Global Scale Modeller

Just a small update with some good news and a bit of progress.

I recently had a scan done and things are moving in the right direction with my cancer. I feel so bad for my family having to watch me go thru this. Their relief and obvious ability to feel happy have increased since receiving the news and this also makes me feel better also. I took 3 months off from working and worked on getting stronger both physically and mentally. I still have a long way to go but am doing much better. I found a job with a large medical center that I can handle and am enjoying it greatly. After spending so much time in the medical system, I wanted to be able to give back to others.

Jagdtiger wise, I've been working on the small detail parts. This has been hard mentally but it's been a great indication of things getting better as I struggle less with doing the work. Sorry for the crappy cell phone pic.

JT 74 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Hopefully I can wrap this one up soon because I'm itching to get on to the next build.

BigWall wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 10:01 pm Just a small update with some good news and a bit of progress.

I recently had a scan done and things are moving in the right direction with my cancer. I feel so bad for my family having to watch me go thru this. Their relief and obvious ability to feel happy have increased since receiving the news and this also makes me feel better also. I took 3 months off from working and worked on getting stronger both physically and mentally. I still have a long way to go but am doing much better. I found a job with a large medical center that I can handle and am enjoying it greatly. After spending so much time in the medical system, I wanted to be able to give back to others.

Jagdtiger wise, I've been working on the small detail parts. This has been hard mentally but it's been a great indication of things getting better as I struggle less with doing the work. Sorry for the crappy cell phone pic.

JT 74 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Hopefully I can wrap this one up soon because I'm itching to get on to the next build.

Really happy for you !!!! I know how it feels to be in your family shoes... but tell yourself it's nothing compare to what you have to go through. And that's what they are there for.... support, help and give you courage. Keep going !

Fantastic news Joe, the JT looks great - keep ploughing on on both fronts!

Paul

Garion77 wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 10:51 pm Really happy for you !!!! I know how it feels to be in your family shoes... but tell yourself it's nothing compare to what you have to go through. And that's what they are there for.... support, help and give you courage. Keep going !

Quax wrote: Sun Nov 28, 2021 11:23 am Fantastic news Joe, the JT looks great - keep ploughing on on both fronts!

Paul

Thank you Paul and Francis

BigWall wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 10:01 pm Just a small update with some good news and a bit of progress.

I recently had a scan done and things are moving in the right direction with my cancer. I feel so bad for my family having to watch me go thru this. Their relief and obvious ability to feel happy have increased since receiving the news and this also makes me feel better also. I took 3 months off from working and worked on getting stronger both physically and mentally. I still have a long way to go but am doing much better. I found a job with a large medical center that I can handle and am enjoying it greatly. After spending so much time in the medical system, I wanted to be able to give back to others.

Jagdtiger wise, I've been working on the small detail parts. This has been hard mentally but it's been a great indication of things getting better as I struggle less with doing the work. Sorry for the crappy cell phone pic.

JT 74 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Hopefully I can wrap this one up soon because I'm itching to get on to the next build.

I can relate to your situation - from the other side. My wife developed bowel cancer just as COVID hit. She was one of the lucky ones in that her treatment wasn't cancelled and recently she was declared clear. I hope your recovery is as good.
The Jagd Tiger is looking good. I look forwards to seeing both the completed JT and finding out what you plan next!!

BigWall wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 10:01 pm Just a small update with some good news and a bit of progress.

I recently had a scan done and things are moving in the right direction with my cancer. I feel so bad for my family having to watch me go thru this. Their relief and obvious ability to feel happy have increased since receiving the news and this also makes me feel better also. I took 3 months off from working and worked on getting stronger both physically and mentally. I still have a long way to go but am doing much better. I found a job with a large medical center that I can handle and am enjoying it greatly. After spending so much time in the medical system, I wanted to be able to give back to others.

That's really good news mate. While its been undoubtedly tough on them, its good to know your family is with you on this. Their relief and support must be a huge boost for you.

Also, massive kudos to you for giving back by working for a medical company.

Glad to hear your in the clear and working again.....very good news.

Thank you David nd Digger. I appreciate the thoughts.

