Thanks for attending our May meeting.  We covered a lot of territory again.  Here's the LINK to the recording.  You'll need the following password...

Access Passcode: =E8*fEnZ

We kicked it off with a little comedy from Terry J of Monte Python fame. 

David Angelo led off by telling us about his KKMoon Airbrush.  This is a knock off of an Iwata airbrush.  This is a double action airbrush.  It has what David described as a non working MAC valve under the color cup.  It comes with three needles and matching nozzles in sizes .2mm, .3mm, and .5mm.  It also includes a quick disconnect.  You can buy this on eBay from China, delivered for $26.89.  David reports that other than the MAC valve, it paints well.  I was unable to find replacement parts, but for $26.89 you probably couldn't find replacement parts for that cheap.  If you're looking for a low cost airbrush, or want to try one out, you might want to give this a look.  

They also sell one with a mini portable compressor as well as one with a pistol grip.  Here's a link to a review of a similar airbrush.  Shopee as David described it is similar to Amazon.

Next we discussed an idea I have for displaying my Flower Class Corvette, HMS Compass Rose.  Replace the steamboat with the Flower Class Corvette and the giant alligator with a U-Boat.  

The next challenge is forced perspective.  I wanted to make the submarine appear deeper in the water.  Not crush depth which in the same scale is about 28 inches.  1/700 scale is too small because that would look like double crush depth.  So I'm going to add a 1/400 scale type VII U-Boat.  

The trick to forced perspective is to frame the scene.  To do that I'm thinking of building a solid base that only allows the viewer to see the submarine from above.  The submarine will be blurred by the coloring of the water and surface texture.  The smaller scale will make it look deeper.

But what about the submarine?  Do I go with the original plan and use a 1/400 submarine model?  Or do I use a photo or image secured to the bottom?  Good suggestions from the group!  I'll be sure to play around with both ideas and see what makes the most sense.

The entire display will be covered with an acrylic case to protect the Corvette floating around on the surface.  So I don't want to make it too tall.  Certainly not more than 4 inches, otherwise I'll need to take out a second loan!

So much to think about and more to come!

Next John Widmar shared his latest creation.  Welcome to John's World!  John picked up the buildings from a company in Spain.  He added 1/700 Frigate's and added his own style with aftermarket rat lines and made his own sails.  John also added tons of palm trees adding which tied the scene together.  All we need now are villagers! 

I especially like how John creates depth in his water.  The water medium is not that deep, but using darker colors next to the shore line sells it.  Really nice work John!  And John's World would not be complete without a light house and some wrecks at the base of the cliffs.  

Next up was Gerald and his latest creation from Warped Ensign Models.. er... White Ensign Models.  Gerald told us about the challenges he had with warping in the hull.  It was twisted.  Gerald implemented the right fixes by heating up the hull and reshaping it until it cooled, but this resin has a long memory.  At the end of the day it turned out well.  

Gerald mentioned that the antenna on top of the gun director gave him fits, but it certainly looks the part.  Nicely done!

Next we shared progress from Rob Weilacher's USS Long Island, the first Escort Carrier.  Rob's making great progress and we look forward to getting an update in the future.  

We checked some history on the Long Island and learned what became of her post war.  She was saved from the scrap heap when she was converted into a passenger liner.  She was used for everything from transporting emigrants to a youth hostel.  She ended up being a nice and interesting looking vessel at the end of the day.  I think it provided some inspiration to David Angelo.  

I was back up with my annual Easter build completed!  This is the Zucas Studios Perry Class Frigate Q/Egg/Distorted/Toon/whatever you want to call it.  I call it just plain fun.  Zucas Studios is working on the Arleigh Burke class and I'll look forward to adding that one to my collection!

For Tool Time we have a product used by Dentists.  Posted Notes?  Nope!  But same idea.  They are mixing pads that Dentists use to mix up resins, etc.  They have a protective coating that keeps anything wet from transferring to the other side.  They are great for putting down spots of glue, mixing epoxy, etc.  And when done you just throw them away.  They cost about $3.00 for a pad of 100.  Jerry and I each picked up a set and I've already started using them.  I think this is going to be a keeper for my work bench.  This idea was originally passed on to us form Will Pattison's YouTube channel.  

We looked at some interesting kits coming out to the market.  One of the most interesting is this Bismarck model from Agora models.  It's 1/200 scale and has all the bells and whistles including lights and fully functional turrets.   This is really a giant diecast model on steroids when completed.  The way it works is you sign up for the program and pay monthly.  In turn you receive every month a section to complete.  There's no painting.  Simply screw or assemble the parts each month.  At the end of a year you have a completed model.  They make other stunning high end models as well.  This ship will cost you about $1500 in the end.  

 

Another company we talked about was Kraken Hobbies.  They produce 3D resin parts and upgrade sets for model ships.  If you're not a fan of 2D photo etch weapons in 1/350 and 1/700 scales, this company can help you out.  We talked about them before and they seem to be expanding and adding quickly to their catalog.  They are worth checking out.  Here's the Kraken web site.  Check them out!

That's about it for May.  I look forward to seeing you all next month!