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I keep expecting to drive past here and find all the cars around this house cleared. Since my last photos some numpty has smashed the rear screen of the 240, which might be one reason that a large dog started barking it's head off when I stopped here yesterday.
The purity of the road. The white line in the middle of the highway unrolled and hugged our left front tire as if glued to our groove.
- Jack Kerouac "On The Road"
Well here's a bird I never expected to see in Britain, and especially not 20 miles from home. This one has been in a garden in Northowram for a couple of days but was only identified yesterday so I went along this morning as it was a new British bird for me. Scarlet Tanagers are incredibly rare in Britain with this being only the 8th record (4 on Scilly, 2 Cornwall and 1 Barra), though there are 6 records for Ireland. It is also the first since 2014. Adult males are scarlet red with black wings but females and immature males, like this, are greenish yellow. Being in a garden near Halifax, West Yorkshire seems a rather unlikely place for a rare American vagrant to appear but it didn't have any rings, and it was flycatching like a wild bird. Its scientific name Piranga olivacea; Piranga being a Tupi name for an unknown species of small bird, and olivacea refers to the olive green colour of females. The name Tanager also comes from a Tupi word Tangara which means dancer in this extinct language. And one final thing; even though British birdwatchers immediately think of this species when talking about Tanagers, it is not actually a proper Tanager. Tanagers are a wholly New World family Thraupidae (eg Speckled Tanager www.flickr.com/photos/timmelling/16388055747/in/photolist ), but DNA has shown that Scarlet Tanager, and others in the genus Piranga, are actually in the same family as Cardinal (Cardinalidae): www.flickr.com/photos/timmelling/8584281843/in/photolist
Here's a report of the occurrence on the BBC: www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg571eygj97o
Captured July 2016 : Canon VT rangefinder + Canon LTM 50mm/1.2 lens.FOMAPAN 100 rated EI=64 developed in ILFORD ID3 homebrewed developer.Bute Park CARDIFF.
We are expecting a very unwelcome snowstorm, starting this afternoon. I need to get a few more overseas Christmas cards and letters written, so that I can hopefully get out to post them before any snow needs clearing off my car. Will have to finish off my descriptions later. (later, evening, maybe six or so inches of snow so far.)
Luckily, the snow didn't start until I was back home from running an errand or two. I also called in at the home of a man who has been making simple wooden Christmas trees. He has not been able to work (carpentry) after having surgery in September on his shoulder (rotator cuff issue, which I can relate to). So, he decided to make Christmas trees, using Spruce, to sell, for people to decorate in any way they choose. He even made the newspaper and TV, which was great. A lot of people in his community have been buying these trees and placing them outside in their front garden to bring some Christmas cheer to all the neighbours. A few people have come forward to help him with his creations, which was nice to see. A real entrepreneur, especially in a time of his own need, and in a year unlike any other. I have a lot of respect for you, Derek. You have certainly brought your community together and given so much pleasure! Great inspiration.
calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/calgary-woodworkers-hom...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/derek-mcgillis-christmas-t...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fdFYOXaPWs
The first time I ever saw this beautiful old house/barn was on 18 July 2016, when my daughter and I did a very long drive from Calgary to the Drumheller area. Ever since then, I have wanted to go back and see it again, and yesterday, 20 December 2020, I finally found it once again. Earlier this year, I was just a road or two away from it. I had been sure I knew exactly where it stood, but learned that I really didn't. It has been updated to celebrate graduation time for 2020 - a very different kind of year and celebration for so many young people, thanks to the ongoing pandemic that has so far lasted almost a year. Well done, to all students who have been able to continue their education, whether online or in person, or a mix of both. Well done to all the parents out there, who have somehow managed to keep going, despite the enormous challenges of 2020. I don't know how you did it! Good luck in 2021, as the pandemic continues, but now with a lot more hope.
This is what I wrote about this colourful structure when I posted a photo back in 2016:
"As well as birds and beautiful scenery, we saw several old barns, including this old house/barn. Each year, the farmer allows the graduating class from the local high school to decorate this old building in any way they wish. A fun idea and it certainly adds a splash of colour. I was absolutely fascinated to read a little bit of history from someone who was a contact of mine on Flickr two or three years ago. Her Grandmother was apparently born in this house/barn. It was later converted to a granary and now, of course, has become the canvas for local students."
Yesterday, this barn was my main destination, and that is pretty much all I saw. Funny how days can be so different. I can see so many things one day, yet another outing to a different area on a different day results in maybe only a couple of dozen photos. No sign of any Snowy Owls this day.
Couldn't really get much Flickr-ing done this weekend due to family visiting and terrible internet connection problems. Finally got rid of both last night with the help of a new router. Well, the router managed the internet connection problem at least. I expect the family will return some time. Ah well.
Textures courtesy of Shadowhouse Creations and CGtextures.com
Cheers!
Despite Mandy expecting our first child, she regarded going out dancing as exercise and a needed break to have fun. Even at three months she could still wear a mini-skirt, although it was getting tight. But those legs and that form grabbed my attention. I asked if she wanted to play a game of chess first, she just laid back, crossed her legs, and smiled. We left soon thereafter.
Who expects to see a dinosaur in the Giardini Pubblici in Milan? Not me. This Saltriovenator zanellai seemed harmless enough; it was just outside the natural history museum minding its own business. It was last seen alive 198 million years ago. More here: www.sci-news.com/paleontology/saltriovenator-zanellai-067...
Today the Hereios of the We're Here group are shooting dinosaurs in unexpected places.
This series, which I expect to continue for a while, is taken at Jordan Lake. It is a man made "Recreational" area that was created in the late 60's or early 70's. Although it is located just about 20 miles from my home in North Carolina, I have never explored it in the 6 years I have lived here. In fact, I have avoided it like the plague because from early spring until late fall it packed with people.Not my kind of place at all! But, recently I visited it on a cold and cloudy winter day and there were virtually no people at all. I saw some possibilities for photographs. It's a rather large lake with lots of places to explore so I will...until the crowds return.
I wasn't expecting to see Highland Cattle in Wales, driving past this baby was so cute, with very protective family members surrounding him
Highland cattle (Scottish Gaelic: Bò Ghàidhealach; Scots: Heilan coo) are a Scottish cattle breed. They have long horns and long wavy coats that are coloured black, brindle, red, yellow, white, silver (looks white but with a black nose) or dun, and they are raised primarily for their meat. They originated in the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland and were first mentioned in the 6th century AD. The first herd book described two distinct types of Highland cattle but, due to crossbreeding between the two, only one type now exists and is registered. They have since been exported worldwide.
They are a hardy breed due to their native environment, the Highlands of Scotland. This results in long hair, giving the breed its ability to overwinter. Bulls can weigh up to 800 kilograms (1,800 pounds) and cows up to 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds). Their milk generally has a very high butterfat content, and their meat, regarded as of the highest quality, is gaining mainstream acceptance as it is low in cholesterol.
life isnt suppose to be everytime nice , sometimes its OUT of our mind. Life is like " expect the unexpected "
I dont know what I should complain to GOD , is it your people who ruin others life ? or is it US , who ruin their own lives?
words by me ....