That's awesome news Joe - so pleased for you and your family

And nice work on the detailing on the JT as well - just keep plugging away at it when you're in the right mood

Tomcat64 wrote: Tue Nov 30, 2021 11:21 am That's awesome news Joe - so pleased for you and your family

And nice work on the detailing on the JT as well - just keep plugging away at it when you're in the right mood

Thank you Neil.

I haven't gotten much done but I have been working on some detailing. I haven't had the mojo to finish the chipping all at once so it's progressing slowly. here's some updated pictures:

I managed to break off more of the spare track brackets and made some replacements. I also snapped off the machine gun mount. I'll get that glued back on, again, when I've finished more of the work on the rear deck. I added copper wire track pins to the spare tracks and got them painted up and installed.
JT 77 by Big Wall, on Flickr

I got it up on stands and added some more detail to the bottom with some oil stains.
JT 76 by Big Wall, on Flickr

And some more detailing on the back. I'm planning on putting some muddy water in the bucket. I used Tamiya gloss clear mixed with some brown paint. That will work ok, but really dries down to nothing so I'll have to do a few pours to get it as deep as I want it. I'll definitely try a water product next time.
JT 75 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Lovely shots of the beast. I really like the washed out / rained on look of whole kit.

Great news on the health front Joe

Just love the weathering, it's just perfect for a in service late war period

Just a small update. I guess sometimes the universe has it's own plans. I finally got the dining room table back after Christmas and was ready to go back to work and then all four of us caught covid. It mostly felt like a light cold to us. My youngest son had strep throat on top of it and the poor guy was miserable. We got over it and I caught it again. I've been in the hospital for 4 days now. I'm doing fine and getting better. My oxygen level really dropped and they admitted me. I had pictures in my head of this project in the trash but I can't wait to get out and finish it when I'm able to do so.

Stay safe everyone!

BigWall wrote: Thu Feb 10, 2022 1:43 am Just a small update. I guess sometimes the universe has it's own plans. I finally got the dining room table back after Christmas and was ready to go back to work and then all four of us caught covid. It mostly felt like a light cold to us. My youngest son had strep throat on top of it and the poor guy was miserable. We got over it and I caught it again. I've been in the hospital for 4 days now. I'm doing fine and getting better. My oxygen level really dropped and they admitted me. I had pictures in my head of this project in the trash but I can't wait to get out and finish it when I'm able to do so.

Stay safe everyone!

Bummer catching it twice, still it's good to know your out of the woods so to speak. When you caught it twice was it the same strain both times ?

digger303 wrote: Thu Feb 10, 2022 4:50 am

BigWall wrote: Thu Feb 10, 2022 1:43 am Just a small update. I guess sometimes the universe has it's own plans. I finally got the dining room table back after Christmas and was ready to go back to work and then all four of us caught covid. It mostly felt like a light cold to us. My youngest son had strep throat on top of it and the poor guy was miserable. We got over it and I caught it again. I've been in the hospital for 4 days now. I'm doing fine and getting better. My oxygen level really dropped and they admitted me. I had pictures in my head of this project in the trash but I can't wait to get out and finish it when I'm able to do so.

Stay safe everyone!

Bummer catching it twice, still it's good to know your out of the woods so to speak. When you caught it twice was it the same strain both times ?

It's definitely not fun. If they tested to see which strains I've had, they didn't mention it. My beat up immune system could let me get it again and string this out for awhile. I really hope not. I want out of here already!

Get well soon mate

So that's why we haven't been seeing you around much. Take care of you and your family. Not fun I know having been there my girlfriend and I, and now the oldest of the family. But not as bad as you.
Take the time needed and go easy on you

BigWall wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 10:01 pm Just a small update with some good news and a bit of progress.

I recently had a scan done and things are moving in the right direction with my cancer. I feel so bad for my family having to watch me go thru this. Their relief and obvious ability to feel happy have increased since receiving the news and this also makes me feel better also. I took 3 months off from working and worked on getting stronger both physically and mentally. I still have a long way to go but am doing much better. I found a job with a large medical center that I can handle and am enjoying it greatly. After spending so much time in the medical system, I wanted to be able to give back to others.

