Bronco 1/35 British Cruiser Tank A34 Comet

[Donkeywalloper]

Good afternoon, Bienvenue, Guten Tag and Hiya from me

NB: I first wrote this transcript back on the 22.1.23 and hence the cold weather picture, again, life has caught up with me in more ways than one, and i hope and pray you will all forgive this and bear with me

Well, I’m back from a long hiatus and a well-earned break (..down!). I don’t hear you all clamor for reasons for my long break, but I’ll be brutally frank and honest.

I had what one might say, a mental episode. Not strictly true as a episode, as that is a short period of time and my Mental health issues have been hanging around my neck for many, many years. Some or none of you will remember that I stated I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar in 1996. I suspect as I have lived with my thoughts and myself, I have always had it.

Recently though, and again when I say recent, say in the last 6 months, I have been experiencing more and more Mental Health issues. Most of this was due in part with the problems I have had with my lower legs (below knees). I suffer with Ulcers caused by poor circulation in both legs. In September I was diagnosed via Scans with DVT (Deep vein Thrombosis) of two DVT in Right Leg. I have been for over two years been attending very painful weekly Clinics to wash ad dress wounds on legs. The pain from these open wounds has been causing me real agony, pain, and discomfort. I think only those who have had this, will have any realization of how painful, debilitating and smelly the whole thing is. So as a relatively fit chap some years ago, I have felt my quality of life has rapidly reduced. The pain, has been 24hrs a day, 365 days and has been chewing my MH down, and down. In September of last year, I had had enough. I rang my local GP (a mind numbing experience for anyone based in the UK, and if you are successful in getting through, well done). To be met by an Automated Telephone Answering System that says your “21 in the queue”. Having got through to the dreaded Receptionist, she was not letting me go any further, the proverbial Fire-Wall, who needs McFee and Norton……….No Doctors available till November (Yup, I rang on the 7.9.22 and nothing till November). I then sort of lost it. Not raising my voice or angry, in fact quite the opposite. I said that to be honest, I probably would not be around in November, so it really wasn’t worth pursuing. The silence on the end of the phone was curious and palpable, until a little voice asked me to explain what I was saying? Well says I, in a Nutshell, “I want my legs Amputated or I will commit Suicide”. The Receptionist was silent, and said, would she be able to ring me back in five minutes. Five minutes later, my mobile rings and its my Doctor who I have not spoken to for four years. My statement about Suicide and Amputation was I felt like pulling a pin on a Grenade and chucking it in to a room. I have always kept typed records of every date, time and conversation to do with my Medical condition. The current “Diary” of events runs to over ten pages of A4. Every conversation, every letter received, every phone call, everything no matter how small. I keep this info updated and in a folder that if visiting a Medical facility, I can relate information straight away. What happened after that call is miraculous. I went from adrift, alone, and completely neglected by NHS for over two years, to everybody jumping to help. Mental Health, Occupational Health,….etc. I have been very Suicidal. I have been in such pain with my legs. Little or no sleep. Unable to sleep in bed and finding now that im more comfortable (in a sense) on the sofa. I have had long and interesting conversations with MH workers and have been brutally honest and frank. If my legs are sorted by physical means i.e. Operation, my MH will be better to the point of no longer requiring help from anybody. I have explained this simply as the following: As people who have loved and cared for Pets. There is a horrible time, when every pet owner has to take a decision to terminate life due to pain or debilitating illness / old age. It is unbearable. But we do it because we love our pets and don’t want to see them in pain. I said to many Doctors in the past months, if a pet I owned was in such dire pain all the time, I would take that decision to terminate its life gracefully and with respect. Why am I being allowed to be in such pain, 24hrs a day, 365 years and not being assisted or helped? I am frank in my troubles and I apologies if this may upset few or many. Its been frustrating for both of us. Mrs DW has shone through this. She has been my Nurse and tended to truly horrible wounds and just got on with it. So where am I now (apart from banging out the keys on a PC)? I am on a list for an operation in the next few months to introduce a Laser down my arterial pathways in my legs and burn out the damaged and Non-Compliant (Correct Medical term). They are also going to squirt “Foam” into the veins. It’s a Day-Case and as a Out-Patient, it will be done with an Epidural Anesthetic. Fingers crossed and will keep pushing in every-way possible. So in a Nutshell, I have just been unable to do Modelling. I haven’t despite my lovely chair and fantastic M/C, I have not been comfortable Modelling. I cant concentrate for any period of time. So since my last post on ISM on the 18.8.22 when I signed off and took a break, I have done nothing. I packed away the Tiger Model AMX-10 and the Panhard, and tidied the bench and shut up shop. I have popped in periodically to tidy, sit, read, gaze lovingly ant my stash and even to unwrap new kits and place on shelves. Nothing though has been happening………………………………..till last weekend. Despite pain and low MH, I took a visit to the M/C on an icy winters day and cracked open a kit. Isn’t it wonderful to open a new kit. All that wrapped sprues with their cellophane wrappers.

