1/35 Tamiya King Tiger (Porsche)

[handiabled]

I think the paint work on the figure looks amazing Mike! It's going to be a wonderful addition to the Tiger

I hope things continue to go well with your return to the former workplace

[Mike]

Well, aside from trying to get back into physical shape after a year away, I'm doing well. I left some sort of legend behind I didn't expect. A reputation I never intended. It's unusual to me. I am so used to being overlooked and forgotten. I just wish that I didn't let my stamina go as badly as I did this last year. I'm in a lot of pain and discomfort lol. I really can't wait to get back feeling okay again.

uh, the model is still on pause as I've taken to a few other distractions, as I am far to prone to doing. But every day that passes let's me see things from an outside perspective and that gives me clarity on the subject. When I have another update, I promise you I'll show it here first.

[Tojo72]

That figure came out really well,camo,face,hair,all look the part.

[handiabled]

Jul 21, 2024 4:08:26 GMT -5 Mike said:

Well, aside from trying to get back into physical shape after a year away, I'm doing well. I left some sort of legend behind I didn't expect. A reputation I never intended. It's unusual to me. I am so used to being overlooked and forgotten. I just wish that I didn't let my stamina go as badly as I did this last year. I'm in a lot of pain and discomfort lol. I really can't wait to get back feeling okay again.

uh, the model is still on pause as I've taken to a few other distractions, as I am far to prone to doing. But every day that passes let's me see things from an outside perspective and that gives me clarity on the subject. When I have another update, I promise you I'll show it here first.

I heard that loud and clear. You'll get there again before you know it.

[brandonk]

Incredible work, Mike. Very impressive all around, but that figure is simply over the top.

[M1Carbine]

Mike - that's one beautiful King Kitty.

-Bob

[“Dallas” Kenny X]

Jul 19, 2024 3:04:38 GMT -5 Mike said:

Thank you! I'm finding it will be a harder road to physical synchrony with my return to work. I feel exhausted more than I anticipated and I'm sleeping more in recovery lol. I'm getting old.

Well I did go to the local Hobby Gamer store and I found a few colors I thought would help. I think this Goblin Green from Vallejo Game Color turned out close enough and I swear I'm done painting, repainting, or otherwise further messing with this figure.





I'm still not entirely satisfied with this pattern or how well I've portrayed it. But I have to let go eventually.

I gotta read back a bit to get the specifics of your particular situation, but suffice it to say, I’m glad you’re gainfully employed and working. I know how bad job setbacks can affect us, having been through a few myself. I’ve read several of your posts here and to me you sound like you’ve got a great attitude about this, and you’re soldiering on and doing the best you can, and that’s awesome.

As to your model— I really admire your work with these figures. I think what you did with the camo on that uniform is exquisite. And I love these guys here:





Just nudge it forward at your own pace. Find your balance and surf it. You’re doing great.

[Mike]

Jul 21, 2024 6:46:04 GMT -5 Tojo72 said:

That figure came out really well, camo, face, hair, all look the part.

I really appreciate that, Tojo. I do stress about getting details right with certain things, although not all things. Don't ask me why that is, I don't know. Sometimes it's just a matter of, "that's the way I want it". lol

Jul 21, 2024 8:41:33 GMT -5 handiabled said:

Jul 21, 2024 4:08:26 GMT -5 Mike said:

Well, aside from trying to get back into physical shape after a year away, I'm doing well. I left some sort of legend behind I didn't expect. A reputation I never intended. It's unusual to me. I am so used to being overlooked and forgotten. I just wish that I didn't let my stamina go as badly as I did this last year. I'm in a lot of pain and discomfort lol. I really can't wait to get back feeling okay again.

uh, the model is still on pause as I've taken to a few other distractions, as I am far to prone to doing. But every day that passes let's me see things from an outside perspective and that gives me clarity on the subject. When I have another update, I promise you I'll show it here first.

I heard that loud and clear. You'll get there again before you know it.

Thank you. I'm beginning to doubt that all of my physical reactions of late are just due to a year of deep depression and self-loathing. I need to see a doctor and find out for sure. I haven't been to a doctor in decades. I've been fortunate enough not to need one. Until now, because maybe I do. Guess time will tell.

Jul 21, 2024 10:13:04 GMT -5 brandonk said:

Incredible work, Mike. Very impressive all around, but that figure is simply over the top.

