Photos on the net (MiG-29)

I found this photo on this site, which is a great avation blog.  The blue nose and dielectric panels are unusual.

MiG-29

Magazine review: AiR Isssue #32 (Oct/Nov 2010)

I don’t often purchase this magazine.  That is a shame.  It is really a good magazine, and I have picked up several tips from it.  However, the $16 price tag is just too much to make it a regualr part of my modeling purchases.

I got this issue because of two things.  1st, there is an article by an excellent modeler , Yufei Moa.  He is one of the best 72nd scale modeler I’ve seen and I love his work.  This issue contains a model of an early MiG-29.  As usual, the work is inspired. 

Also, there is a build by another modeler of the Trumpeter Su-15.  Since I am in the beginning stages of this kit, I wanted to see what someone else did, especially since the modeler/author did the same scheme that I wanted to do.  It is a very nice job, with very subtle fading and weathering.

Again, I’d recommend this issue, but given the price, I just have a tough time recommending every issue of this magazine, even with its quality content.

Magazine review: IPMS/USA Journal Vol.23 #1

The latest issue of the Journal hit a while back.  I’ve been meaning to do a review, but I am afraid I put it off, partly because there are only so many ways to say “great magazine”.  However, this issue is particularly noteworthy in that the editor has remedied one of the few deficiencies.  In previous issues, when there has been an article with a scratchbuild or heavy modification, there haven’t been scale drawings to go along with the article.  This limited the ability of the modeler/reader to duplicate the work.

In this issue, there is an excellent heavy conversion of an F4U-1 back to the prototype.  The modeler/author did a great job.  In addition to the numerous photos of the project, there is an excellent set of drawings in the magazine.  Kudos to all involved.

As usual, the rest of the magazine is excellent.  If you are a modeler and are not a member of IPMS/USA you are missing out.  Join today.  Tell them David Knights sent you.

Kentucky politics

This just makes me proud to be a Kentuckian.  I am afraid I will lament the lack of a “none of the above” line on the ballot.

The latest Kelo madness

Here it is.  Will this ever stop?

What has become of England?

I can only conclude they have too many police officers and not enough real crime.  How else do you explain this?

Jim Bates makes progress

Mr. Bates F-86 is moving along at lightening speed. (at least for him)  The fuselage is together.  Here is proof.

Airfix F-86

P.S. Jim, you doon’t want to know what the third rule of Jim Bates’ modeling is. 🙂

In praise of the EVO

About as month or two ago I got an HTC EVO.  I was very unhappy with my previous Samsung phone.  Since I am with Sprint an iPhone wasn’t an option not that I’d get one anyway.(Apple is evil.) My friend Mike Nofsinger recommended the EVO to me some time ago.  Man was he right.  This is a great phone.  It is probably the best phone I’ve ever had.  In fact it is probably one of the best pieces of technology I have used in a long time.  The GPS and internet functions are great.  It is very easy to use.  The camera is first rate.  It won’t replace a laptop, but it comes close.

This entire post was written on the EVO and posted from the phone.

Jim Bates’ F-86

The first rule of Jim Bates’ models is you don’t talk about Jim Bates’ models.

The second rule of Jim Bates’ models is you don’t talk about Jim Bates’ models.

So, without elaboration, here are photos of Jim’s recent work on the Airfix F-86 kit in 72nd scale. (God’s one true scale)

F-86 cockpit

Another view

Another view

P.S. Good luck before the Supremes Jim.

More electronic publishing

I recently posted on this subject noting the rapid growth in this area.  Here is another story of someone who is making a good living writing and selling their books in E-format for 99 cents a download.