Magazine review: RT Vol. 35 #1 (Spring 2013)

Regular readers of this blog are by now well aware that Random Thoughts (RT) is the magazine of the Canadian branch of IPMS. Those same readers also know that I think very highly of the magazine.

With the current issue, I have no hesitation in saying that RT is now THE BEST modeling magazine out there, either commercial or non-commercial. The balance of photos to text is just right. The photos explain the important points from the text. The articles all go well beyond the ususal ” I did A, then I did B” type of build. There is lots of detailing/scratchbuilding and a wide variety of subjects.

In this issue there is a build of a PV-1 nightfighter in 72nd scale and a 72nd scale LCM (3) Also in 72nd scale there is a detailed build article on the H-44A (H-21) in Canaidan service.

Even though the US membership for IPMS/Canada is $40 a year, I consider it money well spent.

Being a former President of the U.S. is a great job.

Proof here.

Magazine review: Scale Aircraft Modelling Vol. 35 #1 (March 2013)

This is the most current issue of I have, though a new one may be out by now.  While not a 72nd scale-heavy issue, there are none the less some nice articles.  Of 72nd scale interest are a build of the Cyber Hobby Sea King HC.4 and a battle -damaged Me-110E.  Frankly, the idea of portraying battle damage interests me and I wish there was more about it in the 110 article.

The best article in the issue is a vacform/scratchbuild in 48th scale of a Whitley.  This is a very well-done model.  While the article in the magazine is extensive, it probably deserved even more coverage than it gets.  Again, SAM is a great magazine, with only its steep $13 price tag discouraging a more full-throated endorsement.

The 2013 modeling project (entry 15)

Date: 4/07/2013

Time:  9:00 a.m.-9:45 p.m.

Session time:  30 minutes (actual building time.)

Total time for the Year: 19 hours 23 minutes.

My first Skype building session in a while with Ohio supermodeler Jim Bates.  More work on the B-24D engines and props.

The 2013 modeling project (entry 14)

Date: 4/06/2013

Time:  7:45 a.m.-10:15 p.m.

Session time: 1 hour 30 minutes (actual building time.)

Total time for the Year: 18 hours 53 minutes.

This entry should have been put in over a week ago,, but I am playing catch up.  More work on a Saturday at the MMCL workshop.  More work on the B-24D.  Once I get caught up, I’ll start posting some photos.

The 2013 modeling project (week 13)

This should have been posted two weeks ago but I’ve gotten behind.  I pledge to keep this more current.  Week 14 ending 4/1/13.  After having gotten in some work in week 12, week 13 returned to the lull that has occurred since January.  Part of that was due to family obligations for the elder daughter’s birthday and Easter.

Beer review: Banana Bread Beer

Banana Bread Beer

I am generally not a fan of “flavored” beers.  (Yes, all beers are flavored, but you know what I mean)  However, I have to say that I enjoyed this beer.  It is brewed by Wells & Young in England.  The beer does have a distinct banana bread flavor, but it is not overpowering or unpleasant.  There is no harsh finish.  It was very easy to drink.  I came in a pint bottle for $4.99.  It has an ABV of 5.2%.  I would actually seek this beer out again.  Very nice.  Highly recommended.

A new Formula 1 movie

I cannot wait to see this one.  Ron Howard is directing.

Weird story of the day.

I am not sure whether or not I am surprised by this.  I read a similar story about Las Vegas a year or so ago.

Our frightening future

I can’t believe that this type of stuff is being discussed again.