Wow, thank you, Brandon! I've done so much studying on the subject and I still feel like I'm not quite where I want to be. Maybe I compare myself to others unfairly, but no one likes a braggart. I prefer to stay humble and there are literally hundreds of artists I admire so much more. I admit that I recognize I do have some skill and I might be above average, but I'm not one of the best and I'm okay with that. But I will strive to be better and I will always want to learn more to drive my own skills further. I enjoy the processes and experimentation that others have devised. There are so many different ways to do any one thing and I find that truly fun and exciting. And I love sharing ideas when I find no evidence that something has been tried before. Finding those out of the box ways to get a result in a different way is enlightening to me. I love experimenting, but I still sometimes fear making mistakes, even though some of my best works have sprung from those mistakes and have made me a better modeller.

Sorry for that long winded reply. Thank you again for the compliment.

Jul 21, 2024 13:03:54 GMT -5 M1Carbine said:

Mike - that's one beautiful King Kitty.



-Bob

Thank you! I feel like my colors are off, but overall it's going where I want it to.

Jul 21, 2024 18:49:09 GMT -5 “Dallas” Kenny X said:

Jul 19, 2024 3:04:38 GMT -5 Mike said:

Thank you! I'm finding it will be a harder road to physical synchrony with my return to work. I feel exhausted more than I anticipated and I'm sleeping more in recovery lol. I'm getting old.



Well I did go to the local Hobby Gamer store and I found a few colors I thought would help. I think this Goblin Green from Vallejo Game Color turned out close enough and I swear I'm done painting, repainting, or otherwise further messing with this figure.











I'm still not entirely satisfied with this pattern or how well I've portrayed it. But I have to let go eventually.

I gotta read back a bit to get the specifics of your particular situation, but suffice it to say, I’m glad you’re gainfully employed and working. I know how bad job setbacks can affect us, having been through a few myself. I’ve read several of your posts here and to me you sound like you’ve got a great attitude about this, and you’re soldiering on and doing the best you can, and that’s awesome.



As to your model— I really admire your work with these figures. I think what you did with the camo on that uniform is exquisite. And I love these guys here:











Just nudge it forward at your own pace. Find your balance and surf it. You’re doing great.

It makes me happy to hear that you admire my work and the glowing compliments are appreciated greatly. If I can ever help you, or anyone, please do not hesitate to ask. I am very willing to try and explain anything I have done. 

I am currently seeking my balance. In life, art, work. After my marriage failed I only saw myself as a failure, in so many ways. It was this hobby that kept me somewhat grounded when I felt there was no more reason to be... anywhere. I've been through a lot in my life, as anyone else has. Lots of failed relationships, mistrust, emotional traumas, and methamphetamine addiction. I'm a Pisces and I've led a life mostly looking through rose colored glasses because of it. I was raised with unconditional love and trust and it's made me a bit of a victim through my years. So when I lost my family to unforeseen difficulties on my part it devastated me. This hobby has been my therapy. The support from friends and family who still love and trust me has gotten me this far. My ex still continues to lie and spread rumors about why she left me to justify her choices and my children have made no efforts to contact me because of her. My legacy ends with me and that's a pain I can not describe. I am alone with no one to pass on what I've learned except for one daughter I left behind years ago for her own safety and what I thought would be a better life without me. That reconnection has been phenomenal in my recovery and once again my presumptions turned out to be false. I had no idea that my decision would place her with an uncaring step parent who was not much better than her mother was. I had no idea that she needed me more than I could ever have guessed, and I had no idea she still thought of me and was hurt in believing I abandoned her. SHe's so much like me I'm in disbelief. She collects action figures as I do. She is an accomplished artist with a current $500 commission she's working on. She's MY kid. We understand each other so much for having been apart for so long. I pin my hopes upon her shoulders now and I deeply desire to give her my legacy so I may live on after I someday depart this world. Because that might just be the meaning of life as far as I've come to understand it. To pass on what we know to those who can benefit from it. 

Okay, I'm carrying on far too much and my emotions are getting the better of me. This is both the scariest and most exciting time of my 49 years so far. I thought 42 would reveal a lot of things, but that didn't happen lol. 

I've still got a lot of growing up to do lol. I want to share it. God bless you all. Thank you for the compliments.

