Global Scale Modeller

Posted: **Fri Jan 09, 2026 2:13 pm**

By way of introduction, some of you may remember a while ago Scott ran a series of weekly Friday afternoon topics to encourage discussions around a variety of both modelling and non-modelling subjects which became known as the Friday Diatribes. He mentioned to me recently that he was thinking about relaunching the idea on a monthly basis and inviting forum members to set up each month's subject.

So I'm diving in first with a look back at 2025 and a look forward to 2026.

With only five completed kits (two of which were started in previous years) then modelling-wise 2025 was without doubt my lowest in terms of productivity since coming back to the hobby. My contributions on the forum also took a nose-dive and without going into too much detail I'll start by looking at the factors that contributed to both.

Like many people I've spoken to, 2025 was a tough year.

All of my immediate family experienced health issues to varying degrees of severity and whilst we all made it into 2026 and are in one piece it was touch and go with my brother at one point. My wife was also T-boned in her car on the way to work and although she was relatively unscathed other than being very shaken up it also left her car (her pride & joy) off the road for the better part of four months while the garage struggled to sort out one of the final issues caused by the incident.

With regards to our wider family the fact that I've already attended two funerals this year really highlights how 2025 put the boot in at the end of the year.

Aside from what I've already mentioned the biggest impact on my forum time has been work. Like many corporations our company is determined to be doing more with fewer staff and as a result those of us with useful skills are being wrung out big time. But since I haven't yet won the lottery it keeps paying the mortgage so takes priority, but at the end of the working day all I've wanted to do is escape into a book or doze off in front of the TV instead of heading for the den for some time at the bench.

On several occasions through the year when I've tried to grab 15mins to catch up on threads on the forum only to be pinged by my boss for something "urgent", and in the end I gave up trying to do anything more than checking in a couple of times a day to make sure nothing amiss was going on. And that's on me.

It wasn't all bad though, we've still been able to get to live sport (Rugby & Cricket) and have also indulged in our shared love for photography which also acted as a much needed impetus to get me out of the house.

So that was 2025 - what about 2026?

I'm not big into New Years Resolutions but in this case I am determined to get myself back into the hobby I love and make sure that I spend much more time interacting on the forum again.

I've currently got two kits started: the Tamiya P-38 from bfrd's birthday bash Pacific theatre build which is currently being decalled and will hopefully be finished in the next couple of weeks; and the Revell Millennium Falcon that I started a while back & screwed up because I wasn't paying attention.

I want to take part in the Tamiya tribute group build with at least a couple of kits from different genres so the Falcon will probably go on hold for a while or be tinkered with in the background whilst other projects clutter the bench up.

I also want to break out a couple of figure painting projects that I've wanted to get started on for a while.

So there you go if you made it this far... the first diatribe of the year.

I look forward to reading your own look back/forward and we'll be reaching out to a new victim errrrrr volunteer for February's diatribe

Posted: **Fri Jan 09, 2026 4:44 pm**

Excellent restart to this.
If you guys remember it is a topic, usually modelling that you want to discuss. Airbrush, cement whatever and you give your blurb on the topic subject
"this is just a diatribe" as one guy described the thread and so eternally named it.

Neil, Sorry to hear the stuff you have been through
SO if we say How Crappy has 2025 been for you and what are your plans for 2026... as a subject title for our restart

Posted: **Fri Jan 09, 2026 9:46 pm**

I will second that as 2025 being a bit nasty.
Sorry about your hardships in 2025 I hope 2026 will be better.

Posted: **Sat Jan 10, 2026 8:09 am**

Hard to hear that from @Tomcat64 . It goes. Had our first kid this year. Soooo, not a lot of bench time with the prep for the little guy to come on board. Basically zero bench time, the F-86 will finish eventually. Maybe...

Posted: **Sat Jan 10, 2026 8:53 am**

Yeah for us 2025 was just one of those years.

