"The Old Fiddler"

This is a new 54 mm figure from Andrea that I"m looking forward to painting.

Update on Laffey

This project was going pretty well, but I've had to move it to the back burner because I've misplace a few parts. Specifically I had pre-assembled some of the superstructure assemblies and put them safely away in a small box labeled "Laffey Parts." Now where that small box is now is another question. Hopefully I can get back to this soon.

Robby is Finished

Here's the finished Robby the Robot.  This was a fun build and the first Sci-fi model I've done since I was a kid.

U.S.S. Laffey DD-459 (1942)

I'm starting a new project today. A 1/350th scale Dragon Model U.S.S. Laffey DD-459 1942

. This is kit No.1026. The model is molded in gray styrene plastic on 12 sprues. Also included are to small frets of photo etch brass for fine detail items. There are small decals  for ensigns, flags, hull numbers, and abrasive deck treads.  This kit offers to hull options, either full hull or waterline version.  Finally there are four small 1:350 scale figures for optional placement on the ship. Below you will find scanned images of the instruction sheets.

A Brief Ship History

The USS Laffey (DD-459) was a Benson-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War II. She was the first destroyer named for Bartlett Laffey.

She was laid down 13 January 1941 by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Company, San Francisco, California; launched 30 October 1941; sponsored by Miss Eleanor G. Forgerty, granddaughter of Seaman Laffey; and commissioned 31 March 1942, Lieutenant Commander William E. Hank in command. She was lost in action on 13 November 1942.

Laffey saw her first fleet action in the Battle of Cape Esperance (also known as the Second Battle of Savo Island) on 11 and 12 October 1942. The destroyer operated with Admiral Norman Scott's cruiser group, guarding against enemy attempts to reinforce Guadalcanal.

After the battle, Laffey rendezvoused with a group escorting transports from Nouméa 11 November, and sailed to Lunga Point, arriving the next day.  On Friday 13 November 1942 Laffey was placed in the van of a column of eight destroyers and five cruisers under Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan. The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal was just about to begin when the Japanese force, a group of two battleships, one light cruiser and 14 destroyers,  Laffey lashed out at the enemy with gunfire and torpedoes.  Laffey fought the Japanese ships with the three remaining main battery guns in a no-quarter duel at point-blank range. She was hit by a 14-inch shell from Hiei. Then a torpedo in her fantail put Laffey out of action. As the order to abandon ship was passed, a violent explosion ripped the destroyer apart and she sank immediately with heavy loss of lives.

Laffey was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for her performance in the South Pacific, and three battle stars for service in World War II.

Below are some other pictures I have found:

   

More work on Robby

I got back to work on Robby last night after a long lull.  I expect to get the first coat of paint on this weekend.

Robby Part II

Robby the Robot

I bought this model on a whim while at the 2011 Anniston Alabama model show.  For the most part I build aircraft and armor subjects from World War II. As far as I can recall I’ve never built a science fiction model. Robby is not only a science fiction icon but is also an iconic childhood memory.

His first appearance in motion pictures was from “Forbidden Planet” released in 1956. After that, whenever a robot was needed for motion pictures to television, Robby was probably there. Here’s a very edited list of his appearances over the years:

Forbidden Planet (1956)

The Invisible Boy 

The Thin Man (1958) - season 1 episode "Robot Client", original aired February 28, 1958

The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis 

The Twilight Zone (1960s)

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. 

Lost in Space 

The Monkees 

Mork & Mindy

The Simpsons

Doctor Who; and many others.

The Model Kit

This particular kit was released by Polar Lights® in May 2009. It is 8” tall (1/12th scale.) It is molded in dark gray with additional parts in clear and chrome plated. There are over 50 parts and a base is included that replicates the “Altair” surface.


This is work done so far.

Robby the Robot

I picked this model up yesterday at the 2011 Anniston Model Show hosted by the IPMS Phantom Phlashers.
The main reason I got this model was it was a bargain and I love the movie "The Forbidden Planet" where Robby made his first of many appearances in movies and TV. This model also looks like a lot of fun to build.

Sad News

My Friend, Eddie Hart, passed away yesterday.  Eddie was a wonderful guy.  He befriended me when I first joined the IPMS Northmen and help me hone my skills.  Eddie was what many may call "A Master Modeler."  Every model Eddie created was an exciting glimpse at what a gifted artist can do.  Lately he was most proud of his Monogram F-102

and was looking forward to taking again to the Anniston Model show on April 16th.  Eddie was an animal lover and had a wonderful wife Diane.

God Bless You Eddie Hart and all your loved ones too.
RIP