Author Topic: Other Interests (Read 11548 times)

john e. holliday · « **on:** January 12, 2012, 08:23:31 AM »

Our own Keith Spriggs has been busy. He is quite a supporter of model planes and has posted some on the forums. But, I think his real love is making miniatures, like tools, toys and real things. Here is the latest out of his shop even if it isn't a model plane.

Bill Little · « **Reply #1 on:** January 12, 2012, 09:00:49 AM »

That's neat, Doc! Thanks for sharing. What is the size of it? Looks kinda small but hard to tell just HOW small it is..

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

Bootlegger · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2012, 01:05:59 PM »

Doc, that is some fancy "other interest's", the man does some fine work, tell him we like to look at it also...

PJ Rowland · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2012, 06:27:18 PM »

Thats great - work is so detailed! - I enjoy and respect greatly those whom can do that level of intricate detail... make me think about not whinging when I need to do canopy detail! - VERY impressed with those photos well done!

I didnt really think this would be relivant, however if we are going to share "other interests" that use similar skills that one might use in traditional aeromodelling, how about this?

I love video games, and the old style arcade machines from the 80/90's . Seldom seen in fun parlours today due to the expansion of the Personal computer.

Im fairly tech savy having built pc's and done a little programming, and obviously building model planes - 2 years ago I decided to build my own arcade machine from scratch.

Installed all the wiring for the buttons, built a cabinet, custom control panel, this wasnt a kit, all parts are avaliable from retro arcade stores, but you need to be able to put it all together and design your own wiring looms and interface. -

The hardware interface is PC running an arcade emulator front end called Atomic F.E which is highly configurable.
Keyboard controller interface is Ipac - Screen is a decased 32cm CRT running Svid, colours led's and backlight marquee, I even did the sound system it it, pulling apart a logitech micro hifi and rewiring it into the new cabinet.

I even wired in the coin mech to accept 20c coins and to give credits ! Im proud of it its unique and niche, but I used so many skills I learn in aeromocdelling to complete this Arcade machine. The control panl is custom done exactly how you would paint a wing.. this is not a pre-bought layout. All paininted with vyinal masking.

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #4 on:** January 13, 2012, 09:02:05 PM »

I do (did) Antique Indian motorcycle restorations. I still own these 2, the maroon is a '48 and the black a '50

Some of you have seem some of my engine projects, ACE .5cc Diesel

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2012, 09:18:34 PM »

I have too many other interests than are good for me. But I've currently paired them down to aeromodeling related (in fact, the ham license came from radio control).

These are aeromodeling related, though. The case is a TD 09, all the moving parts plus the cylinder and head will be mine, when it's done.

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #6 on:** January 13, 2012, 09:47:42 PM »

Quote from: Tim Wescott on January 13, 2012, 09:18:34 PM

I have too many other interests than are good for me. But I've currently paired them down to aeromodeling related (in fact, the ham license came from radio control).

These are aeromodeling related, though. The case is a TD 09, all the moving parts plus the cylinder and head will be mine, when it's done.

What are you doing to the TD?

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #7 on:** January 13, 2012, 10:23:24 PM »

Using it as a practice piece for building motor parts. It came to me with an oval cylinder and a bent rod (result, no doubt, of the oval cylinder). I thought I was just going to be making a cylinder, piston and rod -- but then I was reminded (when I went to fit the rod to the crank) that a bent rod implies a bent crank, so I'm learning more than I bargained for.

It's going to be ugly -- my stated goal is an engine that runs; getting something that actually pulls a plane through the air will just be icing on the cake, if it happens at all.

Chris McMillin · « **Reply #8 on:** January 13, 2012, 11:28:09 PM »

I restored my Mom's '65 MGB.
Chris...

Keith Spriggs · « **Reply #9 on:** January 14, 2012, 12:39:49 AM »

Thanks for the kind words about my road grader. The very first thing I can ever remember building was when I was three years old. I found two pieces of wood shingle and a shingle nail. I nailed them together and I had an airplane. I eventually moved up to Comet kits. I liked making toys so much that I just never quit. I did frame off restorations on two cars (big toys),built ham radio equipment, did stained glass work, steam engines, and miniature tools and other lesser projects.
Most if not all of you know the joy of creating something with your own hands. It has given me a lifetime of pleasure. Sadly I am afraid that most young people will never have that experience and possibly I would not have had that if it hadn't been for my love of airplanes...after all that's where it all started. I still love to build airplanes, but it is rather nice to not have to keep a set of scales on the work bench doesn't make any difference if a grader or steam engine weighs five, ten, or even twenty pounds as long as I can pick it up.
Thanks to everyone who shared their "other interest". Now if I could just find an old Indian motorcycle setting in a barn............
Oh! The grader is 1/8th scale which makes it about 18 inches long with out the tongue. Maybe when I find that Indian I will also find some real little horses to pull the grader...

