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Post by general on Apr 29, 2014 18:33:15 GMT 12
Wow. Thanks, Errol.
Half those names are reminiscent of people who served the save time as me, in the 80s/90s. Sobering to think of the sum total of missions flown, only to be downed by the weather.
Regards
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Post by general on Apr 29, 2014 16:56:58 GMT 12
Okies. I said more to follow so I'd better keep to it! A lack of IP decals forced my hand. I delved into one of my F-80 sets and punched out ones TLAR. Applied them to scrap sheet. I filed the kit IP to 0.5mm and popped out the dials. Big improvement. Punched holes for the fasteners, shot lightened black then daubed on artist's acrylic white. Once cleaned up they look okay. Opened the intakes, added thin sheet to improve the internal profile. That's it for now! Regards
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Post by general on Apr 29, 2014 16:40:43 GMT 12
Devonport RSA were looking for relatives of F/O Kenneth McArthur, last year. In the letter I received were details of his rank and tragic death. A 40 Sqn C-47 were probably repatriating personnel from Santu when it disappeared. He didn't register in the family research my uncle did many years ago, though I'm certain he features somewhere in the family tree. I'd be interested to know who the pax were. Servicemen? aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19450924-0fourwindsrnzaf-com.webs.com/fourwindsmemorial.htmRegards
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Post by general on Apr 22, 2014 9:11:00 GMT 12
I was in Ireland at the time the magazine article appeared, detailing the vac resin processes he used. If this is the same guy. The pics look familiar.
It's the same technique for building small boats. I was most impressed.
Regards
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Post by general on Apr 17, 2014 11:30:08 GMT 12
I don't recall Admin's disinterest in my appearance, on any occasion. What did bug me was the discrepancy between signing-on and signing-off. The former could take 30 mins, depending upon proximity of relevant departments. The latter would mean an entire day! Once I was rtb Woody from 3TTS. Walked in the mess on Monday to hear the SNCO ask, "What are you doing here? You're posted AKL!"
Seems everyone but me got the signal. Frantic rush for all appropriate signatures, left my roomie to pack rest of gear and made the 1630 hr SATS. Reported to Whenuapi's BWO office, next day, and suffered a right bawling-out for 'untidy uniform'! I explained my predicament and I think it was merely a show for his 2 i/c. Still had to scamper off to find an iron and shoe polish.
The fun of Sprog Days . . .
Regards
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Post by general on Apr 10, 2014 2:01:31 GMT 12
But me happy now. Yes. That is correct. I actually have two of them. One is commission build, the other is in lieu of my commission price. The cost of sourcing a kit for me wasn't far off my standard fee anyhoos. And I wanted one. Goes together quite well. Not for the faint-of-heart, with no locating pins, the inexact placement of the IP and really thick trailing edges. More pictures to follow. I'm planning a vid review as well. Regards
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Post by general on Mar 1, 2014 22:27:06 GMT 12
Gentlemen, I think I can safely put a fork in it. I was shocked to trace the start back 16 months. What with this and that, mods here 'n there, an 'uncontrolled-flight-into-terrain' late last year and the subsequent depot-level wing refurb and canopy repair it took longer than anticipated. So, Kevin (up in Rotorua) was in the area last Monday and wanted to stop in for an update. I put in major effort, over a week, to get the dangly bits on. It was not to be but I was driving to Roto-vegas Thursday, and delivered it. Kevin was well chuffed, as was I. Particularly like the outcome to the FS 34102 and the s/b canopy details. On top of the Eduard PE the added pitot, spine antenna and front 'screen it looks passable! Paint is MM Light Grey/White under, FS 30214 is Testors Flat Tan/Wood Tan/OD mixed about 3:1:1 with a little white, FS 34102 is Humbrol 30/226 about 3:1, FS 34079 is Humbrol 108/White about 5:1. Sadly Hhu 108 is long OOP. Initial red for the intakes was Humbrol 60 but . . . what was I thinking?! With the 'warning' decals on it looked way orange. Had to mask and shoot Revell P.O. Red, a much better rendition. I'll tempt fate by saying the A-4K is also not far from roll-out. Next up! Regards
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Post by general on Oct 26, 2013 10:32:35 GMT 12
Welcome, Bjorn! I love the idea of a flying holiday. I wish you every success and that you see more than you expected.
