|
|
 |
Even though my builds (and completions) have slacked off lately,
I still have a vested interest in this hobby... |
|
|
January 2012... Happy New Year! |
|
As I approach the one-million page
load mark... |
|
Substantial update this time around.
I have finally completed the
British
4.2-Inch mortar and I am
quite pleased with the final result.
It took some time to do but I
finally got it done! Also, some
excellent photos sent in of the
mortar collection at the museum in
Koblenz Germany via my good friend
from Finland, Vesa Toivonen... |
 |
|
 |
Certainly has been a long stretch since
my last entry. Just been
flat-out with life in general and
spending more time on my new DSLR
equipment, trying to get close to
mastering that. Still relying on
updated Point-and-shoot equipment
for modeling photography as model/macro
photos with the DSLR is still a work
in progress. Some DSLR shots
here
and
here.
The surrounding photos are from my
first night/no flash attempt... |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
A quick photography related project
in the attempt to hopefully create
better photos, I constructed this
photo booth out of 3/4" PVC pipe. I
was quite pleased with the photos
taken of the British 4.2-Inch
mortar. Shown here with both DSLR and Point
and Shoot camera set up. |
 |
Relatively inexpensive to construct,
the pipe and connections cost about
US $20 and is certainly sturdy
enough to support lights, rolled
backdrop paper and power strip. Can
easily be taken down for storage as
well. |
|
 |
Boring winter weather-wise so far,
the only snow that we've received to
date was a surprise and damaging storm
of last October. We avoided any
major dwelling damage although there
was a good amount of tree downage on
the property. We were out of power
for roughly three days. All cleaned
up now with a good amount of
firewood for next season. Some
photos... |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
My heart remains healthy, still
working out at the gym three days a
week but, the running has basically
stopped. Maintaining (and exceeding)
cardio and strengthening routines.
Doing and feeling great! |
|
Recently completed a fall semester
photography course to get more
familiar with my DSLR equipment and
having a ton of fun with that as
well. |
|
However; my trusty Olympus
Stylus-7010 point and shoot camera
is always at the ready. Recently
caught this Red Tail Hawk on top of
a light post... |
 |
|
Still employed at various jobs, a
lot of work for far less money but
having fun with what I'm doing. My
2012 horoscope says that this year
will be a good one as far as
employment goes so maybe I'll land
that one job to get me through the
week. I hope so! Getting tired and
would like to have my weekends back
to spend with my wife and around the
property and also to
get back to a 'normal' schedule...
having
enjoyed the two long weekends over
the past holidays... two weeks in a
row with
two days off... I could
get used to that. |
|
Anyway, as I approach the 1M hit
mark, I would like to thank you for
keeping this web site and my hobby
going. It is still a lot of fun to
maintain and I sincerely appreciate
your continued interest and support as well.
Many, many thanks! |
|
Until next time, and as always,
please contribute when and where you
can. |
|
I thank you! |
|
|
October 2011... |
|
 |
|
A good 1/1 scale update this month with
the addition of
Page 4
to the 1/1 Photo Shop. Mortar
photos in from Brunei, Thailand,
Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE from
a wishing to remain anonymous source. |
|
|
Also in this month, the unidentified
mortar that was shown on the
1/1 Photo Shop page
has now been identified as a
Tampella built Model 1955 81mm Mortar
and has been moved to the Finland
section along with an additional Model
1955 photo. |
|
|
The scale modeling funk continues but,
on the other hand, the
photography
bug continues to bite! Practicing and
taking evening courses to better my
photography, haven't quite figured out
the Macro options yet but as soon as I
do, that's when the scale modeling will
once again kick into high gear! Also in
the process of turning a part of 'The
Bunker' into a semi-studio and working
on the lighting etc. |
|
In the meantime, when the DSLR camera
isn't at the ready, the trusty Point and
Shoot camera always is. |
|
A recent long weekend getaway to Block
Island, RI and with a nautical flair... |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Some (I think) neat stuff with my P&S
camera and due to the lousy weather, I
didn't want to risk getting my DSLR wet. |
 |
|
|
|
|
...Another photo opportunity, this time
on a bright sunny day's walk. Not the
greatest but I really like my Olympus
1010 point and shoot... It is always in
my pocket. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Other than that, the schedule remains
the same... work, gym, work, gym,
school, interviewing, household chores
and so forth and so on... |
|
|
Thanks everyone! If you can help out
here with any mortar related items...
models, the real thing, veterans, info
etc, etc, please feel free to support
'the cause'! I am always looking for
content. |
|
|
September
2011... |
|
|
|
|
I've got those scale modeling blues.
The British 4.2" mortar with the
Sergeant-Major standing by remains at 85%. |
|
This update contains some excellent M1, 81mm mortar
reference photos, once again being provided by Ron Bollen @
www.modelbouwleuven.com, being
added to the US Section of the
1/1 Photo Shop page. |
|
|
The photography fun continues with another
helicopter added to the
photography page
this time it is of an R22 Robinson
helicopter taken at the local (9B1) airport.
Had a great talk with the pilot and he
allowed me to get my camera right in to it.
Getting a little better with the new DSLR
equipment. |
|
Actually accomplished my first photo shoot
as I was asked to photograph a local family
both inside and outside at their home. They
(as well as I) were very pleased with the
resulting photos! Out of the 95 photos
taken, I provided them with 80 very nice,
high resolution photos. Enjoyed it
tremendously! |
|
Photography classes start in a few weeks. |
|
|
 |
While I'm writing about photography, we
recently had a couple of friends from
Australia stay with us and after dinner one
night, we walked the main street of the
city. With my trusty Olympus 1010 point and
shoot camera, I took these two photos. City
Hall (left) and the City's Administration
Building on the right. |
 |
|
 |
Hurricane Irene, although downgraded to a
Tropical Storm when it passed over and we
survived her ok. Numerous trees down and we
were without power (and water) for 32 hours.