Jim Kraft · « **Reply #10 on:** January 14, 2012, 07:44:33 AM »

You guys are so very talented. Randy, I had a 1942-"45" Harley at one time, and it had the shifter lever and clutch on the left side. Never rode an Indian, but I don't think it would have been as confusing as riding some of the older bikes where some had the foot shift on the right, and others on the left. But you know how it is. When you are 18 years old, you think you can ride anything.

Jim Thomerson · « **Reply #11 on:** January 14, 2012, 03:23:48 PM »

Other major hobby was breeding aquarium fishes. It morphed into professional interest. I spent my working life as a professor studying fish as my major research interest. I've had a lot of fun collecting specimens in the Midwest, and in South and Central America.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #12 on:** January 14, 2012, 03:51:56 PM »

I fish for bass. Other than the patience and problem solving ability required, I'm not sure there's any skill connection. Some make their own lures and/or rods. My buddy in Victoria, Australia, PLoyd, sent me some pictures of rods he made, with fancy plaid wrappings...very nice work, and he builds very nice models, too.

Steve

Will Hinton · « **Reply #13 on:** January 14, 2012, 04:37:23 PM »

Hey Chris,
Nice job on the MG, pardner! I'm wondering if thee & me aren't related, here's a tri-picture of my 66,69,71 MGB.
did a three year restoration and decided to customize it with a full walnut interior. Had the sweet beast for 11 years, sold it when the hands went south and I couldn't do all my own work any more. wish I had it back!!

jim gevay · « **Reply #14 on:** January 14, 2012, 05:34:46 PM »

Since there's a couple of other guys with MG's, I'll show you mine.
It's a '74 MGB I found three years ago, it's very similar to the '69 I had back in the early 70's.
My main interest though is antique and classic planes. I have a '46 Aeronca Champ that I've owned since '85 and slowly restoring back to orginal.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #15 on:** January 14, 2012, 07:50:55 PM »

Niiiiiiiiiiiiice!! Both of them!

Serge_Krauss · « **Reply #16 on:** January 14, 2012, 08:30:41 PM »

Love the MG's, guys! Aeronca too. Randy's stuff is always, always grand.

As I age, I have to put in a lot more work on music; so aside from watching racing (too old to be really fast anymore), reading, editing the club newsletter, neglecting the 7th edition of my aircraft bibliography, and building/flying CL, I spend most of my extra effort here. I actually play Principal 2nd in my three regular orchestras, but I most enjoy this, with Gusti. - SK

afml · « **Reply #17 on:** January 14, 2012, 09:24:49 PM »

Here is a link to a Christmas toy train layout I just finished in November.

http://jeffreywimberly.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=oscale&thread=2778

The modular layout is a “U-Run-Um” type, where the public actually operates the layout with nine UN-labeled push buttons.

There are 3 trains & a Magic Trolley, bell, whistle, horn, street lights, crossing gates, and gateman shanty.

Located in the front window of the Owensboro Museum on 2nd street downtown in Owensboro, Kentucky.

"Tight Lines!"

Wes

Clint Ormosen · « **Reply #18 on:** January 14, 2012, 10:35:48 PM »

Quote from: afml on January 14, 2012, 09:24:49 PM

Here is a link to a Christmas toy train layout I just finished in November.

http://jeffreywimberly.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=oscale&thread=2778

The modular layout is a “U-Run-Um” type, where the public actually operates the layout with nine UN-labeled push buttons.

There are 3 trains & a Magic Trolley, bell, whistle, horn, street lights, crossing gates, and gateman shanty.

Located in the front window of the Owensboro Museum on 2nd street downtown in Owensboro, Kentucky.

"Tight Lines!"

Wes

Wes, Nice layout! I hate that "O" scale uses that unrealistic 3 rail track, though.

Bruce Perry · « **Reply #19 on:** January 14, 2012, 11:14:50 PM »

This is the "other" passion......

Brett Buck · « **Reply #20 on:** January 14, 2012, 11:59:22 PM »

Quote from: Bruce Perry on January 14, 2012, 11:14:50 PM

This is the "other" passion......

Getting buried in an avalanche?

Brett

Dennis Moritz · « **Reply #21 on:** January 15, 2012, 01:41:03 AM »

I write plays. Wrote many of them. They've been published, a book of them was published some years back. Howard bought it. A play of mine was anthologized in a book sometimes used as a college text. Over 30 of my plays have been professionally produced. Usually Off Off Broadway or the equivalent outside NYC. Sometimes in mainstream venues. Club members call me Dennis the Strange, my response is, "stranger than you know." I have been thinking of a play about CL Fliers, tentative title, Fly Boys. It will begin with two or three guys sitting in canvas chairs watching another guy go round and round. There will be the sound of a 2 stroke engine running, then the familiar thunk of a crash. I am chuckling at the absurdity of my vita. Since I know the guy who did it and never thought he had it in him. But it's absolutely true.

http://www.meetdeborahfranklin.com/

Clint Ormosen · « **Reply #22 on:** January 15, 2012, 01:54:55 AM »

Quote from: Brett Buck on January 14, 2012, 11:59:22 PM

Getting buried in an avalanche?

