Chris, your models really bring inspiration, so it would be a shame to see you completely disappear from UA-cam. On the other hand, your own piece of mind and family time should never be impacted by what you do here. I enjoy seeing your builds, especially the in-flight presentations that I know you love. Its great to see you overcoming your health challenges and long may you do so. Please don't disappear completely, but maybe a twice yearly round-up if you cant do more.......Have a great Xmas with the family and I hope 2024 is more straight forward for you. cheers from Oxford UK
Hey mate, Thanks for your help and ideas this year. I hope the jolly fat man is generous this year. I hope you stick with UA-cam I know it's easy to say but ignore anyone who thinks they have any right to tell anyone how to model or what it should look like. Your videos have helped me get better at how I go about things and have really challenged me so "damn the man!".
Thanks Steve, I think I will stick around here on YT, its a nice community on the channel, only the occasional turds drop in from time to time! Glad that I've helped in some way, cheers Chris
Chris - seeing your videos is like reading a letter from a dear friend - you look forward to each correspondence, and it always brings a smile to your face. This is the goal of social media, IMHO - bringing like minded folks like us together for the love of a shared interest, learning from each other and helping each other out. There will always be trolls out there who will nit pick, but I always pity them - at least the poor sods who have to live with them! Thank you again for the year filled with great memories, wonderful tips and tricks, insights and your infectious zeal for our shared hobby! Here’s hoping that your scans will be clean, your thyroid meds get balanced, and you wear a brighter smile for the upcoming year knowing that you have good friends, family - and your extended internet friends rooting for you. Rest up, relax and enjoy - I look forward to your next “letter” when you get around to filming it. 😊
Many thanks Tex, the feeling is mutual mate - love reading your comments too...I've left Facebook I've found YT to be much much better despite the occasional troll...hope you had a great Xmas, sorry for the late reply - see you next year!
It has been a bumpy year for you mate, sorry to hear that! But, and that should be the take-away here, you have managed to overcome those problems, health issues are not fun indeed. Since i got booted out of Facebook many years ago i don´t miss it at all, so for me it is a win to not deal with that stuff over there anymore. Your inflight models have inspired me and i might attempt something like that at some point. That Clear Prop TB-2 might be ideal for an "in-flight" display.
Hi Chris. Great to hear from you again. As some-one else in the comments section said, these videos of yours are like getting letters from a friend. For an Aussie living in London, I do enjoy watching content from an Australian like yourself. It makes me feel like home. And your videos do get me thinking about inflight options for some of the kits in my stash. Keep doing modelling how ever you want. Best wishes for the future. Simon.
Hello sir, congratulations on your battle with cancer. This hobby certainly exposes us to more carcinogenic agents than do most hobbies. Please make a point to take utmost precautions with your modeling adventures. Glad to have you back posting, but never feel any pressure to post on youtube. To your continued health!! Cheers!
Thanks David - yes indeed my wife is adamant about careful use of paints and solvents etc - I'm always using my mask here with spraybooth extraction fan turned on etc. I never leave glue out of the bottle either, always closed/screwed down in between jobs. Have a great Christmas and New Years, cheers Chris
Glad to hear from you, congratulations on a successful modeling year, despite the health setbacks. Wishing you the best with your health; thanks for continuing to be one of the nicest people in the hobby. Looking forward to what 2024 will bring for you.
Sorry to hear you have thyroid issues as well Chris, my wife had thyroid cancer, she has to take tablets sine having it removed, so I guess you may be as well. Good to see you are trying some new things modelling. I'm doing some new things as well, (never tried by myself anyway), see if I can pull it off. I'm over the heat to, it's relentless, I'm a couple of hours away from you. High 30's now for 5 days straight and no storms for relief.
Thanks Grant, yes I'm at that stage where I think I need the tablets too - just had some more bloodwork done, I'll know in the new year. And all to doing new things I think too with our modelling! And no to the heat, hate it! Have a good one mate, I'll see you round next year, looking forward to your builds, I'm watching them when I can - cheers Chris
Gday Chris, welcome back , definitely missed your videos on wheels up aircraft. That museum sounded awesome - I think I saw a Mossie in the picture. I finally organized my stash and could not believe the kits I have , many partially built , some virgins. THEN, I haven't stopped buying , I think some Eduards and Tamiya kits will go extinct and didn't want to miss out. Actually MRC are quite good as well. I'm waiting on some VMS products, primarily stripper to see if my stash will strip and a satin finish . I'm almost finished with 4 1/72 Spits from Airfix @ 6 dollars a piece they have been my sabbatical restarts.However, you've got me wanting to try and build a flying formation, Three level and one breaking away. . How about your helper and my favorite modeling mascot, Miss Penny? Give her a scratch from Bob. Wishing you and family a Happy Christmas , Happy New Year - and so say " all of us ". Are you going to knock somebody up on Boxing Day :-) BTW, you're an excellent figure painter, Tank girl was excellent. Stay Calm and Model On in 2024, Cheers from the Pacific Northwest , Bob
Gday Bob, missed having a chat with you! Yes there was a brilliant Mossie at the museum - can't wait to build it! Miss Penny is doing very well although she hates the heat, just like me, I have to constantly brush her to keep her coat nice and thin. Thanks for the kind words about Tank Girl - little secret, I have started that Porco Rosso vignette, I hope to have it finished for the new year, but lets wait and see!! That Airfix display idea sounds good - Im sure Airfix make a stand to have four aircraft flying at once, or was it Academy? Have a superb Christmas Bob and I'll speak to you again soon in the New Year, cheers Chris
I've definitely missed your updates. Watching how you tackle various issues that are beset upon us by model manufacturers is always a treat. I've gone and ordered a handful of pilot figures for my various planes. My current model love is my Trumpeter 1/32 P-47N Thunderbolt. I can't say it was a fun kit to assemble. Very mechanical feeling if that makes sense? But now that she's assembled and I've got paint on her I'm in love. Ive got a beautiful shine using alclad lacquer airframe aluminum. I just finished Revell's new 1/32 P-51D for my brother. Definitely a smoother build than the Trumpeter kit. I feel like it came out really nice. But... I don't feel much satisfaction with it. Not like I do with my Thunderbolt. Anyway, sorry for rambling. I love following your work, hopefully your health and mental state will allow you to keep making videos. They are appreciated.