I'm Down lately ... still no change...having so much on my mind .... Japan's tsunami was very terrific...that power of GOD is unbelievable.ahh.." may Allah keep them away from another danger , which said to hit japan again ! "Pray for them and do some charity!
captured by me
edited by me...
P.S = all my photos now will be old ,cause i'm busy with my life what does it want from me!
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/r/rainhammarshes/index.aspx
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/r/rainhammarshes/about.aspx
One of very few ancient landscapes remaining in London, these medieval marshes right next to the River Thames were closed to the public for over 100 years and used as a military firing range.
We managed to acquire the site in 2000 and set about transforming it into an important place for nature and a great place for people to visit. Now you can expect to see breeding wading birds in spring and summer, and large flocks of wild ducks in winter.
Birds of prey and rare birds are regularly seen too. There are also water voles in the ditches and rare dragonflies flit across the boardwalks.
There is an innovative visitor centre, with huge picture-windows that look out across the marshes. It is full of environmentally friendly features and already boasts a handful of prestigious architectural awards.
There is also a shop and café and a new wildlife garden and children's adventure play area too. A full events programme offers something for everyone, and while we still have several years to go to finish all the visitor features out on the reserve, it is already an incredible transformation. Boardwalks throughout the reserve give access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Opening times
From 1 November to 31 January, we're open from 9.30 am - 4.30 pm. From 1 February to 31 October, it's 9.30 am - 5 pm. We're closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Entrance charges
Car park: voluntary £1 donation. Reserve: Free to RSPB members and residents of Havering and Thurrock. Non-members: £3 adult, £1.50 child, £9 family (two adults and up to four children). There are extra costs for some events - please check when you book.
If you are new to birdwatching...
Birds are easy to see year round. The reserve runs a number of regular events for birdwatchers throughout the year, from novice to expert, including weekly Wednesday guided birding walk with Howard Vaughan, dawn chorus walks, winter spectacle birding event, a new birdwatching club for children, February's flock bird event and spring walks. There are also designated open days and weekends. Please see the events pages for further information.
Information for families
There is an evolving events and walks programme specially designed for families, with activities for all. All the reserve's paths and boardwalks are family and wheelchair friendly. There are also Adventure and Toddler's Playgrounds.
Information for dog owners
No dogs allowed, except registered assistance dogs. However, dogs are allowed on the Thames riverside path - a public footpath and cycleway running adjacent to the reserve.
Star species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Avocet
The delicate forms and and piping 'kluit' calls of avocets are becoming a more and more frequent site at Rainham throughout the year.
Lapwing
Lapwings from different places visit Rainham Marshes during the year. Wintering birds are replaced by breeding birds in spring and other birds that have bred further north pass through in summer and autumn.
Little egret
Little egrets can now be seen here in large numbers right throughout the year. Dispersing juvenile birds lead to a sudden rise in numbers in late summer and autumn.
Peregrine
The large concentrations of wildfowl and waders regularly attract hunting peregrines - especially in autumn and winter.
Ringed plover
These neatly banded waders can be seen performing their 'run and stop' feeding routine here.
Seasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
Wheatears, stonechats, oystercatchers, hobbies, curlews, swifts, sand martins, house martins, warblers, marsh harriers, reed buntings, water and short-tailed voles, damselflies, marsh frogs, grass snakes, water shrews.
Summer
Black-tailed godwits, whimbrels, greenshanks, snipe, little egrets, dunlins, lapwings, teals, swifts, common sandpipers, ruffs, starlings, avocets, yellow wagtails, oystercatchers, yellow-legged gulls, bank and water voles, water shrews, marsh frogs, wasp spiders, red foxes.
Autumn
Marsh harriers, arctic terns, bearded tits, thrushes, finches, skylarks, meadow pipits, jackdaws, stonechats, hen harriers, goshawks, merlins, peregrines, short-eared owls, barn owls, avocets, black-tailed godwits, white fronted geese, pintails, wigeons, crickets, butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, stoats, weasels, red foxes.
Winter
Bullfinches, ringed plovers, oystercatchers, golden plovers, water and rock pipits, little egrets, snipe, chiffchaffs, curlews, lapwings, dunlins, redshanks, shelducks, peregrines, kingfishers, short-eared owls, red foxes, stoats, weasels.
Facilities
Visitor centre
Car park
Toilets
Disabled toilets
Baby-changing facilities
Picnic area
Group bookings accepted
Guided walks available
Good for walking
Pushchair friendly
Viewing points
Currently two bird hides, family orientated Marshland Discovery Zone and several open viewing areas.
Nature trails
There are a network of nature trails currently in place, which are utilised for specific guided walks and events. There are approximately 2.5 miles plus of nature boardwalks, all designed for wheelchair and pushchair access.
Refreshments available
Hot drinks
Cold drinks
Sandwiches
Snacks
Shop
The shop stocks:
Binoculars and telescopes
Books
Bird food
Bird feeders
Nestboxes
Outdoor clothing
Educational facilities
The Education team offer a comprehensive and exciting array of curriculum linked field study visits for all school levels. We have Woodland, Reedbed and Marshland Discovery Zones, an Environment and Education centre, fully equipped classrooms, specific study areas, pond dipping areas and lots more. It's a safe and inspiring environment to get close to nature. A selection of lifelong learning courses on a variety of topics are run throughout the year, along with a range of children's activities, including holiday clubs. Please contact us for further details.
Cafe
Our cafe gives magnificent views not only over the ancient wildlife-filled grazing marsh, but also across Old Father Thames which flows majestically past the window. It is the perfect place to relax after exploring our nature trails or as a respite stop after the hustle and bustle of shopping nearby.
We serve our own exclusive coffee that is grown, imported and roasted by us. It's Fairtrade, organic and certified bird-friendly by the Smithsonian Institute, so now you can help save nature simply by enjoying a great cup of coffee!
Whether you are after a refreshing cuppa and a slice of our fabulous home-made cake, or a filling sandwich, panini or jacket potato, you will find something to tickle your taste buds. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Opening hours
From 1 November-31 March, we're open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. From 1 April-31 October it's 9.30 am to 5 pm. We're closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Highlights from our menu:-
Fabulous home-made cakes
Locally-made soup
Freshly-prepared jacket potatoes with a variety of fillings
Locally-baked pies and pasties
Made-to-order toasties, paninis and sandwiches
Lovely cafe with warming soup and fantastic cake. Yummy!
Access to the cafe
The cafe is fully wheelchair-friendly.
Children welcome
We're happy to serve smaller portions and we can also warm baby food in the microwave.
We use local ingredients
All produce is sourced locally where possible, including ham, bacon, sausages, soup and pies.
Dietary requirements
Jacket potatoes, sandwiches etc all have veggie options, as well as a veggie pastry. We have vegan meals. The soup and jacket potatoes are wheat-free; some gluten-free cakes are available.
Accessibility
8 August 2013
This is a Summary Access Statement. A full access statement is available to download from the webpage.
