net (Me-262)

I’ve been reading the book JG7, published by Schiffer.  It is quite enjoyable.  While trolling thru the net I ran across this photo:

Me-262 Night Fighter

 

The photo is interesting in several respects.  First, it is printed backward.  You can tell by the V number on the side of the aircraft.  It appears to be V056, and is obviously one of the prototypes for the night fighter version of Me-262.  The tail wears different camo than the rest of the aircraft.  (This wasn’t uncommon since the aircraft was built in parts and then assembled elsewhere.) The far engine pod also appears to be of a different color than the main body of the aircraft.

I run across interesting photos all the time on the net.  I will try to make a habit of downloading them and posting them here for all to see.

IPMS Forum is back

The forum on the IPMS/USA website has been restored.  As I visit this site every day, I am thrilled to see the forum back up.  The webmaster, Bob Hester, has done a great job.

Silver Diner

Passing thru the BWI airport, the modelwife, modelchild and I ate at the Silver Diner.  This is modeled on the 50s diner and in addition to the airport location, they have restaurant locations in MD, VA and NJ.

I was very surprised by how good the food and service were, especially for a restaurant in an airport.  Their milkshakes were good as was their coffee.  I sure hope one of these comes to KY soon.

UPDATE: I posted the note above while waiting for a flight at BWI.  I didn’t have time to lay out all the good things about the Silver Diner.  The price was very reasonable.  The service was good without being smothering.  They serve breakfast all day long. (This is always a plus for me.)

AIMS

I’ve been reading in model magazines for a couple of years about this cottage manufacturer and I have a decal sheet or two of theirs.  I am about to place my first direct order.  I’ll let you know how things go.  You can see their site here.

UPDATE:  I received my ordered items six days after placing the order.  Great service given that they came all the way from England.  The items arrived undamaged and appear to be as nice as the reviews I have read said they were.