tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51995032351811207332024-03-12T18:17:27.552-05:00Project 43rdThis blog mainly documents my progress building 1/43 scale model cars. And from time to time, just some random thoughts or things that interests me.Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.comBlogger275125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-80281434725970248092021-01-12T07:45:00.000-06:002021-01-12T07:45:41.698-06:00First update of the year<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkeCVmq5MLM/X_2kiGlK5UI/AAAAAAAA9wo/RWLPbsvMPJUwBMJqsw_3mFKa_6CDBZv7wCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_2682.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkeCVmq5MLM/X_2kiGlK5UI/AAAAAAAA9wo/RWLPbsvMPJUwBMJqsw_3mFKa_6CDBZv7wCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_2682.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Slow baby steps. May not look very different in the picture, but I have fitted a number of things on the body - side mirrors, little winglets in the rear behind the airbox, the 2 chimney like thing on the sidepod. Also assembled the front wing assembly.<p></p><p>Next would be test fitting the rear suspension, may be assemble the rear wing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcNDlHMBx6w/X_2mzEMlwCI/AAAAAAAA9w0/S0Z9MuEZhT4MrURtrzboGGp1Jibv1CTwQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_2653.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcNDlHMBx6w/X_2mzEMlwCI/AAAAAAAA9w0/S0Z9MuEZhT4MrURtrzboGGp1Jibv1CTwQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_2653.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bought myself a State Park Pass, so this year I will probably do more hiking. And this guy was my latest encounter in the woods. A Texas Nine-Banded Amadillo.</div><br /><p><br /></p>Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-84587186961768878582020-12-31T13:48:00.005-06:002020-12-31T13:48:50.988-06:00Almost done with 2020<p> Today is the last day of 2020, it's been a strange year. Because of the pandemic, a lot of events got cancelled. In fact I was really looking forward to run the 2020 Tokyo Marathon, and the trip to Kagoshima afterward. Unfortunately, just like everything else, event was cancelled and my trip was cancelled.</p><p>I am thankful that the pandemic forced me to set up my workbench again and restarted building model cars. I am doing it at an extremely slow pace.</p><p>I have a collection of 1/43 models of the cars that I owned. The only missing one has been the model of the Ford Bronco II when I was in Boston back in around 1998. Finally found a decent model of it. In the 007 movie Quantum of Solace, there was a scene that James Bond drove a Ford Bronco II. And the model is the movie version of it, red in color and with dust painted on the body and the windows.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4rE1jQ0l1s/X-4oakBm_lI/AAAAAAAA9Nw/767UTD9MXd8ygMDS9rus8AXTkbuvUN0wACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_2556.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4rE1jQ0l1s/X-4oakBm_lI/AAAAAAAA9Nw/767UTD9MXd8ygMDS9rus8AXTkbuvUN0wACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_2556.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Bronco II was very beat up, and has rust everywhere, but it was with me during a difficult time of my life. I cannot leave this model as is. I have 2 options. One, repaint it in white just like all the other car models. Or Two, modify it to look exactly like the one that I had. Either option, I had to disassemble the model and strip everything off. Last weekend, it took me a while to take the thing apart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEJVWXu45n8/X-4oaoUojcI/AAAAAAAA9Nw/DQOYsziNFhU7qN1ggeH5RB2jiHbA2sdoQCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_2558.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEJVWXu45n8/X-4oaoUojcI/AAAAAAAA9Nw/DQOYsziNFhU7qN1ggeH5RB2jiHbA2sdoQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_2558.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the process, the windshield wipers and the rear wiper are damaged since they were glued in. I am going to replace them with photoetched ones from other kits. Also, the model does not have any side mirror, I will need to find a pair and add to it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next step will be stripping the paint off. It'll be in 2021.</div><p><br /></p>Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-63780552291810708682020-08-09T07:43:00.000-05:002020-08-09T07:43:20.263-05:00In Limbo. But with a good reason<p> We all do things for a reason. Or not do something for a reason. There is always a motive behind our action.</p><p>No new update on the MP4/23 front because I did not spend any time on the workbench. Not because I was traveling like in the old days. During COVID-19, can't go anywhere anyway. Not because I was busy training for any marathon - all road races were cancelled.