Naturally, you would be remiss if you didn't stop into Ardmore field, to the south of Auckland. They're responsible for a lot of warbird work.
Kind regards
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Post by general on Oct 24, 2013 10:49:02 GMT 12
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Post by general on Aug 27, 2013 22:06:04 GMT 12
Gentlemen, quite the hive of busy bees on this thread! Absotively magic to see all these great pics.
If I've missed it I apologise but would there be good colour references for the Fancy nose art? On a prophetic note I have a 1:48th commission build on the cards, for this particular 75 Sqn a/c. I will have to translate the markings into CAD, thence to a decal sheet.
Many thanks for this serendipitous topic!
Regards
Ross
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Post by general on Aug 23, 2013 13:23:59 GMT 12
Not an obituary, but I have been looking into the service of a NZer who flew in the ETO. He's my pastor's late uncle, William John Campbell, W.O. 422366, died 1987.
From conversation with John I learned his uncle possibly flew Hurricanes, so John recalls. Trentham are in the process of tracking down William Campbell's service details. Hopefully I can find out specific a/c and Sqn for a tribute build.
Regards
Ross
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Post by general on Aug 23, 2013 13:13:48 GMT 12
One of my all-time classical favourites. :-)
Regards
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Post by general on Aug 22, 2013 19:45:47 GMT 12
Finally figured out how to drive the 'new-look' Flikr model. Here are two sets for the UniMog and Pinzgauer LAV. What a lot of fol-de-rol. Flikr don't 'arf make things difficult. Nevertheless, I shot these early on this year. The grunts regularly stop by the Turangi 'Z' and B/K. Ample opportunity for me to grab camera. I've missed the big 'Merc semis already this year. Hope to catch some later as the Spring manoeuvres commence. www.flickr.com/photos/organize/?start_tab=one_set72157635183893628Enjoy.
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Post by general on Jul 20, 2013 15:47:12 GMT 12
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Post by general on Jul 17, 2013 20:13:42 GMT 12
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Post by general on Jul 5, 2013 18:09:50 GMT 12
For those with a hankering to do the venerable Aitfix kit I've created masters for the canopies and turret.
The 0.35mm PETG clear I initially used has been the easiest, but the effects of heat has proven mildly problematic with a slightly grainy look up close. I've been doing trials with 0.25mm polycarbonate clear and feel I've gained a satisfactory working knowledge now. This stuff is the dog's avocados for canopies. It allows crystal clear product though it's very thin. I'm looking to source 0.5mm polycarb clear later, when the funds are healthier.
If anybody's interested in a set I'll be making them to order, rather than holding an inventory stock. To reduce the 'Rut-roohh' factor I'll include 2 per set.
I have several other canopy masters, in 1:72nd, so I'll put up a reference to my site once pics are uploaded.
If you'd like to contact me direct -
r_mcarthur(at)xtra . co . nz
Regards
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Post by general on Jul 4, 2013 16:45:12 GMT 12
Yessiree. ;-) Now Don's placed the timeframe I was 'in limbo' then. Started with 1/85 Bas. Eng. Completed 3/85 Mechs but didn't qualify. Applied for Catering and spent 4-5 mths 'job experience' at Woodie before my Basic Chefs @ 3TTS in '86. While between worlds I whiled away some of the time in 4TTS doing various 'homies' for the SNCOs, welding and lathework! (I call it Effective Use Of Resources. Turned bench supports, fishing net handles, etc.)
Regards
Ross
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Post by general on Jul 4, 2013 14:13:14 GMT 12
Hmmm. Since Don hasn't chimed in yet I'm wondering if this was his course. Can't recall all the names. Diane's a longtime friend. Her CET course - 2TTS - were doing the 'Square Mile' pub crawl in Chch and she invited me down, since I was @ 4TTS at the time. Of the official 34 pubs/bars on the map only 33 were open that w/end. As you may notice the count is four in the pic. So we were all still 'healthy'. I got to No. 16, where I hit the wall and taxi'ed back to Wigram. If memory serves three actually finished.
Crazy days!
Regards
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Post by general on Jun 28, 2013 0:53:14 GMT 12
I heard that, too. Regrettably some of the 'talking heads' have little if any grasp on reality.
Regards
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Post by general on Jun 27, 2013 15:26:34 GMT 12
Cheers, chaps. If you haven't already cracked it, clicking on 'Sets' will show the other a/c.
Regards
Ross
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