Brett

I can't tell if he's skiing or if there's a snowmobile under him.

afml · « **Reply #23 on:** January 15, 2012, 05:03:19 AM »

"Wes, Nice layout!"

Thanks Clint!

"I hate that "O" scale uses that unrealistic 3 rail track, though."

Me too!

Since it's a modular layout, constructed with the public in mind, and provoking "vintage" memories from their Parents.....That was the best choice.
My home layouts all use Gargraves track with the wooden ties & cork roadbed.

"Tight Lines!"

Wes

BillLee · « **Reply #24 on:** January 15, 2012, 06:21:42 AM »

Always been interested in "things mechanical". Rebuilt engines in my old '50 Ford when I was in high school, and my '55 Mercury when I was in college. Later did a rebuild of the 289 v-8 in my '64 Comet Cyclone (sure wish I had that car!).

Long hiatus until a little over 4 years ago when my brother-in-law sold me his restored 1929 Model A. His restoration was back in the '80s and a lot needed to be re-done just due to 25 years of dry-rot while sitting around. Have spent a lot of time (and too much money!) doing more to it.

Robertc · « **Reply #25 on:** January 15, 2012, 11:58:49 AM »

Bill, too much money? I can REALLY relate to that. I did a 1972 Lamborghini Espada over a couple of years. I went about $25,000 over budget! It had sat
for 9 years, so all hydraulics were shot, paint and interior were shot, but body was straight and no rust. Engine was in good shape, but carbs (6 two barrel)
were in need of rebuild. Finally sold it last September. Went to The Netherlands.

Wynn Robins · « **Reply #26 on:** January 15, 2012, 02:55:09 PM »

I build custom fishing rods for people - here are a couple of pics - I have built from 1-2kg spinning rods to 24-36kg standup game rods and everything in between...

Wynn Robins · « **Reply #27 on:** January 15, 2012, 02:58:54 PM »

I also fish as often as I can

John Fitzgerald · « **Reply #28 on:** January 15, 2012, 05:33:01 PM »

One of my other hobbies:
It's a 15 inch reflecting telescope in a roll-off roof building.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #29 on:** January 15, 2012, 05:46:10 PM »

Okay, guys, I can't hold it back, gotta do this. Here's a couple of pics one of my other hobbies that has become a profession. Building custom guitars has become a passion as well.
I always have to post only one picture at a time for some reason, so this first one is fretboard inlay on the current project, an acoustic for a local customer. It's koa sides and back with a master grade sitka spruce top, ebony fretboard and mahogany neck.
This first picture is the completed mother of pearl inlay on the fretboard before gluing it to the neck I have about 30 to 35 hours in the inlay work and I LOVE doing inlay. It is totally rewarding!

Will Hinton · « **Reply #30 on:** January 15, 2012, 05:48:13 PM »

Next pic is the frame after bending and with the kerfing in place.
That's enough for now.
I really love the rods you're building, Wynn, great craftsmanship. In fact, I've seen nothing but great craftsmanship in this thread! What a joy to share a hobby/sport with so many talented people!! You all bless me!

PJ Rowland · « **Reply #31 on:** January 15, 2012, 06:21:23 PM »

Its all relative to your interests I guess.

I also did up a car - but thats still going...

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #32 on:** January 15, 2012, 06:40:32 PM »

Quote from: Bruce Perry on January 14, 2012, 11:14:50 PM

This is the "other" passion......

Running a snowblower?

Steve

Mike Keville · « **Reply #33 on:** January 15, 2012, 06:57:15 PM »

Oils on canvas.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #34 on:** January 15, 2012, 08:12:40 PM »

Just about to touch down and the shadow is fantastic Mike! Really great detail! Have you ever done a calendar? I think that would be super!
Will

ash · « **Reply #35 on:** January 16, 2012, 03:09:01 AM »

I make custom electric guitars for my day job (paying hobby, really).

louie klein · « **Reply #36 on:** January 16, 2012, 08:00:08 AM »

Hey Wynn, I'm way into making all kinds of surf lures besides bild'n planes. Ya gotsta like fish'in when ye're liv'n on L.I. Nice work on the rods!----LOUIE

John Miller · « **Reply #37 on:** January 16, 2012, 08:22:21 AM »

I enjoy Backpacking as another interest. I often go out into the High Uintas Wilderness for a week or so at a time. Of course while I'm there, enjoying the scenery, I get to do some flyfishing.