Hi, Chris. Great to see this update. I have added many videos to my channel. The 1/32 ZM Skyraiders you know, one is now finished with a simulated spinning prop I made from stainless steel rod. For all of my present and future builds for in flight, the use of variable speed motors to spin the prop(s) is the best solution. The 1/24 Airfix Hellcat is setup that way and convinced me to do more. The common problem of a unbalanced wobble is eliminated by 3mm sealed bearing supported drive shafts. Three of my 1/24 Airfix Mk.IXcs projects are done in this method. Soon to be posted, a in flight 1/18 FW190 A5 For 2024, 1/24 in flight 2 x P-47s, A6m2b Zero, 3x Spitfires, one as G-IRTY the Silver Spitfire 1/32 in flight P-38 several 1/32 jets Modelers are almost always supportive and encouraging. We enjoy other peoples work and learn from them. There may be helpful, positive advice given and it is understood that everyone is at different stages in developing their own skills. I believe the negative, 'why would someone think to write a comment like that?' on social media are usually not model builders.
Mate, I absolutely LOVE your approach and sorry I haven't been in contact with you more about it, I'm watching your videos again and I'm in LOVE with the inflight stuff! Can't wait to see that big behemoth 1/18 Focke Wulf! Two questions for you, one to help me shoot down a Spanish Naysayer who reckons I can't build the Border or HK 1/32 Lancaster inflight - how would you mount it? Second, Id love to see that solution with the sealed bearing driveshaft - I'm thinking of developing a "drop in" micro motor mount so its easy to make any aircraft model have a spinning prop and eliminating the wobble is key to making it work (plus finding the right battery/switch solution). Again, love your work, and I'd love to be able to find an Airfix 1/24 Hellcat - I just bought their 1/24 Spit but need to find a pilot figure of course, again another possible 3D solution there to develop. Have a great Christmas and New year, hope we stay in touch! Cheers Chris
Oh thanks mate, appreciate the kind words about the vibe - I may return to armour, finish a couple started things perhaps, but my focus is up the air as it were - thanks for sticking around though! Cheers Chris
Always enjoy watching your videos. Hope your health issues are behind you and you and your family have a great Christmas. In this hobby you should do what makes you happy and the heck with the naysayers. Opinions are like a**holes, everybody's got one and most just spew..... Good luck in the coming year.
Thanks Keith, hopefully some more "content" coming next year, I've started a new kit since filming this so wait and see.... Have a great Christmas and New Years, cheers Chris
Chris , well done on your channel, and don't listen to the haters. I'm too just starting into modelling. I, too, have been in hospital now since 4 Dec and am still currently in, and now the 28 Dec. I had below knee amputation with some major complications. 4th surgery today, and hopefully the last. I fully understand what you're going through. All the best, mate, and god bless , keep up your great content. Ocean
sorry to hear about your health and negative experiences with social media. Some people are never pleased and are just over opinionated when least wanted. In regards to your mental health, when you feel like that, try not to make any rash decisions (like clearing out a stash), Trust me, you'll likely regret it later when things return to "normal" Please keep doing in-flight displays. F*#k the naysayers - they just have no imagination. I am just like you in that I think planes look better inflight rather than wheels down. If you're looking for a subject that's different try the Arkhitect Airbrush star ship kit. I won the Melbourne Expo OOB Sci-fi with it. Has lights as standard too :) You'd enjoy it Anyways, thanks for posting the update. I hope to see some of these ideas of yours come to fruition (no pressure though) Merry Christmas mate and a safe and happy new year to you and your family
First of all - loved that Arkitect win at Expo - wish I couldve been there Simon! I was planning too again this year, but the bloody Cancer showed its ugly head...maybe 2024? I shall keep the birds in the air for sure, agreed about lack of imagination - I actually went on a big rant in the middle of this update that I then deleted because well, I'm not going to change their minds, so why drag them up anyway? Have a great Christmas and NY - hopefully a safe one away from fires, flood and heatstroke!! Cheers Chris
Stick in there, bud. Build your strength and keep being you. Just ignore the negative and do what you want to do. It's the age-old trope, it's your hobby. Do what makes you happy.
Hi Chris, glad to see you back and it is great to know you are getting back in 'the saddle' so to speak, we all build to our own style be it with a plastic rod up the backside, or what ever takes our fancy, there is no right or wrong way, glad you enjoyed your visit to my land of my birth, I hope you got to MOTAT in Auckland and alsonthe Air Force mueum in Christchurch, very best wishes to you and your family for Christmas and I hope you have a safe and Happy New Year, from a ex Christchurch lad now living in Melbourne, Les.
Gday Les, how are things? Unfortunately was only on the South Island and didn't spend any time in Christchurch, but had plenty to choose from around the traps. Great to hear from you and have a great Christmas and New Year, cheers Chris
All the best with your health Chris. Do whatever works for you and what makes you happy. Can’t go wrong with that. Ignore the dickheads as best you can
Hi Chris, keep up the fight and hope as your health improves it brings back your mojo. We build the kits to please us, not others. So you carry on building the way that suits you and ignore the knob-jockeys. Who to say they’re right and you’re wrong? You are doing a grand job, only wish I was half as good as you. Wishing you and yours a fantastic Christmas and may the New Year take you from strength to strength.
Sorry about the cancer , I' on month 16 myself kidney , small lung spot , 2nd round of brain radiation , but it's the best diet ever 66lbs so far. Only one kidney now but doing good. I hope an pray that all things improve , an be back to normal . Be safe think good thoughts, keep up the good sprites .
Ouch sorry to hear James, hope things are looking up? I had a quick dietary loss of about 10kg, but then put it all back on and then some with my out of whack thyroid even though I'm gyming it three times a week and trying to eat right. Have a great Christmas and hope your 2024 improves like mine - cheers Chris
Mr. Becker I always enjoy your work and videos and enjoyed your update. That Revell F14 looks killer. Its a very wise move to leave the not-so social media aside so please take care and I hope you and your family have a peaceful Christmas.
Thanks very much Brian, I appreciate that - I think the Revell F-14 may stay in my "dont throw out pile" even though I know I can do better...have a great Christmas! Cheers, Chris
Hi Chris, so sorry to hear about your health situation. I really enjoy your channel. I build ALL my aircraft wheels up and it takes a lot of extra work to make them look good, much harder than sticking the gear into a hole in the wing. To all those who don’t like it…get stuffed! Yer pal in Canada.