Before you visit
Clear print site leaflet available from our reserve reception
Free entry for RSPB members, residents of Havering and Thurrock. For other visitors admission charges apply. Carer or essential companion admitted free with disabled visitor
No dogs. Registered Assistance dogs only
Visitor Centre, car park and reserve trails are open 9.30 am to 4.30 pm from 1 November-31 March and 9.30 am to 5 pm from 1 April-31 October; closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Check accessibility for events and activities.
How to get here
Purfleet Railway Station is a 15 minute walk to reserve
Bus stops near the reserve entrance.
Car parking
110 spaces and seven Blue Badge spaces
Gates locked at 5 pm
Surface is loose gravel
No formal drop-off point
No height restrictions.
Visitor centre and shop
Ground floor shop, slight slope to heavy door with 10 mm lip, normally open. Assistance bell. Non-slip tiles. Reasonable lighting. Some display units tall or deep. Pen and paper available. Bird seed bins are outside the shop.
The visitor centre and cafe are on first floor, accessed by a long ramp left of Blue Badge parking. Entry by two sets of double heavy doors opening outwards. No threshold. NOTE JUNE 2012, power assistance is out of order so an alternative bell is provided.
Step-free, level access throughout and non-slip tiles. Lowered counter section. Good lighting. Pen and paper available. Binocular hire. Staff available to assist.
Nature trails
Three signposted trails, a mix of flat gravel surface paths and boardwalks. Information boards in large print. Trails start at the visitor centre across a short section of non slip grill with a short steep section. You can leave the reserve part way round and along the River Thames. Use the one way turnstile or gate (Gate key code available from reception)
Viewing facilities
Four hides on the circular walk. None on the Woodland walk. All level entry either adapted for wheelchair spaces or designed for everyone to gain the same great views. Marshland Discovery Zone has touch interpretation. Shooting Butts Hide has 14 stairs and a lift.
Toilets and baby changing facilities
Accessible toilet on ground and first floors (Baby changing in first floor)
Catering
Café on first floor. Good lighting. Non slip tile flooring. Self-service. Menus are clear print. Staff available to assist.
Picnic area
Eleven tables with wheelchair spaces, on soft and hard surfaces, level ground behind visitor centre. Alternatively, a table in the adventure playground and toddler's play area. Visitors are welcome to consume their own food and drink here.
Education facilities
Education team offer a wide and exciting array of curriculum linked field study visits at our Environment and Education centre, fully equipped classrooms, specific study areas, pond dipping areas.
Help us improve accessibility by sending feedback to the Site Manager.
For more information
Rainham Marshes
E-mail: rainham.marshes@rspb.org.uk
Telephone:01708 899840
RM19 1SZ
How to get here
By train
The nearest railway station to this reserve is Purfleet. Purfleet train station is on the C2C line from Fenchurch Street. The reserve is a 15 minute walk from the station following the brown pedestrian signs along the riverside path. Turn right out of the station and then join the path at the Royal Pub. Follow the Riverside path and then cross the Mardyke Bridge to the Visitor Centre.
By bus
The ensignbus 44 bus route which runs between Lakeside and Orsett Hospital, Grays, stops near the reserve entrance on New Tank Hill Road. This bus runs every hour and up to 30 minutes during peak periods. The service is operated by Ensignbus (01708 865656).
By road
The reserve is located off New Tank Hill Road (A1090) in Purfleet which is just off the A1306 between Rainham and Lakeside. This is accessible from the Aveley, Wennington and Purfleet junction off the A13 and J30/31 of the M25.
Cycling at Rainham Marshes
RSPB Rainham Marshes is just a stone's throw from London, easily accessible by public transport, on foot and by bike. Located on ancient marshland nestled beside the river Thames, it really is a special place to enjoy the great outdoors.
The reserve itself offers a leisurely amble in a superb setting with fantastic facilities such as an award-winning, eco-friendly visitor centre with cafe and shop.
If cycling is your thing, a brand new cycle route links the villages of Purfleet and Rainham. This runs beside the reserve, following the Thames, looping round and passing the stone barges.
Both on the reserve and along the riverside path, you will see a variety of interesting, sometimes rare, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians as well as bugs and beasties of all kinds. You will also be able to learn so much of the history and importance of this area.
Our work here
Rainham Marshes protects an ancient, low-lying grazing marsh in the Thames Estuary. Its complex of wet grassland and ditches, together with rank grassland and scrub, supports many breeding and wintering birds.
Wildlife also includes scarce wetland plants and insects, and a key population of the nationally declining water vole.
The site has a history of neglect, but the RSPB is working to restore important habitats and improve their biodiversity. This will transform a former wasteland into an important natural asset, and help raise public awareness of local conservation issues.
Managing the marsh
Birdlife on the marsh includes breeding waders, such as lapwing, redshank and snipe, as well as important numbers of wintering wildfowl, waders, finches and birds of prey.
We plan to enhance the habitat for these birds by creating a mosaic of unflooded tussocky grassland, flooded short grassland and semi-permanent pools. This will also benefit important plant species, such as golden dock.
Meanwhile we will improve the ditch system for the benefit of water voles, reptiles and amphibians, invertebrates and breeding birds.
Leaving well alone
We will leave the areas of tall rank grass and scattered scrub unmanaged in order to retain their existing conservation value. Wildlife in these habitats includes small mammals, reptiles and invertebrates, and birds such as wintering short-eared owls and breeding stonechats.
We will also look after sandy areas for their specialist insect life.
Silt lagoons
Lagoons on the reserves are currently used for commercial silt dredging. We will work around this in order re-create and maintain a complex of brackish lagoons and reed-swamp for important wildlife, including breeding, wintering and passage waterfowl.
While some lagoons will remain operational, we will manage others rotationally and keep the rest permanently open.
Access for all
We aim to make the site accessible to everyone, without impinging on the dredging operation or compromising our conservation priorities. We will develop and promote the reserve as a major visitor attraction and centre for environmental education. We aim to encourage interest in local and general conservation, and create a broader understanding of the work of the RSPB.
Funding
Current work is being funded by the EU’s Interreg IVA Two Seas Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2007-2013, Homes and Communities Agency’s Parklands Funding administered by Essex County Council, and Biffa Award and Veolia Cleanaway Havering Riverside Trust, both through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Thanks to help on the reserve from employees of Goldman Sachs, Royal Bank of Scotland, HSBC, Earthwatch, Barclays, Royal Mail, Family Mosaic, Ipsos Media we have been able to deliver more for wildlife and people at Rainham Marshes.
Surprise !!! Clowesia warscewiczii. Il y a des plantes que l'on ne s'attend pas á rencontrer car on pense qu'elle vivent dans une autre région et tout d'un coup elles apparaissent in situ durant un tour de 11 jours que j'ai guidé. dans les départements du Valle del Cauca et du Cauca, Colombie. en plus c'est un genre que je n'avais jamais vu fleuri en milieu naturel et qui sent bon la citronnelle !