</p><p>Then, why? It went back 2 weeks ago when I was working on the kit. Even though I am not planning to go nuts to chase after all the minute details (I don't have the skill nor the tools like some of the master builders), I still want to do a decent job. I did have some photographs that I took way back when at McLaren when I was in UK many years ago. Unfortunately, I don't have any picture of the exhaust area. Nor was I able to get any good picture from Google search. I am pretty sure F1 Modeling magazine published back then would have photographs from all angles. May not be from the same race, but would be good enough for reference. So I bought a copy that I think would have what I need from eBay. The cover is an MP4/23, I hope it's a good sign. I am just waiting for it to get delivered. As of today, it should be here tomorrow! Feeling excited.</p><p>Went to another Cars and Coffee yesterday. Here are some pictures of pretty cars.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HnKDFk7xXSw/Xy_ucaCDxoI/AAAAAAAA5po/jGfb2lQjPdUa8X5376oy6mu54vTK0rIVwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_1956.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HnKDFk7xXSw/Xy_ucaCDxoI/AAAAAAAA5po/jGfb2lQjPdUa8X5376oy6mu54vTK0rIVwCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_1956.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBxU5VOKxkE/Xy_ucVNl83I/AAAAAAAA5po/MQ_iqyTZztobA6Obp7rX3DMAtnailvkKACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_1957.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBxU5VOKxkE/Xy_ucVNl83I/AAAAAAAA5po/MQ_iqyTZztobA6Obp7rX3DMAtnailvkKACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_1957.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uua7gUf6y_U/Xy_ucRHSxmI/AAAAAAAA5po/-AxRzKJZedwGTCAVKb1eh8JWiORhqshcwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_1961.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uua7gUf6y_U/Xy_ucRHSxmI/AAAAAAAA5po/-AxRzKJZedwGTCAVKb1eh8JWiORhqshcwCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_1961.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAEiqupDqsc/Xy_ucafjPzI/AAAAAAAA5po/epjH00o5L28hIVbOMR67iAIp6xsbEPblgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_1959.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAEiqupDqsc/Xy_ucafjPzI/AAAAAAAA5po/epjH00o5L28hIVbOMR67iAIp6xsbEPblgCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_1959.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nfhDLy7AqY/Xy_uceUGafI/AAAAAAAA5po/v_1sJpolqCUT9gLIiSTaE7f5DWviO-_WQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_1958.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nfhDLy7AqY/Xy_uceUGafI/AAAAAAAA5po/v_1sJpolqCUT9gLIiSTaE7f5DWviO-_WQCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_1958.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-22937149513461934092020-07-26T15:19:00.000-05:002020-07-26T15:19:02.716-05:00Looking at (1/1) and working on (1/43)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpSH6WKwJjA/Xx3iOcwSnmI/AAAAAAAA5c8/tTrhT-ZJf5UxF8UQu-YzH0LoISi40amcACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_1928.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpSH6WKwJjA/Xx3iOcwSnmI/AAAAAAAA5c8/tTrhT-ZJf5UxF8UQu-YzH0LoISi40amcACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_1928.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0M3J8QQARWo/Xx3iOXEghMI/AAAAAAAA5c8/9G6fyWImpFYbjJY1cbVwyWdUTRPhsz9owCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_1925.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0M3J8QQARWo/Xx3iOXEghMI/AAAAAAAA5c8/9G6fyWImpFYbjJY1cbVwyWdUTRPhsz9owCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_1925.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SMVjBebnrt4/Xx3iOUFY1QI/AAAAAAAA5c8/Se_4sfA5k1saBnqMSKAeF7Ydf9TMyVNGQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_1930.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SMVjBebnrt4/Xx3iOUFY1QI/AAAAAAAA5c8/Se_4sfA5k1saBnqMSKAeF7Ydf9TMyVNGQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_1930.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's third Sunday of the month, that's the Ferrari Club's cars and coffee. Turn out was great, I got to see 2 488 Pista's, and the craziest thing - 2 Enzo's!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And of course, other cars also showed up, like a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ and a Murcielago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After lunch, back at the workbench and continue working on the MP4/23. Continue to clear the white metal parts. Also carved and hollowed out 1 brake duct (3 more to go and 1 more air box) to make it a little bit more realistic. The one on the left is done, the one on the right is not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4VL1CxvWj4/Xx3ksHkontI/AAAAAAAA5dU/RiBQ-qk35DUrTn7w1_mlCdN6zyIfy-jVwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_1933.