Cheers mate, yeah I dont think a lot of the naysayers get the extra work involved, especially love when they post reference photos that are inflight! Anyway - have a great Christmas, cheers Chris
Hi Chris. All the very best to you and yours for the Festive Season. Really sorry to hear of your health battles over the last year, but happy you are coming out the other side with a positive attitude. If nothing else, these things really allow us to focus on what is important in life, and sounds like you have been doing exactly that. Good onya! Our hobbies are supposed to be enjoyable and contribute to our well-being, so when they stop doing that it’s a perfect time to re-assess, and readjust. Exactly as you are doing. Respect. Cheers Tania
Many thanks for your kind words Tania, they do mean a lot - yes focus is a key thing to getting on with it all and I hope 2024 brings more joy. Have a great Christmas and New Year - cheers Chris
Hang in there Chris. Your a gun modeller and you do what you feel you need to do. Don't pay any attention to the naysayers as they probably don't have your skills or imagination. Stuff them!
Thanks Steve - oh the naysayers have the skills - I get talked down to by the best of them saying what I'm doing shouldn't be compared to their efforts, but I agree they do lack imagination - I mean how many "panels all open, maintenance dioramas" can you make before you see them all???? Heh heh, have a great Xmas and New Year, cheers Chris
i'm sorry that you had a pretty crap 2023, i hope your health picks up. You're inflight models inspire me to try and make more of my models as inflight and I hate to hear that your getting crap from some other people.
Hey Chris, no apologies or excuses required, after all it's not as if you are being paid for a set schedule of shows, you do this for the love of the hobby. You do not owe us subscribers anything, take care of your self first.
good luck with that nasty c Chris, i have never been to a model show nor do i have any intention of going, i do this for me only, and you will always get the keyboard warriors, nothing better to do, you make what you want to make how you want to make it mate, merry xmas and hopefully a better new year, do what you love doing
Thanks Dean - I really love model shows, because for some reason the naysayers don't seem to be as prevalent and the public seems to love the inflight stuff more than the other modellers! I remember displaying my 1/48 Mig-31 a year or two ago and their were always people around it having a look....have a great Xmas and New Year, cheers Chris
You do what you want and keeps you happy Chris. Look after your health, it’s essential. The rest of life is purely optional. Have a happy, safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year.
Great video Chris… plan not plan anything… wise words indeed. Rest up that croaky voice mate or you’ll have to start singing Death Metal to make a living!
G'day Chris, Well, mate, you've been in the wars, as my grandad used to say. So glad to hear that you had your 'Big Cs' taken care of; yeah, thyroid issues can be awful. I just can't fathom 'people en masse', there you are one of the best aircraft modellers I know of and, secretly envious 'asoles' can't resist sticking the boot in... ah, humans we're a sick bunch, some of us, sometimes. UA-cam is the only platform I make public comment on. I dropped 'MugBook' and 'TwitsWorld' a long time ago. So, much hate, envy, abuse and character assassination... and that's only from the teenagers! I make a point of always being polite, as kind and self-deprecating as I can to be somewhat entertaining... as I have done on my radio broadcasts that go back 35 plus years. Still, I attract senseless attacks by morons... they know who they are. People presume to know me and pass judgement. How? You've copped a good old battering at times, I've read through some of the idiot comments on your channel. Mate, it's just not worth it. I delete/cancel future comments and notifications without even bothering to read their complete posts; don't need that BS. It's great you can talk about your depression; that's half the battle. Like you, I can talk about it but I'm not going to whine about tough spots in my life. It happens to all of us. Eventually we mostly snap out of it. But, don't be reluctant to seek help if you want to. I did several sessions with a 'professional'; referred by my GP. It was OK, but a beer and a chat with a mate at the pub did about the same for me. You've got your family so there's love in your life. Enjoy it, Chris, as you may have well contemplated recently, it doesn't last long and this ain't no rehearsal. I've never done a diorama. I'd love to learn proper figure painting too because what's the point of an aircraft without pilots and flight crew; wheels down or up, especially the latter. Wish I had the space and the money for 3D printing. Just between you and me; I reckon 3D printing is the way kit models are going to go in the future, or, one will just buy a stack of computer programs to hook up to your own printer. The future of modelling is exciting. My ‘SABLE’ stash is littered with kits that I know are outside my skill set but then I see every model as a challenge and an adventure in miniature. I've done two boats but I always watch our mate, Harry because of the skills I learn from him that I can apply to aircraft. Same with you. Thank you for teaching me details I'd never thought of; you've made my modelling better and I appreciate it. Hellishly long comment and I'll cop some bother about that, probably. People with the attention span of a gadfly often complain about me writing "books" in these columns. Well, hey, I'm a writer. Get over it, folks. I'll get out of your way now. Do come back to your channel, when you want to. Don't worry about your dulcet tones; I promise you; you won't start sounding like Lee Marvin. All the very best to you and your family. Give Penny a good old pat for me; we love Shepherds 'round our way! Merry Christmas, there I said it... what is the world coming to? More people should just sit down at this time of year and read Dicken's 'A Christmas Carol'. It's a great, short read. Tells you all you need to know about kindness and redemption. I read it every year. Cheers, mate. Bill & Joanne
Thanks Bill - be careful watching too much of @HarryHoudiniModels will turn you into an old white guy with a big beard who builds boats! I really do appreciate your very kind words and support, and yes a bit of Dickens at a Christmas is a good idea - have you read Forsyth's "The Shepherd"? John Travolta just made that into a short movie for Disney Plus and I must tell you, its bloody fantastic - I am very tempted to do my own take on it in a diorama...inflight of course! I'll give Penny a pat for you, cheers and have a great Christmas!
@@beckersmodelsG'day Chris, Too late, I don't build boats but we share, shall I say, a similar ‘hull profile’ and I've got a short white beard that once was a classic RAF (RAAF) moustache when I was in uniform. Your welcome, mate. I am always concerned for good people having hard times. Yes, I'm deeply familiar with 'The Shepherd'. I'm not certain but when I joined, I think it was a prerequisite to have read it before they enlisted you.😉 I've seen a clever 'homemade' animation of the story on UA-cam but for the life of me John Travolta would not have been on my casting list. I do have a faint memory of an old B&W filmed version, but I could be wrong. I will have a look at Travolta’s effort on your say so. At least he’s a pilot. The Shepard is a fantastic story with an unexpected twist. Featuring my second favourite aircraft, a Vampire. My fav is the Mosquito with the Lanc coming in a good third. I’d like to see your diorama; in flight of course. A Vampire looks silly sitting on the flight line, as do many classic warbirds. Once again, all the best to you all for Christmas and have a great 2024! Cheers, Bill H.
