The March Challenge

For March's challenge I was to build four scale structures from materials I have on hand. I mainly wanted to make use the thin balsa boards I had recently aquired. I also want to build two structures primarily from card stock. I am making this post with the two structures that I have completed and although I still have ten days to complete the other two I wanted to make sure this post was posted in March.(This will be my last post for March).

Below. Two of the four structures from the March challenge.

This is outhouse and measures 4 by 5 scale feet in HO scale. The shed is constructed primarily from 1.5mmm thick balsa sheet. The roof was constructed from card stock and top sheet of corrugated cardboard.The foundation was created from several pieces of match sticks that have been glued to the bottom of the stucture.The out building was painted with a series of darker colors and then weathered with swathes of paints and washes.

I have started to experiment with using a wood burning iron to 'score' individual boards. I haven't came to any conclustions yet. The second structure a storage or tool shed is created from that same sheet of balsa I used above and measures a square nine scale feet. The windows are from my scratch box. The foundation was made by glueing bits of leftover paper rock textured material on pieces of matboard and the roof of a thick black construction paper cut into strips to represent tarpaper. I didn't mention it but a set of steps were created for each of these two structures.

Detail Scribing and Greeble Creation Kit

I haven't decided on how I may use these tools. Whether I will use primarly for scribing or some of both. I do enjoy creating my own greeble and the templates will make it a bit easier to create more intricate pieces.

I am now on Running Linux Mint

I have experimented with various linux distros in the past and I was ready for something different. We still have a computer running Microsoft and since I have retired there is no longer a need for both of the computers to run a Microsoft OS.

Shed Needs a Repair

You might have wondered about the progress of these three sheds. I had added a couple details to this shed and accidently broke them off. About this time I had started a small project of four small sheds, which I will be making a post once they have been completed. Once I have completed the second of these sheds I will glue the details back on to the structure and make a repost of the completed project.

KIt-Bashing Tips and Tricks and Kit-Bashing for the Star Wars Scatter Point Project

This video from Bill Making, features 100 triks and tips for the kit-basher and miniatures maker. Great tips, fun, and inspirring.

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The Rob Hawkins on the Kitbashing Star Wars Buildings page describes Hawkins detailing and kit-bashing for a Star Wars Scatter Point project for Atomic Mass Games. Fabulous work and insights.

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Fixed link above on 3.28.26 @ 2300.

Ideas and Inspiration for More Robots

I posted this AI generated image some time ago. Recently I was reviewing my past posts and saw this image at the bottom of the post and it got me thinking about creating more robot miniatures. I was struck with the many colors, shapes, sizes and many differnt sensory inputs of these specimens.

My Favorite Internet Radio Stations

"Radio Paradise was founded in 2000 is a listener-supported internet radio station currently based in Eureka, California." They offer several channels, however the Main Mix is my favorite.I have been listening to Radio Paradise's main mix for a couple of years and I am always pleased.

If I should want something different I have recently found these Internet radio stations.

HO Scale Desk and Chair

The information and instruction sheet for a desk and chair in 1/87 scale. This this a metal detail part and required some assembly.

Where is the chair? That is a good question. It was an easy build and I had wanted to use this in some scene. We will get there.

What Colors Make Gunmetal?

According to the benevolent AI this is how you can mix-up the gunmetal color:

"Mixing black and silver paint or ink generally results in a dark grey or charcoal metallic color. The black tones down the brightness of the silver, resulting in a deeper,Gunmetal-like metallic shade, or a darker version of the original metallic sheen depending on the ratio of black used.

• A deeper, darker metallic grey, commonly referred to as "gunmetal" or charcoal grey.
• Effect on Luster: While black deepens the color, it can sometimes mask the brightness of the silver, reducing its sheen if too much is added.
• Usage: Often used to create shadows or to create a more subdued, metallic look in painting or design projects.

For a lighter, brighter metallic finish, you would typically add white to the silver rather than black."

3 Model Power Sheds are Coming Along

Although they are easy to build I have had some fun building the three of these sheds. There is a fair bit of extra details that have been added to the kit, not to mention the details that have moulded into the structures themselves. This is where most of my excitement is coming from. Noticeing the details and then deciding on the correct colors to paint them.

This small shack’s only distinguishing feature are the wood slats used to create the door and the hardware used to connect the door it the door frame.

It may be simple designed but it has a bit of its own charm.

This shed includes several separate and molded on details. The door is unique in its design and the included windows are thin and well molded The structure includes what I assume is some sort of electrical box in which I added two pipes down to the ground. I used a .5mm rod for these. Under the front overhang there is a small electrical box and what I presume are two indicator lights. These lights, a green and red light, alternate when a message is in bound and during transmission.

I am not all that happy with the shingled roof. Perhaps I should plant a tree and let it overhang the roof a little.

This is the larger shed of the three and offers the most in the way of details. First you might have noticed that the door is rather unique in its construction. It has three windows at the top. There is also a number block identifying the building as being number 93. I need to touch up this up with another touch of paint.

The over details can be found on the sprue that accompny the kit. The partcial sprue below is one example. It includes a stove pipe, shudders, and other parts for the window.

Eddy's World

The sheer number and the simplicity of toys this maker created is amazing. Most of these toys were created from plastic, Eddy being an early adopter of this new medium.

Model Power Structures Box Art

Although many of Model Power's other offerings are no longer availabel from Model Power they be availalbe online on sites like ebay.

Recycling workshop waste into desktop robots!

While I follow other Makers I am rather partial to this one. With the use of various materials and techniques this Maker creates, what seems like out of thin air, objects that are out-of-this world.

Aquitic Miniature Creatures

These miniatures are from Whizkids Pathfinder series. I haven't added any aquatic characters to my collection in a long while and although the price was right I just liked the sculps.

LA Alghollthu, 29 of 44 and molded in 2018. This miniatures is on the larger sized, that is approximately 70mm long 44mm high. I am not sure whether it is molded in PVC so I will not say it is. It has nice texture and is painted in several colors.

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Grodair, measures approximately 30 by 25mm is quite small compared to the alghollthu. Grodair is finely constructed and painted in a dark yellow, has a red toungue and two sets of dark eyes.