1/48 Hobbycraft DH.100 Vampire F.1

[speedgraflex]

Actually that last bit you wrote about Eduard’s PE hits—personally. Granted and based on the packaging that you show for the project inventory, this is a sheet of older “flat Earth” variations of Eduard’s PE—and we have to assume that manufacturers get better as they go along, but most of what I purchase under the Eduard AM influence (packaging, photos, artwork) ends up still in its packaging—give me a few brass rods and some Evergreen and I am content. Heretic or future Monogram Mafia member?

[Stikpusher]

You’re a bit of both...

But the simple fact is that PE can not replicate a round relief surface, only angles. PE, does enhance many things, but it is not the be all/end all.

[speedgraflex]

Yes, a bit of both at the moment... the ship hadn’t docked in either port, so there’s a lot of swimming involved... what kind of metaphor is that? I can do better. And you’re right about the limitations of PE. I was keying on Eduard... I just feel like a “mark” when I visit their kingdom which is why I stay away.

[Medicman71]

Very true about the PE. But at least what does work makes things look a whole lot better. I do believe that I am a PE junkie.

[jkim]

Nice work Carlos! The honeymoon phase for PE stuff is definitely over for me. Flat metal is not a good replacement for round plastic and it's also not great for raised switches, boxes and other stuff you find in cockpits. When it works, it's a definite enhancement but on any given fret of PE, I'd say the hit ratio is somewhere around 50% for me.

[BlackSheep214]

Well, five years ago, I was in far worse shape than I have been before and am in now. But within a few month time span, three co workers around my age all died from health issues. Not to mention that I was getting tired of having to buy bigger clothes and uniforms every few years. It was something of a wake up call. So I got my butt back in shape. And yes, there is a zen peace that comes during a ride... as well as those endorphins... and some of the time as I’m out there pedaling along, I trouble shoot a model project that I am working on.

Back in early March during my annual physical, the doc put me on high blood pressure meds. Also suggested I lose a bit of weight as well. I was weighing in at 240 then. After 1 type of BP med and a couple increases in dosage and finally on a diferent BP meds along with a water pill to help bring down my sodium levels. (I was getting high readings of 180, 170, 160 before the switch to new meds) Keep in mind, I rarely use salt when cooking but yes, other stuff has sodium in it. So I have been watchng what I eat and buy with high leves if sodium in it, cutting down on coffee to only the weekends, soda intake only at dinnertime (yeah, I should cut soda out altogether). Of course the missus drags me out to go walking with the dog as long as the days are nice - there were plenty of those day. LOL!

Since then, I have dropped down to 224.5 lbs just this past weekend and I feel good. Not to mention, taking on a new job responsibility as a courier delivering media, mail, print shop orders, repairs (laptops, chrome books, and other electronic related items) to schools in my area. The big plus my stress levels has gone down tremendously - even the missus noticed I'm not coming home grumpy and complaining about work.

[Stikpusher]

Good for you Blacksheep! Keep it up, and who knows what results you might achieve.

When I finished dropping the weight I was maxing out my rides at “only” about 25 to 30 miles, on the longest ones. But then I got the idea as I neared 50, let’s try for a 50 miler. No stops for rest aside from traffic signals. And sure enough, I worked up my distances until I was able to do a 50 mile ride a few weeks before my 50th Birthday. And I have kept up that tradition for each year. Last week I did my 53 mile ride for my upcoming 53rd birthday. So now I’m safe for another year. I think the 55 at 55 will be the real challenge. I’m running out of extensions to my routes to squeeze in another mile. Although yesterday I scouted out a new area, so maybe not....

[speedgraflex]

I saw the “popcorn” you added to my topic! So here goes Vampire Jessica from “”True Blood” proving she can stop hearts.

[Stikpusher]

I’m more of a “Love at First Bite” fan for my Vampire tales...

[speedgraflex]

It’s all entertainment, Carlos! Sexy, funny, entertainment!