Hi Chris, Mine was prostate which occupied me for 2022 and part 0f 2023. What a hoot! I hope you're free now and can get back to modelling. I hope your family have pulled through OK as well. I look forward to seeing more videos in the coming months but, above all, have fun. You make video for you. We just enjoy watching and listening. I totally understand the depression part of the recovery. Please talk to your doctor and visit a professional. Please please don;t self medicate. I did. It doesn't work.
Thanks Mike - although I must confess I did edit out a bit of a rant in the middle of this update, I was a bit too honest about some things and people!! Cheers Chris
I enjoy your conversation very much. You have an original insight to our hobby. Its not a production line but a personal passion in my view. I am a hacker model maker but have a fantastic stash. I buy way too much but great plastic always makes me feel good. I do not have the curse of being a great modeler. I do not make more than 4 models each year but I watch all the relevant channels that you mention. Best wishes. I hope your health moves in the right direction for you.
Praying you get better quick man, we’ve all missed your videos. Awesome work, you builds always inspire me. Keep going and don’t listen to morons with their 2cents. Build the way you want to - its awesome.
All power to you, I wish you nothing more than the best of health and thank you so much for your your wonderful and ambitious project videos, they are truly inspiring. Merry Christmas and a very happy new year to you👍
Hi Chris, It's good to have the update, as someone who is involved in the mental health sector, can I implore you to seek out someone to talk to, GP or a counselor, talking about things is half the battle. Also I was surprised there was no mention of the Airfix Seaking, I thought that might have been a recent purchase for the new year in Aussie colours (of course). Hopefully in 2024 the only challengers are kit related.
Thanks mate - I have actually bought the Seaking! Its on a slow boat from China with a Tamiya F-35B so that should give me sometime to work out how to make it hover! ....yes I need to have another chat soon - my wife and I have both battled depression before, so we know the signs. Thanks for your kind words about 2024!
Fantastic to hear from you Chris. You’ve been missed mate; big time. I hope all the health issues get fixed for you soon and that you can get back to all the things you love, without the worry and pain. Have a great Christmas and a healthy and happy new year for you and your family. Cheers, Les
Thanks Les, I appreciate that I really do...I have actually started something since filming so there we go! Have a great Xmas and New Year, cheers Chris
Chris, so sorry you have your battles with your health. Never much fun. Would like to offer you and your family best wishes and I hope you get yourself back into a happier healthier state soon. Has for the hobby, first glad to see you back… really appreciate your content and enthusiasm for our hobby. Don’t let all the negative idiots get you down, it’s your hobby and stick to what makes you happy. Otherwise what’s the point..!!? Wishing you a very happy Christmas and a happy new year. 👍👍👍
Thanks Gary, I appreciate it - trying to turn the negativity into a positive is my motto, lets see if I can do it! Have a great Christmas and New Years, cheers Chris
Nice one. So sorry to hear the problems you’ve been experiencing. Hopefully next year will be much better for you and allow loads more modelling time. MC & HNY. Cheers Marty
Get better soon mate. I have never been on social media, other than UA-cam, and I am glad of it. Enjoy next year and make what you want. Enjoy your Christmas with family and good friends.
I'm glad to hear you are all clear health wise and great to see you back on the channel. Enjoy your model content, passion for aviation, and creativity.
Always nice to see a friendly face Squire! I wish you much better 2024, that you continue to stay healthy and continued success with your channel! 🤜🏻🤛🏻🍻
Good to hear from you Chris. The important part of the hobby is to do what you enjoy and to hell what anyone else says. Personally I enjoy what you do and that is the reason I subscribe. I do hope that the coming year is much better for you health wise. I wish you and your family a very enjoyable Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Chris, your models really bring inspiration, so it would be a shame to see you completely disappear from UA-cam. On the other hand, your own piece of mind and family time should never be impacted by what you do here. I enjoy seeing your builds, especially the in-flight presentations that I know you love. Its great to see you overcoming your health challenges and long may you do so. Please don't disappear completely, but maybe a twice yearly round-up if you cant do more.......Have a great Xmas with the family and I hope 2024 is more straight forward for you. cheers from Oxford UK
Hear. Hear. I second this Chris. Don’t pressure yourself, it’s a hobby so enjoy yourself and do as you please. Have a merry Christmas.
Thanks chaps I really do appreciate the kind words and support, cheers Chris
Hey mate,
Thanks for your help and ideas this year. I hope the jolly fat man is generous this year.
I hope you stick with UA-cam I know it's easy to say but ignore anyone who thinks they have any right to tell anyone how to model or what it should look like. Your videos have helped me get better at how I go about things and have really challenged me so "damn the man!".
Thanks Steve, I think I will stick around here on YT, its a nice community on the channel, only the occasional turds drop in from time to time! Glad that I've helped in some way, cheers Chris
Chris - seeing your videos is like reading a letter from a dear friend - you look forward to each correspondence, and it always brings a smile to your face. This is the goal of social media, IMHO - bringing like minded folks like us together for the love of a shared interest, learning from each other and helping each other out. There will always be trolls out there who will nit pick, but I always pity them - at least the poor sods who have to live with them! Thank you again for the year filled with great memories, wonderful tips and tricks, insights and your infectious zeal for our shared hobby! Here’s hoping that your scans will be clean, your thyroid meds get balanced, and you wear a brighter smile for the upcoming year knowing that you have good friends, family - and your extended internet friends rooting for you. Rest up, relax and enjoy - I look forward to your next “letter” when you get around to filming it. 😊
Many thanks Tex, the feeling is mutual mate - love reading your comments too...I've left Facebook I've found YT to be much much better despite the occasional troll...hope you had a great Xmas, sorry for the late reply - see you next year!
A letter from a friend is a lovely way of expressing things.
It has been a bumpy year for you mate, sorry to hear that! But, and that should be the take-away here, you have managed to overcome those problems, health issues are not fun indeed. Since i got booted out of Facebook many years ago i don´t miss it at all, so for me it is a win to not deal with that stuff over there anymore.
Your inflight models have inspired me and i might attempt something like that at some point. That Clear Prop TB-2 might be ideal for an "in-flight" display.
