Nick Filippone

What Ralph said! Nick

Very nice, Ron. What did you use for the floor of the cockpit. Nick

I need to simulate the ? canvas flexible boots or covers that protect the front of the turret where the gun comes through- in 1/700 scale. Any suggestions? Thanks. Nick Filippone

Great work, Len. Looking forward to this convention. Nick

They did not give a release date. There was only a photo of the molds for the clear parts on Scalemates about a month ago. Nick

I will look at my William’s Brothers B-10 and in my decal stash. But, rather than build an awful William’s Brothers kit, wait for the Azur kit of the B-10 recently announced. Nick Filippone

Yes, white glue. You could also use canopy cement, but, being stronger than Elmer’s, it will be harder to get apart. Nick Filippone

According to Scalemates, it is not. It was a new tool in 2011. The Hasegawa kit dates back to c. 1992. Nick Filippone

This organization, with the exception of Marie, is entirely run by volunteers. And, in fact, an embarrassingly few dedicated volunteers. The word “should” in describing how they carry out their work should be used with greater discretion and consideration. Anyone with access to our website either already knows about the show or, with a little effort and thinking, can find out all their is to know. Every year, a small handful of members arrange the National for the rest of us who, comparatively speaking, just sit on our duffs and enjoy it. It is always a great time. The least we can do is not hassle them with chippy little grousing and whining. Yet, each year, it is repeated with exasperating regularity. Enough already. It is like a broken record of a sour tune - painful to the ears of appreciative members. Nick Filippone

Every citizen must take moral responsibility for what he does in the name of his or her country! “I was only obeying orders” didn’t get Eichmann an acquittal. Governments-I.e. the rich- have been seducing it’s citizens to fight their wars for them by appealing to their patriotism since Homo sapiens started walking upright. War will never be over until the individual applies the courage he or she has shown in uniform and use it to defy his or her own leaders when they drum up some reason to kill. “War is over if you want it” ( John Lennon) A fantasy? It Is unless we begin to problem solve as nations and individuals better than we do now. Wrestling with our consciences over building the implements of old wars pales into insignificance when compared to the moral quandary of how to avoid new ones. “Who wants to die? “ (Marvin Gaye) Nick

How many enemy aircraft are you allowed to shoot down before you become a serial killer? The Red Baron was just better at killing people than most assigned to carry out the same task. The painful reality is, artists or not, most of us are fascinated with these instruments of destruction and death. They are emblematic of humanity at it’s most base. I suppose we deal with it by just not thinking about it too much, but modelers who build cars and dinosaurs and Gundams can do so with a much clearer conscience. Nick Filippone

Rusty, Actually, it was no effort at all. I rather enjoy writing. But I have been accused of literary loquaciousness. It helps to keep one’s writing skills sharp. Nick

Jim and Pete, That was mostly an exercise in creative writing with a little satire. Jim’s summary was much more appropriate and, dare I say it, Judicial? Nick

I agree with Jim. And to take it a step further: if we achieved the consistency in judging ( which we must do under a GSB system, for it to be internally logical from local to National), then once a model has won Gold at a local show, the entrant would not even have to bring the entry to the National or even attend. He or she could simply submit proof of his local Gold to the NCC, and the award could be mailed. The postage expense to the National Organization would be offset by not requiring rental of all that display space. Eventually, we could, in keeping up with the times, evolve into a virtual National. Everybody stays home in front of their computer. You would cruise the virtual vendor room- which would be limitless, and purchase items on line for home delivery. Seminars could stream from all over the world, with computer provided translations. A hologram of your entry could be transmitted to the virtual display room- but since you have already received IPMS Gold at the East Schnipetze, New York local show, even this effort would be unnecessary. And no more anxiety provoking transport of models. Holograms of Aris Pappas and Bill Devins could deliver their annual awards presentation which could be paused anytime to go to the bathroom or fast forwarded through the categories in which the viewer has no entries- even though you know you have already won. When one’s name is announced a computer link to your 3D printer would produce your award, which could be produced in the size, colour and material of the recipient’s choice. Simultaneously, a picture of the winner could be sent via his or her computer camera to be displayed for all to see. ( So please keep your clothes on!) No bar would be needed. One could get safely bombed in one’s living room without the need to drive or even walk anywhere. The attendee could prepare any meal he or she wants, or get something delivered- no more complaining about IPMS National Convention rubber chicken banquets. No question about it- eventually no one will need to subject one’s self to the stress of building the best model one can and then put his or her honour and reputation as a craftsman on the line by facing down strong competition and proudly displaying that model - win or lose. The future indeed looks bright. Nick

Losing is actually a good thing- it teaches humility and builds character. It is an incentive to improve one’s skills. Nick