Two boxes sit on the Work-Bench, lets go with the smallest, its Miniart, 1/35, British Tank Crew in Winter Uniform. Miniart box-art is absolutely gorgeous. The five figures are shown in Pixie Suits in various poses and different headdress.

So what do you put these chaps with?
Bronco, 1/35. British Cruiser Tank, A34, Comet.


I really have always liked the profile and appearance of the Comet and British Cruiser Tanks. It’s the progression from the Cromwell. It has all the similarities of the Cromwell, It entered service just at the end of the war and was to combat Panthers., here’s a bit of Historical guff for you :

The Comet tank or Tank, Cruiser, Comet I (A34) was a British cruiser tank that first saw use near the end of the Second World War, during the Western Allied invasion of Germany. The Comet was developed from the earlier Cromwell tank and mounted the new 17 pdr High Velocity (HV) (3 inch; 76.2 mm – sometimes referred to as "77 mm") gun, in a lower profile, partly-cast turret. This gun was effective against late-war German tanks, including the Panther at medium range, and the Tiger.[2]

The Comet rendered the Cruiser Mk VIII Challenger obsolete, and led to the development of the Centurion tank. When firing APDS rounds, the 77 mm HV was superior in armour penetration capability to the 75 mm KwK 42 gun of the equivalent Axis tank, the Panther.[3]

The Comet entered active service in January 1945 and remained in British service until 1958. In some cases, Comets sold to other countries continued to operate into the 1980s.

I also forgot, I received the following from Kits World, 1/35. Decals, British Army Webbing – P37 Pattern, Enlisted Men and NCO’s. this should provide a little subtle extra to figures. Never used this before but comes with comprehensive instructions.


The Comet Sprues are in a light grey.







Separate click and fit tracks.

Decals

PE

A4 Instructions.









Six colour schemes and they are all UK Bronze Green / Olive Drab, four endo of war British units and one Finish (Training Unit) 1961 – 1980.






So, I’m back in the chair and sat in front of the Work-Bench (blowing off dust as its not been used for months). I’m glad to be back in the merry fold. I’m sorry for my absence but hopefully I can get a few laughs and smiles going with this build.

So till the next episode,

Peace, Love and Best wishes,

DW

[digger303]

Haven't read the post yet.....BUT iT IS SO GOOD TO SEE YOU BACK

[digger303]

OK now I'm over my excitement and have settled down and read everything.
Yep I remember you saying before about throwing hand grenades around willy nilly.
I'm glad it has gotten you some response. I do hope the op turns out to be all it's cracked up to be and relieves you of your pain.
I've got a few cruiser tanks from Bronco, but only the one comet...CB35010. From reviews they say it wasn't their best effort.
Hows the garden going ?
Summer is ending here and the missus has gotten a bit of a shot in the arm as it is looking better now most of the 40 degree days are gone. Seeding in the district will start sometime this month and I suspect some will start a bit early as there is some rain hanging about today and tomorrow.



Ps...ordered the new Revell Hurricane today a unsung hero

[RangerNeil]

Good to see you back.DW. I was on the verge of dropping a DM through to see if all was OK -ish, didn't want to seem nosey though. Know the feeling about the Ulcers and mental health - and the troubles in seeing a GP.... So I'm glad you managed to get treatment even if it did mean dropping a metaphorical grenade in the surgery. Personally I feel like dropping a live one in mine!!
Anyways - you is back and thats all that matters.

The Comet looks a good kit - one of my favourite WW2 AFV's - so chair is pulled up and popcorn at the ready. The tank crew figures look good too. How does the 38 pattern kit work? Is it just decals? Or resin parts? Still got a set of 38 pattern around here somewhere.