Thanks mate glad to hear from you, and yes that TB-2 looks the business! Cheers Chris
Hi Chris. Great to hear from you again. As some-one else in the comments section said, these videos of yours are like getting letters from a friend. For an Aussie living in London, I do enjoy watching content from an Australian like yourself. It makes me feel like home. And your videos do get me thinking about inflight options for some of the kits in my stash. Keep doing modelling how ever you want. Best wishes for the future. Simon.
Hello sir, congratulations on your battle with cancer. This hobby certainly exposes us to more carcinogenic agents than do most hobbies. Please make a point to take utmost precautions with your modeling adventures. Glad to have you back posting, but never feel any pressure to post on youtube. To your continued health!! Cheers!
Thanks David - yes indeed my wife is adamant about careful use of paints and solvents etc - I'm always using my mask here with spraybooth extraction fan turned on etc. I never leave glue out of the bottle either, always closed/screwed down in between jobs. Have a great Christmas and New Years, cheers Chris
Glad to hear from you, congratulations on a successful modeling year, despite the health setbacks. Wishing you the best with your health; thanks for continuing to be one of the nicest people in the hobby. Looking forward to what 2024 will bring for you.
Many thanks!
Sorry to hear you have thyroid issues as well Chris, my wife had thyroid cancer, she has to take tablets sine having it removed, so I guess you may be as well. Good to see you are trying some new things modelling. I'm doing some new things as well, (never tried by myself anyway), see if I can pull it off. I'm over the heat to, it's relentless, I'm a couple of hours away from you. High 30's now for 5 days straight and no storms for relief.
Thanks Grant, yes I'm at that stage where I think I need the tablets too - just had some more bloodwork done, I'll know in the new year. And all to doing new things I think too with our modelling! And no to the heat, hate it! Have a good one mate, I'll see you round next year, looking forward to your builds, I'm watching them when I can - cheers Chris
Well i hope your on the road to recovery. Sod the Trolls & the keyboard warriors. Your stuff you do what you like. Have a great Christmas.
Thanks Steve - just subbed you mate, sorry didn't do it earlier! Cheers and have a great Christmas too!
Gday Chris, welcome back , definitely missed your videos on wheels up aircraft. That museum sounded awesome - I think I saw a Mossie in the picture. I finally organized my stash and could not believe the kits I have , many partially built , some virgins. THEN, I haven't stopped buying , I think some Eduards and Tamiya kits will go extinct and didn't want to miss out. Actually MRC are quite good as well. I'm waiting on some VMS products, primarily stripper to see if my stash will strip and a satin finish . I'm almost finished with 4 1/72 Spits from Airfix @ 6 dollars a piece they have been my sabbatical restarts.However, you've got me wanting to try and build a flying formation, Three level and one breaking away. . How about your helper and my favorite modeling mascot, Miss Penny? Give her a scratch from Bob. Wishing you and family a Happy Christmas , Happy New Year - and so say " all of us ". Are you going to knock somebody up on Boxing Day :-) BTW, you're an excellent figure painter, Tank girl was excellent. Stay Calm and Model On in 2024, Cheers from the Pacific Northwest , Bob
Gday Bob, missed having a chat with you! Yes there was a brilliant Mossie at the museum - can't wait to build it!
Miss Penny is doing very well although she hates the heat, just like me, I have to constantly brush her to keep her coat nice and thin. Thanks for the kind words about Tank Girl - little secret, I have started that Porco Rosso vignette, I hope to have it finished for the new year, but lets wait and see!! That Airfix display idea sounds good - Im sure Airfix make a stand to have four aircraft flying at once, or was it Academy?
Have a superb Christmas Bob and I'll speak to you again soon in the New Year, cheers Chris
I've definitely missed your updates. Watching how you tackle various issues that are beset upon us by model manufacturers is always a treat.
I've gone and ordered a handful of pilot figures for my various planes.
My current model love is my Trumpeter 1/32 P-47N Thunderbolt. I can't say it was a fun kit to assemble. Very mechanical feeling if that makes sense? But now that she's assembled and I've got paint on her I'm in love. Ive got a beautiful shine using alclad lacquer airframe aluminum.
I just finished Revell's new 1/32 P-51D for my brother. Definitely a smoother build than the Trumpeter kit. I feel like it came out really nice. But... I don't feel much satisfaction with it. Not like I do with my Thunderbolt.
Anyway, sorry for rambling. I love following your work, hopefully your health and mental state will allow you to keep making videos. They are appreciated.
Thanks mate I appreciate your comments and good luck with those builds! have a great Christmas and New Year! Cheers Chris
Hi, Chris. Great to see this update.
I have added many videos to my channel. The 1/32 ZM Skyraiders you know, one is now finished with a simulated spinning prop I made from stainless steel rod. For all of my present and future builds for in flight, the use of variable speed motors to spin the prop(s) is the best solution. The 1/24 Airfix Hellcat is setup that way and convinced me to do more. The common problem of a unbalanced wobble is eliminated by 3mm sealed bearing supported drive shafts. Three of my 1/24 Airfix Mk.IXcs projects are done in this method.
Soon to be posted, a in flight 1/18 FW190 A5
For 2024, 1/24 in flight 2 x P-47s, A6m2b Zero, 3x Spitfires, one as G-IRTY the Silver Spitfire
1/32 in flight P-38 several 1/32 jets
Modelers are almost always supportive and encouraging. We enjoy other peoples work and learn from them. There may be helpful, positive advice given and it is understood that everyone is at different stages in developing their own skills. I believe the negative, 'why would someone think to write a comment like that?' on social media are usually not model builders.
Mate, I absolutely LOVE your approach and sorry I haven't been in contact with you more about it, I'm watching your videos again and I'm in LOVE with the inflight stuff! Can't wait to see that big behemoth 1/18 Focke Wulf!
Two questions for you, one to help me shoot down a Spanish Naysayer who reckons I can't build the Border or HK 1/32 Lancaster inflight - how would you mount it? Second, Id love to see that solution with the sealed bearing driveshaft - I'm thinking of developing a "drop in" micro motor mount so its easy to make any aircraft model have a spinning prop and eliminating the wobble is key to making it work (plus finding the right battery/switch solution).
Again, love your work, and I'd love to be able to find an Airfix 1/24 Hellcat - I just bought their 1/24 Spit but need to find a pilot figure of course, again another possible 3D solution there to develop.