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4VL1CxvWj4/Xx3ksHkontI/AAAAAAAA5dU/RiBQ-qk35DUrTn7w1_mlCdN6zyIfy-jVwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_1933.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-1316418343146508862020-07-22T21:10:00.001-05:002020-07-22T21:10:51.106-05:00Step By Step (Not the New Kids Song)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dv_c6Fh-lwk/XxjtfHdPRwI/AAAAAAAA5ZU/nZB06zL5XFcRn_f5R5ZFLU95QwGCcBb9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1BF7E6E8-30EA-470E-A72D-1E3859CDF641.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dv_c6Fh-lwk/XxjtfHdPRwI/AAAAAAAA5ZU/nZB06zL5XFcRn_f5R5ZFLU95QwGCcBb9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1BF7E6E8-30EA-470E-A72D-1E3859CDF641.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Taking a different approach building this time. Growing up building plastic models, I used to just buried myself in doing that and focused on just building. This time, I am only spending may a hour or two each night after dinner working on it the past few nights. Slow and steady. No rush, eventually it’ll get done. This will be just a simple build. Not going to chase getting the details right or adding detailing parts.</div>Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-73866190180117331662020-07-18T23:30:00.002-05:002020-07-18T23:30:55.896-05:00Return of the penny<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Gr23kEqAZY/XxPG4B-At5I/AAAAAAAA5W0/6hvM5fAJLd4Pdh4y96tMIkyCqLB8hwm8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3CZyKmZfSr6dLxexpqSNEw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Gr23kEqAZY/XxPG4B-At5I/AAAAAAAA5W0/6hvM5fAJLd4Pdh4y96tMIkyCqLB8hwm8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3CZyKmZfSr6dLxexpqSNEw.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once upon a time, I was quite crazy about building 1/43 miniature cars. I was spending all my free time building, thinking about different projects, buying reference books, looking at eBay listings and bidding on kits (and I wonder why I collected all these kits?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This time, I think I am back. Only back to building, won't be buying any new kits for sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Spent the entire Saturday cleaning up the body of this guy. That means I picked 1 out of the 4 choices.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2008 McLaren MP4/23 Monaco Grand Prix!</div>Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-29788533931364290162020-07-16T11:32:00.000-05:002020-07-16T13:57:01.065-05:00Taking the First Step<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5zynCEZVgo/XxB8nCOI_RI/AAAAAAAA5WY/TURBSVZ6lFUBm18fY4asS2ggzJgCmgdqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/A7824C81-0A69-4F2A-8418-BF6F136BA8E3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5zynCEZVgo/XxB8nCOI_RI/AAAAAAAA5WY/TURBSVZ6lFUBm18fY4asS2ggzJgCmgdqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/A7824C81-0A69-4F2A-8418-BF6F136BA8E3.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Picking up the Lotus or the Williams work in progress would be a challenge. Even though I tried my best to pack up everything before I moved, I just lost track of where all the parts are.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last night, as a first step, I took inventory of all the kits that I have collected through the years. I was shocked. I have now collected over 100 kits - Tameo, BBR, MFH, Studio27, Provence Moulage, Renaissance, Starter, FDS, Meri, you name it. There is just no possible way that I can finish building all of them in my lifetime. I probably will sell some of them on eBay.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, I have narrowed down to build one of these four:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>2005 Renault R25 Chinese GP</li>
<li>2006 Renault R26 British GP</li>
<li>2007 Ferrari F2007 Chinese GP</li>
<li>2008 McLaren MP4/23 Monaco GP</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What do you think?</div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-67468672794328657082020-07-14T09:34:00.001-05:002020-07-14T09:34:32.161-05:00Return to the WorkbenchCan't believe my last post was 2 years ago! Too many things happened in the past couple of years. Left my old company, relocated to a different city, different state. When things seemed to be stabilized, the stupid virus turned the world upside down.<div><br /></div><div>One main reason I put down building 43 was my addiction to training and running marathons. So far, I completed 5 marathons including 2 world majors (Chicago and New York). Was going to run Tokyo Marathon this year, but you all know what happened. Now that all marathons are cancelled, I do not have any goal race, and no point doing any serious training.