Congratulations @aur0ra145 on the new addition to the family

Posted: **Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:27 pm**

As if anyone needs to hear more from me...
We have all been a little quiet and busy in 2025 and away from the Forum
2025 has been interesting for me personally, especially with my health.
Never been sick or on meds before. At 58 now, I have two bad knees that need full replacement and a heart condition that complicates those surgeries
Very scary when a Dr says to you that you have early heart failure, but doesn't (or can't) explain why. Pills and no knee surgery was all he said.
I go from having a private knee surgery booked for June '25 and ready to do physio and be skiing in six months to being on five pills, going to appointments for tests and scans.
I am stable and improving heart function but it is frustrating as I am not a good sick person...I am a care-giver not a care-getter.
My knees hurt and I tire easily with any effort, so not at all the busy outside, no multiple to do lists anymore; the modelling time has suffered too.
So 2026 the pills are helping I have knee injections to limit severe pain and i am coping. I have two healthy kids, healthy pets and a wonderful helpful wife.
We go on a work conference to Hawaii in Feb '26 and am considering a new SUV coming end of Jan/ Feb.
I have nothing to cry about. Hope to model more and participate on Forum more.
I wish you all a great 2026

Posted: **Mon Jan 12, 2026 9:29 pm**

Twokidsnosleep wrote: Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:27 pm As if anyone needs to hear more from me...
We have all been a little quiet and busy in 2025 and away from the Forum
2025 has been interesting for me personally, especially with my health.
Never been sick or on meds before. At 58 now, I have two bad knees that need full replacement and a heart condition that complicates those surgeries
Very scary when a Dr says to you that you have early heart failure, but doesn't (or can't) explain why. Pills and no knee surgery was all he said.
I go from having a private knee surgery booked for June '25 and ready to do physio and be skiing in six months to being on five pills, going to appointments for tests and scans.
I am stable and improving heart function but it is frustrating as I am not a good sick person...I am a care-giver not a care-getter.
My knees hurt and I tire easily with any effort, so not at all the busy outside, no multiple to do lists anymore; the modelling time has suffered too.
So 2026 the pills are helping I have knee injections to limit severe pain and i am coping. I have two healthy kids, healthy pets and a wonderful helpful wife.
We go on a work conference to Hawaii in Feb '26 and am considering a new SUV coming end of Jan/ Feb.
I have nothing to cry about. Hope to model more and participate on Forum more.
I wish you all a great 2026

Both yours and Neil's are tough reads and I wish you both a better 2026

Posted: **Mon Jan 12, 2026 10:20 pm**

Stokesy44 wrote: Mon Jan 12, 2026 9:29 pm
Both yours and Neil's are tough reads and I wish you both a better 2026

Thanks David, but Meh its not that bad
Better to not be too negative about it, funny how pain especially chronic can make one nasty. 2025 certainly wasn't the worst year of my life...ooo thats a good diatribe topic

Been better mentally now, especially with some great, positive changes with staff at work; so I have a good outlook for the year.
I will live, mostly

Posted: **Tue Jan 13, 2026 10:46 am**

As I was going to post something "special" this morning, I thought this thread would be the right place by reading all of the others. Seems a few of us pass through rough stuffs in 2025... BUT PLEASE, READ ALL THE WAY

As for myself, a few of you know that I completely disappear from the forum (or almost at time) for almost all of 2025. Mostly due to big anxiety issues I developed in late 2024. Started slowly without me noticing it too much. Then it became bigger and bigger. I would go to the grocery store only if obligated too (no food at all at home), I would turn back home if some sort of shopping needed to be done, I would turn back home when walking my dog only 75 m away from the house, I stop seeing friends and family, and the list goes on. I would comfort myself in my safety bubble being my appartement, playing the PS5 or watching TV. I bought the PS5 just for that. It did help even if it doesn't seem. It would take me someone else to bring to the office when it was the day with needed it to be there (one every 2 weeks).

I had to work really hard to step out from the worst of that. Thanks to books, friends and therapy. I got help just in time it was said to me, as I was about to become really stuck in my home with fear of going out... All that due mostly to working full time from home since COVID. All that brought another problem to my foot because not exercising enough..

And top on that, I'm having really big money issues...which I found pretty hard to cope with considering the salary I make and the advantages I have. When the new year came, it was hard to me to look at my situation face to face. All that brought me almost to the point of having a depression.

But with all that, down like hell on New Years Eve, I was trying to look at 2026 in a brighter way... (hard to me to do that) But the 2026 started better than the year before. Started talking to someone on the 31. And all that is going well so far.

AND, THE PRIMARY GOAL OF THIS POST, I have a good friend, who lives pretty far from me. We talk a lot, a few times a week, for the last well 5 years now I think. We talk about pretty much anything. And it's always a joy to get news from him. But that friend, just did something that brought me lots of joy yesterday. Knowing I had really big money issues, he sent me a gift. A really too big gift....

Sans titre by Francis Pare, sur Flickr
At first, when he sent me the postal notifications that came from a hobby store in Canada, I had one idea on what it could be. But the box was really too heavy ! As I almost dropped it from the postal box being surprise by the weight.
And the then I opened it !