Have a great Christmas and New year, hope we stay in touch! Cheers Chris
Please don’t stop. Love your content even though I prefer armor. You’re vibe is inspiring. Stay well!
Oh thanks mate, appreciate the kind words about the vibe - I may return to armour, finish a couple started things perhaps, but my focus is up the air as it were - thanks for sticking around though! Cheers Chris
Always enjoy watching your videos. Hope your health issues are behind you and you and your family have a great Christmas. In this hobby you should do what makes you happy and the heck with the naysayers. Opinions are like a**holes, everybody's got one and most just spew..... Good luck in the coming year.
Thanks Keith, hopefully some more "content" coming next year, I've started a new kit since filming this so wait and see.... Have a great Christmas and New Years, cheers Chris
Good luck, Chris!Having survived throat cancer myself I understand some of what you are going through.
Thanks Tim, yeah its a scary business but hopefully I'm near through it - cheers Chris
Chris , well done on your channel, and don't listen to the haters. I'm too just starting into modelling. I, too, have been in hospital now since 4 Dec and am still currently in, and now the 28 Dec. I had below knee amputation with some major complications. 4th surgery today, and hopefully the last. I fully understand what you're going through. All the best, mate, and god bless , keep up your great content. Ocean
Hope you are on the way to recovery Ocean - all the best and thanks for your kind comments, they mean a lot! Cheers Chris
sorry to hear about your health and negative experiences with social media. Some people are never pleased and are just over opinionated when least wanted.
In regards to your mental health, when you feel like that, try not to make any rash decisions (like clearing out a stash), Trust me, you'll likely regret it later when things return to "normal"
Please keep doing in-flight displays. F*#k the naysayers - they just have no imagination. I am just like you in that I think planes look better inflight rather than wheels down.
If you're looking for a subject that's different try the Arkhitect Airbrush star ship kit. I won the Melbourne Expo OOB Sci-fi with it. Has lights as standard too :) You'd enjoy it
Anyways, thanks for posting the update. I hope to see some of these ideas of yours come to fruition (no pressure though)
Merry Christmas mate and a safe and happy new year to you and your family
First of all - loved that Arkitect win at Expo - wish I couldve been there Simon! I was planning too again this year, but the bloody Cancer showed its ugly head...maybe 2024?
I shall keep the birds in the air for sure, agreed about lack of imagination - I actually went on a big rant in the middle of this update that I then deleted because well, I'm not going to change their minds, so why drag them up anyway?
Have a great Christmas and NY - hopefully a safe one away from fires, flood and heatstroke!! Cheers Chris
Stick in there, bud. Build your strength and keep being you. Just ignore the negative and do what you want to do. It's the age-old trope, it's your hobby. Do what makes you happy.
Will do Mark, I hope to get the mojo moving higher next year...cheers Chris
Hi Chris, glad to see you back and it is great to know you are getting back in 'the saddle' so to speak, we all build to our own style be it with a plastic rod up the backside, or what ever takes our fancy, there is no right or wrong way, glad you enjoyed your visit to my land of my birth, I hope you got to MOTAT in Auckland and alsonthe Air Force mueum in Christchurch, very best wishes to you and your family for Christmas and I hope you have a safe and Happy New Year, from a ex Christchurch lad now living in Melbourne, Les.
Gday Les, how are things? Unfortunately was only on the South Island and didn't spend any time in Christchurch, but had plenty to choose from around the traps. Great to hear from you and have a great Christmas and New Year, cheers Chris
All the best with your health Chris. Do whatever works for you and what makes you happy. Can’t go wrong with that. Ignore the dickheads as best you can
Thanks mate, appeciate it - have a great Xmas and New Year, cheers Chris
Hi Chris, keep up the fight and hope as your health improves it brings back your mojo.
We build the kits to please us, not others. So you carry on building the way that suits you and ignore the knob-jockeys. Who to say they’re right and you’re wrong? You are doing a grand job, only wish I was half as good as you.
Wishing you and yours a fantastic Christmas and may the New Year take you from strength to strength.
Thanks Mark, I appreciate it - have a great New Year too! Cheers Chris
Sorry about the cancer , I' on month 16 myself kidney , small lung spot , 2nd round of brain radiation , but it's the best diet ever 66lbs so far. Only one kidney now but doing good. I hope an pray that all things improve , an be back to normal . Be safe think good thoughts, keep up the good sprites .
Ouch sorry to hear James, hope things are looking up? I had a quick dietary loss of about 10kg, but then put it all back on and then some with my out of whack thyroid even though I'm gyming it three times a week and trying to eat right. Have a great Christmas and hope your 2024 improves like mine - cheers Chris
Mr. Becker I always enjoy your work and videos and enjoyed your update. That Revell F14 looks killer.
Its a very wise move to leave the not-so social media aside so please take care and I hope you and your family have a peaceful Christmas.
Thanks very much Brian, I appreciate that - I think the Revell F-14 may stay in my "dont throw out pile" even though I know I can do better...have a great Christmas! Cheers, Chris
Hi Chris, so sorry to hear about your health situation. I really enjoy your channel. I build ALL my aircraft wheels up and it takes a lot of extra work to make them look good, much harder than sticking the gear into a hole in the wing. To all those who don’t like it…get stuffed! Yer pal in Canada.
Cheers mate, yeah I dont think a lot of the naysayers get the extra work involved, especially love when they post reference photos that are inflight! Anyway - have a great Christmas, cheers Chris
Hi Chris. All the very best to you and yours for the Festive Season. Really sorry to hear of your health battles over the last year, but happy you are coming out the other side with a positive attitude. If nothing else, these things really allow us to focus on what is important in life, and sounds like you have been doing exactly that. Good onya! Our hobbies are supposed to be enjoyable and contribute to our well-being, so when they stop doing that it’s a perfect time to re-assess, and readjust. Exactly as you are doing. Respect.
Cheers Tania
Many thanks for your kind words Tania, they do mean a lot - yes focus is a key thing to getting on with it all and I hope 2024 brings more joy. Have a great Christmas and New Year - cheers Chris
Hang in there Chris. Your a gun modeller and you do what you feel you need to do. Don't pay any attention to the naysayers as they probably don't have your skills or imagination. Stuff them!