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I just decided to come back to building 43. Got rid of a lot of things when I moved from Chicago to Dallas. The first order is to clear some space in my home, setup a workbench and replenish supplies. It probably will take some time before I can actually restart and pick up where I left off. So, stay tuned!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgBpOV2J9zA/Xw3CIkU9neI/AAAAAAAA5V0/fPOFx9EWYKoIr7qW0DoKS2Y-_IwR2muWACPcBGAsYHg/s3025/IMG_20200314_124920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3025" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgBpOV2J9zA/Xw3CIkU9neI/AAAAAAAA5V0/fPOFx9EWYKoIr7qW0DoKS2Y-_IwR2muWACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20200314_124920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-18764534618036400162018-05-24T16:06:00.000-05:002018-05-24T16:06:22.706-05:00Porsche Reimagined By SingerI have been abandoning my 1/43 projects for like 2 years now. Partly because I picked up endurance running and had been training. Since then I ran 2 full marathons, a couple of half marathons, 15k, 10k, 5k races.<br />
<br />
So in order to satisfy my passion for miniature cars, instead of building them, I resort to purchasing completed display models.<br />
<br />
Lately, I started to obsess about classic Porsche 911. The design to me is timeless. I am especially fond of those ones that Singer Vehicle Design reimagined.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TswpWbectqo/WwcofLdUakI/AAAAAAAAtfM/pkL1MVA0JRs2KlQiQekM6qS5vYE6LhvIACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TswpWbectqo/WwcofLdUakI/AAAAAAAAtfM/pkL1MVA0JRs2KlQiQekM6qS5vYE6LhvIACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_6631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This one is from Make Up Co., Ltd's Vision brand. Not as expensive as some of the BBR and MR ones, but quite a bit more expensive than Minichamps and Spark.Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-12621399804381183782016-11-01T13:57:00.000-05:002016-11-01T13:57:41.124-05:00On the run instead of the workbench: 8k/10mi/13.1mi/26.2mi<div>
It's been quite a while without any update. A lot of things happened since, some good, some bad. I am still around. Unfinished kits are still sitting on the workbench. I swear I'll get back to them soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Last year, I and a bunch of friends signed up to run the Hot Chocolate 5K in Chicago last year for fun. I've never ran more than 400m in my life and I've been just sitting around and eating for the past couple of years. To get me in shape to at least complete the 3.1 mile race, I started my running. Unexpectedly, it became my therapy, gave me time to escape from the harsh reality and to cope with life in general.<br />
<br />
Early this year, to give myself more reasons to keep training, and something to look forward to, I signed up for the Chicago Half Marathon in September. I signed up for a couple more races in between. The Shamrock Shuffle 8k race in April, the Soldier Field 10 mile in May. In the process, I started to do Saturday long run with Nike+ Run Club in Chicago. Gradually increasing my mileage. It's amazing that only in a couple of months, from barely able to finish running 1 mile, I was able to run 15+ miles. A buddy talked me into putting in an application for the Chicago Marathon. Since there is a lottery for the entry due to its popularity. my original plan is to try 26.2 miles in 2017, if I get in this year, I'll defer it to 2017 and if I don't, I'll put in an application again next year. Then, I got this in my email:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7iMhoxaeAQ/VxjUWCUoSXI/AAAAAAAAbVk/PJTyT85kuj4i46pcYQc_OcKN5n8BvhnpwCLcB/s1600/Chi%2BMarathon%2B2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7iMhoxaeAQ/VxjUWCUoSXI/AAAAAAAAbVk/PJTyT85kuj4i46pcYQc_OcKN5n8BvhnpwCLcB/s400/Chi%2BMarathon%2B2016.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I got in! With the encouragement of Running Club buddies, I kept on training for the Marathon. In the mean time, work travel got kind of out of hand the second half of the year. Since August, I can count the number of days I spent at home with my hands. To keep up with my training, I ran wherever I was - along the Danube in Budapest, Hungary, along the Rhine in Prague, Czech Republic, in Bochum, Germany, in Suzhou, China and in the middle of nowhere in Pennsylvania. Got lost running in places that I don't know, but thanks to Google Map, I could always find my way back.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3qUKIM8uu08/WBf72BQ_z0I/AAAAAAAAhn8/m85WDSDMFaM/s640/blogger-image--2002329946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3qUKIM8uu08/WBf72BQ_z0I/AAAAAAAAhn8/m85WDSDMFaM/s320/blogger-image--2002329946.