Jagdtiger wise, I've been working on the small detail parts. This has been hard mentally but it's been a great indication of things getting better as I struggle less with doing the work. Sorry for the crappy cell phone pic.

JT 74 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Hopefully I can wrap this one up soon because I'm itching to get on to the next build.

Hi Joe

My deepest apologies as I have been off key, and just not delving into AFV stuff and lost touch.
Firstly, good, good news on your health, your an absolute fighter and star.
The JT is immense, really up there with the best. Its true testament to your resilience and skills.
Your a absolute top notch chap.
DW

Thanks David, Francis and DW! The thoughts mean a lot!

Glad to hear your initial good news and job info as well as you are all on the mend from the dreaded COVID!!

THE JT is looking fantastic new, I suspect when finally finish it will be stunning.

And its good to have you back posting again.

RangerNeil wrote: Thu Feb 10, 2022 6:39 pm Glad to hear your initial good news and job info as well as you are all on the mend from the dreaded COVID!!

THE JT is looking fantastic new, I suspect when finally finish it will be stunning.

And its good to have you back posting again.

Thank you Neil!

Hey Joe, I was thinking the other day that you'd gone a bit quiet.

One dose of Covid was bad enough so I can't imagine going through it twice.

Good to see you back online again and hope you're feeling better again soon

Tomcat64 wrote: Fri Feb 11, 2022 10:02 am Hey Joe, I was thinking the other day that you'd gone a bit quiet.

One dose of Covid was bad enough so I can't imagine going through it twice.

Good to see you back online again and hope you're feeling better again soon

Thanks Neil

I'm still sitting in the hospital so no actual modeling for me. I was going through this thread and figured out why my scratches didn't look right. I didn't do light chips and scratches first. I jumped straight to the deep ones. Damn chemo brain!

Thanks to everyone posting up their work. I really enjoy following along.

I'm doing fine. I just need to get my oxygen usage down before they'll let me go home.

BigWall wrote: Wed Mar 02, 2022 7:32 pm I'm still sitting in the hospital so no actual modeling for me. I was going through this thread and figured out why my scratches didn't look right. I didn't do light chips and scratches first. I jumped straight to the deep ones. Damn chemo brain!

Thanks to everyone posting up their work. I really enjoy following along.

I'm doing fine. I just need to get my oxygen usage down before they'll let me go home.

Damn I thought you would be home by now. Sucks being in hospital and even worse for extended stays. Best wishes for a speedier recovery.
Will they allow you to do anything modeling wise in hospital ? Probably don't want anyone with a sharp object

Keep swinging mate. Get well soon

Sorry to hear that you're still in hospital, Joe - stick with it and hopefully you'll be released for good behaviour soon

Thanks Digger, David and Neil. I appreciate the thoughts. I'm getting better.

This covid pneumonia is not good stuff. We're going to do a scan and x-ray today to see if there's any scaring to my lungs. Frankly, that scares me.

Let us know how you get on Joe, I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say we're all sending you our best wishes mate.

And thanks for taking the time to drop into the forum too.

Well, the CT scan really didn't show anything conclusive. They couldn't say for sure if there was any scaring. There is still fluid in my lungs. We're going to do an endoscopy tomorrow to start looking for a secondary cause for whatever's going on.

I didn't answer your question Digger. There really isn't room to haul in modeling stuff. They won't let me out of bed much because activity really drops my oxygen level, so I just have a tray in front of me that I can set my computer on and not much more. I really considered it though. My brain is going nuts just sitting here not doing much.

BigWall wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2022 11:34 pm Well, the CT scan really didn't show anything conclusive. They couldn't say for sure if there was any scaring. There is still fluid in my lungs. We're going to do an endoscopy tomorrow to start looking for a secondary cause for whatever's going on.

I didn't answer your question Digger. There really isn't room to haul in modeling stuff. They won't let me out of bed much because activity really drops my oxygen level, so I just have a tray in front of me that I can set my computer on and not much more. I really considered it though. My brain is going nuts just sitting here not doing much.

Track assembly might be viable.
Hmmm fluid on the lungs would really hamper the oxygen intake. I hope they find the issue today.