No major damage on our property although
there was a lot of tree debris in the yard.
Cleanup was intensive but managable and
actually had the yard all spruced up before
the power came back on. She could've been a
lot worse. Some photos... |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
...Back yard... During and
after... |
...Driveway... During and
after... |
|
|
|
Other than that... the schedules continue...
Thanks everyone! |
|
|
July/August
2011... |
|
|
|
|
...and the scale modeling doldrums continue.
The British 4.2" mortar with the
Sergeant-Major standing by remains at 85%
completed. I'll get back into it one of
these days. |
 |
Some excellent M2, 60mm mortar photos
provided by Ron Bollen @
www.modelbouwleuven.com
added to the US Section of the 1/1 Photo Shop page
at this update. Excellent reference
material! As well as two new models added to
the
guestfiles
page. |
|
In the meantime, I have been enjoying my new
hobby with the new camera equipment! Still
learning but have managed to get out a
couple of days... one of those days being at
a local (RI) airshow. Although somewhat
disappointed with the aircraft turn-out, I
did get what I think are some pretty good
shots. I have created a new
photography page
with several of my photos.
Clear/sharp prints (at 12x18") and
several have been framed and hung within the
house. |
|
Getting a little more familiar with filters
as well. At left is a picture of the sky
behind my house using a thin circular
polarizer. |
|
Photography classes start in the fall but,
working where I work sure helps out a
tremendous amount as well. Having some
great fun! |
|
|
At the end of July, I attended our 40th High
School reunion. Wonderful day, beautiful
piece of property with an awesome pool!
Although I arrived later on during the day
due to a work conflict but it was great to see
most of my classmates of so long ago. Hard
to believe that it has been 40 years... some going back to at least 42 years. Had a blast in the pool doing
front/back flips and dives and as a 58 year old cardiac
patient, I can still do those things. I'll
be doing them the next time we get together
too! They almost had to call 9-1-1 to get me
OUT of the pool. |
 |
+ |
 |
= |
 |
|
Not much has changed in 40 years! |
|
|
The work schedules continue although in this economy...?? The
gym workouts continue as well and slowly easing
my way back into running. Everything else is
great! |
|
|
That's about it for now. Thanks again
everyone for your continued support! Getting
close to 1,000,000 page loads! |
|
|
|
May
2011... |
 |
 |
|
 |
Spring
has arrived... Life
renewed! Colors are starting to appear and well, short
pants are in order. :-) |
|
|
I have
finally added the
SdKfz 251/2 at this
update and this is the 48th mortar in my collection. I'm happy with the results, some errors on
my part during the building process but, it came out
ok. Unfortunately, I had to rely on my old, less
capable camera to photograph this. My new camera has
arrived but the macro lens that I desperately need
and want, has not. Quite PO'd to say the least. |
|
Some
additional M29, 81mm mortar photos from the USMC
Museum via
MAJ.
Mike Del Vecchio also were added to the
1/1 Photo Shop page
with this month's update. Thanks Mike! |
|
The
British 4.2" mortar (with figure) progress continues
albeit at a snail's pace. It is still in the
painting process but with the household chores, both
indoor and out plus work, plus the gym and
everything in between, progress with the hobby is
slow. Hopefully, I'll have a better progress report with
the next update. |
|
|
I have
had some good fun with with good results (I'm still
learning) so far with
the new camera and the Sigma 70-300 1:4-5:6
telephoto lens that I was able to get... (See the
Site News
page)
this
lens being
a priority for the upcoming air show season. Some
sample shots taken at the local (Marlborough
- 9B1) airport... |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
That's
about it for now. Again, my sincerest thanks for
your continued interest! Feel free to help out where
you can. |
|
|
April
2011... |
|
|
|
They say
that spring is coming. A good heavy wet six inches of
snow to start out the month. At this point of the
season, you just gotta say..." screw it, let it melt"!
The Dafodills are starting to come up and we should
start to see some color in a couple of weeks. Life
renewed! |
|
Progress
continues on the British 4.2-in mortar... the painting
sequence is well underway. In the meantime, the new
camera equipment has arrived and I am in the learning
process with that.
Site News |
|
The
'normal' schedule continues... the workouts at the gym
continue and the 12 miles a week (four miles x 3 days)
are continuing as well. Feeling great with some good
runs! Not bad for someone that'll be 58 next month. |
|
That's
about it for now. Again... thanks everyone for your
support! |
|
|
February
2011... |
|
|
|
Dead
of Winter... the winter from hell! (But having a
good time with it!) |
|
Checking in with the first entry of the new year. The SdKfz. 251/2 project
is now complete however; check the
site news
page for further details. The model came out great for someone that has for
the most part been struggling with the hobby over
the recent past. |
|
|
 |
In the
mean time... the 1/1 wood shop project has been
completed and we're enjoying the new piece of
furniture. |
 |
As
mentioned, this has been the winter from hell! Since
the end of Dec 2010, we've gotten several major
snowstorms here in the Northeast US. Been able to
manage it all ok so far but with the recent storms
(and one more just about due to arrive), the snow
banks along the driveway are getting higher and
requiring a little more effort to lift the snow up
and over. Some banks are approaching 6ft (2m) high. |
|
...Some photos of the past couple of storms. (Not
including the last two!)... |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
...Still a lot of shoveling even with the
snowblower... |
 |
...Some good color showing up in the back yard this
winter. A rarity as this type of Woodpecker is
usually only seen on occasion during the summer
months. Nice having this guy around... |
 |
|
 |
...Our
'resident' Woodpecker still lives in this house
attached to our rear porch. We've named him
"Haywood" because when we see him, we call out "Hey
Wood". He doesn't seem to mind me shoveling off the
porch as he has returned home while I have been up
on the porch about 3ft (1m) from his 'front door'.