Surprise !!! Clowesia warscewiczii. There are plants you don't expect to find because you think they live in another region and suddenly they appear in situ during an 11 days tour I guided in Valle del Cauca and Cauca departments, Colombia. Moreover a genus I had never seen blooming in its native habitat and that smells good to lemongrass !
Sorpresa !!! Clowesia warscewiczii. Hay plantas que uno no espera encontrar porque piensa que vienen de otra region y de repente aparecen in situ durante un tour de 11 días que guié en los departamentos del Valle del Cauca y del Cauca, Colombia. Además es un género que nunca había visto florecido en su hábitat natural y que huele rico a citronela !
Reposted from 2011 with a new scan:
Where it was postmarked is illegible, but it was mailed to an address in Hanover, Indiana. This card is embossed, with the embossing coming through the verso side. Beautiful penmanship even with the embossing.
I was expecting to arrive in Yellowstone just a bit late for the bulk of the elk rut activity, but exceptionally warm weather seemed to delay much of the festivities. This was easily the best elk rut (in terms of photographic opportunities) that I have seen in the past 25 years.
Kenmawr
From "The Peanuts Movie", Craig and Bryan Schulz, Blue Sky Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Animation, 2015. Screen capture, 2016, adapted. It is a wonderful movie. Check it out if you haven't already. No rights assumed.
I expect to pass through this world but once;
any good thing therefore that I can do, or any
kindness that I can show to any fellow-creature,
let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it,
for I shall not pass this way again.
Hey everyone! It’s been a while since my last review. This month will be a little bit slow as the dolls that will be coming in are a bit spread out. It’s almost Convention time and I’m trying not to go crazy on my purchases. But what can we do? Every doll that has been revealed from Integrity Toys so far has been amazing. Finally I am doing my review of one of the 2017 W Club Upgrade Dolls Majesty Giselle Diefendorf. I have to say she is one solid doll. I think she is a good starter if you’re new to Integrity Toys and new to the world of Fashion Royalty and NU.Face. I did not expect too much from this doll but she is a nice surprise.
I am sold with her face and with her make-up palette. There are paint details in her promo pics that appear to be flat but the paint application is much more beautiful on the actual doll. Her lips are this shimmery nude color and her magenta eyeshadows have this metallic hint to them. She has the same Dark Romance Giselle face design which had airbrushed eye make-up and rightfully so Majesty has that same airbrushed quality that we have seen recently with the 2016 NU.Face Reckless Collection. It’s a new technique that Integrity Toys developed replacing the costly airbrush paint application and the result is just as good.
This year NU.Face is delving in to their softer more feminine side. We’ve seen this sort of turn-of-the-century inspired fashions from the NU.Face Heirloom Collection like this Alexander McQueen Resort 2017 inspired dress on Majesty. There are Filigree details on the jewelry as well and some of the accessories like Majesty’s cuff double ring bracelet which I think is my new favorite jewelry piece. The shoes are similar to Poetic Beauty Lilith and Eden’s Louis Vuitton boots with the lacing detail on the sides but from my research these are not LVs. I love that they remind me of boots worn by women from the Victorian era, a different take on the ubiquitous toe-capped pumps. She also comes with a Faberge egg purse which could be her heirloom aside from the cuff bracelet. We’ve seen this purse before from Grand Gesture Dominique but what I love about this version is that it’s a little bit smaller. The Filigree details on both purses are very similar but I love that they are different in size and the straps are not the same. These are inspired by Alexander McQueen from about seven years ago but the thing is they’re more decorative and not functional. I was imagining that these egg purses open at the top but they don’t. These are made of solid metal so they’re a little bit heavy.
Majesty Giselle could officially be the last doll with the NF 2.0 body that has the waist articulation as this was a decision made at the factory as I am assuming they’re trying to get rid of the older bodies but the rest of Heirloom Collection will have the new NF 3.0 body without the waist articulation. Another thing to point out is that the color of her head matches the color of her body very well which was unfortunately an issue with some of the dolls from the Reckless Collection with the FR White skin tone like Mad Love Rayna and AKA Gigi Giselle where their heads appear to be yellowish different from the body which usually has a pinkish undertone. We might have seen elements that were recycled like the Dark Romance Giselle face design, Grand Gesture egg purse and the sheer fabric of her dress that was used from Starlet Elyse but so far this has been one of the best dolls to come out from the 2017 Integrity Toys line-up. Overall Majesty Giselle is styled to perfection. I do recommend getting her at this time as the prices are not ridiculously marked up.
Expect more Umbara builds from me in the future! :D
So yeah, I finally got some Dark Trans-Blue Lightsabers. And I decaled that 501st Trooper all by myself! Decals by Deanlego.
When you least expect it, an angel from heaven comes and appears in your life, with that sweet way of being, and before you know it, they've become a part of your life without you even realizing it.
Wasn't expecting to see this in Dover this morning!, and this vehicle was parked here for most of the day though I'm not sure why, but hey I'll take it!
And be sure to check by my other acount: www.flickr.com/photos_user.gne?path=&nsid=77145939%40..., to see what else I saw Very Recently!!
Yes I'm back again.
However due to my main computer on which I edit my work being struck down with a big bad virus, this picture and all the others I am uploading, were Unedited but have now been replaced with Edited versions. So enjoy and Thanks for your patience and understanding.
I do still hate everything about this shit that is new Flickr and always will, but an inability to find another outlet for my work that is as easy for me to use as the Old BETTER Flickr was, has forced me back to Flickr, even though it goes against everything I believe in.
I don't generally have an opinion on my own work, I prefer to leave that to other people and so based on the positive responses to my work from the various friends I had made on Flickr prior to the changes I have decided to upload some more of my work as an experiment and to see what happens.
So make the most of me before they delete my acount: www.flickr.com/photos/69558134@N05/?details=1, to stop me complaining!!
Full operational capability for these ships is not expected to be reached by the lead ship (Baden-Wurttemberg) until next year.
Just returned from the monkey temple down the road from our place.
Never know what to expect upon arriving and this trip was no different in that respect.
Coming around a corner at the base of the mountain I could hear festive music unlike the other day when all I herd was temple dogs barking and monkeys fighting.
Getting closer I observed workers putting up bleachers and a stage along with canvas shade with plastic chairs common here in Thailand.
Music sounded old Thai and very pleasant to the ears.
Spotted some shade under a big old tree close to where the bananas had been, pulled in and dismounted with camera in hand.
Slowly walked over where some monkeys were devouring a pile of Jack Fruit, found a safe comfortable spot and just started watching.
Seemed to be a number of females young and old, most with new born baby's in tow.
After about 10 minutes I noticed the females were having some kind of dispute among them. Soon it was obvious what was taking place !
Older females were attempting to kidnap the baby's from the younger females, which is only a guess on my part.
Many ideas come into play, sense there was a new Alpha Male ruling the tribe maybe they were trying to kill off the old Alpha's off spring. Maybe they were jealous, maybe I don't really have a clue !
A couple kidnappers ran off into the jungle with a new born never to be seen again. This is real life in the jungle. Brutal at times, Beautiful at others.