Sans titre by Francis Pare, sur Flickr

Sans titre by Francis Pare, sur Flickr

I had told him I had money issues, and could not buy a new compressor for a while because the braces my son needs.

That friend is Ian, aka @digger303 .... This message is a second thank you to him. And me wanted to tell him how great he is.

Now I can get in the Tamiya's GB

Hesitating between a Skyraider or a Sherman

And please, give all a big round of applause to a great guy, @digger303

Posted: **Tue Jan 13, 2026 2:40 pm**

HI Francis

An honest, brave and necessary post

. Sadly, the issue of isolation (especially post Covid) is affecting a lot of people. It sneaks up on you and before you know it, things can really get out of hand.

On the brighter side it was such a thrill to read about the gift from Digger and I cant imagine how it must have made you feel when it arrived.

We are fortunate on this forum to have some really good people we can spend time with. And its not just chat. I have experience support from some of the guys on here and feel truly blessed as a result.

I hope things improve for you and that we see more of you on here. Sometimes, hobby stuff is the last thing we want to do, but once we are at the bench, it can be a significant help in our mental health battles.

David

Posted: **Tue Jan 13, 2026 4:13 pm**

Glad to hear the years off to a good start for you @Garion77 - and well done @Digger303.

2025 was a Meh year for me too - seems to be catching..... Think I've said before the OH was diagnosed with bowel cancer a few years ago and I had 4 friends diagnosed with the same condition within in the same month. 1 passed away within a year, the other 3, like the OH, were in remission. All 3 died last year (2025) from the cancer. Ever since I've lived in dread of the other clog dropping every time the oncology dept call her in. Add to that the last of those I served with also passed so the days of "do you remember" conversations are over. Really makes one feel isolated - MH people tell you how to cope with losing friends but not how to cope when you are the last of 66.....
I've got no idea what 2026 will bring but at least I don't have financial worries (so far) which is a plus and we are looking at adopting a second Black Houndie so if that clog does drop at least I won't be alone. Other than that its having to live under a Gov't that actively seems to hate pensioners and veterans, esp. SF. Deep joy........
Thank god for the modelling bench.

Posted: **Tue Jan 13, 2026 4:30 pm**

@digger303 mate, you are an absolute star

Here's hoping 2026 is better for all of you that have posted so far - and hopefully this small outpost of ours can continue to support everyone as best we can.

Posted: **Tue Jan 13, 2026 5:21 pm**

Oh Francis, I am so sorry to hear of the issues
Please feel free to PM me and or post to us. We are all happy to lend an ear hand arm elbow, whatever is needed
Your post really points out the friendship network here
I nominate Digger303, Ian, as the Modeller of the month! Wow man that is superb human behaviour

Posted: **Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:29 pm**

Twokidsnosleep wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 5:21 pm
Your post really points out the friendship network here
I nominate Digger303, Ian, as the Modeller of the month! Wow man that is superb human behaviour

Human being of the year, you are one amazing guy!

Paul

Posted: **Tue Jan 13, 2026 10:41 pm**

Quax wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:29 pm
Twokidsnosleep wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 5:21 pm
Your post really points out the friendship network here
I nominate Digger303, Ian, as the Modeller of the month! Wow man that is superb human behaviour
Human being of the year, you are one amazing guy!

Paul

I'll second that!!

Posted: **Wed Jan 14, 2026 1:23 am**

Well, we have a first, and second nomination. According to the Roberts Rules of Order, now we vote; All for the nomination say Aye... A-Y-E, All opposed..... (silence). Well then, we should all give digger a big Atta-Boy!.

Good on ya Digger303!. I really mean that digger, you are indeed a wonderful ambassador to our hobby.

Ever since I got more involved with church and the American Legion (veterans group); they have taken considerable time away from modeling. Along with those activities, I still try to find time for several hobbies (motorcycling, shooting, modeling, and music). Then there is my pride and joy,... Jarrod. Believe it or not, he is already 27 years old. My wife and I had him when I was 40, so do the math. He is the youngest of four children, with my oldest being 46.

As I read all of the posts I can relate to some of them personally. The knees, back, feet, cancer, etc. none of that is small or a joking matter. I wish all of you the comfort and rewards you desire this year and those issues which plagued you last year are forever gone.