Nice having him around this winter too. He's been
living in this house for about a year now. I guess
that we feed him pretty good! |
|
|
The
gym workouts continue and my running has resumed as
well. I am now running up to 12mi (19.3km) a week. Not too shabby for someone
that's pushing 58 years old and is a cardiac
patient! Pumping some serious iron as well and
having a great time with the workouts. My heart is
strong and the implanted stents are working wonders. The knees are holding out too... I feel
fantastic! |
|
The
current job situation remains steady however; the
search for that 'one' job continues. Still
having a lot of fun. |
|
|
PLEASE feel free to
contribute to this site where and when ever you can!
|
|
In
process... the British Smooth-Bore 4.2" Mortar, Mark I! |
|
Thanks
Everyone!! |
|
|
November
2010... |
|
|
Another summer... gone... battening down the
hatches for the onslaught of winter.
Some outside color remains but for
the most part, the trees are bare
and the never-ending battle to keep
the leaves off the lawn continues. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
This month's site update consists of
adding a good friend of mine to the
Honor Roll page. Charles Ayer, a
veteran of the Vosges Mountains
campaign, 100th ID and also some
really cool photos of the naval
version of the 120mm Patria NEMO
mortar added to the Finland section
of the 1/1 Photo Shop page. |
|
 |
The 251/2 project is built. One of
these days when I have nothing
else to do other than work, gym,
property and school, I'll sit down,
blow the cobwebs off my airbrush
and paint this model!
One of these days... |
 |
|
|
A 1/1 scale woodworking project has
taken just about all of my free time
as of late. We had to buy a new TV
and in-turn that required a new
entertainment center to accommodate
that as well as the stereo
components,
DVD player etc. It has been fun
doing this project as it has been
quite some time since my last 'major'
woodworking project. It has been
stained and the polyurethane coating
has begun. Couple more weeks. |
| |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
The last of the crops have been
harvested :-)and even the birds are
making preparations for the oncoming winter. |
 |
|
|
On a personal note... celebrating
two years (13th) since my heart
procedure and well... I'm doing
great! The gym workouts continue, I am
back to running (although my knees
really hurt!) and doing well with
the strength and cardio workouts. Doing
so well that I no longer have to go
for yearly cardiac stress testing. |
|
 |
A recent procedure of another kind
had me in the hospital for several
hours. It stinks getting old but,
nothing was found... I'm clean as a
whistle (in more ways than one!) and
I don't have to go through that
again for another 10 years! |
|
|
Thanks again everyone!!!! |
|
|
August
2010... |
|
|
|
Checking in with the August 2010
edition. Summer continues, surviving the
hot weather ok. The lawn is browning but
doing (and looking) ok. The work
schedule continues, still trying to
eliminate the non-stop schedule but
there's no luck with that yet. The up-to six
hours a week workouts at the gym
continue and my heart with stents is
doing just great! |
 |
 |
|
Speaking of the lawn. The well sprung a
leak about four feet (1.3m) down and
emergency repairs had to be done. The
leak was noticed fairly quickly, the
well did not run dry (thankfully!) and
was back up and running the next
evening. My better half always keeps a
couple of jugs of water handy for such
emergencies... plenty for the
necessities. The back hoe required to
dig the well out ripped up the back lawn
and that will have to be repaired late
summer/early autumn. Unexpected expense
for sure! |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
The kitchen remodeling is almost
complete! The tile back splash is up
(not shown in pic to the right),
just need to grout and seal it and we'll
be done! Major cleanup of the rest of
the house is now in progress, trying to
reclaim what was once ours. :-) |
 |
|
|
The major site update this month being
the 31 images added of a
M4A1 MMC
restoration. All photos graciously being
provided by Ron Bollen of Belgium and I
sincerely appreciate his kindness! |
|
|
There has been some progress on the
workbench with the 1/72nd scale SdKfz.
251/2 but, it is still a ways away from
seeing any paint. Man, this model is
small with lots of parts involved. |
 |
 |
|
|
|
We spend a lot of our 'free' time out on
our screened-in porch. We play a lot of
cards, good, fun competition between the
two of us and although my wife currently
has the upper hand, I am closing in on
her rapidly. I am the reigning champ,
two years in a row. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
We tend the crops (:-)) as well. The
tomatoes, spearmint, basil, chives and
cucumbers are all doing well with some
minor 'harvesting' having already taken
place. (Notice the 'Bunker's' well
camouflaged machine gun slit lower left.
LOL) |
 |
|
|
Enuff of this...