This little guy was terrified but reunited with his mom only seconds after this photo, she was only an arms length away and keeping a close eye on him.
Right after arriving the sun broke through the overcast sky and the temperature sky rocketed as did the humidity!
Figured a rain storm was about to take place at any time, so I shot fast.
Didn't take long and a couple of rain drops hit my hat, large like a marble and fast. Stepped back under an over hang of rock and boom sky opened up.
While standing there big vans started pulling in full of Thais here for some type of Buddhist ceremony.
As fast as the rain came it ended but one could see this is only the first of what the sky had in store for us.
Fired off a couple hundred more shots and figured this is good for today as lightning was now starting to make it's presence known in a violent display of noise and light.
Pulled the rain cover over the Think Tank Bag, mounted my ride and headed for home before being caught up in another down pour that was on it's way.
4 clicks from home the sky once again opened up right behind me and started to do it's thing.
Leaned forward, twisted the wick on my scooter and went for it.
Had no choice, rain was right on my heals, falling faster and faster and catching up quickly.
Came flying down the drive way and into the carport just as the whole sky lit up and opened up, close one...;-)
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Of course WeeNee and The Worm were nice and dry waiting for my return, they both had been stretched out on the steps under cover with out a worry in the world.
For the most part I made it unscathed, slightly wet on the back and top of shoulders, no big deal at all.
Right now it's hard to see the other side of the river it's coming down so hard, monsoon will be here in June.
As for the duct tape, knife, and tape is if I get bit, wrap it and head for help. Knife is for what ever use it needs to be used for.
For the next week or so there will be a number of monkey photos coming, hope your up for it. Thanks in advance ..;-)
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Taken hand held under a triple canopy jungle
D300 Nikon, 70-300VR Nikkor.
Jon&Crew
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+++ DISCLAIMER +++
Nothing you see here is real, even though the conversion or the presented background story might be based on historical facts. BEWARE!
Some background:
The OV-10 Bronco was initially conceived in the early 1960s through an informal collaboration between W. H. Beckett and Colonel K. P. Rice, U.S. Marine Corps, who met at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, and who also happened to live near each other. The original concept was for a rugged, simple, close air support aircraft integrated with forward ground operations. At the time, the U.S. Army was still experimenting with armed helicopters, and the U.S. Air Force was not interested in close air support.
The concept aircraft was to operate from expedient forward air bases using roads as runways. Speed was to be from very slow to medium subsonic, with much longer loiter times than a pure jet. Efficient turboprop engines would give better performance than piston engines. Weapons were to be mounted on the centerline to get efficient aiming. The inventors favored strafing weapons such as self-loading recoilless rifles, which could deliver aimed explosive shells with less recoil than cannons, and a lower per-round weight than rockets. The airframe was to be designed to avoid the back blast.
Beckett and Rice developed a basic platform meeting these requirements, then attempted to build a fiberglass prototype in a garage. The effort produced enthusiastic supporters and an informal pamphlet describing the concept. W. H. Beckett, who had retired from the Marine Corps, went to work at North American Aviation to sell the aircraft.
The aircraft's design supported effective operations from forward bases. The OV-10 had a central nacelle containing a crew of two in tandem and space for cargo, and twin booms containing twin turboprop engines. The visually distinctive feature of the aircraft is the combination of the twin booms, with the horizontal stabilizer that connected them at the fin tips. The OV-10 could perform short takeoffs and landings, including on aircraft carriers and large-deck amphibious assault ships without using catapults or arresting wires. Further, the OV-10 was designed to take off and land on unimproved sites. Repairs could be made with ordinary tools. No ground equipment was required to start the engines. And, if necessary, the engines would operate on high-octane automobile fuel with only a slight loss of power.
The aircraft had responsive handling and could fly for up to 5½ hours with external fuel tanks. The cockpit had extremely good visibility for both pilot and co-pilot, provided by a wrap-around "greenhouse" that was wider than the fuselage. North American Rockwell custom ejection seats were standard, with many successful ejections during service. With the second seat removed, the OV-10 could carry 3,200 pounds (1,500 kg) of cargo, five paratroopers, or two litter patients and an attendant. Empty weight was 6,969 pounds (3,161 kg). Normal operating fueled weight with two crew was 9,908 pounds (4,494 kg). Maximum takeoff weight was 14,446 pounds (6,553 kg).
The bottom of the fuselage bore sponsons or "stub wings" that improved flight performance by decreasing aerodynamic drag underneath the fuselage. Normally, four 7.62 mm (.308 in) M60C machine guns were carried on the sponsons, accessed through large forward-opening hatches. The sponsons also had four racks to carry bombs, pods, or fuel. The wings outboard of the engines contained two additional hardpoints, one per side. Racked armament in the Vietnam War was usually seven-shot 2.75 in (70 mm) rocket pods with white phosphorus marker rounds or high-explosive rockets, or 5" (127 mm) four-shot Zuni rocket pods. Bombs, ADSIDS air-delivered/para-dropped unattended seismic sensors, Mk-6 battlefield illumination flares, and other stores were also carried.
Operational experience showed some weaknesses in the OV-10's design. It was significantly underpowered, which contributed to crashes in Vietnam in sloping terrain because the pilots could not climb fast enough. While specifications stated that the aircraft could reach 26,000 feet (7,900 m), in Vietnam the aircraft could reach only 18,000 feet (5,500 m). Also, no OV-10 pilot survived ditching the aircraft.
The OV-10 served in the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy, as well as in the service of a number of other countries. In U.S. military service, the Bronco was operated until the early Nineties, and obsoleted USAF OV-10s were passed on to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for anti-drug operations. A number of OV-10As furthermore ended up in the hands of the California Department of Forestry (CDF) and were used for spotting fires and directing fire bombers onto hot spots.
This was not the end of the OV-10 in American military service, though: In 2012, the type gained new attention because of its unique qualities. A $20 million budget was allocated to activate an experimental USAF unit of two airworthy OV-10Gs, acquired from NASA and the State Department. These machines were retrofitted with military equipment and were, starting in May 2015, deployed overseas to support Operation “Inherent Resolve”, flying more than 120 combat sorties over 82 days over Iraq and Syria. Their concrete missions remained unclear, and it is speculated they provided close air support for Special Forces missions, esp. in confined urban environments where the Broncos’ loitering time and high agility at low speed and altitude made them highly effective and less vulnerable than helicopters.
Furthermore, these Broncos reputedly performed strikes with the experimental AGR-20A “Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS)”, a Hydra 70-millimeter rocket with a laser-seeking head as guidance - developed for precision strikes against small urban targets with little collateral damage. The experiment ended satisfactorily, but the machines were retired again, and the small unit was dissolved.
However, the machines had shown their worth in asymmetric warfare, and the U.S. Air Force decided to invest in reactivating the OV-10 on a regular basis, despite the overhead cost of operating an additional aircraft type in relatively small numbers – but development and production of a similar new type would have caused much higher costs, with an uncertain time until an operational aircraft would be ready for service. Re-activating a proven design and updating an existing airframe appeared more efficient.