[Donkeywalloper]

OK now I'm over my excitement and have settled down and read everything.
Yep I remember you saying before about throwing hand grenades around willy nilly.
I'm glad it has gotten you some response. I do hope the op turns out to be all it's cracked up to be and relieves you of your pain.
I've got a few cruiser tanks from Bronco, but only the one comet...CB35010. From reviews they say it wasn't their best effort.
Hows the garden going ?
Summer is ending here and the missus has gotten a bit of a shot in the arm as it is looking better now most of the 40 degree days are gone. Seeding in the district will start sometime this month and I suspect some will start a bit early as there is some rain hanging about today and tomorrow.



Ps...ordered the new Revell Hurricane today a unsung hero

Hello Digger
So good to hear from you and its been a fair time now.
Hand grenades have worked superbly well but the ability to keep up pressure is the key. You can't drop them into the "Glorious" NHS and expect it to continue to work. You just have to pull pin and ease off lever and then keep the pressure on.
I spent a lovely 24hrs in the A/E at Burton on Tuesday / Wednesday being pumped full of IV Anti-Biotics due to a increased infection in Right Leg. As I have been waiting so long for Op, they (NHS), thought it prudent two weeks before Op to get rid of anything that could cause postponement.
I haven't built a Bronco before and have to say the Instructions are deliriously poor. The placement of pieces is really not precise from instructions so a lot of checking on-line with reference images and such. This model is basic and not accurate but hopefully will build into something attractive enough.
I'm sure I could have gone down the line of the new Tamiya Comet with all the bells and whistles and part fit employed by Tamiya. The price did sway me
I love the British Cruiser line and its developments and progression and feel I may even build a few more Cruisers.
Its lovely to be back and its even nicer to hear from yourselves.
Take care chap.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Good to see you back.DW. I was on the verge of dropping a DM through to see if all was OK -ish, didn't want to seem nosey though. Know the feeling about the Ulcers and mental health - and the troubles in seeing a GP.... So I'm glad you managed to get treatment even if it did mean dropping a metaphorical grenade in the surgery. Personally I feel like dropping a live one in mine!!
Anyways - you is back and thats all that matters.

The Comet looks a good kit - one of my favourite WW2 AFV's - so chair is pulled up and popcorn at the ready. The tank crew figures look good too. How does the 38 pattern kit work? Is it just decals? Or resin parts? Still got a set of 38 pattern around here somewhere.

Hi Neil

I know you have had the same Medical issues as I and that is a great for batting off between ourselves but I think we'd rather not have any of it. DM me anytime, I never think its being nosey. Your right about posting a Live Grenade in a Surgery. They are truly stuck behind walls now and are absolutely useless.
The 38 Pattern Webbing is a decals. I'm not sure how it works and have never used them before. I really bought the sheet for the Rank Insignia but the rest of the sheets look so good I'll give it a bash
Good to hear from you and my very best wishes,
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Morning all

Hope as always, your all keeping very well, and your Modelling Mojo is bouncing along with style and vigour.
Well, a little bit more Comet A34 work, slowly and surely we go. Having opened a few bags were move on to the 1st Stage that in so many AFV builds is the Lower Hull. This is a molded tub, which included a bit of string for a Tow Hawser and some Idlers.

Nice crisp detail and very little flash or warp.

The first stage of Stage 1 has you constructing the Tow Unit that affixes to the rear of the Hull and the wheel mounts, five a side, plus a whole armored section that includes the Suspension units.




The rear Towing Unit ends up like this.

The Rear Towing Hawser Shackles are then added.


And Voila

Plus the Towing Unit

Not a lot to show, but I like steady progress and I have only just got back into the modelling after a long hiatus off. No rushing or at home to Mr Cock-Up.

Stay safe you lovely people

DW

[digger303]

........... ...............
Slow steady appreciation

[Quax]

Looks great so far and really good to have you back

Paul

[RangerNeil]

Looking good. I never realised the tow hook on these was sprung - learn something new everytime!!
Take it easy and build the mojo back up - and the fun.....

[digger303]

Looking good. I never realised the tow hook on these was sprung - learn something new everytime!!
Take it easy and build the mojo back up - and the fun.....

Does seem to be a bit unusual. I've come across a huge coil spring added to the tow hitch so that when a sudden load is applied it absorbs the shock. Never seen a leaf spring set up like this though I guess it's the same principle, but in this case it probably to stop or mitigate the towed load throwing the Comet into a oscillating up and down pattern.