Thanks again everyone! |
|
|
June/July
2010... |
|
|
|
Ah, summer... what we've been waiting for all
year long. The Humming Birds have arrived, the
Woodpeckers are nesting, the Cardinals are
chirping, the Finches are posing in high up
places (but not long enough to photograph), the grass is up, the
flowers are flowering and the crops :-) are in... |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
...We've even had fox and deer passing thru the
yard. |
|
...and it's been
...HOT, HOT, HOT!... |
 |
|
|
|
Some modeling progress to report on this
entry... some. Although the interest is there,
it is still difficult to get down to 'The
Bunker'. Here is proof that I actually did get a
session (actually, several sessions) in. Felt
real good although time is still at a premium... |
 |
 |
 |
|
With the nice weather, what free time there is
is spent out in the back porch. Our favorite
room during the summer. No bugs, it is quiet and
very peaceful... |
 |
 |
 |
|
I
did manage to take a day off and we took in the
Quonset Point RI airshow on 6/27. Beautiful day
for an airshow and although slightly
disappointed with the aircraft turn-out as I was
expecting the F-22 and the V-22 to show up and
thought for certain that the new CG HC-144A
would be there, they were not. Good flight demos
from various fixed-wing, led by the Thunderbirds
and rotors as well as great static displays of
current and vintage aircraft as well as Army air
and ground equipment. I was quite impressed with
the quality of the young soldiers and
airmen/women. Some photos... |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
_small.jpg) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Other than that, the schedule continues... |
 |
|
|
Thanks again everyone! |
|
|
|
|
Some great
updates as of this writing... The Honor Roll page, the New Zealand section to the 1/1 Photo Shop
(Page 2) and the Guest Files page... all inputs up from
New Zealand. There's been very
little scale modeling accomplished on my part, I have
however started in on the Dragon 1/72nd scale SdKfz. 251/2 but
unfortunately some of the kitchen wiring and plumbing is
in the ceiling of my modeling room, having to pack up the
place in order to not get saw dust etc all over
everything. The wiring is done and the process to 'reclaim'
my
room has started albeit with some major cleaning and changes. |
|
We
survived the recent flooding ok. A trickle of water in
the basement but nothing that an old t-shirt wouldn't
soak up. We were fortunate as some neighbors in newer
houses suffered flooded basements. The only 'real
damage' for us personally was that I could not get to
work for several days due to the roads being closed off.
Some photos below. A once in a lifetime experience for
sure. |
|
Flood
#1... and then the sun came out... |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
...then
the rains returned and with a vengeance... Flood #2... |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Far Above Right:
The Sudbury River, normally, at this spot it is about 25
yards wide. Photo taken a day before it closed off Rt.
20, the main east bound route. |
|
 |
...These
two didn't seem to mind the abundance of water. |
|
Hopefully
some modeling progress next time a round.
Thanks
again everyone! |
|
|
February/March
2010...
Winter... still... |
17 March |
|
Even the birds are still snowed-in but
it is getting better weather-wise. March has started out
much better! Ah... but still... the
Caribbean and those refreshing drinks of not-so-long-ago. |
...Bird House attached to the rear porch. |
|
Some
modeling news to report on in this entry... some but not
much. The 46th mortar added to this collection is
another 1/72nd scale WWI subject from HäT, this time
being an Austrian M16 pneumatic mortar. Bordering on the
comical but a good/easy subject to work on while
every day life is still KOAS. :-) |
|
A special
addition to this latest update... I am
honored to have Philip Leduc, a Vietnam Veteran 4.2"
mortarman from the 173rd Airborne Brigade added to the
Honor Roll page. Phil was kind enough to send along a
note that I have included at his link. Turns out that he lives just down the
road from me and this will make it very easy to meet him
someday. |
|
I have
grand illusions of starting the Dragon Sdkfz 251/2 in
the very near future however, we are under construction
with remodeling the kitchen over the past several weeks
and is expected to continue for several more weeks. All
new cabinets, appliances, fixtures, electrical and
plumbing work. Combined with the current jobs, this
leaves little time for anything else. |
|
The work
schedule continues... Happy to be employed in the
current economy. |
The gym
workouts continue although at a more infrequent pace.
Trying to get there as much as possible but with the
current schedule, it is difficult. The knee is just
about back to 100% but still sore at times. The heart is
doing quite
nicely with the stents in place but, I must admit, I am
slowing down. Overall, not doing too bad coming
up on 57 years old. Prepping for another Heart
Walk in May.
 |
...Last year's Heart Walk
participants. |
|
|
Hard to
believe that the 9th anniversary of MiM is at the end of
March... Thanks to everyone again for your continued
support!! |
-
Winter is here. Been whacked with several 'good'
snowstorms so far with a total snowfall of about 28
inches (71cm) to date. Bitter cold temperatures
too-boot. We did enjoy a white Christmas and a white
New Year's Eve/Day here in the
Northeast US and most likely, we'll have a snow cover
around these parts for some time to come.
|
Even the bird's are snowed in. :-) |
But the Woodys know where to go.
|
|
Photo taken just outside a bedroom window... |
 |
Photo taken just outside the kitchen window... |
 |
-
Some good modeling and reference
updates to report
on to start out this New Year. Two 1/72nd scale WWI
mortars from HäT. Not much as far as traditional
scale modeling goes but a good exercise in small
scale painting. Also, several additions to the 1/1
Photo Shop pages with photos in from Finland,
Australia and various locations throughout the US.
-
Some spark to finish off the British 4.2-Inch mortar
that has re-surfaced on my workbench. Hoping that
the current work schedules will allow me to find some time to
spend at the workbench over the course of the winter
months.
-
The knee surgery mentioned in last month's entry to
repair a torn meniscus (cartilage) in my right knee
was successful. There is still a slight soreness
that remains at this writing but I am expected to
fully recover and should be back to running in about
another week. (I need to shed some of the recent
holiday weight gain!) Amazing what orthoscopic
surgeons can do. I was fortunate to have had the
same surgeon for last month's surgery as I had back
in June 1998 (left knee) and there are no doubts
whatsoever about a complete and full recovery this
time around as well.
|
The Knee... |
|
 |
|
Before and After |
|
December 2009...