I'm here to say that I feel blessed for many, many reasons. Even though the U.S.A. is not what it once was, I count my blessings that I have my overall freedom, most my physical, mental, and spiritual health, financial security, a home to call my own, food to eat, clothes on my back, a family that loves me, I could go on but for those of you who know, you know. I consider myself a blessed man considering.

Any day that I return home all stressed out, all I need is 10 minutes with my son, Jarrod, and he makes the world better. He tells me that I'm his hero, but honestly, he is mine! Jarrod was born 3 months premature and with multiple severe developmental issues. His diagnosis is severe cerebral palsy, brain damage through something called PVL, has a life threatening seizure disorder, where he has been life flighted three times. Even so, every day is a new and beautiful day for him, even though he has no fine or even most gross motor skills, he can barely talk, cannot walk, sit, eat, drink, to perform his own personal hygiene, etc. The amount of health, physical, and mental things he has already gone through and continues to go through every day is much more than myself and I would dare say most of us will ever have to deal with; and I'm not even talking about the disability discrimination he receives, which is significant. Yet he surprises me every day with his happiness, love, compassion, determination and so much more. That is all OK. He is loved and loves well too. So now you see why I look up to him.

Many years ago, when I was young, I strived to establish my career and try to live up to the hype. Today it's worse than ever with media from all sources, internet, phone, visual, television, magazines, etc. They all are trying to cram their individual marketing ploys and even political views into you so hard, it’s no wonder many people have a hard time dealing with it all.

You see, you DO NOT have to have the highest paid job, DO NOT need the biggest house up on the hill. You DO NOT need the most expensive luxury vehicles, DO NOT need to wear certain clothes, DO NOT need to have a certain education, DO NOT need multiple gifted or over achieving children, DO NOT need to have the most prized cat or dog, DO NOT.... you get the picture.

For me, the luxuries and wealth I enjoy compared to millions across the world, are to them beyond measure. Of course I worked very hard my whole life to achieve and enjoy my meager life. So I hope we all can continue to wake every morning with hope, health, and happiness. That is what I'm looking forward to in 2026; and more scale modeling of course.

Thank you all for giving me this place to consider my modeling home of choice. This is a great hobby and it's always nice to enjoy it with great friends in this forum. I hope to get back into my normal modeling routine sometime this year. Until then I will enjoy everybodies modeling journey as your biggest fan and I will contribute my build progress when I can.

Here's to a great year ahead......

Posted: **Wed Jan 14, 2026 7:21 am**

Finding it difficult to respond to DRUMS01's post.

Completely agree with the comments re Digger - even though he's an Aussie

As for the rest of the post. One word. Awe.

Posted: **Thu Jan 15, 2026 1:46 am**

Tomcat64 wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 4:30 pm @digger303 mate, you are an absolute star

Here's hoping 2026 is better for all of you that have posted so far - and hopefully this small outpost of ours can continue to support everyone as best we can.

I've read all the posts and second the above from tomcat.
Well done digger. Totally awesome

My years been downright Aok compared to you guys. . I hope everyone copes in the best way with what life is throwing at you, ani I especially look forward to seeing the models you guys will be turning out.

Posted: **Thu Jan 15, 2026 1:48 am**

DRUMS01 wrote: Wed Jan 14, 2026 1:23 am Well, we have a first, and second nomination. According to the Roberts Rules of Order, now we vote; All for the nomination say Aye... A-Y-E, All opposed..... (silence). Well then, we should all give digger a big Atta-Boy!.

Good on ya Digger303!. I really mean that digger, you are indeed a wonderful ambassador to our hobby.

Ever since I got more involved with church and the American Legion (veterans group); they have taken considerable time away from modeling. Along with those activities, I still try to find time for several hobbies (motorcycling, shooting, modeling, and music). Then there is my pride and joy,... Jarrod. Believe it or not, he is already 27 years old. My wife and I had him when I was 40, so do the math. He is the youngest of four children, with my oldest being 46.

As I read all of the posts I can relate to some of them personally. The knees, back, feet, cancer, etc. none of that is small or a joking matter. I wish all of you the comfort and rewards you desire this year and those issues which plagued you last year are forever gone.

I'm here to say that I feel blessed for many, many reasons. Even though the U.S.A. is not what it once was, I count my blessings that I have my overall freedom, most my physical, mental, and spiritual health, financial security, a home to call my own, food to eat, clothes on my back, a family that loves me, I could go on but for those of you who know, you know. I consider myself a blessed man considering.