[BigWall]

So good to see you back Mr. DW! I've missed your posts and humor. I understand the mental health problems that pain can bring with it and have suffered through them as well. I'm glad things are finally progressing for you. I work as the fire wall for a few hundred doctors. I understand how difficult that can be for patients, but I think it may be better over here than it is for you there. Please keep us up to date as things progress. Some of my doctors are vascular surgeons and I have heard many success stories as I talk with our patients. Hopefully you will be one of those that are able to be helped.

I'm glad you're doing well enough to do some hobby work and look forward to your next posts.

[Donkeywalloper]

Hi all

Let me pre warn that this is a long post and if you like just Modelling, dont bother reading, cuz their is some painful stuff that is just part of life mixed in.
I feel I need to apologize for my lack of input as of late. I know I don’t have to apologize to anyone on the face of this earth. I think instead of apologizing, I may just say things have been not very good for the last twelve months.
Physically, the Ulcers below knee on both legs have deteriorated to a point in September 2022, I lost my patience and temper and rang the Doctors, and of course hit the brick wall that has been thrown up by UK Doctors, namely, Doctors Receptionists.
They, Doctors Receptionists, have built a physical and cyber-Brick wall that since the start of Covid has become ridiculous. Impenetrable.
Well on the 18.9.22 I lost my temper, rang Doctors and came up against a repugnant Receptionist. No, I could not see a doctor today, tomorrow……….
Earliest appointment was 6 weeks.
I explained quite coldly to the Receptionist that was not going to be possible as I didn’t envisage to be around in six weeks.
That seemed to grind the right response from the Brick wall.
“We’ll ring you back in five minutes”.
I left work and within 15 minutes, a Doctor I had never met rang me and I pulled into lay-by and took call. I told faceless Doctor that two options were available to myself: 1. Suicide or 2. I would like to have both legs Amputated below knee.
That left the Doctor absolutely flummoxed (confused for our Overseas brethren).
“Can I ring you back Mr Donkeywalloper?”
She did indeed ring me back very promptly and I found another lay-by and spent a few minutes on phone. The Biblical floodgates then opened, and I'm not gonna bore the pants off you, but everybody suddenly wanted dot help.
I keep this diary of medical conversations, be they Letters, Email, SMS, Phone or any verbal conversations. The A4 pages went from a few lines to pages, and pages very, very quickly. I kid you not, the NHS seemed to just open up, and wanted to help. Why couldn’t they have helped before.
On the 28th of April 2023 I finally after a few delays due to striking Doctors and Nurses, got admitted to my local Hospital. I turned up at 06:45 in the morning and finally got seen at 18:00 (constantly told that I could only drink water till such and such a time, only to have Op delayed again). It was then clothes off, Gown on (yes A** hanging out in the wind) and wheeled off to Theater. I had a Spinal Anesthesia (not nice, in fact the medical chap administering Needle was a bit off and scraped a lot of bone). Anyhoo, it was done and the sensation, or not of having your bottom half completely numbed and the feeling of floating from waist down was a sensation never felt before. They put a blue sheet up so I couldn’t see the Blood and Gore as they pulled out Veins and inserted a filament topped with a Lazer, that burnt Veins out. The last procedure was to “Debrade” or clean the wounds. Effectively scour the wounds to new fresh flesh to so call promote healing. As I was fully conscious and aware of conversations, it was to say the least amusing to hear the Surgeons chatting about day-to-day stuff. I was flipped over a couple of times to work on both side (like a Burger on a BBQ). I have never been a super supple chap and to see my leg raised above the blue shield, I could not comprehend whose leg it was. It was my leg but as I could not feel it, I wasn’t totally sure, plus the fact it was Yellow (Iodine), it really made me laugh. 3 hours later I was wrapped up and sent into recovery.
As it was so late, after 21:00, they wanted to keep me in. I was wheeled up to ward but after 1 hour, I discharged myself as they started to f£@k me around again. I rang Mrs Donkeywalloper, and she drove from Burton upon Trent and picked me up from Derby Hospital and took me home. It was of course frowned upon by medical fraternity, but it was the wisest move on my part. I slept so well and that’s the medicine needed after a Op.
I was told the success rate was 80% and I'm afraid as I type, I have fallen into the 20%. Its not that it hasn’t been a success but the 20% is slower recovery and results not so fast.
My M/H has really suffered recently. I was promoted at work, which you would think would be a success but actually it’s a Poisoned Chalice. The chap I was under and who is a great mate and still I have coffee and a chat with from time to time, saw the overall picture and handed in his notice. I held out for a while, but in the end, I took the step up, although reluctantly. I, on hindsight, should not have stepped up. The pressure of the job is intense, and I have struggled. That in tandem with my M/H has had a profound effect on me.
I don’t have any friends as such. That may sound weird as we all have friends don’t, we. My best mate died some four years ago from Cancer, and I still haven’t got over it. I miss him greatly.
My Rock Mrs D has been there through thick and thin, she fights for me and buoys me up and tries to disseminate my tired, pained and confused mind. She though has her own problems. Maybe because were both so messed up, we complement each other.
So, I apologize for not being involved but hope some of you may understand.
That’s not to say things have not been happening.
Purchases have been made.
So not in any particular order:
A selection of AK Real Color (Lacquer) and one Acrylic for painting Comet.