The result became the MV-10H, suitably christened “Super Bronco” but also known as “Black Pony”, after the program's internal name. This aircraft was derived from the official OV-10X proposal by Boeing from 2009 for the USAF's Light Attack/Armed Reconnaissance requirement. Initially, Boeing proposed to re-start OV-10 manufacture, but this was deemed uneconomical, due to the expected small production number of new serial aircraft, so the “Black Pony” program became a modernization project. In consequence, all airframes for the "new" MV-10Hs were recovered OV-10s of various types from the "boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
While the revamped aircraft would maintain much of its 1960s-vintage rugged external design, modernizations included a completely new, armored central fuselage with a highly modified cockpit section, ejection seats and a computerized glass cockpit. The “Black Pony” OV-10 had full dual controls, so that either crewmen could steer the aircraft while the other operated sensors and/or weapons. This feature would also improve survivability in case of incapacitation of a crew member as the result from a hit.
The cockpit armor protected the crew and many vital systems from 23mm shells and shrapnel (e. g. from MANPADS). The crew still sat in tandem under a common, generously glazed canopy with flat, bulletproof panels for reduced sun reflections, with the pilot in the front seat and an observer/WSO behind. The Bronco’s original cargo capacity and the rear door were retained, even though the extra armor and defensive measures like chaff/flare dispensers as well as an additional fuel cell in the central fuselage limited the capacity. However, it was still possible to carry and deploy personnel, e. g. small special ops teams of up to four when the aircraft flew in clean configuration.
Additional updates for the MV-10H included structural reinforcements for a higher AUW and higher g load maneuvers, similar to OV-10D+ standards. The landing gear was also reinforced, and the aircraft kept its ability to operate from short, improvised airstrips. A fixed refueling probe was added to improve range and loiter time.
Intelligence sensors and smart weapon capabilities included a FLIR sensor and a laser range finder/target designator, both mounted in a small turret on the aircraft’s nose. The MV-10H was also outfitted with a data link and the ability to carry an integrated targeting pod such as the Northrop Grumman LITENING or the Lockheed Martin Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP). Also included was the Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) to provide live sensor data and video recordings to personnel on the ground.
To improve overall performance and to better cope with the higher empty weight of the modified aircraft as well as with operations under hot-and-high conditions, the engines were beefed up. The new General Electric CT7-9D turboprop engines improved the Bronco's performance considerably: top speed increased by 100 mph (160 km/h), the climb rate was tripled (a weak point of early OV-10s despite the type’s good STOL capability) and both take-off as well as landing run were almost halved. The new engines called for longer nacelles, and their circular diameter markedly differed from the former Garrett T76-G-420/421 turboprop engines. To better exploit the additional power and reduce the aircraft’s audio signature, reversible contraprops, each with eight fiberglass blades, were fitted. These allowed a reduced number of revolutions per minute, resulting in less noise from the blades and their tips, while the engine responsiveness was greatly improved. The CT7-9Ds’ exhausts were fitted with muzzlers/air mixers to further reduce the aircraft's noise and heat signature.
Another novel and striking feature was the addition of so-called “tip sails” to the wings: each wingtip was elongated with a small, cigar-shaped fairing, each carrying three staggered, small “feather blade” winglets. Reputedly, this installation contributed ~10% to the higher climb rate and improved lift/drag ratio by ~6%, improving range and loiter time, too.
Drawing from the Iraq experience as well as from the USMC’s NOGS test program with a converted OV-10D as a night/all-weather gunship/reconnaissance platform, the MV-10H received a heavier gun armament: the original four light machine guns that were only good for strafing unarmored targets were deleted and their space in the sponsons replaced by avionics. Instead, the aircraft was outfitted with a lightweight M197 three-barrel 20mm gatling gun in a chin turret. This could be fixed in a forward position at high speed or when carrying forward-firing ordnance under the stub wings, or it could be deployed to cover a wide field of fire under the aircraft when it was flying slower, being either slaved to the FLIR or to a helmet sighting auto targeting system.
The original seven hardpoints were retained (1x ventral, 2x under each sponson, and another pair under the outer wings), but the total ordnance load was slightly increased and an additional pair of launch rails for AIM-9 Sidewinders or other light AAMs under the wing tips were added – not only as a defensive measure, but also with an anti-helicopter role in mind; four more Sidewinders could be carried on twin launchers under the outer wings against aerial targets. Other guided weapons cleared for the MV-10H were the light laser-guided AGR-20A and AGM-119 Hellfire missiles, the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System upgrade to the light Hydra 70 rockets, the new Laser Guided Zuni Rocket which had been cleared for service in 2010, TV-/IR-/laser-guided AGM-65 Maverick AGMs and AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radar missiles, plus a wide range of gun and missile pods, iron and cluster bombs, as well as ECM and flare/chaff pods, which were not only carried defensively, but also in order to disrupt enemy ground communication.
In this configuration, a contract for the conversion of twelve mothballed American Broncos to the new MV-10H standard was signed with Boeing in 2016, and the first MV-10H was handed over to the USAF in early 2018, with further deliveries lasting into early 2020. All machines were allocated to the newly founded 919th Special Operations Support Squadron at Duke Field (Florida). This unit was part of the 919th Special Operations Wing, an Air Reserve Component (ARC) of the United States Air Force. It was assigned to the Tenth Air Force of Air Force Reserve Command and an associate unit of the 1st Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). If mobilized the wing was gained by AFSOC (Air Force Special Operations Command) to support Special Tactics, the U.S. Air Force's special operations ground force. Similar in ability and employment to Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC), U.S. Army Special Forces and U.S. Navy SEALs, Air Force Special Tactics personnel were typically the first to enter combat and often found themselves deep behind enemy lines in demanding, austere conditions, usually with little or no support.
The MV-10Hs are expected to provide support for these ground units in the form of all-weather reconnaissance and observation, close air support and also forward air control duties for supporting ground units. Precision ground strikes and protection from enemy helicopters and low-flying aircraft were other, secondary missions for the modernized Broncos, which are expected to serve well into the 2040s. Exports or conversions of foreign OV-10s to the Black Pony standard are not planned, though.