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With NRC Budapest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YNRetoKqq5E/WBf7zMvfUyI/AAAAAAAAhn4/0WriVA1WqPg/s640/blogger-image-80207636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YNRetoKqq5E/WBf7zMvfUyI/AAAAAAAAhn4/0WriVA1WqPg/s320/blogger-image-80207636.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made a wrong turn and got myself lost in Prague</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3 weeks ago, I ran my first ever marathon and I managed to finish it! Accomplished my primary goal of finishing a marathon, missed my secondary goal of finishing it under 5 hours by 00:01:16. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eih1gWGf1gE/WBjiLeYUULI/AAAAAAAAhoQ/J_o8vADxZWEg4zAwKjeg3bTc4di2i-TXQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eih1gWGf1gE/WBjiLeYUULI/AAAAAAAAhoQ/J_o8vADxZWEg4zAwKjeg3bTc4di2i-TXQCLcB/s320/IMG_4997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-1874455285491800052015-10-26T23:55:00.002-05:002015-10-26T23:55:21.975-05:00Keep on going<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U0KKMur9jZI/Vi8CjoufQhI/AAAAAAAAThA/GrB1OAaPmew/s640/blogger-image-990456521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U0KKMur9jZI/Vi8CjoufQhI/AAAAAAAAThA/GrB1OAaPmew/s400/blogger-image-990456521.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A couple more pieces of decal on.</div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-21597198586017427652015-10-25T20:32:00.004-05:002015-10-25T20:32:46.385-05:00Chasing the finish line<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fMVWSOId_BY/Vi1_qjKH-wI/AAAAAAAATgU/H7fjnmha-HM/s640/blogger-image-2047222632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fMVWSOId_BY/Vi1_qjKH-wI/AAAAAAAATgU/H7fjnmha-HM/s400/blogger-image-2047222632.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today's USGP surely was exciting to watch. The best part is I don't have to get up early to watch it. Instead, I was at the workbench putting decals on the Lotus 107. May be I can still meet the deadline?</div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-74242508584145190552015-10-21T08:44:00.000-05:002015-10-21T08:44:08.907-05:00Back to the Future<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JaSL-yZqHAY/VieSAECBY8I/AAAAAAAATeU/ttBTmnTLZUk/s640/blogger-image--109511941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JaSL-yZqHAY/VieSAECBY8I/AAAAAAAATeU/ttBTmnTLZUk/s400/blogger-image--109511941.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Today is Oct 21, 2015. In the movie Back to the Future II, Marty McFly travelled from 1985 to this date in the DeLorean.<br />
<br />
Talking about time, it is almost end of October. Last week, I realized:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ItOOw8YjofQ/VieVlfso7mI/AAAAAAAATeo/FscRAoaBNmU/s1600/IMG_0350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ItOOw8YjofQ/VieVlfso7mI/AAAAAAAATeo/FscRAoaBNmU/s400/IMG_0350.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to finish the Lotus 107 before end of November! The FW29, since it's been taken so long already, I am going to just focus on the Lotus 107 for now and try to get it done. And I am not going to try add any more detail because of time. Last night, I primed the body, base, front and rear wings, which you can see in the top picture.</div>
<br />
Of course it was a movie and time machine does not exist yet. But I was able to time travel through the internet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jDTyd_yKciI/VieSiRXuoCI/AAAAAAAATec/cJ-Pp9jHXfY/s640/blogger-image-1472439449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jDTyd_yKciI/VieSiRXuoCI/AAAAAAAATec/cJ-Pp9jHXfY/s400/blogger-image-1472439449.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Two Tyrrell 023s from eBay: Brazilian GP and San Marino GP. I did not know that in 1995, Tyrrell 023 came in 2 different livery. They ran a dark blue colored car before switching to the white body with blue during the 1995 season. the Brazil one was the dark blue one.<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Direct from BBR, two Ferrari's. They were on sale at their web store, but as usual with any order from Italian companies, took them quite some time to process the order and ship them to me. They are new old stock. But the cast quality is fantastic.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-8673462067293193412015-08-08T20:17:00.002-05:002015-08-08T20:17:52.394-05:00Shopping<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TP2DopOUua0/VcYXmcTSBTI/AAAAAAAAQiU/xd0ODLKR624/s640/blogger-image--695888117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TP2DopOUua0/VcYXmcTSBTI/AAAAAAAAQiU/xd0ODLKR624/s400/blogger-image--695888117.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I slowed down buying kits quite a bit nowadays, but the rate is still not zero. Found his BBR Williams FW16. The first 1/43 F1 kit I built was a BBR Ferrari F399. Haven't built another BBR kit since then. I am sure I will get to this one some time. This kit was fairly old, but the quality of metal casting is very good. In my opinion, better than Tameo of that era.