Avaiojet · « **Reply #38 on:** January 16, 2012, 09:47:53 AM »

Aviation Art!

Plus Art!

The Tennis painting isn't finished, but is the image I'm currently working on. This is 4' x 3'.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #39 on:** January 16, 2012, 10:20:47 AM »

My whole life is airplanes, music and photography. With another person, teamed up and built a "Breezy". Had PJ-260 started but life got in the way.

Played piano professionally and had a great time on riverboats, small combos, piano bars, jazz clubs,restaurants, etc. My father got me started in photography, watching him in the darkroom when I was barely tall enough to see the work table.

I thank dad every day for the skills he taught me, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and rebuilding engines and doing brakes, etc on cars. etc.. every thing that helps when you own a home and a car.

Derek Barry · « **Reply #40 on:** January 16, 2012, 10:58:57 AM »

Quote from: ash on January 16, 2012, 03:09:01 AM

I make custom electric guitars for my day job (paying hobby, really).

DUDE!!!!!! That is freakin AWESOME!!!!!

tom hampshire · « **Reply #41 on:** January 16, 2012, 12:59:43 PM »

Wooden canoes. Here's a cedar strip Huron 16, 46 lbs.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #42 on:** January 16, 2012, 02:11:39 PM »

C'mon, Tom, that's too absolutely gorgeous to ever put in the water!!! Love it!

tom hampshire · « **Reply #43 on:** January 16, 2012, 02:24:21 PM »

Hi Will - Nah... Built it to use it. No whitewater, though. Is guitar glue a workable substitute for sandable aliphatic? I'm about out of my last bottle. Best to you as well.

Joe Mig · « **Reply #44 on:** January 16, 2012, 04:54:26 PM »

Mine is the other hobby from the 60's and early 70's SLOT CARS and slot car racing is alive and well today .
I like Retro racing because these are new scratch built cars following rules from 1966 too 1971 or so. Like flying the planes I have my son doing it as well.
Here are some link's.> http://www.irraslotracing.com/index.html http://lascm.com/Slot-Car-Museum/
This is my race slot car pit box at a race along with some other photo's I hope you all like.

If anyone has some vintage slot cars they want to sell please let me know as I like too collect them.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #45 on:** January 16, 2012, 07:16:36 PM »

"Is guitar glue a workable substitute for sandable aliphatic? I'm about out of my last bottle."

Hi Tom, The three glues I use are Gorilla glue, the original, Titebond three, and epoxy. The Gorilla is, of course, really messy, so I restrict where I use it to laminating tops on solid body guitars and such.
For acoustics, I use strictly the Titebond three, which is sandable, but I have to always wash any squeeze-out off right away or I get that nasty brown look that is so tough to sand off in tight corners.
I use the epoxy where I might have to remove something later, like the fretboards for repair, etc., since it softens the easiest with heat.

tom hampshire · « **Reply #46 on:** January 16, 2012, 07:18:52 PM »

Thanks, Will.

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #47 on:** January 16, 2012, 10:08:47 PM »

Quote from: Serge_Krauss on January 14, 2012, 08:30:41 PM

Love the MG's, guys! Aeronca too. Randy's stuff is always, always grand.

As I age, I have to put in a lot more work on music; so aside from watching racing (too old to be really fast anymore), reading, editing the club newsletter, neglecting the 7th edition of my aircraft bibliography, and building/flying CL, I spend most of my extra effort here. I actually play Principal 2nd in my three regular orchestras, but I most enjoy this, with Gusti. - SK

Thank you Serge!!

Annette Elmore · « **Reply #48 on:** January 17, 2012, 06:02:20 AM »

Here is my 1930's? Cromwell archtop (one of Gibson's "catalogue"
brands)and the 1940's Selmer pickup that came out of that socking great hole in the top.

The pickup was mounted on celluloid which has now disintegrated - so my project is to get it rewired (new pots/capacitors? etc) and remount it on some new sort of material (flexible enough to follow the arch) with the aim of remounting it - the guitar is still playable and stable structurally despite the hole. Any of you guitar peeps know where I can get 1/16th tortoisehell look pickguard material - most is 3/32 which is a tad too thick!

Here's how the pickup would have looked originally (minus the chicken head knobs on mine which I think look much more authentic)

Annette

Phil Coopy · « **Reply #49 on:** January 17, 2012, 06:58:29 AM »

This is my 1927 Bacon & Day Silver Bell #1 Plectrum Banjo which I recently acquired. I like 20-30's New Orleans Jazz. I've been playing one type of banjo or another since I was a kid (guess I'm still a kid at heart). Started out in my father's dixiland band, went to bluegrass, later to solo banjo.