FriedClams

Nice progress Jean Paul. Good method for placing that center deck plank. Gary

Nice update Grant! This structure is looking great and has a wonderful overall feel. Don't beat yourself up over the glue stains, we all do it of course and I sometimes feel that I spend more time mitigating my flubs than anything else. But when I look at images on the web of real-life buildings, boats or whatever, they are rarely pristine and often it's those irregularities that brings them to life. Have a great 2023! Gary

Greetings Fellow Modelers, I've begun work on a new shadowbox display and have decided to bore you with the details of its construction. This will be the fourth shadowbox model that I've built, and because it's easier to show than to describe what these shadowbox displays are all about, here's a few photos of the three I've already made. This was my first and simplest design. The model insert itself is 4-7/8” wide (124mm) by 2-1/4” high (57mm) and 2-1/2” deep (64mm). That was followed by this more complicated boat shop. Same physical size as the first one. And finally, a 1940 garage scene that I built last year. It is the same height and depth as the other two, but half again as wide to accommodate the details I wanted it to include. A build log for the garage display can be found here. This new display will differ from the others in the sense that its only purpose is to provide a display stage for interchangeable 1:87 truck models and other vehicles. When I tire of looking at one vehicle, I can replace it with something else. The “stage” will be the interior of an empty old building. There will be no “things” in the building to visually compete with the subject. What the vehicle is doing in the building is ambiguous and no real story is being offered. Maybe it's just being stored there, away from the weather and out of the reach of vandals. I don't know. My goal is simply to provide an atmospheric backdrop for whatever vehicle is placed in there. Initially, a 1938-1941 Mack FK truck tractor will be displayed. I haven't built it yet, so that too will be part of this build log. It's a resin kit from Ralph Ratcliffe Models and I found it on eBay quite a few years ago. I bought it because it looked interesting, was out of production and very few people were bidding on it, so I ended up getting it cheap. RR Models is once again producing these kits (at a steep price) and their castings are characteristically clean and crisp, especially considering the scale. I've never built a resin kit before, so if it turns out badly, I'll have to build something else to take its place. But eventually, something will be going in there, even if it's the toy out of a Happy Meal. Here's a photo from their website. The model is just under 3” long. I'll be putting some wear on my build of the kit. Ralph Ratcliffe Models I've already begun work this project and in the next few posts, I'll bring things up to date. Thanks for stopping in and taking a look. Be safe and stay well. Gary

Congratulations on completing this amazing model Valeriy. It is one of the finest models I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing it with us and I will miss your updates. I wish you peace and safety in the new year.

Extraordinary work Keith - just wonderful. Looking forward to the final glamour shots. Gary

Congratulations to you and David on the completion of such a wonderful model. She is truly stunning. Inspirational. Gary

Good to hear your recovery is going well Jean Paul. Wishing you a healthy and happy new year. Gary

Very nice progress Roger! Gary

Season’s greetings Keith! Wishing you and yours, peace and happiness for the new year. Gary

Hello Paul. I Just read through your log and congratulations on completing your third model. It turned out very nicely indeed. The Swampscott has a beautiful shear line, but the wide planks make it a challenge to fit. I find that the narrower a boat's planks, even if there are 2 or 3 times as many, the simpler the boat is to build. Will be watching for your next build - see what Santa brings you. Gary

Hello Ken. I don't know how I missed this build, but I'm caught up now. I've never built a bread & butter hull, but it looks to be an interesting process. I must try it sometime. Your persistence in planking is admired and will no doubt produce a great end result. Looking forward to future updates. Gary

Congratulations Brian on completing this beautiful model. Truly something to be proud of. Wonderful. Gary

Looking really good, nice progress Grant. Gary

Yes indeed - I second that! Perfect, exacting work Alexander! Gary

Wonderful work Keith. Gary

Just catching up Brian. Beautiful work on the flag. The color and value of both red and blue are spot on - natural realistic drape as well. That handsome slab of wood will make a wonderful base/stand. Gary

Wonderful work as always Keith. Superb! What a sweet detail. Gary

Nice progress Grant! I really like the shingle coloration - subtle and realistic. Excellent work. Gary

Beautiful model - great craftsmanship! Gary

This is a great looking model Steve with wonderful work all around. I especially like the tow winch. Gary

Oh my . . . ! Gary

A tremendous finish on this model Mike, congratulations. Excellent seas simulation as well - a beautiful model all around! Gary

Beautiful work! Gary

Take it easy and get to feeling better. Glad the procedure went well. Gary

Congratulations Dan on the completion of a beautiful model. Gary