A Great visit by Ron Crawford!

[clipper1801]

The greatest thing about this site, among many, is the amazing and wonderful people you get to meet-sometimes in person! Thanks to Zoe I was introduced to Ron this last year and began a correspondence that developed into a delightful meeting this week in the AZ. Ron has been in the model making field for many years and has specialized in 1/200" scale unusual models. Here are a few he bestowed on me! Awesome!



The Ju52 is in metal and dates back to the '40's! The Sunderland and Mossie are resin and very well done.





Just in time for my carving session!





And the really exciting item . . . the elves have permission to try casting off the original from Ron! A new frontier?





I am a bit bedazzled as to what to do next! Thanks Zoe! Thanks Ron! Thanks all of you on this amazing site family!

[Thomatchef]

Seems like 2 craftsmen met each other! Looking forward to read about your endavours in casting!

Indeed Dave this place is great and you are one them who makes it like that! Proof of that is standing here in my living room!

[fast.git]

Those are beautiful models!

Will be watching with interest as the elves dive into this newest project...

[Guntruck]

Not jealous at all.....

[Jager]

Always great to meet people with the same interests as you.
I can't wait to see what comes of this.
Karl

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Wow! That is really a first Dave. What I wouldn't have given to be there.
Also the fact that one of his models is a Sunderland has more than a passing interest.
Rob.

[clipper1801]

Yes the Sunderland is wonderfully rendered and I will be making a few carving adjustments . . .

[Zoe Brain]

Ron's a great guy. Reminds me of you. I thought you two would get on well.

[Archidamus]

Elves with permission to make castings and mass-produce models in the Clipper residence - nothing about that should worry Mrs Clipper at all

[fast.git]

Elves with permission to make castings and mass-produce models in the Clipper residence - nothing about that should worry Mrs Clipper at all

Good point. I'm sure the Clipper residence has plenty of space for the elves to expand into. I wonder... would the elves' time be best spent building an addition to the residence before they expand operations?

[Sulring]

Good point. I'm sure the Clipper residence has plenty of space for the elves to expand into. I wonder... would the elves' time be best spent building an addition to the residence before they expand operations?

Naaaaah! The elves do the SERIOUS work. This kind of thing I'm sure they'll leave to some poor contractor!

You are one lucky devil, David. The sculpting on the planes looks top notch.

[BobP]

I can't wait to see the results of this encounter. It can only be a good thing.

[pbhawkin]

Dave,
If you want any suggestions or advice about casting and mold making please ask,
I would do the Sunderland as separate main wings and horizontal stabilizers and the fuselage as another piece (with or without) tail attached.

[clipper1801]

Thanks Peter, I will be doing a bit of practice on smaller birds and then begin the multi part models. If I may ask, what do you use to sculpt with? I am planning trying a P-47 from wood and epoxy putty for the joints. For now I am experimenting with making engine nacelles in bulk. Dave

[pbhawkin]

All my recent masters are done with prototyping material and CnC milled. However, I started out with wood masters made from Huon pine which is quite a soft wood and great for carving. I would strongly suggest tab whatever wood you use you should coat it with a varnish to seal the grain as when you pour the RTV rubber it WILL find a way into any and all cavities and imperfections. Careful preparation of the master will save time and produce a nice mold in the end.