Mrs D and I went to a superb Sikh Wedding in August 2022, wonderful event and the food and Music was superb.

I was also finally able to go and see my young man crush Kim Wilde in concert in Liverpool (cancelled three years previous due to Covid).



I built this Dragon Model as a quick and easy build.



Then the year ended, and this is me on New Year 31.12.22.

Purchase came thick and fast in New Year with the following.

The big purchase though and I have always wanted one and in the end my resolve and Card bent.






And is it any good, of course it is. Beautiful, really smooth and so wonderful to use.
The Comet Started with the following images, but due to M/H problems I built but didn’t really pictorial the event.








I purchased a few Aftermarket bits and bobs.




Work progressed.



Purchased a new sofa and pouffe lol.


Then in February 2023, I was side swiped by a HGV (Huge Left-Hand Drive), who indicated at a junction Right then turned Left with me on the inside lane.

Bit more work on Comet.







March came around and I took Mrs DW to London to watch Sleeping Beauty at the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden. She loves the Ballet and I like a good sleep lol.



Another Cruiser Tank to add to collection. I really do like British Cruiser Tanks. I especially like the development of the British Cruiser Tanks. Another Bronco 1/35.

Some more Aftermarket plus a helpful book, sorry about cr@p pictures..





In March we had a week off, and the project was to remove 30-year-old rotten shed and fence and replace with new shed and higher fence. Mrs DW is a Beautician, and her manual work is reserved to the fairer sex and not to hefting Demolition kit. She is though strong and agile.


But accidents happen, when she trapped her fingers in Skip. That’s what Frozen Peas are for.



New Fence Posts up.



Mrs DW starts to screw down new shed sides.


Finished, it was a ball breaking few days work, but really chuffed with the result. Good job Mrs DW.


End of part one,

DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Can you mange Part 2?
Have a go and see what appears on your screen, if you managed Part 1, Part 2 is just as rubbish.
So on we go, you can’t have a Tank without figures (well I don’t think so).







Bit more fencing.

and a Bee needing a bit of Nectar.

Well, its April and finally laid down some Primer and a bit of shading.

Finally I get some colors down on Comet.






22.4.23 and as a Leicester City Fan of 45 years things are bleak, and about to get worse.

28.4.23 and two days before Birthday, this Graffiti ends up on my leg.

More kit, and really getting into VMS kit, and the beard gets longer.









Lets call that Part 2 and let you have a break and a coffee / tea / or something stronger.
All the best
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Have you had a drink? Wet your whistle for Part 3?
So more stuff bought.







We bought another Sofa in a Closing Down Sale.

28.5.23 and the inevitable happened. The Table does not lie on the woeful performance.

An idea conjured in the brain of a Diorama with an abandoned German Sidecar so started building this and the beard gets longer.









More brushes and these God Hand are absolutely fantastic but a tad expensive. You get though a lot of bang for the buck though.

Resin Water for Dio.









I think thats enough posting for a day.

Shalom and take care,

DW

[digger303]

It's a bit late here and I've only just spotted your 2 post's. I will read them in the morning, but I would just like to say it is so good to hear from your again. I was only just thinking ( don't do that often ) I wonder where he is.