General characteristics:
Crew: 2
Length: 42 ft 2½ in (12,88 m) incl. pitot
Wingspan: 45 ft 10½ in(14 m) incl. tip sails
Height: 15 ft 2 in (4.62 m)
Wing area: 290.95 sq ft (27.03 m²)
Airfoil: NACA 64A315
Empty weight: 9,090 lb (4,127 kg)
Gross weight: 13,068 lb (5,931 kg)
Max. takeoff weight: 17,318 lb (7,862 kg)
Powerplant:
2× General Electric CT7-9D turboprop engines, 1,305 kW (1,750 hp) each,
driving 8-bladed Hamilton Standard 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) diameter constant-speed,
fully feathering, reversible contra-rotating propellers with metal hub and composite blades
Performance:
Maximum speed: 390 mph (340 kn, 625 km/h)
Combat range: 198 nmi (228 mi, 367 km)
Ferry range: 1,200 nmi (1,400 mi, 2,200 km) with auxiliary fuel
Maximum loiter time: 5.5 h with auxiliary fuel
Service ceiling: 32.750 ft (10,000 m)
13,500 ft (4.210 m) on one engine
Rate of climb: 17.400 ft/min (48 m/s) at sea level
Take-off run: 480 ft (150 m)
740 ft (227 m) to 50 ft (15 m)
1,870 ft (570 m) to 50 ft (15 m) at MTOW
Landing run: 490 ft (150 m)
785 ft (240 m) at MTOW
1,015 ft (310 m) from 50 ft (15 m)
Armament:
1x M197 3-barreled 20 mm Gatling cannon in a chin turret with 750 rounds ammo capacity
7x hardpoints for a total load of 5.000 lb (2,270 kg)
2x wingtip launch rails for AIM-9 Sidewinder AAMs
The kit and its assembly:
This fictional Bronco update/conversion was simply spawned by the idea: could it be possible to replace the original cockpit section with one from an AH-1 Cobra, for a kind of gunship version?
The basis is the Academy OV-10D kit, mated with the cockpit section from a Fujimi AH-1S TOW Cobra (Revell re-boxing, though), chosen because of its “boxy” cockpit section with flat glass panels – I think that it conveys the idea of an armored cockpit section best. Combining these parts was not easy, though, even though the plan sound simple. Initially, the Bronco’s twin booms, wings and stabilizer were built separately, because this made PSR on these sections easier than trying the same on a completed airframe. One of the initial challenges: the different engines. I wanted something uprated, and a different look, and I had a pair of (excellent!) 1:144 resin engines from the Russian company Kompakt Zip for a Tu-95 bomber at hand, which come together with movable(!) eight-blade contraprops that were an almost perfect size match for the original three-blade props. Biggest problem: the Tu-95 nacelles have a perfectly circular diameter, while the OV-10’s booms are square and rectangular. Combining these parts and shapes was already a messy PST affair, but it worked out quite well – even though the result rather reminds of some Chinese upgrade measure (anyone know the Tu-4 copies with turboprops? This here looks similar!). But while not pretty, I think that the beafier look works well and adds to the idea of a “revived” aircraft. And you can hardly beat the menacing look of contraprops on anything...
The exotic, so-called “tip sails” on the wings, mounted on short booms, are a detail borrowed from the Shijiazhuang Y-5B-100, an updated Chinese variant/copy of the Antonov An-2 biplane transporter. The booms are simple pieces of sprue from the Bronco kit, the winglets were cut from 0.5mm styrene sheet.
For the cockpit donor, the AH-1’s front section was roughly built, including the engine section (which is a separate module, so that the basic kit can be sold with different engine sections), and then the helicopter hull was cut and trimmed down to match the original Bronco pod and to fit under the wing. This became more complicated than expected, because a) the AH-1 cockpit and the nose are considerably shorter than the OV-10s, b) the AH-1 fuselage is markedly taller than the Bronco’s and c) the engine section, which would end up in the area of the wing, features major recesses, making the surface very uneven – calling for massive PSR to even this out. PSR was also necessary to hide the openings for the Fujimi AH-1’s stub wings. Other issues: the front landing gear (and its well) had to be added, as well as the OV-10 wing stubs. Furthermore, the new cockpit pod’s rear section needed an aerodynamical end/fairing, but I found a leftover Academy OV-10 section from a build/kitbashing many moons ago. Perfect match!
All these challenges could be tackled, even though the AH-1 cockpit looks surprisingly stout and massive on the Bronco’s airframe - the result looks stockier than expected, but it works well for the "Gunship" theme. Lots of PSR went into the new central fuselage section, though, even before it was mated with the OV-10 wing and the rest of the model.
Once cockpit and wing were finally mated, the seams had to disappear under even more PSR and a spinal extension of the canopy had to be sculpted across the upper wing surface, which would meld with the pod’s tail in a (more or less) harmonious shape. Not an easy task, and the fairing was eventually sculpted with 2C putty, plus even more PSR… Looks quite homogenous, though.
After this massive body work, other hardware challenges appeared like small distractions. The landing gear was another major issue because the deeper AH-1 section lowered the ground clearance, also because of the chin turret. To counter this, I raised the OV-10’s main landing gear by ~2mm – not much, but it was enough to create a credible stance, together with the front landing gear transplant under the cockpit, which received an internal console to match the main landing gear’s length. Due to the chin turret and the shorter nose, the front wheel retracts backwards now. But this looks quite plausible, thanks to the additional space under the cockpit tub, which also made a belt feed for the gun’s ammunition supply believable.
To enhance the menacing look I gave the model a fixed refueling boom, made from 1mm steel wire and a receptor adapter sculpted with white glue. The latter stuff was also used add some antenna fairings around the hull. Some antennae, chaff dispensers and an IR decoy were taken from the Academy kit.
The ordnance came from various sources. The Sidewinders under the wing tips were taken from an Italeri F-16C/D kit, they look better than the missiles from the Academy Bronco kit. Their launch rails came from an Italeri Bae Hawk 200. The quadruple Hellfire launchers on the underwing hardpoints were left over from an Italeri AH-1W, and they are a perfect load for this aircraft and its role. The LAU-10 and -19 missile pods on the stub wings were taken from the OV-10 kit.
Painting and markings:
Finding a suitable and somewhat interesting – but still plausible – paint scheme was not easy. Taking the A-10 as benchmark, an overall light grey livery (with focus on low contrast against the sky as protection against ground fire) would have been a likely choice – and in fact the last operational American OV-10s were painted in this fashion. But in order to provide a different look I used the contemporary USAF V-22Bs and Special Operations MC-130s as benchmark, which typically carry a darker paint scheme consisting of FS 36118 (suitably “Gunship Gray” :D) from above, FS 36375 underneath, with a low, wavy waterline, plus low-viz markings. Not spectacular, but plausible – and very similar to the late r/w Colombian OV-10s.
The cockpit tub became Dark Gull Grey (FS 36231, Humbrol 140) and the landing gear white (Revell 301).
The model received an overall black ink washing and some post-panel-shading, to liven up the dull all-grey livery. The decals were gathered from various sources, and I settled for black USAF low-viz markings. The “stars and bars” come from a late USAF F-4, the “IP” tail code was tailored from F-16 markings and the shark mouth was taken from an Academy AH-64. Most stencils came from another Academy OV-10 sheet and some other sources.
Decals were also used to create the trim on the propeller blades and markings on the ordnance.
Finally, the model was sealed with a coat of matt acrylic varnish (Italeri) and some exhaust soot stains were added with graphite along the tail boom flanks.
A successful transplantation – but is this still a modified Bronco or already a kitbashing? The result looks quite plausible and menacing, even though the TOW Cobra front section appears relatively massive. But thanks to the bigger engines and extended wing tips the proportions still work. The large low-pressure tires look a bit goofy under the aircraft, but they are original. The grey livery works IMHO well, too – a more colorful or garish scheme would certainly have distracted from the modified technical basis.
