The Rat's Nest

The Rat · February 22, 2026, 10:03:52 PM

Time to start cannibalising! Yes, ripping apart old builds for new builds and spare parts. As I gradually move operations downstairs, I have to make decisions on what to keep, and what to cull. A number of models were heavily damaged in the Great Cat Disaster of 2024, and are therefore first in-line for recycling. My philosophy, as stated before is 'never throw away anything', so as much as possible will be seen again. One member here has already given me a great idea, details to follow after the brandy wears off...

Pellson · March 03, 2026, 02:15:02 PM

Quote from: The Rat on February 22, 2026, 10:03:52 PMTime to start cannibalising! Yes, ripping apart old builds for new builds and spare parts. As I gradually move operations downstairs, I have to make decisions on what to keep, and what to cull. A number of models were heavily damaged in the Great Cat Disaster of 2024, and are therefore first in-line for recycling. My philosophy, as stated before is 'never throw away anything', so as much as possible will be seen again. One member here has already given me a great idea, details to follow after the brandy wears off...

Good stuff! I have two boxes of recycling victims on a shelf, and from time to time, they do provide a part or two for something more current. F.i the rear half of my J35B came from there, as did two Draken radomes and both the RR Avon 60/RM6C exhausts that has ended up on the J34C Super Hunter and the J32F supersonic Lansen, respectively. Not to mention the Lansen radome and that fuselage extension shim. And the canopy, come to think of it.

You cannot view this attachment.

Well - you see! It's a vital source of parts!

The Rat · March 04, 2026, 12:29:30 PM

Quote from: Pellson on March 03, 2026, 02:15:02 PM
Quote from: The Rat on February 22, 2026, 10:03:52 PMTime to start cannibalising! Yes, ripping apart old builds for new builds and spare parts. As I gradually move operations downstairs, I have to make decisions on what to keep, and what to cull. A number of models were heavily damaged in the Great Cat Disaster of 2024, and are therefore first in-line for recycling. My philosophy, as stated before is 'never throw away anything', so as much as possible will be seen again. One member here has already given me a great idea, details to follow after the brandy wears off...

Good stuff! I have two boxes of recycling victims on a shelf, and from time to time, they do provide a part or two for something more current. F.i the rear half of my J35B came from there, as did two Draken radomes and both the RR Avon 60/RM6C exhausts that has ended up on the J34C Super Hunter and the J32F supersonic Lansen, respectively. Not to mention the Lansen radome and that fuselage extension shim. And the canopy, come to think of it.

You cannot view this attachment.

Well - you see! It's a vital source of parts!

kerick · March 04, 2026, 01:08:23 PM

I've half a draw full of A-1E Skyraiders from Monogram in 1:72. I'm trying to build a biplane out of two of them. One of them might get a C-130 prop.

The Rat · April 11, 2026, 11:34:09 AM

From today's walk, Osprey, Pandion haliaetus

Rick Lowe · April 11, 2026, 01:53:01 PM

Nice. I like a good Raptor shot.

zenrat · April 11, 2026, 10:08:35 PM

Quote from: The Rat on April 11, 2026, 11:34:09 AMFrom today's walk, Osprey, Pandion haliaetus

Long wings.

NARSES2 · April 12, 2026, 02:45:27 AM

Fantastic shot Ratty

Pellson · April 12, 2026, 03:04:33 AM

When I was a kid, ospreys dominated the skies here at our archipelago cottage. Since then, the sea eagle has returned due to PCB ban and feeding programmes, meaning we see eagles more or less daily but ospreys maybe once a month, best case. It's interesting that they're so mutually exclusive.

The Rat · April 12, 2026, 09:44:15 AM

Quote from: Pellson on April 12, 2026, 03:04:33 AMWhen I was a kid, ospreys dominated the skies here at our archipelago cottage. Since then, the sea eagle has returned due to PCB ban and feeding programmes, meaning we see eagles more or less daily but ospreys maybe once a month, best case. It's interesting that they're so mutually exclusive.

When I was growing up osprey were barely hanging on in Ontario, now they're everywhere. Nice to see the recovery.

PR19_Kit · April 12, 2026, 10:45:57 AM

Quote from: The Rat on April 12, 2026, 09:44:15 AMWhen I was growing up osprey were barely hanging on in Ontario, now they're everywhere. Nice to see the recovery.

The same as with Red Kites in these parts. Now they have SERIOUSLY long wings!

The Rat · April 20, 2026, 07:35:22 AM

Well, everything modeling related is in abeyance now. Have to get cracking on moving everything into the basement so that we can start setting up the nursery for Meagan's twins. Not sure whether to bother moving the rather heavy and very beat up old desk I've been using, or just get a new one. One problem that needs attention is lighting; with only one small window, which is situated under a deck, it will need more than the current set-up. But I'll have my own refrigerator, which may get stocked with fine ales

, running water for wet sanding, a stove for heated snacks, and a bathroom which my IBS-D will appreciate.

For my Simple Skeptic videos I can set up a green screen, and since the basement is quieter it will give me more control over the sound, and have fewer interruptions from cats scratching at the door wanting to get in for shenanigans and assorted mayhem.

Thinking that my first project on the bench should be a twin-engined whiffer, in honour of the twins that will be above my head. And it should be done to the exclusion of all else, in order to kick-start me into an era of getting things done at more than a glacial pace. (Yeah, riiiiiight...

)

zenrat · April 21, 2026, 04:55:36 AM

Twins are fun. I have twin sisters (two years younger than me).
My dad is convinced they must have a psychic bond but despite his efforts at experimentation, and interrogation following them giving birth (are you sure you couldn't feel her labour pains from 500 miles distant?) there is no evidence.
One day we're going to set him up...

NARSES2 · April 21, 2026, 05:16:50 AM

Congrats on the twins Ratty and make sure there's a seconf entry/exit door to that basement

Quote from: zenrat on April 21, 2026, 04:55:36 AMMy dad is convinced they must have a psychic bond but despite his efforts at experimentation, and interrogation following them giving birth (are you sure you couldn't feel her labour pains from 500 miles distant?) there is no evidence.
One day we're going to set him up...

Now why does that not suprise me

The Rat · April 21, 2026, 08:17:03 AM

Quote from: zenrat on April 21, 2026, 04:55:36 AMTwins are fun. I have twin sisters (two years younger than me).
My dad is convinced they must have a psychic bond but despite his efforts at experimentation, and interrogation following them giving birth (are you sure you couldn't feel her labour pains from 500 miles distant?) there is no evidence.
One day we're going to set him up...