[RangerNeil]

Good to see you back again DW.
Modelling stuff first - some cracking purchases there, esp. The Infinity. How are you getting on with it? Need to upgrade my own airbrush so open to views!
The Comet is coming on well, you've got so excellent add-ons to complement the finished build. Looking forwards to seeing the finished vehicle as and when.
The little BMW combo is also an excellent job - congratulations on that too.

On non-modelling issues thats a neat job with the fencing and shed. Hope Mrs DW's hand is OK now?
Ref the NHS - you used the magic "S" word - its one of the very few, indeed possibly the only one that unlocks the doors to treatment so whilst I appreciate you were deadly serious you could not have played it better. I help out with veterans charities - usually for mental health issues but sometimes for those who've lost limbs in service - and the "S" word is the only one that makes people in authority sit up and take notice. Its truly amazing how fast that can change the attitude from "don't give a damn" to "can't do enough, quickly enough".
I hope the treatment continues to be beneficial, even if slow!

[BigWall]

Welcome back! As mentioned by others, it's good to hear from you and I'm sorry that you have had such a rough go. The fence and shed came out quite nicely. You've made some good purchases and made some good progress on your modeling projects. Here's to hearing from you again soon!

[digger303]

Wow those wheels on the bike are special...lovely works of art.

Like the Cruisers too. I think Bronco had to include desert filters in the A10 later kit as the first one didn't despite the box art.

I see you've become a VMS fan If you haven't already used the decal solution be careful with thin decals they will curl up.

I'm sorry to hear your personal troubles are so ongoing. I do hope you get some relief soon even if you are in the 20% of slow healers.
The wedding looked like it would have been a lot of fun.

Nice to know your still around and you and your lovely wife are kicking on.

[Donkeywalloper]

Good to see you back again DW.
Modelling stuff first - some cracking purchases there, esp. The Infinity. How are you getting on with it? Need to upgrade my own airbrush so open to views!
The Comet is coming on well, you've got so excellent add-ons to complement the finished build. Looking forwards to seeing the finished vehicle as and when.
The little BMW combo is also an excellent job - congratulations on that too.

On non-modelling issues thats a neat job with the fencing and shed. Hope Mrs DW's hand is OK now?
Ref the NHS - you used the magic "S" word - its one of the very few, indeed possibly the only one that unlocks the doors to treatment so whilst I appreciate you were deadly serious you could not have played it better. I help out with veterans charities - usually for mental health issues but sometimes for those who've lost limbs in service - and the "S" word is the only one that makes people in authority sit up and take notice. Its truly amazing how fast that can change the attitude from "don't give a damn" to "can't do enough, quickly enough".
I hope the treatment continues to be beneficial, even if slow!

Hi Neil
The Infinity is a truly amazing bit of kit. I know that our Bretheran tend to lean either in the H&S or Iwata and some in the Badger camps. I really have been bowled over by its ease of use, cleaning is a doddle and its quality of build, is really exceptional.
Why though does the S word have to be used to make them sit up? I'm absolutely blown away by the alacrity and complete lack of care and attention. But why should i be "Blown away". They dont care!
Thank you Neil, means a lot to hera your words (did that make sense, it did to me).
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Welcome back! As mentioned by others, it's good to hear from you and I'm sorry that you have had such a rough go. The fence and shed came out quite nicely. You've made some good purchases and made some good progress on your modeling projects. Here's to hearing from you again soon!

Cheers Joe, nice to be back.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Wow those wheels on the bike are special...lovely works of art.

Like the Cruisers too. I think Bronco had to include desert filters in the A10 later kit as the first one didn't despite the box art.

I see you've become a VMS fan If you haven't already used the decal solution be careful with thin decals they will curl up.

I'm sorry to hear your personal troubles are so ongoing. I do hope you get some relief soon even if you are in the 20% of slow healers.
The wedding looked like it would have been a lot of fun.

Nice to know your still around and you and your lovely wife are kicking on.

Hi Digger, long time since last chat. The VMS range is really becoming my go to.
Thanks for kind words.
Im gonna post my last bits so kind words will be most welcome.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

21.6.23 and a week in the South in Poole and time to spend in each other’s company and also to visit Tankfest 2023.
The Garden of accommodation (Rented House in Poole) and look at that Blue Sky, it was a Blue Sky week. I have many close up images of Comets if anyone wants some research images?















Bought at Tankfest from the many, many Modelling Stalls, another Comet and a Metal Turned Barrel.

