HJK

Hi there David, that was a long and winding road to finish this plane model. It came out marvelous and I really like the shark's mouth on the nose. May I ask what method you chose in the end to get the balance of the model? Thanks for sharing and until next time. Juergen

Hi David, I've got another idea regarding the balance problems of your plane. Although I don't know whether it's possible or not but this is my thought. You mentioned that you intend to use the plane in a diorama which means you will know where the front will be placed in the end. So you might be able to place a small metal plate in the ground below the wheel. If you're able to add a little magnet inside the front wheel it might be able to support the balance. Well, it's just an idea, you have to check whether this thought is rubbish ?. Keep up your great work. Take care, Juergen

Hi David, I really don't want to be nosy but I had some thoughts about your leveling problem. So, if there is some space inside the rounded nose part and there is no detail you might want to show you can then add some of the lead shot into it. As the nose is even in front of the front wheel the weight in it will at least help to level the plane. Even when it's a little more weight than you really need it's of no harm as the weight will be supported by the front wheel and might be able to compensate for the weight of the tail part. Well, I'm not a native speaker of your language, so I hope you understand my rough English and can see which way I wanted to go. In case you don't understand what I wanted to express please don't hesitate to ask back. Hope it's of any help anyway. Keep up your fabulous work and take care, Juergen.

Ok, I see. And you are right, I find it extremely difficult to find drive chains for winches or trucks like the Mack Bulldog in scale. Your necklace type chain looks good in this case. Thanks for the info. Jürgen

Charles, You never fail to surprise and impress me with all the detail and precision you maintain on your models. Thanks very much for sharing. May I ask what kind of chain you used for driving the winch? Where did you get it? Jürgen

Hello again Simon! Dear goodness, for me this is the utmost detailed project I've ever seen. This ton of detail, no, tons of detail you've put into it is absolutely amazing and it's starting to make me dizzy. I'm sitting in front of the screen open-mouthed and desperately trying to take in all the little castings you've put together. This must be hundreds of small parts you've had to cast, right? I'm also amazed about the amount of patience you show to finish this monster of a Star Destroyer. David G. might be right that there is a kind of responsibility or duty to the fellow model builders you might be feeling. To be honest, I also wish to see this crazy thing finished. Hope you're not running short of any material and glue you certainly need to go on. Take care my friend, I'm with you to the finish line ?

Hi Simon, how're you doin'? Long time, no see, so I hope you've been well so far. And I certainly hope you're still working on the SD, although it probably asks you for a huge amount of patience, doesn't it? But you have been a tough guy up to now so I look forward that you will muster the strength to finish that monster space ship. If it's of any support for you, I promise I'll keep my fingers crossed. All the best and take care, Juergen

Hi Simon, I'm terribly sorry, I addressed you with a wrong name. I read the last post (David) and started writing so I used his name, sorry David. Take care, Juergen

OMG, David, this absolutely crazy. Every time I think this will be the maximum level of detailing you lift it to the next or even a step higher. Forgive me the word, but this is insane☺️. I for myself am desperately trying to detail my out of the box models just a bit, but the level of detail you are performing on this thing is absolutely stunning. I really, really look forward where this will end. I definitely hope that you will keep on with this level of gorgeous work until the model is finished. Good luck my friend and stay focused. Juergen

Hi Simon, how you're doin'? Hope you're good so far. Long time, no see. I'm still anxious to see the SD finished. Did you manage to make a little progress? Please, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be pushy in any way. Take care, Juergen

Hi Tom, the Winnebago looks gorgeous. I really like the front view of it. May I ask what the status of the planned master of the GMC fish bowl bus is? I didn't notice an update for a long time. Take care, Juergen

John, Patrick, oh man the name Kenny Roberts triggers lots of nice memories. Back in the '70s my wife and I traveled with our Honda 750 and a tent and all the gear to several race tracks, e.g. Dutch TT, Francorchamps, Hockenheim, Nivelles and others, to watch Kenny Roberts, Barry Sheene, Phil Read and Giacomo Agostini circle the tracks. The sometimes fighted each other until the last round and the spectators asked themselves who will be in the lead the next round. To make the long story short, yeah, lots of nice memories. Thanks a lot for this thread. Ah, before I forget, the build looks really great so far. Take care, Juergen

Thanks very much, Andy. Wow, they have lots of interesting things.

Hi Andy, gorgeous work on your pickup and these welding machines look really great. Would you mind sharing the source of the 3D files? It's for sure I follow your build. Thanks and take care, Juergen

Brian, thanks for pointing me in this direction. Didn't think of that.

Thanks Greg. Yeah, I didn't have a lot of hope because the main design of this engine goes back to around 1985. It still exists and looks a little different and additionally this engine was used in trucks and for industrial and maritime purposes. I contacted already Caterpillar in Peoria but they even didn't answer. Anyway, thanks again. Take care, Juergen

Thanks very much Manuel. Wishing well, Juergen

Is there a model truck kit that contains the CAT engine 3412? Or might it be on the market in resin? Does anybody know the angle of the V between the cylinder banks? Each and every info is appreciated. Thanks, Juergen

Mario, I really like these little farm tractors. And with this one I have to join the chorus of praise because your weathering is spot on again. I especially like the driver's side headlight looking up into the sky. That's a nice detail. Take care, Juergen.

Hi Jeff, I usually follow all your builds as I also did with this one. It looks fantastic with this concrete dust weathering. Although, I'd say the mud flaps look a tiny little bit too clean, aren't they? But otherwise I'm a bit envious. Wow, this thing just looks awesome! Take care, Juergen

Hi Mario, that beater looks gorgeous, especially the rust spots and the rusted holes on the fender. Can you please tell me what method you chose to achieve this remarkably real looking weathering? Thanks, Juergen.

Jeeez, Simon, this thing looks unbelievably gorgeous. I guess the filter would do good. Man, I can envisage that the finished SD will blast me away. I'm speechless right now, I'm unable to find the right words. Take care, Juergen

Hi guys, it seems that I'm partly responsible of the heated discussion regarding the above matter. But I just haven't heard of so-called freeze plugs and I just wanted to get a little smarter than before asking my question. I thank you all to provide me with some information about these plugs and the probable use of them. Regarding the discussion I've got the feeling that some of the wording of a couple of the contributors was misunderstood. I think that either the 'threat' from Foghorn Leghorn or the answer from Peteski wasn't meant seriously. So, in the end in my view nobody should bear any grudge to anyone else. As I'm not a native speaker of your language I nevertheless hope that I could make myself understandable. Take care everybody and let's keep up this great forum. Juergen

Hi Simon, Yes, I'm still in awe of your work and I'm still sitting guard in front of the screen to see the next update. It's good to see you back at the bench. I hope everything goes well with the paint as I always fear the process of painting because for me it would be the horror to mess up the painting and to be forced to strip it. Painting my model parts is really the pain in the neck for me. Anyway, I keep my fingers crossed and wish you all the best for your finishing period. Take care, Juergen.

Hi Daniel, Thanks for this detailing hint. I've never heard the expression 'freeze plugs'. Can you please tell me what they are for and why are called like that? Thanks, Juergen.