Hi all
Apparently, it's been a while since I updated this page. As I write, there's a big red square on top of it, encouraging me to start a brand new topic rather than posting in an ancient thread. Well - I'm getting ancient too, so I think I'll just carry on..
In the mean time, my modelling has become somewhat erratic. Partly due to having to work entirely from my hobby desk since March, partly from also having my wife working from her hobby desk just opposite mine and last but not least from having to home school the kids during a large portion of the spring. But mainly due to lack of focus. And it's not that bad, actually. I've given up on staying on a subject and these days, I build whatever I feel for in the moment. The result is a rather messy build shelf, littered with more or less complete projects, and most annoyingly a certain difficulty to finish off when something is almost there. On the other hand, when I get a little time to create, I do it with more joy and less angst. In all, I think its a good trade - for as long as the space allows, that is.
My current feel, however, doesn't improve things from a shelf space perspective. I have finally gotten round to make some progress on the tanker that'll benefit from the old Matchbox Victor Mk 20 pods kindly provided by Kit, and that is a rather substantial aircraft, even in my preferred 72nd scale. Things got even worse when I out of the blue managed to pick up an old AMT RC-135V. My second, as a matter of fact, and suddenly I can build an Airseeker as well as a Rivet Joint. My unability to choose version has been the reason for not starting my old one for years. Now, I can start both. Two RC-135:s, that is. Good fun, but the shelf is moaning everytime I glance at it..
Also I now need new CFM56 engines. Eight of them. Which have to be sourced from the US (Contrail, thanks lads!). That is if I can't hide away money enough to invest in two more Airfix/Heller AWACS kits, for NATO (E-3A) and USAF (E-3G) use, respectively - which would then provide nice engines for free. Well - free and free...
Speaking of accidentally increasing stash. In May, I came across another (yes, I know) old Matchbox Canberra PR9. I bought and built my first one about 40 years ago, and I've loved its sleek uncomplicated lines ever since. Even to the point that I for no other reason than aesthetics prefer it over the otherwise much improved Airfix issue. Anyhow - stumbling on this latest one triggered a Canberra bonanza, actually making me completing three unstarted 'Berras, starting a reconstruction of my original one (third time over) and also rebuilding an old Airfix B(I)6 while I was at it. Good fun, and while uncomplicated builds, I really enjoy the result.
Another project I think went well was the radar equipped Hunter built and painted during the summer. This project came about when I surfed across a drawing of a P.1100 and was quite taken by its good looks. Having completed it, I got inspired enough to take the opportunity to scavenge the scrap heap for another old Hunter, rebuilding it as a tactical recce bird.
Now, back to real work and then try to remember to actually write up the backstories. After all, that's actually almost as fun as the build itself..