Happy
Holidays
Everyone! |
|
|
-
Well, winter
has arrived. Cold temperatures and the first snowfall of the
season. Ahhh... those days in the Caribbean of just a few
short months ago.
-
-
-
Some good
modeling progress to report on... well good from my point of
view and compared to what hasn't been happening on the
workbench as of late. Two 1/72nd scale kits from HäT
Industrie. Not much as far as traditional scale modeling
goes but a good exercise in small-scale painting. Should be
posted by the next update.
-
Also some
great photos to be added up from the Australian Vietnam
Veteran's Museum will be added next time as well.
-
Another trip
to the hospital on the 17th of December. This time it's
about the snore knee that I mentioned in the last journal.
Turns out that I've torn some cartilage in my right knee...
not from working out and running at the gym but from mowing
the lawn early last summer. Been bugging me and it is time
to get it fixed. The same Orthopedic Surgeon that repaired
my left knee about 15 years ago will be fixing this one as
well. Happy about that as I have had no problems with the
left knee since and I'm quite confident that this will work
out well as well. Should be back to work on the 21st but no
running for about two weeks.
-
The MRI
scan...
-
|
|
 |
Finally, some modeling progress to report on this
time around albeit non mortar related. I've had this
Glencoe 1/288th (?) scale 3-Stage Ferry Rocket in
progress for about 10-11 years now and I finally got
around to finishing it. Ran it through Photoshop CS3
and had a little fun with it...
Been
struggling with the hobby as of late and this model
actually felt good to do. |
-
I have
completed the latest re-vamping of MiM by adding the
biographies back to the veterans on the
Honor Roll.
MiM is now up to 80 pages!
-
-
My
Cardio/Strength Training workouts
continue at the gym and feeling better and better as time
goes on. The 'cardiac event' of last November seems to be
only a 'bump in the road' now... still very aware of what
happened but feeling no adverse effects... certainly has not
slowed me down any. Still more energy than I know what to do
with. I continue to run at an average of 9.1 minutes per
mile for two miles and 'speed' walk on average of
approximately 7.5 MPM for up to four miles. Weight lifting,
push-ups, inverted sit-ups, leg-lifts etc., etc. Working all
the muscle groups while keeping that old ticker going. Even
doing a little post workout meditating. I'm feelin' great! I
hope to get back out on my bicycle real soon if it would
ever stop raining.
-
-
The garden has
been planted and is taking root although with all the rain
as of late, some vegetables may not make it.
-
-
Always hopeful
that I'll get to finish some of the mortar subjects that
I've got in process...
Again... Thanks
everyone!!!
|
May
2009... |
|
|
-
Been busy the past several weeks and sorry to say
that there's been no progress as far as scale
modeling goes. I still have several builds in the
works but nothing has been done as of late.
-
Couple of personal milestones to report on...
- A)
My wife and I have celebrated our 30th wedding
anniversary this month. Hard to believe that she has
put up with me for that long (and more!). A quiet
dinner and some laughs after a long day at work.
Here's to another 30 years sweetheart!
- B)
I also turned 56 this month. :-( Not doing too
bad despite the cardiac problem of last November.
-
Still running... trying to
keep it to two miles maximum up to six to eight
miles a week. Seems that any further than that,
'things' start to hurt here and there... ankles,
legs... something different each time. Feeling
excellent at two miles per workout and I'll keep it
there. Working all the other muscle groups as well and
really feeling great!
- Oh, and then there's the past several weeks going
through Mortars in Miniature and giving it a new
look. It is a constant work in motion but now
there's room to expand and I hope to get some of the
in-process models added soon. I hope.
Thanks
again everyone!!!
|
|
April 2009... |
|
|
-
Not much to
report on this month so far. Spring has sprung and I've been
outside cleaning up this past winter's debris. The snow is
gone but there is the feeling that we ain't seen the last of
it yet.
-
-
There is scale
modeling progress to report on. Non-mortar related but I
have made some painting progress on the Glencoe 3-Stage
Ferry Rocket. Complete nonsense but a lot of fun to build
with some different, non-military colors being applied. I
should have that up on my
Other Models page in a
couple of weeks.
|
 |
Have
updated my graphics programs over the past month
from CS2 to CS3 and have been having lots of fun
getting to know that. Trying to improve on my
photography skills (or lack thereof) and photo
compositions. Getting there but still a ways to go. |
|
 |
Officially, My
Cardiac Rehab is complete however, as I prepare to
participate in a local heart walk, I continue to work out at
a local gym. I have managed to drop 23lbs (10.4kg) since my
cardiac 'event' of last November and feeling great!
Currently running about 10 miles (16km) a week on top of
various other workouts. I haven't been in this good of
conditioning since my army days of so long ago. The only
physical complaints are a little soreness from time-to-time
here and there but the knees and everything else is holding
up quite well for a 55+ year old. |
Thanks
Everyone! But a special thanks to my wonderful wife of 30
years (next month!) for keeping me healthy and wonderfully
in love!
|
March 2009...
Happy St.
Patrick's Day! |
 |
|
-
Winter is
still dragging on and on and on... with a vengeance too.
-
Not much to
report on as far as scale modeling goes since the completion
of the AML HE 60 Mortar Carrier last month. Still several
subjects in progress just haven't had much time to get down
to the 'Bunker'. I did manage to get a primer coat on the
figure that will be used with the upcoming British 4.2"
Mortar.
