Yeah, I know, this article will be a desaster. But here we are, another year complete and somehow a lot of you guys still seem to be in for the ride with me even after this rollercoaster if a year. Where shall I even begin. (I am seriously cheating by looking at my last recap, man I am out of it)
The first priority is of course to thank everyone, no matter how times were going, good or bad, up or down, there were so many people to help me and that I have to thank. I am super lucky and gratefull to have all of you here with me on this journey.
- My fabulous Girlfriend – again a huge thank you to you. Even though we did not get as much time building together, time was always great with you and you were also a great help with the workshop update (we will get to that later)
- All fellow modellers and non-modellers on instagram, scalemates, facebook, here or on my first exhibition – it was a great time with all of you. Sharing ideas, building together, admiring each other and giving healthy criticism. I believe we should be proud of the healthy community we are building here and at many other places!
- Chino’s cafe – Still the first place for me to post my work and still one of the nicest places to hang around. Here we see how beatifully humanity can work, no matter your hobby. Modeller, artist, or something completly different. We can still be proud of one another and we should be. Be proud, of yourself, but not just yousrself.
Now, really into the recap:
Well, what is there really to say, a lot actually even though not a lot has happened here. Let’s first start with the most disappointing aspect of this year:
Completed models: just two, two models that I am proud of, but still just two.
The first candidate should be familiar to most of you around here: The MAZ-537g by Trumpeter, aka “The old bear” I am still very proud of this model to be honest and there are not a lot of things I would change about it. Of course there is always a list, but it is relatively short here. The only major thing I would change is the dirt weathering. This was rushed to make it to the exhibition with the model in time.
And the second and also already last model of the year: “The little death” the small and cute TKS-20. Nothing really to complain here. I just like this little fella and it was a very chill build.
Sadly we are actually already done here, yeah, it bothers me just as much as it does you. Luckily we are not completly done however. Next up: started and continued models, yes, luckily a good chunk of continued models:
Continuation – a good chunk, just not enough
Not continued models: these can be seen in last years article and picture
These are all part of a sad list, just standing around for more than a year, I really do feel kind of sorry for them, however sometimes it just happens, some models fail, some just lack the motivation:
Stug IV – not really a surprise
it’s just a kind of boring model, I am absolutly unsure of how to continue him, it’s just kind of basic – and boring
ISU-122s – not again 🙁
I really have not the slightest idea of why this fella is here again. He just kind of is, he just looks nice as is in my showcase and gets so many compliments. I am just kind of pleased with the current state. However I do know that I have to finish him some day. Just, some day…
Article
ZSU-57-2 – still no solution for the glossy and speckly finish
I just can’t find a solution for the absolutly ugly varnish, it’s glossy, it peals, it’s uneaven, i just can’t find any. I sadly have to move the model to the shelf of shame, for now atleast.
T-55amv – too much respect (I know, really bad)
as sad as it sounds, it is exactly that. So much work and effort went into the construction and I just really do not want to fuck it up. I have to, I know, I just can’t. I am not brave enough, not yet
Article
Now, actual continuation – not just the failed kind
M31 T2 ARV – almost there
most likely the model with the greatest progress this year: painting and weathering are basically complete excpet for mud and dust. The big stopping point: The figure
Article (outdated)
Churchill AVRE – so close yet so far
really proud of this felly, as of it’s current state base painting and discoloration is complete. weathering is starting just now. I know I already said that last year, however I believe we will see this model completed very soon. Hopefully atleast. (future me, this article has taken longer than the completion, I am working on the article right now, so, yes, he is done, yippie)
Article
T-62 bdd – so far so good
Actually a good model. It just takes time, a lot of PE, a lot of work, a lot of small and fragile work. Slow but steady work.
Shot Kal Gimel -> Centurion Mk.5/2 -> STRV 102/104 – our shapeshifter
My man I just can’t decided what to do with this model. first a Shot Kal, then a normal centurion and now a prototpye for the STRV102/104 with the KMT-5m from the T-62 bdd project. This project is just a mess, but a nice mess. I really like how it’s turning out just about now.
Hotchkiss H39 – a little surprise, thats why I also don’t have him in the picture 😉
just wait and see…
MAN-kat1 – started, but not much more
a model that is actually stuck in construction. – And I really just don’t know why…
T-55a full interior – a special project with special effort – also not in the picture, somethings have to remain a surprise pt.2
great progress, but a little secret.
Churchill Mk.IV “Half and Half” – a cute and relaxing couple project, I am really enjoying it so far
Truly sharing a model. A Chruchill that is cut in half, shared with my GF. Goes by surprisingly fast and quick, a really neat project in all honesty.
Stug 3g – some work, not much but some
just minor things, new tracks (Winterketten) and the old ones used as add-on-track-armour. Otherwise nothing much. Just no real reason. I wouldn’t have a nice place to display him anyways.
And the stats of 2024 – actually really sad
completed models: 2 (-5)
continued models: 8
not continued models: 3
total unfinished models: 11 (+4)
models moved to the shelf of shame: 1
total models on the shelf of shame: 4 (+0)
unstarted models: 13 (+4)
and the current stats can always be found here.
But luckily that’s not completly the end
Some things got done besides just the models, thank god, that would also be very sad. (I mean it is still, but just a bit less) There were two more projects besides the classical projects that stand in corrolation with this website.
First of all: This year I was able to go to my first exhibition as an exhibitor. It was a lot of fun and the interactions were great fun. It was just awesome all in all, I really have to try to do it again, I just can’t find where right now where I would not feel helplessly outclassed.
And second: A workshop rebuild. A lot of new tools arrived, including a milling machine, a proper toolcabinet, and some other missalanious stuff. Thus a ot has changed within the workshop and I needed a lot of time to get used to it and I am still working on the final changes to be able to work properly again.
About 2025 – Hope, hopefully
We are now already more than three months into 2025, but I am slowly getting back on track.
The churchill is actually completed and I am right now working on the article for this fella. There are no special goals this year, no big achievments, I truly just want to get back in business. 4 Models, that’s all. I want to get 4 Models, 3 Months per model done this year. Maybe I will pull it off, maybe not, I will have to wait and see what will come, but I hope for the best. Not much else to say here, this year there are no special goal, no new experiments, atleast non planned. Now we just have to hope that 2025 will be atleast a little bit better compard to 2024.
Until we meet again,
Floh out