Any day that I return home all stressed out, all I need is 10 minutes with my son, Jarrod, and he makes the world better. He tells me that I'm his hero, but honestly, he is mine! Jarrod was born 3 months premature and with multiple severe developmental issues. His diagnosis is severe cerebral palsy, brain damage through something called PVL, has a life threatening seizure disorder, where he has been life flighted three times. Even so, every day is a new and beautiful day for him, even though he has no fine or even most gross motor skills, he can barely talk, cannot walk, sit, eat, drink, to perform his own personal hygiene, etc. The amount of health, physical, and mental things he has already gone through and continues to go through every day is much more than myself and I would dare say most of us will ever have to deal with; and I'm not even talking about the disability discrimination he receives, which is significant. Yet he surprises me every day with his happiness, love, compassion, determination and so much more. That is all OK. He is loved and loves well too. So now you see why I look up to him.

Many years ago, when I was young, I strived to establish my career and try to live up to the hype. Today it's worse than ever with media from all sources, internet, phone, visual, television, magazines, etc. They all are trying to cram their individual marketing ploys and even political views into you so hard, it’s no wonder many people have a hard time dealing with it all.

You see, you DO NOT have to have the highest paid job, DO NOT need the biggest house up on the hill. You DO NOT need the most expensive luxury vehicles, DO NOT need to wear certain clothes, DO NOT need to have a certain education, DO NOT need multiple gifted or over achieving children, DO NOT need to have the most prized cat or dog, DO NOT.... you get the picture.

For me, the luxuries and wealth I enjoy compared to millions across the world, are to them beyond measure. Of course I worked very hard my whole life to achieve and enjoy my meager life. So I hope we all can continue to wake every morning with hope, health, and happiness. That is what I'm looking forward to in 2026; and more scale modeling of course.

Thank you all for giving me this place to consider my modeling home of choice. This is a great hobby and it's always nice to enjoy it with great friends in this forum. I hope to get back into my normal modeling routine sometime this year. Until then I will enjoy everybodies modeling journey as your biggest fan and I will contribute my build progress when I can.

Here's to a great year ahead......

Posted: **Thu Jan 15, 2026 10:09 am**

Wise words as always from @DRUMS01

Posted: **Thu Jan 15, 2026 8:33 pm**

RangerNeil wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 4:13 pm Glad to hear the years off to a good start for you @Garion77 - and well done @Digger303.

2025 was a Meh year for me too - seems to be catching..... Think I've said before the OH was diagnosed with bowel cancer a few years ago and I had 4 friends diagnosed with the same condition within in the same month. 1 passed away within a year, the other 3, like the OH, were in remission. All 3 died last year (2025) from the cancer. Ever since I've lived in dread of the other clog dropping every time the oncology dept call her in. Add to that the last of those I served with also passed so the days of "do you remember" conversations are over. Really makes one feel isolated - MH people tell you how to cope with losing friends but not how to cope when you are the last of 66.....
I've got no idea what 2026 will bring but at least I don't have financial worries (so far) which is a plus and we are looking at adopting a second Black Houndie so if that clog does drop at least I won't be alone. Other than that its having to live under a Gov't that actively seems to hate pensioners and veterans, esp. SF. Deep joy........
Thank god for the modelling bench.

mind me asking what is OH ?

Posted: **Thu Jan 15, 2026 8:40 pm**

DRUMS01 wrote: Wed Jan 14, 2026 1:23 am Well, we have a first, and second nomination. According to the Roberts Rules of Order, now we vote; All for the nomination say Aye... A-Y-E, All opposed..... (silence). Well then, we should all give digger a big Atta-Boy!.

Good on ya Digger303!. I really mean that digger, you are indeed a wonderful ambassador to our hobby.

Ever since I got more involved with church and the American Legion (veterans group); they have taken considerable time away from modeling. Along with those activities, I still try to find time for several hobbies (motorcycling, shooting, modeling, and music). Then there is my pride and joy,... Jarrod. Believe it or not, he is already 27 years old. My wife and I had him when I was 40, so do the math. He is the youngest of four children, with my oldest being 46.

As I read all of the posts I can relate to some of them personally. The knees, back, feet, cancer, etc. none of that is small or a joking matter. I wish all of you the comfort and rewards you desire this year and those issues which plagued you last year are forever gone.

I'm here to say that I feel blessed for many, many reasons. Even though the U.S.A. is not what it once was, I count my blessings that I have my overall freedom, most my physical, mental, and spiritual health, financial security, a home to call my own, food to eat, clothes on my back, a family that loves me, I could go on but for those of you who know, you know. I consider myself a blessed man considering.