Thanks Steve - oh the naysayers have the skills - I get talked down to by the best of them saying what I'm doing shouldn't be compared to their efforts, but I agree they do lack imagination - I mean how many "panels all open, maintenance dioramas" can you make before you see them all???? Heh heh, have a great Xmas and New Year, cheers Chris
Great to see you again Chris. Glad to see you on the mend.
A very Merry Christmas and best wishes fir the New Year!👍😎
Thanks mate you too have a great one, cheers Chris
The c word sux glad you're mostly improving mate 🙏 stuff the haters just do you.
Will do mate thanks - hope youre doing well - have a great Xmas and catch you round! Cheers Chris
i'm sorry that you had a pretty crap 2023, i hope your health picks up. You're inflight models inspire me to try and make more of my models as inflight and I hate to hear that your getting crap from some other people.
Thanks mate I hope I have inspired some to try the great hobby that is aircraft modelling! Not cars....:D
Heal thy self first, Do what ..you want to do & How ...you want it. Screw the negative shit , don't let it get too you, your stuff looks great !
Thanks mate!
Hey Chris, no apologies or excuses required, after all it's not as if you are being paid for a set schedule of shows, you do this for the love of the hobby. You do not owe us subscribers anything, take care of your self first.
Thanks mate!
Thank you for the update. Glad to hear you are in better health and can get back to what you like to do. Take care and Happy Christmas
Thanks mate - you too, have a great Christmas! Cheers Chris
good luck with that nasty c Chris, i have never been to a model show nor do i have any intention of going, i do this for me only, and you will always get the keyboard warriors, nothing better to do, you make what you want to make how you want to make it mate, merry xmas and hopefully a better new year, do what you love doing
Thanks Dean - I really love model shows, because for some reason the naysayers don't seem to be as prevalent and the public seems to love the inflight stuff more than the other modellers! I remember displaying my 1/48 Mig-31 a year or two ago and their were always people around it having a look....have a great Xmas and New Year, cheers Chris
Chris, I hope you get your health things worked out . I'll be glad to see whatever you put out here. 😊
Thanks Thomas I appreciate that - have a great Christmas and NY, cheers Chris
Well done beat the big C🎉🎉 good man .
As they say, “stay healthy keep modelling”
Thanks David - cheers!
You do what you want and keeps you happy Chris. Look after your health, it’s essential. The rest of life is purely optional.
Have a happy, safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year.
Thanks I will be doing exactly that - have a great Xmas and New Year, cheers Chris
Great video Chris… plan not plan anything… wise words indeed. Rest up that croaky voice mate or you’ll have to start singing Death Metal to make a living!
Who let you in here? Get back to your rat harps!! :D
@@beckersmodels I snuck in your back passage.. needs a clean in here and boy is it smelly!
egads you're going to get me demonitised with comments like that!@@HarryHoudiniModels
@@beckersmodels only if I use a rude word like as……..k
Thanks for your content and have a great Christmas.
You're welcome and have a great Xmas and New Year, cheers Chris
G'day Chris, Well, mate, you've been in the wars, as my grandad used to say. So glad to hear that you had your 'Big Cs' taken care of; yeah, thyroid issues can be awful.
I just can't fathom 'people en masse', there you are one of the best aircraft modellers I know of and, secretly envious 'asoles' can't resist sticking the boot in... ah, humans we're a sick bunch, some of us, sometimes.
UA-cam is the only platform I make public comment on. I dropped 'MugBook' and 'TwitsWorld' a long time ago. So, much hate, envy, abuse and character assassination... and that's only from the teenagers!
I make a point of always being polite, as kind and self-deprecating as I can to be somewhat entertaining... as I have done on my radio broadcasts that go back 35 plus years.
Still, I attract senseless attacks by morons... they know who they are. People presume to know me and pass judgement. How?
You've copped a good old battering at times, I've read through some of the idiot comments on your channel. Mate, it's just not worth it. I delete/cancel future comments and notifications without even bothering to read their complete posts; don't need that BS.
It's great you can talk about your depression; that's half the battle. Like you, I can talk about it but I'm not going to whine about tough spots in my life. It happens to all of us.
Eventually we mostly snap out of it. But, don't be reluctant to seek help if you want to.
I did several sessions with a 'professional'; referred by my GP. It was OK, but a beer and a chat with a mate at the pub did about the same for me.
You've got your family so there's love in your life. Enjoy it, Chris, as you may have well contemplated recently, it doesn't last long and this ain't no rehearsal.
I've never done a diorama. I'd love to learn proper figure painting too because what's the point of an aircraft without pilots and flight crew; wheels down or up, especially the latter. Wish I had the space and the money for 3D printing. Just between you and me; I reckon 3D printing is the way kit models are going to go in the future, or, one will just buy a stack of computer programs to hook up to your own printer. The future of modelling is exciting.
My ‘SABLE’ stash is littered with kits that I know are outside my skill set but then I see every model as a challenge and an adventure in miniature. I've done two boats but I always watch our mate, Harry because of the skills I learn from him that I can apply to aircraft. Same with you. Thank you for teaching me details I'd never thought of; you've made my modelling better and I appreciate it.
Hellishly long comment and I'll cop some bother about that, probably. People with the attention span of a gadfly often complain about me writing "books" in these columns. Well, hey, I'm a writer. Get over it, folks.
I'll get out of your way now. Do come back to your channel, when you want to. Don't worry about your dulcet tones; I promise you; you won't start sounding like Lee Marvin.
All the very best to you and your family. Give Penny a good old pat for me; we love Shepherds 'round our way!
Merry Christmas, there I said it... what is the world coming to? More people should just sit down at this time of year and read Dicken's 'A Christmas Carol'. It's a great, short read.
Tells you all you need to know about kindness and redemption. I read it every year.
Cheers, mate.
Bill & Joanne
Thanks Bill - be careful watching too much of @HarryHoudiniModels will turn you into an old white guy with a big beard who builds boats!
I really do appreciate your very kind words and support, and yes a bit of Dickens at a Christmas is a good idea - have you read Forsyth's "The Shepherd"? John Travolta just made that into a short movie for Disney Plus and I must tell you, its bloody fantastic - I am very tempted to do my own take on it in a diorama...inflight of course!
I'll give Penny a pat for you, cheers and have a great Christmas!
@@beckersmodelsG'day Chris, Too late, I don't build boats but we share, shall I say, a similar ‘hull profile’ and I've got a short white beard that once was a classic RAF (RAAF) moustache when I was in uniform.