-
My Cardiac
Rehab has been completed. Good and bad I suppose... Good in
that I'm doing quite well health/heart wise, bad because I'll miss the rehab
and the staff
tremendously... The nurses and other staff members were
truly wonderful, extremely professional and a lot of fun to
be with! I learned a lot and met some great heart survivors
and I will continue to be more conscious about a heart
healthy future. Thank you everyone in Cardiac Rehab at UMASS
Memorial Hospital - Marlborough! I will see you at the
Worcester Heart Walk in
May!
|
|
February 2009...
National Heart Awareness Month...
|
|
|
-
What a winter
it has been! Deep snow cover, ice and bitter temperatures
all season long. Ahhh... those warm tropical days in the
Caribbean of not so long ago...
-
Finally finished a model for this month's update. The
AML HE
60/12 has been added. Hard to believe that it has been exactly one year since the
last mortar was added to MiM. Hopefully, I'll get to finish off some of those built kits that
are waiting in the paint queue.
-
Some site
milestones to mention this month... Mortars in
Miniature has grown to 44 mortar models and is now 70 pages
long. I also celebrate the 80th
contributor this month!
-
Had a
little photoshop fun with a sci-fi model that I built some
10 years ago...
-
The Cardiac
Rehab continues. I have far exceeded the limitations set
after my procedure last November and after a follow-on
stress test, I have basically been given the green light to
do what I feel that I can do! The test revealed that I am
operating at 93% efficiency whereas a man of my age (55) and
having the procedure that I had done, is on average,
operating at 81%. I am working out, running a minimum of two miles a day, six to seven
days a week. I am lifting
weights along with doing various equipment and matt
exercises. It feels great and I
feel great... feeling like I'm 25 again! I am still amazed
at how close I came to having a massive coronary. There was
no known heart problems in my immediate family and trying my
best to avoid another cardiac event. Unfortunately, the
Nitro will never be out of reach. Looking forward
to getting out on my bicycle again in the spring.
|
-
Hope that all
enjoyed the holidays and that there were some great models
found under your tree! Santa left me several of Hat's 1/72nd
scale WWI mortars with figures, should be easy, quick builds
for 'filler' projects in the near future. I am currently
researching them. Soft plastic and simplified kits but
should be fun all the same.
-
Progress to
report on the 1/72nd scale AML 60... it is now in the paint
booth and I hope to have this done for February's update! I
actually may finish something here! :-) Having a ton of fun with
this little bugger... photo etch and figures! Needless to
say that the three other in-process subjects are well, still in-process.
-
Several
updates this month...
check them out!
-
The cardiac
Rehab continues... Up and about walking, working out,
shoveling snow etc... feelin' great! Walking on average 16
minute miles for three to five miles at a time, three to
four times a week. Toning up the flab as well. :-)
|
|
December 2008...
Happy Holidays!
|
|
|
-
The
Cardiac Catheterization that took place last month (November 13th) was
successful. Sort of a routine procedure but it certainly
wasn't for me! They found two blocked arteries, both at 100%
blockage. After 4-1/2 hours on the table, two stents in one artery
(now at 0% blockage) and
an angioplasty in the other artery (minor artery - open to
50% capacity), I am now doing fine... actually feeling better than I have in years and expected to
recover to better condition than before.
Currently in cardiac rehabilitation for 13 weeks (36
sessions) and having a great deal of fun with it. Just like
working out at the gym only many more wires involved.
Unfortunately, I am now a cardiac patient and will be for
the rest of my life.
Welcome once
again to "The Big Guy"!!
-
I do have
several projects all washed/dried and ready to paint. They are:
-
1- 1/35th
scale British 4.2" mortar by Accurate Armour.
-
2-
1/35th scale German SdKfz 250/7, Tamiya and ADV Azimut
conversion.
-
3- 1/35th
scale Italeri USMC LAV-M with Aber Photo etch.
All of the
above will have accompanying figures.
I couldn't
resist the recently acquired ACE AML-60 in 1/72nd scale so,
I started in on building that. Not the greatest of kits but,
I sure have a lot of fun with ACE's kits. Real happy too
that I have found some 'spare' figures for a crew. "The Big Guy" also
provided some excellent reference material for this
build and I'll most likely continue with this project until
built and ready for paint. Might as well add this one to the
unpainted pile too. :-)
Still waiting
for that
'painting
mode'
to kick in. :-)
...Cheers
Everyone!...
|
|
November 2008... |
|
|
- Progress
continues on the LAV-M Mortar Carrier. Some minor
changes/additions were needed and should be heading for a
soapy bath by the end of this weekend (9th) along with the
SdKfz 250/7 and the British 4.2". Lets hope so anyway.
- Picked up
the ACE AML-60 in 1/72nd scale on sale over the past week.
Looks like it'll require some work but, I really like ACE's
kits and hopefully, I'll get started on this within the next
couple of months. The included PE will be a real test for my
eyesight! I'm currently in the process of researching this
subject and also looking for at least one scale figure to go
along with this. Preferably, a decent Post WWII French or
African/Middle Eastern Peacekeeper type.
- A health
issue to deal with this week. I have a partial blocked
artery in my heart that will require Catheterization and
that will be taking place on the 13th (Thursday, not a
Friday the 13th :-)). I should be home sometime the
following day. Fairly routine procedure but, not for me!
'Limited duty' for a while... humm... maybe a good excuse
for some quality scale modeling time!?! Good thing that we
went on vacation recently as now I've got shaved spots all
over my upper torso. Ewwww.