Any day that I return home all stressed out, all I need is 10 minutes with my son, Jarrod, and he makes the world better. He tells me that I'm his hero, but honestly, he is mine! Jarrod was born 3 months premature and with multiple severe developmental issues. His diagnosis is severe cerebral palsy, brain damage through something called PVL, has a life threatening seizure disorder, where he has been life flighted three times. Even so, every day is a new and beautiful day for him, even though he has no fine or even most gross motor skills, he can barely talk, cannot walk, sit, eat, drink, to perform his own personal hygiene, etc. The amount of health, physical, and mental things he has already gone through and continues to go through every day is much more than myself and I would dare say most of us will ever have to deal with; and I'm not even talking about the disability discrimination he receives, which is significant. Yet he surprises me every day with his happiness, love, compassion, determination and so much more. That is all OK. He is loved and loves well too. So now you see why I look up to him.

Many years ago, when I was young, I strived to establish my career and try to live up to the hype. Today it's worse than ever with media from all sources, internet, phone, visual, television, magazines, etc. They all are trying to cram their individual marketing ploys and even political views into you so hard, it’s no wonder many people have a hard time dealing with it all.

You see, you DO NOT have to have the highest paid job, DO NOT need the biggest house up on the hill. You DO NOT need the most expensive luxury vehicles, DO NOT need to wear certain clothes, DO NOT need to have a certain education, DO NOT need multiple gifted or over achieving children, DO NOT need to have the most prized cat or dog, DO NOT.... you get the picture.

For me, the luxuries and wealth I enjoy compared to millions across the world, are to them beyond measure. Of course I worked very hard my whole life to achieve and enjoy my meager life. So I hope we all can continue to wake every morning with hope, health, and happiness. That is what I'm looking forward to in 2026; and more scale modeling of course.

Thank you all for giving me this place to consider my modeling home of choice. This is a great hobby and it's always nice to enjoy it with great friends in this forum. I hope to get back into my normal modeling routine sometime this year. Until then I will enjoy everybodies modeling journey as your biggest fan and I will contribute my build progress when I can.

Here's to a great year ahead......

a real touching and inspiring message. I always take pleasure of following your builds because of how you talk about your family and Jarod. And implicated you are.
And don't worry about what is becoming of the USA

I go there frequently and it's the people living there that makes it great. And not what the policies are.

Posted: **Thu Jan 15, 2026 8:57 pm**

Garion77 wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 8:33 pm
RangerNeil wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 4:13 pm Glad to hear the years off to a good start for you @Garion77 - and well done @Digger303.

2025 was a Meh year for me too - seems to be catching..... Think I've said before the OH was diagnosed with bowel cancer a few years ago and I had 4 friends diagnosed with the same condition within in the same month. 1 passed away within a year, the other 3, like the OH, were in remission. All 3 died last year (2025) from the cancer. Ever since I've lived in dread of the other clog dropping every time the oncology dept call her in. Add to that the last of those I served with also passed so the days of "do you remember" conversations are over. Really makes one feel isolated - MH people tell you how to cope with losing friends but not how to cope when you are the last of 66.....
I've got no idea what 2026 will bring but at least I don't have financial worries (so far) which is a plus and we are looking at adopting a second Black Houndie so if that clog does drop at least I won't be alone. Other than that its having to live under a Gov't that actively seems to hate pensioners and veterans, esp. SF. Deep joy........
Thank god for the modelling bench.
mind me asking what is OH ?

OH = Other Half = Wife.

Just to get 2026 off to a REALLY good start I got a letter from the doctors today - had the annual eye test for diabetes last week and the results back in. I now have Stage 1 Diabetic Retinopathy. Apparently irreversible - can delayed by drugs - but eventually I'll lose my sight.

Posted: **Thu Jan 15, 2026 11:51 pm**

RangerNeil wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 8:57 pm
Garion77 wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 8:33 pm
RangerNeil wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 4:13 pm Glad to hear the years off to a good start for you @Garion77 - and well done @Digger303.

2025 was a Meh year for me too - seems to be catching..... Think I've said before the OH was diagnosed with bowel cancer a few years ago and I had 4 friends diagnosed with the same condition within in the same month. 1 passed away within a year, the other 3, like the OH, were in remission. All 3 died last year (2025) from the cancer. Ever since I've lived in dread of the other clog dropping every time the oncology dept call her in. Add to that the last of those I served with also passed so the days of "do you remember" conversations are over. Really makes one feel isolated - MH people tell you how to cope with losing friends but not how to cope when you are the last of 66.....
I've got no idea what 2026 will bring but at least I don't have financial worries (so far) which is a plus and we are looking at adopting a second Black Houndie so if that clog does drop at least I won't be alone. Other than that its having to live under a Gov't that actively seems to hate pensioners and veterans, esp. SF. Deep joy........
Thank god for the modelling bench.
mind me asking what is OH ?