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YXEBcK3K2EM/VcYXns3LmKI/AAAAAAAAQic/nHI58KzrPuo/s640/blogger-image-2106825076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YXEBcK3K2EM/VcYXns3LmKI/AAAAAAAAQic/nHI58KzrPuo/s400/blogger-image-2106825076.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the reading material front. The latest issue of Model Graphix is quite interesting. The main feature is on layout of model building space. Now I have some ideas to improve my workshop aka living room.</div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-1930556708300623972015-07-27T09:10:00.000-05:002015-07-27T09:10:11.642-05:00Continue at snail speed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5H7JLdNDw6M/VbY5MoMlV-I/AAAAAAAAQbU/mwFZN2XqzFc/s640/blogger-image-1419640799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5H7JLdNDw6M/VbY5MoMlV-I/AAAAAAAAQbU/mwFZN2XqzFc/s400/blogger-image-1419640799.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Decal application count = 2. At least I can blame the weather this time. Weather has been nice in Chicago. There aren't many nice days here during the year, so I have to go outside and enjoy it when I can. Fall and winter are just around the corner.</div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-35164689105031253802015-07-19T16:41:00.001-05:002015-07-19T16:42:14.972-05:00ResumeNot much. Just 2 tiny pieces of carbon decal. Progress is progress, no matter how small it is.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HWt7jk-402w/VawNTtWuOHI/AAAAAAAAQFo/WqB4Jgdp1wo/s640/blogger-image--478793519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HWt7jk-402w/VawNTtWuOHI/AAAAAAAAQFo/WqB4Jgdp1wo/s400/blogger-image--478793519.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-85288248122472956262015-07-13T08:35:00.002-05:002015-07-15T07:56:52.615-05:00Bonjour!<br />
Over Christmas last year, I got to know a friend's family friend who moved to France for over 30 years and he has been working as a guide at the Louvre. Since I haven't been taking any real vacation for some time now, I decided to visit him before he retires. So I went to Paris last week. After spending the majority of the week visiting museums, churches and palaces, all of a sudden it dawned on me that I should go look for miniature car stores in Paris. Quick check on Tameo's web site and I found the store Boutique Auto Moto. The store is full of model cars of all different scales. Not a whole lot of kits on display, but whenever I started to ask about this and that, Nicolas from the store will go down to the basement and came up with a kit or two. There must be a lot of treasures hiding in the back.<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lh5nSyD827A/VaO8eieWXII/AAAAAAAAOuI/8zs_-Y_IOGs/s640/blogger-image--1129483425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lh5nSyD827A/VaO8eieWXII/AAAAAAAAOuI/8zs_-Y_IOGs/s400/blogger-image--1129483425.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X73M6kSGEvU/VaO8dIpeRfI/AAAAAAAAOuA/7MHXoBTxeIg/s640/blogger-image--186617563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X73M6kSGEvU/VaO8dIpeRfI/AAAAAAAAOuA/7MHXoBTxeIg/s400/blogger-image--186617563.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZmRd0AOlfno/VaO8b3InT4I/AAAAAAAAOt4/VCaJHQujUc4/s640/blogger-image--1367947606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZmRd0AOlfno/VaO8b3InT4I/AAAAAAAAOt4/VCaJHQujUc4/s400/blogger-image--1367947606.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OEpXsH3pvYQ/VaO8f0IQsTI/AAAAAAAAOuQ/JAZ15vZ8jO4/s640/blogger-image--280183857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OEpXsH3pvYQ/VaO8f0IQsTI/AAAAAAAAOuQ/JAZ15vZ8jO4/s400/blogger-image--280183857.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zx5xWX7_-2w/VaO8jY5gv2I/AAAAAAAAOuo/3ZPqWvsWSz8/s640/blogger-image--609379811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zx5xWX7_-2w/VaO8jY5gv2I/AAAAAAAAOuo/3ZPqWvsWSz8/s400/blogger-image--609379811.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rl_WhbP92oE/VaO8iL6MGfI/AAAAAAAAOug/7gmGy480JpE/s640/blogger-image-876431695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rl_WhbP92oE/VaO8iL6MGfI/AAAAAAAAOug/7gmGy480JpE/s400/blogger-image-876431695.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best part is when Nicolas pull out this Renaissance kit - 1981 Renault RE30, a kit that can be built into the version that French F1 Champion Alain Prost scored his first Grand Prix win at the French GP in 1981. A model of a French F1 car of a French F1 Champion that won French Grand Prix made by a French company available in French store in France, I must have it! So here it is:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ffuStGuW-zo/VaO8hEsuibI/AAAAAAAAOuY/cX5iaXrhjTU/s640/blogger-image-333658992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ffuStGuW-zo/VaO8hEsuibI/AAAAAAAAOuY/cX5iaXrhjTU/s400/blogger-image-333658992.