- Good news
is that my nephew has rotated out of Iraq, completing his
second tour, and is back with his wife and two children!
He was recently awarded the Bronze
Star for his professionalism while in theater.
Outstanding job Sarge!!!
Enough for
now... Thanks again everyone!
|
October 2008...
Happy Halloween! |
|
|
-
Some great
progress made on the LAV-M over the past couple of weeks. It
is for the most part, ready for the pre-painting cleaning to
remove the mold release and after that, ready for a primer
coat on the interior. This is a major project, the likes of
which hasn't been attempted by me in many years. Hoping that
the 'buzz' continues on this project... it should as the
weather gets colder outside.
-
-
An interesting
Russian/Chinese made 60mm mortar photo in this month from
Afghanistan. Actual nomenclature is unknown and I am waiting
for permission to post this photo.
-
-
Had a great
time at sea late last and early this month and the new job
is keeping me extremely busy.
|
|
September 2008... |
|
|
|
|
August 2008... |
|
|
- Some
non-modeling but mortar related updates so far this month to report on. Some
fantastic additional info in from the UK in the form of
several manual cover and page scans for the Soviet M1938.
Other updates added to the M30 page... I never knew that the
French had used the Four-Deuce mortar during their NATO
days! Other manual cover scans in from what I can only
imagine to be one incredible personal collection! Thank you
Tom! Also, some great reference material in from South
Africa for a later update.
Finally
completed my Mechanical CAD courses and I hope that'll free
up more time to get back into the hobby some. I have been
able to get down to the 'Bunker' however, I haven't been
able to accomplish much. The LAV-M is (still) spread out all
over the work bench and I have received some very useful figures
(also in from the UK!) for the British 4.2" mortar that is
all assembled and waiting for that proverbial boot in the/my arse to get completed.-
-
I have returned to work albeit part-time, driving a
van making deliveries to homes and business... something
different for me and quite enjoyable for the summer...
-
-
-
-
...however, I
do hope
to return to either a graphic or mechanical position in the fall
as I've been going to school for both for the better part of
the past three years. Despite my semi-retirement (?), anxious to get back into one of those fields.
-
-
The
outdoor chores around the property continue. Wonderful lawn
and garden this year.
-
-
-
Thanks everyone!!
|
|
July 2008... |
|
|
|
|
May 2008... |
|
|
-
Not
much of an update
to mention this time around. However, I am well along with
building the Italeri LAV-M. Started this years ago and it
recently 'caught my eye' once again. After-Market tires by
TAC Scale and (lots of) Photo-etch parts being added as
well. It has turned into a major project and I do expect
that it will take a fair amount of time (several months) to
complete. The wood base has already been cut, stained and
sealed. I am still seeking the out of production US Tank
Crew, Dragon Kit No.: 3020 if anyone out there has one that
they would like to part with. I can purchase outright, trade
for comparable kit or I would certainly accept a donation
for 'the cause'. I would like to have it one way or the
other.
-
-
The
Accurate Armour kit of the British 4.2" Mortar that I had
been working on is built. The base is cut and the model needs to be
painted. I am seeking a good figure(s) to display with this
and I have yet to find a suitable subject and until I find
something, this will most likely be put on hold to
concentrate on the LAV-M for the time being. Please
refer to this page for all my wants and needs.
-
-
School
continues thru to the end of June.
-
-
Thanks to
everyone for your continued support by helping out with info
and your stopping by every now and then!
|
Until next
time... |
 |
|
|
April 2008... |
|
|
- Small
updates to report on this time around with some added info
to the
Japanese Type 89 "Knee Mortar" Page. There's always been a
lack of ammunition information within that subject and I
finally stumbled across some. I used Adobe Illustrator and
Photoshop CS2 to create an artwork of four different types
of grenade used with this weapon with added nomenclatures.
A small update to the 9.45-Inch Page as well and there's
been another contributor added.
- Work has begun on the Accurate Armour 4.2-Inch
Mortar. It's a great kit however, it does have
some issues along with some part omissions but,
I am making progress on it.
Still searching for some
(or a) suitable figure to go with this subject.
-
I have
also revisited the Italeri LAV-M that I started several
years ago. With the exception of the 4.2-Inch model,
I'll probably poke at the LAV here and there while I'm
in 'assembly mode'.
-
Had a good
friend over for an afternoon build session recently.
Caught up on some good times of years ago and somewhat
rekindled the scale modeling 'spark' a little.
-
-
My
schooling and other 'things' continue to take up most of
my time however, I am getting better at getting down to
the "Bunker".
...Stay
Tuned! :-)
|
|
February 2008... |
|
|
- Finally
finished and added the Hasegawa M4A1 Halftrack. Difficult
kit during a difficult time but, it is done! Sort of happy
with the results, could be better, I could've done better
with it but, what you see is what you get. Time to move on
and away from this one.
- Some great
1/1 photos sent in from Finland and Australia also added
this time around.
- Not sure
what project to tackle next. I'll spend some time cleaning
up my work area a little and review the Sdkfz 250/7 project that
basically just needs to be painted. Briefly looking it over
(and trying to remember where I left off), kind of rekindled
the urge to get back to it.
- There's
been lots of snow this winter and lots of moving it off the
driveway. Although I do have a monster snowblower, there is
still a fair amount of shoveling and in the process, I
strained my back. In a house with three flights of stairs,
it has been difficult to get around to say the least.