OH = Other Half = Wife.

Just to get 2026 off to a REALLY good start I got a letter from the doctors today - had the annual eye test for diabetes last week and the results back in. I now have Stage 1 Diabetic Retinopathy. Apparently irreversible - can delayed by drugs - but eventually I'll lose my sight.

oh crap that is nasty bad news.
How long do you think before that happens ?

Posted: **Fri Jan 16, 2026 12:37 am**

digger303 wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 11:51 pm
RangerNeil wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 8:57 pm /snipped
Just to get 2026 off to a REALLY good start I got a letter from the doctors today - had the annual eye test for diabetes last week and the results back in. I now have Stage 1 Diabetic Retinopathy. Apparently irreversible - can delayed by drugs - but eventually I'll lose my sight.
oh crap that is nasty bad news.
How long do you think before that happens ?

Honestly got no idea. Hopefully a couple of years at least.

Posted: **Fri Jan 16, 2026 4:09 am**

RangerNeil wrote: Fri Jan 16, 2026 12:37 am
digger303 wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 11:51 pm
RangerNeil wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 8:57 pm /snipped
Just to get 2026 off to a REALLY good start I got a letter from the doctors today - had the annual eye test for diabetes last week and the results back in. I now have Stage 1 Diabetic Retinopathy. Apparently irreversible - can delayed by drugs - but eventually I'll lose my sight.
oh crap that is nasty bad news.
How long do you think before that happens ?
Honestly got no idea. Hopefully a couple of years at least.

So sorry to hear that mate

Posted: **Fri Jan 16, 2026 4:15 am**

What this diatribe needs is pictures of a beautiful dog
Piper has two brain cells. One operates eating and the other sleeping.
Besides that, not much more going on up there. But she is a loveable dope

Attentively awaiting food in the ski garage

After food, asleep in my closet

Posted: **Fri Jan 16, 2026 6:48 am**

RangerNeil wrote: Fri Jan 16, 2026 12:37 am
digger303 wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 11:51 pm
RangerNeil wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 8:57 pm /snipped
Just to get 2026 off to a REALLY good start I got a letter from the doctors today - had the annual eye test for diabetes last week and the results back in. I now have Stage 1 Diabetic Retinopathy. Apparently irreversible - can delayed by drugs - but eventually I'll lose my sight.
oh crap that is nasty bad news.
How long do you think before that happens ?
Honestly got no idea. Hopefully a couple of years at least.

Damn.

Posted: **Fri Jan 16, 2026 11:03 am**

Not much to add for myself after reading through the thread, but just wanted to extend my best wishes for everyone for the year ahead and all the challenges we have to face.

Posted: **Fri Jan 16, 2026 4:29 pm**

RangerNeil wrote: Fri Jan 16, 2026 12:37 am
digger303 wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 11:51 pm
RangerNeil wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 8:57 pm /snipped
Just to get 2026 off to a REALLY good start I got a letter from the doctors today - had the annual eye test for diabetes last week and the results back in. I now have Stage 1 Diabetic Retinopathy. Apparently irreversible - can delayed by drugs - but eventually I'll lose my sight.
oh crap that is nasty bad news.
How long do you think before that happens ?
Honestly got no idea. Hopefully a couple of years at least.

Ouch really sorry to hear that mate - hopefully the treatment can hold it up.

If it's any consolation my mum was diagnosed with multiple issues with her eyes, including a different form of retinopathy, and the regular treatments she's received since have managed to hold everything more or less in check.

That started about twenty years ago, she's now 84 and can still pass the eye exam to legally drive (although she's very picky about when she ventures out).

Posted: **Fri Jan 16, 2026 5:40 pm**

sorry to hear your news Neil, hopefully the quacks can work their magic!

Paul

Posted: **Sun Feb 01, 2026 12:04 am**

I've got a short rant and it's about these damn things that get palmed off as bloody tweezers.
Sure they pick things up for a bout a damn minute until you've almost got the part placed then ......f..ing, ping GONE. Then one spends the next half hr trying to find the said part and one only has to experience that a couple of times a night and poof all your modelling time has been wasted. If you lucky you might fine the part next time you sit down at the bench as I did last night with one stuck to a sanding stick and the other on the side of a paint bottle. Who says CA is slow to work....