Just a thought - are you into figures of any scale? They don't require much space at all, a tray for a computer would be OK.... Might help keep the brain from exploding??

RangerNeil wrote: Fri Mar 04, 2022 7:32 am Just a thought - are you into figures of any scale? They don't require much space at all, a tray for a computer would be OK.... Might help keep the brain from exploding??

I don't but that's a good idea. I've considered making it a rule that if a kit comes with a figure(s) I have to at least make an attempt at painting them. I'll never learn how to if I never try.

digger303 wrote: Fri Mar 04, 2022 12:10 am Track assembly might be viable.
Hmmm fluid on the lungs would really hamper the oxygen intake. I hope they find the issue today.

Tracks are a good idea as well. Thanks Digger.

Mistakes were made by a nurse so I didn't get the camera shoved into my lungs until today. The Dr. pulled out some fluid to grow cultures from. Results should start showing up in 3-5 days. I can still go home if my body's oxygen demands drop. It's dropped a little but not enough to leave yet.

My wife brought in a couple books. I'm going to read those first and see if that works. It's really frustrating to sit and watch the effects of chemo brain wedge their way into my brain.

Once again, no update but some words of warning.

1. Covid is no joke, particularly if you're immuno-compromised like me. I had covid, covid pneumonia, pcp pneumonia, shingles (more on that below) and another pulmonary fungal infection.

2. Get your shingles vaccine! I had chicken pox when I was a kid and thought I didn't need the vaccine. I was very, very wrong! It feels like your nerves are on fire

3. The virus for chicken pox/shingles is varicella zoster. It proceeded along the nerves in my back, into my spine and up to my brain where it wreaked havoc. I was on a ventilator for several days to stay alive and was completely clueless as to what I was doing. I told my oldest son that the hospital I was in was a Mandalorian museum, I told my wife the hospital had lost me and that some kids has told me I was at Felix Lopez Ramirez's house. She was on call that night and had to come rushing to the hospital for me. When she left, I proceeded to call a friend and tell him that My wife had kidnapped me and I didn't know where they were taking me. He asked me to give the phone to a nurse so I made him come up with a password. I was supposed to be a punchline to a joke only we knew.

Question: How much does a pirate pay for corn?

Answer: A buck an ear

Whatever. It worked. It then took 4 security guards to restrain me.

Stay safe my friends!

Crikey you are still in the wars. I was wondering how you were going and then this post popped up. Is there anything left for you to catch it seems like they are all lining up to have a crack at you.
The only 2 good take aways from this. One your still with us which I'm grateful for and if you can wrestle 4 security guards oxygen isn't a issue now.
Score at half time.....BW --- nil/ Guards---1
Keep fighting big fella

Wow Joe you really are going through the wringer mate

I really hope you're over the worst of whatever the various bugs are throwing at you and things start improving soon.

Sincere best wishes and as Digger said "keep fighting"

I'm calling this one done! Only 2 years too late!

Lessons learned:

1. Have a plan! If you don't, you just get lost, make mistakes and don't perform things in the right order. This was originally going to be a simple out of the box build. I really got lost with this build because I had no idea where it was going to begin with. Thanks for that bit of teaching Ben.
2. I decided to airbrush some dust late in the game and lost some really good detail. Don't do that.
3. Don't glue stuff on that you know you're just going to break off. I swear I glued the AA machine gun mount back on 8 times.

More pictures here

JT 81 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Looks fantastic to me! Enjoyed reading this build thread thoroughly

BigWall wrote: Sat Dec 31, 2022 1:09 am I'm calling this one done! Only 2 years too late!

Lessons learned:

1. Have a plan! If you don't, you just get lost, make mistakes and don't perform things in the right order. This was originally going to be a simple out of the box build. I really got lost with this build because I had no idea where it was going to begin with. Thanks for that bit of teaching Ben.
2. I decided to airbrush some dust late in the game and lost some really good detail. Don't do that.
3. Don't glue stuff on that you know you're just going to break off. I swear I glued the AA machine gun mount back on 8 times.

More pictures to come in the final reveal section.

JT 81 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Enjoyed the post some very relevant wisdom there.

Good to see you back. The JT looks great, nicely weathered and battered for the end of the war.