In August, we attended the Proms at the National Arboretum just down the road and it was preformed by my old Regiment The Royal regiment of Fusiliers. It was very wet but absolutely wonderful.



In August we attended the wedding of my Best Mates Sons Marriage to his partner. At the front on a seat (you can just see seat in picture) was a framed picture of his Dad in his Regimental Uniform. I cried; I admit it.

………………And so, in August 23 the Comet was finished. The Ariel haven’t been added plus the 1/35 Military Maps bought through Ebay never turned up. But its complete apart from them two items. What do you think?















Then once completed and a project is destined for shelf, I and I think many of you do the ritual clean and tidy of Bench.


I bought some RZ Storage units to tidy desk and make it more functional.




Man-Cave in August had a new roof. Ditched the Felt and went for a 25 Year Guaranteed Rubber Membrane kit. Old felt stripped off, Membrane laid on and given 30 minutes to conform then with some supplied Glue, its affixed to roof. A colleague at work got me on to the company, well impressed.






I’m sorry to bore the pants off you all. I'm not Mentally better and Physically still the same but life moves on and I'm gonna try and add more to this site than in the past few months (Year).

In the meantime, take good care all of you and as always Peace and Love.

DW

[RangerNeil]

Good to see you back again DW.
Modelling stuff first - some cracking purchases there, esp. The Infinity. How are you getting on with it? Need to upgrade my own airbrush so open to views!
The Comet is coming on well, you've got so excellent add-ons to complement the finished build. Looking forwards to seeing the finished vehicle as and when.
The little BMW combo is also an excellent job - congratulations on that too.

On non-modelling issues thats a neat job with the fencing and shed. Hope Mrs DW's hand is OK now?
Ref the NHS - you used the magic "S" word - its one of the very few, indeed possibly the only one that unlocks the doors to treatment so whilst I appreciate you were deadly serious you could not have played it better. I help out with veterans charities - usually for mental health issues but sometimes for those who've lost limbs in service - and the "S" word is the only one that makes people in authority sit up and take notice. Its truly amazing how fast that can change the attitude from "don't give a damn" to "can't do enough, quickly enough".
I hope the treatment continues to be beneficial, even if slow!

Hi Neil
The Infinity is a truly amazing bit of kit. I know that our Bretheran tend to lean either in the H&S or Iwata and some in the Badger camps. I really have been bowled over by its ease of use, cleaning is a doddle and its quality of build, is really exceptional.
Why though does the S word have to be used to make them sit up? I'm absolutely blown away by the alacrity and complete lack of care and attention. But why should i be "Blown away". They dont care!
Thank you Neil, means a lot to hera your words (did that make sense, it did to me).
DW

Finished Comet is an amazing job DW - well done. Shame about the bits that you never got but honestly they do not detract from the quality of the finished build. I am well and truly impressed!!
Whats going to be your next major project?

Thanks for the info on the Infinity - I've added it to the list of contenders just as soon as we recover financially from me being dead for a few months (long story - suffice it to say the finance company sub-contracted to administer my company pension are a bunch of morons).

NHS these days - where to start? Think I mentioned my daughter heads up a Physio team in a Respiratory ICU/CCU? She would give you chapter and verse. Basically she reckons the system is ⅔ admin staff with no medical knowledge and ⅓ medical staff these days and the emphasis is not on treatment but cost saving for what she calls "vanity projects". Most of the salary money goes to the admin staff. Talking to her today she is thinking of quitting as the latest demand was she cut her staff by 30% because the hospitals "Diversity Manager" wants to reallocate funds to the latest fad. She turned around said NO rather forcefully, her team almost collapsed during the Covid times and still struggles to maintain acceptable - in her eyes - medical care for patients. Whoever turned the NHS from a service into a business needs shooting.

Anytime you want to chat/offload/vent about anything mate you can drop a PM through and we'll chat, as the old BT ads used to say - its good to talk!

[digger303]

Those storage units are a good investment and look good too.
I like the way the Comet blends into the earth base with tank very dirty at the bottom and less so the higher you go. As it would be in life unless it was under artillery bombardment.
We would never think of just laying a sheet of rubber over a shed for a roof so it kind of amazes me to see it. Yet I have known about it before.
Lovely post from you and a joy to read.

[Stokesy44]

Lovely finish to the Comet. Its good to see you adding content and taking care of business after the earlier postings. I hope you are on the mend and the worst is behind you Sir