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The store in Paris is at 6, rue des Halles, 75001 Paris. Very near the Louvre and Palais Royal.Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-51065472675984614992015-06-15T11:55:00.000-05:002015-06-15T11:55:14.093-05:00Le Mans Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l30rO4bkrAI/VX8By9ydECI/AAAAAAAAObk/kHaimafTjYw/s640/blogger-image--2106442737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l30rO4bkrAI/VX8By9ydECI/AAAAAAAAObk/kHaimafTjYw/s400/blogger-image--2106442737.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Got this delivered to me right before the Le Mans weekend. Wonderful pictures of Group C cars raced in Le Mans between 1982 and 1991.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nothing much to report on the building side of things. Absolutely ZERO seat time in front of the workbench lately.</div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-59956594020512172042015-05-28T19:53:00.000-05:002015-05-29T15:17:18.399-05:00Gravity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M4G4dWwXsNA/VWex2cIB--I/AAAAAAAAD3Q/Nnb_lmvUJfo/s640/blogger-image-1162040552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M4G4dWwXsNA/VWex2cIB--I/AAAAAAAAD3Q/Nnb_lmvUJfo/s400/blogger-image-1162040552.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh well, gravity struck again. Sigh...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is how it happened. I bought this parts holder painting:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IAXtgfytrqA/VWjG1650yKI/AAAAAAAAD6k/U3afgaNASu4/s1600/61zrHBtQBHL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IAXtgfytrqA/VWjG1650yKI/AAAAAAAAD6k/U3afgaNASu4/s320/61zrHBtQBHL._SL1500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Notice that the alligator clips are snapped onto these 2 horizontal rods. They rely on friction to hold the clips angular orientation. It would have been fine it the pieces are from plastic injection model kits, as they do not weight much. So the torque at the joint would not be greater than the static friction. Unfortunately, for a 1/43 F1 car body which is made of white metal, the weight is too much to handle. After I was done painting, I left the body kind of balanced on to of that alligator clip, about 6" above the metal rod at the base. Then I heard the blunt sound of a block of metal hitting my wooden floor. Mass x Gravity x Length of Moment Arm > Torsional Friction happened. Now I will have to fix that stupid wing, again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-17754459026270618392015-05-27T22:07:00.002-05:002015-05-27T23:28:20.191-05:00Just do it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GWVHC6agDa0/VWaC3Mow1TI/AAAAAAAAD28/EdaACRLjeSk/s640/blogger-image--306155149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GWVHC6agDa0/VWaC3Mow1TI/AAAAAAAAD28/EdaACRLjeSk/s400/blogger-image--306155149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last weekend was Memorial Day long weekend. I thought I was going to spend some quality time at the workbench. Unfortunately, laziness overpowered me and I did absolutely nothing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, I forced myself off the couch and did some masking. Will spray some blue on pretty soon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then disaster struck again...</div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-31925692883934605752015-05-12T20:38:00.000-05:002015-05-12T20:38:01.479-05:00About time to get some real work done<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHX4KCh3K1w/VVKne0erdaI/AAAAAAAAD2I/70j4LZIk6Ak/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHX4KCh3K1w/VVKne0erdaI/AAAAAAAAD2I/70j4LZIk6Ak/s400/IMG_0792.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I think I am done with test fitting this. Time to wash the parts, prime and throw some paint on. And start to put in all the little details.Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-980917583989110732015-05-09T21:37:00.000-05:002015-05-09T21:37:07.784-05:00Tulips and buffalo in the city<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfiJ91F2bnU/VU7CW0XkmTI/AAAAAAAAD0I/ci4lRqt9kbo/s1600/IMG_0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfiJ91F2bnU/VU7CW0XkmTI/AAAAAAAAD0I/ci4lRqt9kbo/s400/IMG_0767.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1qD_HbLyvnE/VU7CW-tKoBI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/gPKFIWgMUoE/s1600/IMG_0772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1qD_HbLyvnE/VU7CW-tKoBI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/gPKFIWgMUoE/s400/IMG_0772.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1Q-QgzMoSU/VU7CW1ismjI/AAAAAAAAD0M/0YwhaOKupPg/s1600/IMG_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1Q-QgzMoSU/VU7CW1ismjI/AAAAAAAAD0M/0YwhaOKupPg/s400/IMG_0774.