But honestly all the tweezers I've bought to date dspiae has been the best, but still the parts won't stay straight or get flung off to the damn never never land.

So yet again I'm hunting for the perfect tweezer set.

Posted: **Sun Feb 01, 2026 12:30 am**

digger303 wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 12:04 am I've got a short rant and it's about these damn things that get palmed off as bloody tweezers.
Sure they pick things up for a bout a damn minute until you've almost got the part placed then ......f..ing, ping GONE. Then one spends the next half hr trying to find the said part and one only has to experience that a couple of times a night and poof all your modelling time has been wasted. If you lucky you might fine the part next time you sit down at the bench as I did last night with one stuck to a sanding stick and the other on the side of a paint bottle. Who says CA is slow to work....

But honestly all the tweezers I've bought to date dspiae has been the best, but still the parts won't stay straight or get flung off to the damn never never land.

So yet again I'm hunting for the perfect tweezer set.

If you find it - let us all know. I spent the entire evening yesterday trying to place PE parts on the Typhoon. A endless succesion of pick part up in tweezers. PING. Hunt for part.

Posted: **Sun Feb 01, 2026 8:55 am**

I just bought a wax tip pencil for small pe. Works a treat. Just the lightest of touches and the part is attached to the wax tip. Makes picking up tiny bits a lot easier.

Posted: **Sun Feb 01, 2026 11:59 pm**

cor wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 8:55 am I just bought a wax tip pencil for small pe. Works a treat. Just the lightest of touches and the part is attached to the wax tip. Makes picking up tiny bits a lot easier.

Yes I've tried those too, but not always good when you have to place the PE into a slot or hole.

Posted: **Mon Feb 02, 2026 1:44 am**

I find the same issues as Digger...

I've improved some by coaxing my doctor friend in giving me some of his surgical professional tweezers and hemostats. They were free and they are better than most I find around the hobby. I've even found that those disposable ones in the Emergency Room are pretty good compared to much of the hobby stuff. I just simply ask for them when near an ER, some give them to me versus throwing them out and others don't.

The problem is most from the ER and Doctor tweezers are very pointed (not many flat or angle tips). This pointed type do not work well in most PE situations, where I prefer the very thin and narrow flat tip. They do not work well on small rounded items either.

Somebody told me that professional grade beauty tweezers are a good way to go (straight or angular flat tip or pointed ($20.00 and up per item)

https://germanikure.com/collections/twe ... 2vEALw_wcB

https://tweezerman.com/collections/twee ... _kEALw_wcB

Or these precision watch making tweezers:

https://www.esslinger.com/watchmakers-t ... eHDV_Ox8un

I've yet to try any of these, but if anyone does, please let me know your thoughts on the products...

Posted: **Mon Feb 02, 2026 5:52 am**

DRUMS01 wrote: Mon Feb 02, 2026 1:44 am I find the same issues as Digger...

I've improved some by coaxing my doctor friend in giving me some of his surgical professional tweezers and hemostats. They were free and they are better than most I find around the hobby. I've even found that those disposable ones in the Emergency Room are pretty good compared to much of the hobby stuff. I just simply ask for them when near an ER, some give them to me versus throwing them out and others don't.

The problem is most from the ER and Doctor tweezers are very pointed (not many flat or angle tips). This pointed type do not work well in most PE situations, where I prefer the very thin and narrow flat tip. They do not work well on small rounded items either.

Somebody told me that professional grade beauty tweezers are a good way to go (straight or angular flat tip or pointed ($20.00 and up per item)

https://germanikure.com/collections/twe ... 2vEALw_wcB

https://tweezerman.com/collections/twee ... _kEALw_wcB

Or these precision watch making tweezers:

https://www.esslinger.com/watchmakers-t ... eHDV_Ox8un

I've yet to try any of these, but if anyone does, please let me know your thoughts on the products...

I've done a bit of homework over the last couple of days and I think the professional grade tweezers used in electronics might be the way forward so I've gone and ordered a set of two. It seems the trick is to get some that don't flex down the length of the tool and flick the objects away and these should fill that requirement and not cause hand fatigue and stop rod like objects spinning. They must also meet at the end properly and not flex sideways.. For such a simple tool there is a lot of engineering going into making one that works properly.

Global Scale Modeller

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