Michael Smith
@mcsmith.bsky.social
430 followers 630 following 890 posts
Lawyer dad in Marshall, Texas, mostly federal courts & patent litigation. Interested in WW II, scale modeling, history, books, & learning. Scale fundamentalist - only 1/700, 1/200 & 1/72. Extremely fond of the rule of law and almost as fond of Canadians.
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mcsmith.bsky.social
The 1/72 4 engine bomber shelf is done. Think from here on I’ll be doing these in 1/144. #HistScaleModels
mcsmith.bsky.social
Next project - “Dixie Clipper” as it appeared in wartime camo when transporting FDR to Casablanca in 1943. Found a set of painting instructions from when Minicraft boxed the ‘67 Airfix kit as part of a set. 3 main colors on - next is adding the four intermediate colors. #HistScaleModels #HeaviesGB
mcsmith.bsky.social
Finally finished my Nine-O-Nine B-17G for another installment in #HeaviesGB. putteringinthestudy.com/2025/10/14/1... #HistScaleModels
mcsmith.bsky.social
The 909 is almost done. I’ll finish weathering tomorrow. #HistScaleModels #HeaviesGB
mcsmith.bsky.social
What is need is of course more 1/700 building docks. Docks 6 & 7 have never worked out - they’re too long, and the sides too high. I need something smaller than the #1 I built in 1992, so I now have a cruiser/destroyer dock for smaller builds, and a larger for Essex-sized kits. #HistScaleModels
mcsmith.bsky.social
There have been manufacturers of gear in metal and I’m keeping an eye out for those for any tricycle kits.
mcsmith.bsky.social
Worry a little about your landing gear - I had to use a lot of weight on a 1/72 Mitchell and the main gear started sagging. A few months after I finished it I ended up adding some unobtrusive “crutches” to take the weight off the failing axles.
mcsmith.bsky.social
I saw this kit again Saturday but opted against it (size) but always been interested in the subject. Really enjoying your build.
mcsmith.bsky.social
I have been going back to Revell glue for the strength in a lot of places.
Reposted by Michael Smith
jswatz.bsky.social
A strong NYT editorial: “He has removed any pretense that the law is blind. As despots have done for centuries, he is persecuting people he considers his enemies, with little justification other than raw political power. It is reminiscent of the old royal notion ‘L’état, c’est moi’: I am the state.”
Opinion | The Comey Indictment Plunges the Country Into a Grave New Period
www.nytimes.com
mcsmith.bsky.social
Absolutely! I am saving that close-up.
mcsmith.bsky.social
It is absolutely terrifying. Still scares me.
mcsmith.bsky.social
Update - a run through of lacquer thinner every couple of days seems to do the trick,
mcsmith.bsky.social
Decals on, larger clear parts added, and masking coming off windows. More detail work ahead, then weathering. #histscalemodels #heaviesgb
mcsmith.bsky.social
Lots of good work today. Finished the major paint, gloss, and started on decals. #HistScaleModels #HeaviesGB
mcsmith.bsky.social
Made a lot of progress today on the 909. Big painting is done, and starting to finish the various sections & add gloss coat for decaling. Clear parts stay covered with masking film (and the big clear parts aren’t installed yet) until gloss, decals and final matte coat. #HistscaleModels #HeaviesGB
mcsmith.bsky.social
It did get better today. I just have to be more patient!
mcsmith.bsky.social
But seriously, folks. Red markings applied to 909. Dangerously close to overall gloss coat for decals. #Histscalemodels #heaviesgb
mcsmith.bsky.social
Change of subject: Operation Petticoat (B-17 edition) #HeaviesGB #HistScaleModels
mcsmith.bsky.social
It would be sweet. It was in a unique 15 shade (surely they’re exaggerating) graded camo. I can count eight here - will see how many I can assemble that are in the right relationship. I think I’ll start with the 1943-43 USN aircraft tricolor scheme colors and figure how to add a few others.
mcsmith.bsky.social
I wish I could take credit for the mottling. My airbrush is just clogged and I’m having to build it up. But it does have the helpful side effect of resulting in a slightly uneven finish. I couldn’t do it if I was trying to!
mcsmith.bsky.social
I’m doing standard AAF OD, which is going on kinda brown, so it’s partway there. The Academy kit has so little surface detail I might do a wash or two with something khaki to lighten it a bit. But it already looks more tan than I’d expected, so maybe not.
mcsmith.bsky.social
I finally give up and do a more thorough cleaning with lacquer thinner, and then thin the paint pretty aggressively. I’m not certain I am assembling it correctly - it’s a new one I got earlier this year - and I’m learning as I go. It is getting better.
mcsmith.bsky.social
I just figured that out while washing the parts last night. Hope I can make it!
mcsmith.bsky.social
Just to let the B-17G know who’s boss I went ahead and washed and set up the next three projects. I am trying to alternate aircraft, ships and armor, so next up is my first Sherman, followed by a quick destroyer build, then the “Dixie Clipper” FDR rode to Casablanca in 1943. #Histscalemodels