[kyledehart5]

All I can say is real life likes to throw all the stuff at us that it can. Just keep moving forward and try to enjoy it wherever possible. Like this hobby. It’s certainly my escape from things. The bench is so relaxing…most of the time. It’s a pleasure to see your projects. Your builds are always great to follow along with. Very cool that you’ve reconnected with your daughter and share so much with her. That’s awesome!! The lights are always on here when you need us.

[Mike]

Jul 22, 2024 6:51:43 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

All I can say is real life likes to throw all the stuff at us that it can. Just keep moving forward and try to enjoy it wherever possible. Like this hobby. It’s certainly my escape from things. The bench is so relaxing…most of the time. It’s a pleasure to see your projects. Your builds are always great to follow along with. Very cool that you’ve reconnected with your daughter and share so much with her. That’s awesome!! The lights are always on here when you need us.

Thank you, Kyle. I have probably over-shared, but I think it's important to me. To be understood. As I mentioned above I have recently learned that I left a legend behind when I quit my job without warning this last time. I was reminded that the person I was, was a man who has been known to not lift myself up to greatness, but to inspire those around me to greatness. I've always been a great team player and I guess I'm somewhat of a natural leader in some respects. I've always been content to not lead, but to support and it's a role I fit very well into. 

I've noted that probably 1/3 of the people in charge of my facility are now in critical roles and leading. That makes me proud. People I personally trained and inspired to make changes and show others how to do a good job by inspiration and example, by doing it the way they knew was right. I was once called out for my ability to show leadership by example. I'm the first recipient of the Ambassador Spotlight. An honor I was told, was created because of me and my excellent example, agreed upon by a unanimous vote in my department . I have forgotten so much over the last year. I was respected and, I suppose I still am. I plan on returning to the Learning department and resuming my work. I have found out that there is a lot of disappointment currently in the attitudes of many of the Ambassadors in the department and I've even managed to inadvertently inspire a couple of others who quit the department to possibly rejoin it if I can reinvigorate the comradery and commitment to quality in the department as it was before I left. It was one of the questions I was asked by many when I returned, "Are you coming back to Learning?" Seems I am wanted back in the role I thought was so trivial before. There are still some very good leaders in the department, but the spirit it seems, left with me. 

So this is what I have to look forward to. I just have to get stronger and back into shape. I need to quit eating junk food out of boredom. I need to be inspiring again. It felt good. It felt important. And now I know it actually meant something and it DID make a difference. I've never received that kind of recognition anywhere I've EVER worked before. I've always been just another shlub toiling away with no appreciation or value. Easily replaced and never valued. I never expected to find it in a corporate environment, that's for sure.

I only felt that in one other company, where the owner himself thanked me for my hard work and dedication, but when it came to my word against an alcoholic thief, I was let go. My job performance meant absolutely nothing after I helped keep our branch going when that same managerial tool disappeared for three months without a word then came back like nothing ever happened and fired me with no warning for calling him out on it. So my expectations have been set pretty low lol.

Anyways, again I'm rambling on about nothing anyone really cares about. My point, I think, is that I think I have a chance to finally find a place that might just value me and my talents and it's not a place I would ever have expected it to come from. But I will still carry with me the known fact that I'm still just a number and can easily be replaced. That fact will never change. Lesson learned. Over an over again. So I will be me, and I will lift up as many as I can and be proud of all who I inspire to be better than I am. I just wish my kids could have benefitted from it too. At least one will now. I've got that. That shall be good enough. 

Okay, so have I veered enough off topic yet? Good grief I'm a regular chatty Kathy today. I think I'll give it a rest lol.

[“Dallas” Kenny X]

Mike,

I admire your honesty. And I’ll tell ya buddy, I’m rooting for you. You and I have dealt with similar issues, and it appears that we both have traversed similar mental and emotional wastelands. I wouldn’t wish these things on anybody, and it’s sad that they happen. The important thing here is that you’re recovering. Every single day, you’re recovering. And I applaud you for that.

My worst day sober is 1,000 x’s better than my best day when I was a drunk. It sounds like a cliche but it’s so true.

You’re in my thoughts, prayers, and on my heart good buddy. Be well.

[deafpanzer]

Impressive work on your figure! I would be very happy if my camo work comes out as good as yours.