Your welcome, mate. I am always concerned for good people having hard times.
Yes, I'm deeply familiar with 'The Shepherd'. I'm not certain but when I joined, I think it was a prerequisite to have read it before they enlisted you.😉
I've seen a clever 'homemade' animation of the story on UA-cam but for the life of me John Travolta would not have been on my casting list.
I do have a faint memory of an old B&W filmed version, but I could be wrong.
I will have a look at Travolta’s effort on your say so. At least he’s a pilot.
The Shepard is a fantastic story with an unexpected twist. Featuring my second favourite aircraft, a Vampire. My fav is the Mosquito with the Lanc coming in a good third.
I’d like to see your diorama; in flight of course. A Vampire looks silly sitting on the flight line, as do many classic warbirds.
Once again, all the best to you all for Christmas and have a great 2024!
Cheers, Bill H.
Stay positive mate. Glad to see you back👍
Cheers - have a great Christmas and New Year! Cheers Chris
Hi Chris, Mine was prostate which occupied me for 2022 and part 0f 2023. What a hoot! I hope you're free now and can get back to modelling. I hope your family have pulled through OK as well. I look forward to seeing more videos in the coming months but, above all, have fun. You make video for you. We just enjoy watching and listening. I totally understand the depression part of the recovery. Please talk to your doctor and visit a professional. Please please don;t self medicate. I did. It doesn't work.
Very best wishes and thank you for the honesty.
Thanks Mike - although I must confess I did edit out a bit of a rant in the middle of this update, I was a bit too honest about some things and people!! Cheers Chris
Glad your in good health conditions!
Not quite there, but getting there....hopefully...cheers thanks Lenny!
Bloody hell Chris , you’ve had it a bit rough mate , hope your well , great to see you back , the hobby is there to enjoy ,,,
Yeah I know, it keeps rolling on - life is a bitch and then it gives you puppies I guess? have a great Xmas and New Year, cheers Chris
@@beckersmodels thanks you too ,
I enjoy your conversation very much. You have an original insight to our hobby. Its not a production line but a personal passion in my view. I am a hacker model maker but have a fantastic stash. I buy way too much but great plastic always makes me feel good. I do not have the curse of being a great modeler. I do not make more than 4 models each year but I watch all the relevant channels that you mention. Best wishes. I hope your health moves in the right direction for you.
Keep up the good fight with you health and keep up the great modelling for the rest of us.
Praying you get better quick man, we’ve all missed your videos. Awesome work, you builds always inspire me. Keep going and don’t listen to morons with their 2cents. Build the way you want to - its awesome.
Thanks - I've started something since filming this update, so thats a good sign! Have a great Xmas and New Year, cheers Chris
All the best Chris
Thanks mate!
All power to you, I wish you nothing more than the best of health and thank you so much for your your wonderful and ambitious project videos, they are truly inspiring.
Merry Christmas and a very happy new year to you👍
Thanks Jason!
Hi Chris, It's good to have the update, as someone who is involved in the mental health sector, can I implore you to seek out someone to talk to, GP or a counselor, talking about things is half the battle. Also I was surprised there was no mention of the Airfix Seaking, I thought that might have been a recent purchase for the new year in Aussie colours (of course). Hopefully in 2024 the only challengers are kit related.
Thanks mate - I have actually bought the Seaking! Its on a slow boat from China with a Tamiya F-35B so that should give me sometime to work out how to make it hover! ....yes I need to have another chat soon - my wife and I have both battled depression before, so we know the signs. Thanks for your kind words about 2024!
Fantastic to hear from you Chris. You’ve been missed mate; big time. I hope all the health issues get fixed for you soon and that you can get back to all the things you love, without the worry and pain.
Have a great Christmas and a healthy and happy new year for you and your family. Cheers, Les
Thanks Les, I appreciate that I really do...I have actually started something since filming so there we go! Have a great Xmas and New Year, cheers Chris
Chris, so sorry you have your battles with your health. Never much fun.
Would like to offer you and your family best wishes and I hope you get yourself back into a happier healthier state soon.
Has for the hobby, first glad to see you back… really appreciate your content and enthusiasm for our hobby. Don’t let all the negative idiots get you down, it’s your hobby and stick to what makes you happy. Otherwise what’s the point..!!?
Wishing you a very happy Christmas and a happy new year. 👍👍👍
Thanks Gary, I appreciate it - trying to turn the negativity into a positive is my motto, lets see if I can do it! Have a great Christmas and New Years, cheers Chris
Nice one. So sorry to hear the problems you’ve been experiencing. Hopefully next year will be much better for you and allow loads more modelling time. MC & HNY. Cheers Marty
Thanks Marty - have a great Christmas and New Year! Cheers Chris
Get better soon mate. I have never been on social media, other than UA-cam, and I am glad of it. Enjoy next year and make what you want. Enjoy your Christmas with family and good friends.
Thanks David, yeah apart from a few nutters, YT seems to have a better "crowd" if you will? Have a great Xmas and New Year, cheers Chris
I'm glad to hear you are all clear health wise and great to see you back on the channel. Enjoy your model content, passion for aviation, and creativity.
Thanks Mark I really appreciate your comment - makes me want to keep going, so have a great Christmas and cheers
Hey Chris what a delight to see you back and sounding so good - get your health sorted, Merry Christmas to you and your family cheers liam
Thanks Liam I appreciate that although my voice is a bit rocky still! have a great Christmas and New Year! Cheers Chris
Nice to see a new video from you, Chris. Best of luck with all the health stuff. I hope you have a great Christmas and a terrific 2024!
Thanks mate, have a great Xmas and New Year, cheers Chris
Always nice to see a friendly face Squire!
I wish you much better 2024, that you continue to stay healthy and continued success with your channel! 🤜🏻🤛🏻🍻
thanks mate - although I have a face (and scars now!) for radio so not much facetime anymore!! Have a great Christmas and New Years, cheers Chris
Good to hear your health is on the improve! Hobby wise, do whatever brings you joy. Take care.
Thanks - have a great Christmas and New Years, cheers Chris
Good to hear from you Chris. The important part of the hobby is to do what you enjoy and to hell what anyone else says. Personally I enjoy what you do and that is the reason I subscribe. I do hope that the coming year is much better for you health wise. I wish you and your family a very enjoyable Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Thanks for sticking around George, I do appreciate it and your kind words too. Have a great Xmas and New Year, cheers Chris