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8BSvjlzl4W0/VU7CX2Izw0I/AAAAAAAAD0Y/qigGPaaNbxI/s1600/IMG_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8BSvjlzl4W0/VU7CX2Izw0I/AAAAAAAAD0Y/qigGPaaNbxI/s400/IMG_0775.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PXD7PSBQTpQ/VU7CYOkm5_I/AAAAAAAAD0s/2vWtk9iWZy8/s1600/IMG_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PXD7PSBQTpQ/VU7CYOkm5_I/AAAAAAAAD0s/2vWtk9iWZy8/s400/IMG_0777.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's that time of the year again! All the tulips along Michigan Avenue are blooming. At the same time I found a buffalo on top of the Red Line Subway entrance on Chicago Avenue. Apparently, that's for promoting tourism in Montana.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vHdi1CV1d-s/VU7CYtLzNWI/AAAAAAAAD0g/bXYfdU3t5ok/s1600/IMG_0787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vHdi1CV1d-s/VU7CYtLzNWI/AAAAAAAAD0g/bXYfdU3t5ok/s400/IMG_0787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And the reason why I was roaming around the city and not at my workbench this weekend? Waiting for paint to dry.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjHJF1rfFMc/VU7CY6G-a1I/AAAAAAAAD0k/mM0WVTqz2XA/s1600/IMG_0788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjHJF1rfFMc/VU7CY6G-a1I/AAAAAAAAD0k/mM0WVTqz2XA/s400/IMG_0788.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-47442077080587278582015-05-01T19:27:00.004-05:002015-05-01T19:27:45.373-05:00Mystery solved<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-INn7CbXIRL4/VUQRTzybmBI/AAAAAAAADzg/qHt44bY1xXo/s640/blogger-image--482064233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-INn7CbXIRL4/VUQRTzybmBI/AAAAAAAADzg/qHt44bY1xXo/s400/blogger-image--482064233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
When I was struggling to find the answer to the color of the Lotus 107 seat, I found this book on eBay with a lot of detail pictures of 107 and 107B.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--8VLne-uDtA/VUQRU7TJvLI/AAAAAAAADzo/rt0quKQCEEI/s640/blogger-image-1686451009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--8VLne-uDtA/VUQRU7TJvLI/AAAAAAAADzo/rt0quKQCEEI/s400/blogger-image-1686451009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
And the answer to the question is RED!</div>
<br />Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-77604119321407572222015-04-25T21:04:00.000-05:002015-04-25T21:47:55.450-05:00Tools and productivity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qmnfrC5AjFk/VTwzGHkboQI/AAAAAAAADy4/nV7YdSwW6DM/s640/blogger-image-1533342338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qmnfrC5AjFk/VTwzGHkboQI/AAAAAAAADy4/nV7YdSwW6DM/s400/blogger-image-1533342338.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I like cooking, but I hate washing pots, pans, and dishes. Same thing applies to airbrush. While dishes can stay in the sink until I have the motivation to wash them, I must clean the airbrush right the way or risk having the nozzle clogged. And with just a single airbrush, I have to clean it before I can spray with a different color. But the time I am done cleaning, my motivation to spray is usually gone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Today, the problem is partially solved. I got a second airbrush, an Iwata Neo. It's a relatively cheap airbrush, but it is quite similar to the Iwata Eclipse that I've been using. Some reviewers said that it is not as durable, but the way that I am using them, it probably will last a long time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Also bought some quick release connector so I can switch between the 2 easily. I immediately started spraying the FW29. If it wasn't because I ran out of semi gloss black paint, I would have finished painting all the black colored parts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phb8aaxOAA0/VTxRuoBIoTI/AAAAAAAADzI/mbuBh8t7ePo/s1600/IMG_0754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phb8aaxOAA0/VTxRuoBIoTI/AAAAAAAADzI/mbuBh8t7ePo/s1600/IMG_0754.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So, at least for today, my productivity improved. Let's see how long this motivation can last.</div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5199503235181120733.post-58216839065660127482015-04-22T21:49:00.001-05:002015-04-22T21:49:13.707-05:00Latecome becomes the fast finisher?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6JHn4pJJ3k/VThb3U8kb5I/AAAAAAAADyk/F0if8iXyB00/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6JHn4pJJ3k/VThb3U8kb5I/AAAAAAAADyk/F0if8iXyB00/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Taking shape. May be the Lotus will be completed ahead of the Williams. Who knows?Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980204573914479133noreply@blogger.com2