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Okay I can hear you now!
3 years ago
Hello fellow FA Artists, writers, musicians, crafters, fursuiters and other, highly creative people.
My friend and contemporary, "The Major" plus a few others who understand computers and electronics better than I do suggested I get a USB sound "Dongle" to replace the sound card which I burned out in my PC. During a quick visit to the Micro World in Tustin, I was able to find the device and I finally installed it. (Ironically there was a sound card that would fit my PC in its box right next door to the USB devices.)
It works like a charm.
Thank you all who offered advice and kind words in this situation. One thing I admire about the fandom is the way we watch out for each other.
About two weeks ago my friend Jim and I went for a "Guy's Day Out," Hobby shopping and just spending time together. We both needed a chance to unwind and chat about some of the situations we've been through recently. One big thing we needed to discuss was my upcoming "Retirement" as "President" of The Jedi Knights Club, which has been listed as one of the oldest Star Wars related fan clubs in existence. After the recent death of one of the founding members, it appears the club might be breaking up. I assured my friend that although I am through with the "Politics" of the club, it means I haven't quit the club entirely. I like the friendships and comradery we have developed over these many years, and I still want to be involved. Due to transportation issues, I won't be able to attend as many meetings as I did before. I will be turning in my "Gavel" at our next meeting and wishing the next administration the best of luck.
I also bought a couple plastic model car kits and some scale figures to go with them. Along with the wooden "Puzzles" I have on hand, I have plenty of things to keep me busy. I'm considering modifying scale human figures into anthropomorphic animal characters again, but one prime source for "G" scale figures seems to be a site called "Etsy" which is kind of like a hobbyist's "eBay." Now I have heard mainly bad things about this trading site, so I might have to seek alternatives. Any suggestions, or at least some positive experiences out there?
Also, the Pasadena City College and Rose Bowl flea markets are open again. Once the weather cools down, I plan to add a little "Swap Meet" Picking and Trading to add to my daily walking exercises.
"Peace."
My friend and contemporary, "The Major" plus a few others who understand computers and electronics better than I do suggested I get a USB sound "Dongle" to replace the sound card which I burned out in my PC. During a quick visit to the Micro World in Tustin, I was able to find the device and I finally installed it. (Ironically there was a sound card that would fit my PC in its box right next door to the USB devices.)
It works like a charm.
Thank you all who offered advice and kind words in this situation. One thing I admire about the fandom is the way we watch out for each other.
About two weeks ago my friend Jim and I went for a "Guy's Day Out," Hobby shopping and just spending time together. We both needed a chance to unwind and chat about some of the situations we've been through recently. One big thing we needed to discuss was my upcoming "Retirement" as "President" of The Jedi Knights Club, which has been listed as one of the oldest Star Wars related fan clubs in existence. After the recent death of one of the founding members, it appears the club might be breaking up. I assured my friend that although I am through with the "Politics" of the club, it means I haven't quit the club entirely. I like the friendships and comradery we have developed over these many years, and I still want to be involved. Due to transportation issues, I won't be able to attend as many meetings as I did before. I will be turning in my "Gavel" at our next meeting and wishing the next administration the best of luck.
I also bought a couple plastic model car kits and some scale figures to go with them. Along with the wooden "Puzzles" I have on hand, I have plenty of things to keep me busy. I'm considering modifying scale human figures into anthropomorphic animal characters again, but one prime source for "G" scale figures seems to be a site called "Etsy" which is kind of like a hobbyist's "eBay." Now I have heard mainly bad things about this trading site, so I might have to seek alternatives. Any suggestions, or at least some positive experiences out there?
Also, the Pasadena City College and Rose Bowl flea markets are open again. Once the weather cools down, I plan to add a little "Swap Meet" Picking and Trading to add to my daily walking exercises.
"Peace."
As for G scale figures, I know the commercial options are limited. Grab a copy of "Garden Railways" or "Model Railroader" magazine and check the adverts. A hobby shop or bookstore may have them available. I know Bachmann makes a few figures, or possibly Woodland Scenics.
Although you cannot order from them directly, https://www.walthers.com/ is a good resource.
If anything, you've given me a good excuse to go visit the Whistle Stop and pick up a couple magazines dedicated to Garden Railways. I'd like to see what's new and going on in that area of the hobby now.
We're down to one "catch all" hobby shop here, mostly RC oriented, but they have a small model railroad section..
G scale... Preiser is making poseable polystyrene figures in 1:24 scale. poseable as in, you can glue the limbs in certain positions. for anythign else you'd need a saw and glue. XD
back when the toy shop downtown was still open (before august 2018, when they finally caved in to the new situations, after existing since 1875, and taking a chunk of my childhood with it), they had stuff for RC ships on tab, including poseable figures (actually dolls) in the two or three main scales. if I recall right the dolls were wire-type foam dolls with "real" clothes. I'm not sure about the price tags, but maybe it pays to look into those, too.
personally I can't modify a doll or plushie or model figure like that. I'm funny like that, always have been... cried bitter tears as a wee tyke when I played car accident and my fave plastic animal figure "died" in it... *cough* anyway. good to hear you're still keeping yourself busy. :)
I can't help but feel a little "Sad" reading your story about the local hobby shop you liked closing down. It did remind me that there is actually a "Holy Grail" of the "G" scale figure building sets which were the "Historex" Multi-pose Male and Female figure sets. Like you described both sets had torsos, arms, legs, heads, hairdos for the ladies, plus Napoleon era hats and rifles for the Men. Those kits have been out of production for years now but are still a popular item in the Collector's markets.
I do confess to you that I do feel a little guilty cutting apart animal and human toy figures to re-pose or modify them too.
I could try to ship you a male and a female set, but the shipping would be 45 euros at least...
I've been thinking of using modelers clay to make negative moulds from the say we, "head donator", and re-forming it with clay again. but then there are 3D printers... ;)
Thank you kindly for the offer of shipping a "Male and female" miniature figure kit, but it might be too expensive for you. Here in the US, we are also having importing problems.
some guy from poland I watch on YT, restoring die-cast cars, has a habit of recasting needed parts rather than buying them from somewhere. it includes casting superfast wheels in polyurethane and vacuumating glass inserts.makes me want to 3d-print spare parts for all the castings that don't have followers dedicated enough to produce all those broken-off doors and smashed lenses... because they always break when being played with.
Always good to hear you're doing OK... considerin'
I know you are an accomplished model builder, when you talked about making scale anthro figures a YouTube channel came to mind Toy Man Television about a year ago he was showing how he was making figures for his g scale railroad along with some neat tricks and where he was getting his blanks if you will for the start of his figures. I was think this could be helpful for you too.
One trick was using epoxy putty rolled out very thin to make clothing, boots and hats.
Anyway, glad you have your audio situation straightened out. I was having issues with my BIG laptop a year or so ago, but pouring half a bowl of oatmeal on the keyboard fixed that... for good.