A window with birds from Sporon Hungary for Window Wednesdays.
Captured in the main old city square, late in the afternoon Oct. 2014 with an Olympus EM10 and edited this morning.
Wow, I really didn't expect these two to be so popular. So, maybe you do want to see the "mess of t-bars, minifigure handlebars and pistols that keep them together." I really wasn't exaggerating.
Jaga (red gal on the left) has probably one of the most unusual torso designs I have ever created. One thing I love about these MOCs is, though I use the same angled chestplate over and over, each one has a totally different construction underneath. Most of these connections are via bars from robot claws, minifigure guns, t-bars, and even two minifigure hands (utilizing the same technique I showed off here). But in the end... I decided all that shaping I worked so hard for wasn't where I wanted to go, and so Jaga is about to receive a major revamp (mostly because that Calix is so darn big).
Panthar gal (probably not an official name) is much simpler. The Panthar head attaches to those two prongs sticking out of the center of her chest, the Nuva shoulders attach to the 3L beams connected to a minifigure handlebar piece, and the gold claws clip on to those minifigure pistols to give them just the right angle. All in all, it was really quite a simple design that I'm surprised I figured out so quickly.
Anyway, it's time I clean up a few WIPs. Currently, I actually have twelve different MOCs in various stages of completion. Some are doomed never to be finished. Others I'll let sit until I get some 2016 pieces. I really just need to focus on finishing up my entries to BBCC 72 and BobtheDoctor's contest.
Usually, I do not like Autumn, but I have started liking it because we used to have IT conventions at the start of the Autumn. You know, lots of new dolls to talk about and some of them to join your collection. This year the convention was pushed a bit into the Winter and there have been a possibility to be pushed even further because dolls were not ready to be shipped. Collectors chose to have a convention now and dolls will be shipped sometime next year (it was said Jan-Feb, but I can feel it will be Mar-Apr). Either way, I have been day-dreaming about dolls for the past month or so. Jessy Ayala (IT designer) mentioned that collection will be opulent and anniversary Vanessa we got right before the con should have been a good example of what con collection will look like. It turns out this collection was inspired by ... military. I do not see ANY kind of connection here between these dolls and Van, except they might serve as her soldiers :) I built up the expectation, so I was kind of disappointed with the offer. Also, FR collection is shrinking down every year, instead of 9-10 dolls we got only 5, and it is actually 4, but I squeezed in NuFantasy Vanessa just to have something to write about.
A Doll's Life Vanessa - was a nice surprise. I didn't expect Mark Tinkey would be hired to design welcome doll (the one that all convention goers got), and I have to say he did a great job. The doll will come with three looks and none of them is weak. Of-course it is clear the doll was inspired by Barbie - IT is trying very hard to please new Wclub members that left the world of Barbie. Nevertheless, the doll is beautiful, I just got Smoke and Shadows Vanessa and she is OUTSTANDING, so I am very tempted by this doll. The only thing I would change here is give her a side-part (we already got 2 blonde Vanessa's this year with side-parts). I have to mention that Mark is becoming my favorite IT designer very fast. He is fun, relaxed, he has very positive energy. A note to Jessy, this is how a doll that everyone will get should look like (more on NuFace later).
Fall 2020 Elyse - was a souvenir doll given at the Gala night. She is designed by Jason Wu and includes make up accessories that resemble Wu's new makeup line. This is a second dark skinned Elyse we got this year and I am kind of bored with that. Yes, I got Bijou and I love her, but this is too repetitive. Still, the doll is very well put together. She reminds me on Spring Romance Adele a lot and I think Adele would look stunning in this dress. I ADORE her earrings, love pearl details. Hope we will see them again on some other doll. I like her hairstyle too. What I would do differently is change the shape and length of the dress, if it was longer and fuller like a princess dress, I think she would look proper for a Gala Night doll. Since I have Spring Romance Adele, I will pass on this one.
Sovereign Adele Makeda - was a Gala Night centerpiece. She is designed by Jessy Ayala and I was quite surprised to see Adele as a centerpiece. She reminds me on Walking on Gold Adele, same screening and very similar makeup color palette. Still, I am drawn to her face, she has very pretty face. The outfit is OK I guess, but I am not thrilled. The dress is nice, but the jacket is kind of too boring for my taste. Do you get '90 vibe from her? What I would do differently: give her completely different outfit :)
Vendetta Agnes - now, here comes the danger. Ever since this doll was announced I was dreaming how she would look. Based on the last year's Intimate Soiree I was expecting something fierce. It turns out Jessy used Malibu Sky screening and faded eyebrows and made her even softer than Malibu! IMO her outfit is the best of all dolls from the convention. Maybe Jessy just hit the spot for me here, because I love vintage Dior designs. I love the corset and the removable sleeves. I even like the hat, which I hated on Alejandra earlier this year. She has beautiful bag and shoes that remind me on the ones from Afterglow Lilith. What I would do differently: maybe change the screening as I have noticed this screening has a bit wonky left eye, so I am worried as I have decided to get her.
Chain of Command Natalia - this is one of my top 5 sculpts, so I was excited to see how she looks. She is just OK. I do like her outfit, but I do not like the color. Also, I do like her face, but I do not like her hairstyle. She is one of those dolls that miss the mark on each aspect and you can not say that she is a fail, but she doesn't leave an impression. I have noticed her eyes are the same shadow as Dominique's, they look somehow unnatural and do not go well with light blue outfit. What I would do differently - instead of blue I would use powder pink and I give her shoulder length sleek hairstyle. I will wait to see her IRL photos and might get her if she turns to be nice.
So, that's all, we got all the same characters with the same screenings we had recently (except Natalia). I wish we had different characters and screenings, but it is what it is. My favorite is Agnes and she is the only one I will get, but even she is not a clear winner. The line is far from cohesive and although they tried to provide a little bit of everything, hardly any of these dolls will become a grail. On the scale of 1-5, I would say this offer is 3.
Wasn't expecting to see these in Tenterden!, and these vehicles were parked in Tenterdens Town Coach Park and were possibly on runs to the big Homeswood School nearby, while Kent Coach Tours GN05DZU was in Service on route 293!
And be sure to check by my other acount: www.flickr.com/photos_user.gne?path=&nsid=77145939%40..., to see what else I saw This Week!!
Yes I'm back again.
However due to my main computer on which I edit my work being struck down with a big bad virus, this picture and all the others I am uploading, were Unedited but have now been replaced with Edited versions. So enjoy and Thanks for your patience and understanding.
I do still hate everything about this shit that is new Flickr and always will, but an inability to find another outlet for my work that is as easy for me to use as the Old BETTER Flickr was, has forced me back to Flickr, even though it goes against everything I believe in.
I don't generally have an opinion on my own work, I prefer to leave that to other people and so based on the positive responses to my work from the various friends I had made on Flickr prior to the changes I have decided to upload some more of my work as an experiment and to see what happens.
So make the most of me before they delete my acount: www.flickr.com/photos/69558134@N05/?details=1, to stop me complaining!!