Finally broke down and went to see the doctor and through
the marvels of modern pharmaceuticals, I'm doing much better
now. :-) I'm almost ready to tackle the 141' (43m) driveway,
three walkways, three stairways and the rear deck again. Our
trip to the Caribbean last December seems like it was soooo
loooong ago! I'm ready to go back!
Thanks Everybody!!
|
January 2008...
Happy New Year! |
|
|
|
- Well, we
survived our recent journey back to Sint Maarten. Lots of
sun, fun and rum not to mention the incredible waters
surrounding the island. We also took in Anguilla during this
trip with a beautiful Catamaran sailing and snorkeling
adventure to this neighboring island. Even though we're back
to the snow and cold, we still like to think that we're
still running on "island time". :-)
- Back to
the business at hand here... As you can see, the Insurgent
60mm Mortar Team has been added as well as some other
updates. 1/1 Photos sent in from the 3rd Battalion the
Yorkshire Regiment have been added and were a nice surprise.
I also had some 50 photos sent in from 1st Bn 12th Inf 4th
ID and these are fantastic photos! Unfortunately, after they
were sent in, there was some second thoughts about having
them posted on MiM due to copyright concerns, The photos
covered M2, M19, M29 and M30 Four-Deuce mortars along with
associated FDC's (complete with beer cans) and firing
positions. I was disappointed in the owner's concerns
however, I do fully understand.
- Some
gorgeous model photos sent in of other scale modeler's
mortars were added last update as well.
- The
Hasegawa M4A1 MMC is back on the workbench. I just need to
'get back into it' as I'm not all that pleased with the kit
and what I've had to do to it to bring it up to 'snuff'.
This kit is lucky to have made it this far.
-
Preliminary referencing has started in on the British 4.2"
Mortar of WWII and slightly beyond fame. Some wonderful
reference material having recently arrived from the UK on
this weapon will be a tremendous help to me in the
construction of this 1/35th scale kit from Accurate Armour.
I'm still looking for some suitable figures to go along with
this mortar.
- As always,
if you can help out in any way, please feel free to do so!
Thank You for your continued support! Coming up on seven
years of MiM in a few months!
|
|
December 2007...
Happy Holidays to
everyone! |
|
|
- Progress
continues on the Hasegawa M4A1 Halftrack. It is painted, decals
applied in between coats of floor wax and a wash was put on.
For some reason, the floor wax on a couple of resin stowage
boxes that I had added would not dry properly and I do not
know the reason behind this. I always give my models a bath
in warm water and dish detergent prior to priming to
(hopefully) remove any mold release agents and residue from
oily skin etc. but, after the oil based wash was applied, I
noticed that the resin parts (only) were not and did not fully dry. They remained
sticky to the touch for a couple of weeks afterwards until I gave up
and just removed them from the model. After touching up the areas
of the model with the base coat, floor wax and an area oil
wash, all seems to be ok and everything has finally dried
completely. I can now continue on with the rest of the
finishing process and hopefully finish up on this difficult
kit sometime within my lifetime. :-)
- While I
was waiting for that model to dry, I started in on the 28mm
Insurgent 60mm Mortar Team from
Stan Johansen Miniatures. This
has now been primed and the base has been selected. Some
good fun and pure enjoyment in doing these fantasy subjects.
I hope to have this completed shortly.
- ...However, we will be vacationing on the island of St. Maarten in the
Caribbean this month and obviously, no scale modeling will
be accomplished during that time. A great opportunity to
catch up on my commercial (and occasional military) aircraft
spotting among other things. Maho Beach, a spotter's
paradise where B747, A340 and smaller aircraft, both jet and
prop, literally fly
50 ft above your head on approach over the beach... close
enough to feel the jet wash and you must hold on when
the aircraft line up just behind the beach for departure. Ah, the smell of jet
fuel... :-) Happy New Year!
|
- My current
project is the 1/72nd scale M4A1 MMC from Hasegawa. This has
been on my workbench for about a year now and as you may know,
there is basically no interior detail to this model whatsoever
so therefore, what was missing had to be built from scratch.
Turning out to be better than an OOTB build by far but it is
lacking in accuracy and will probably be chocked up just for the
satisfaction of having another mortar (#42!) added to my mortar
collection... good or bad. It is currently in the 'paint shop' as I write this
and should be completed before the end
of the year. Some may ask "why?"
- Another 28mm
fantasy/gaming mortar team has just arrived in the mail from
Stan Johansen Miniatures. This
is the
Jihad Insurgent Mortar set and consists of two crew and a 60mm
mortar. This is not so much of a fantasy subject like the others
in my collection but, very nice white metal figures to say the
least. I look forward to doing this set up next. Should be a lot
of fun despite current world events.
- The SdKfz
250/7 conversion is built. It needs to be painted and I'm
waiting for the 'mood' to strike on this one.
- I have the British
4.2-Inch mortar from Accurate Armour
and I am now currently researching this mortar and searching for
suitable British WWII figure(s) to go along with this mortar.
The quality of this kit looks to be superb!
- Other
kits/subjects currently in my possession and are somewhere in
queue are:
- Italeri's
1/35th scale LAV-M.
- Dragon's
1/35th scale 54cm "Loki".
-
Minicraft's 1/72nd scale 60cm "Thor".
- 1/35th
scale Israeli M3
halftrack conversion to mount the 120mm mortar by AEF Designs. Not a pleasant sight looking at the
AEF conversion
set for this.
- A couple
of mortar teams from SHQ in 20mm scale. These white metal
sets will certainly be a test for my eyes even with
magnification strapped on.
|
|
.jpg)
