• Modelers Alliance has updated the forum software on our website. We have migrated all post, content and user accounts but we could not migrate the passwords.
    This requires that you manually reset your password.
    Please click here, http://modelersalliance.org/forums/login to go to logon page and use the "Forgot your Password" option.

Latest Acquisitions Revisited!

She will be shocked at how many more you need when they snap 😂
Believe me, she knows about that as she had one eyebrow raised when she saw my Drill Bit City order! @moon puppy knows about them! Either he turned me on to them or vice versa! Doesn't matter, they will allow mix-n-match so I sometimes (when funds allow) order a 50 pack to get their nice storage box. This is what they look like in the part of the 50pc box that slides out. This assortment is $46.95USD on sale. Click for details:
1767024247261.png

They also have a sale for modelers or 25 re-sharpened drill bit assortment for $24.95USD (click for details:
1767024190623.png
 
I've collected 4 or 5 of those storage boxes...and for some reason I keep the broken bits...I have no idea why. Guess to see what sizes I need to reorder?
 
As for snapping these drill bits, as someone stated, you have to use them to snap them! So, I gained a lot of experience by simply using my hands. While Paul (@Heavens Eagle) tweaked his tools to use it on his Horton, I find the tactile feeling tells me when the drill bit is binding and I reverse it out half a turn then try once more. If I feel the binding, I reverse half a turn before pulling the bit out. Seriously, I have broken less than six in a dozen years!
1767024721205.png


By the way, I still have some #79 & #80 HSS drill bits that don't snap so easily!
 
...and for some reason I keep the broken bits...I have no idea why. Guess to see what sizes I need to reorder?
Exactly! It is worth noting what must be replaced if saving up for the 25 or 50 bit boxes. I am not sure if Drill Bit City offers the small plastic clamshell boxes for their 10 piece sets as they offer no photos.

Also, I believe I ordered from the outfit Paul (@Heavens Eagle) uses, Drill Bits Unlimited. They clearly have some VERY nice priced 50 piece assortment sets. $29.00 USD for lightly used or $44.00USD for re-sharpened. I need to look at the shipping to compare the total cost.
1767025593342.png
 
The carbide drills I bought are graduated in mm. I've snapped 15 2mm and 3 3mm bits. The 3mm bits are very useful.
I don't plan to buy anymore 2mm. They snap in the bottom of a bore and there's NO getting the leavings out.
 
The thing that will snap the bits fastest are:
Running the speed too fast, heats and melts the plastic which then grabs the bit.
Not taking measures to prevent grabbing when the bit breaks out of hard materials.
In the case of drilling super small holes through a part, a powered drill running slow actually gives more control as you are not trying to keep it straight and smooth while rotating the bit. (way over 100+ holes drilled through plastic with a single bit)
Trying to force the bit to cut through material.
Drilling aluminum, always use oil/ lubricant.
 
I didn't mean to get the Dauntless yet. Honestly.
But I had to order the decals, and it would be kind of silly to only have those shipped all this way, right? Economies of scale... something something?

But since it's here, how's this for a potentially foolish idea: Parallel build with the Wildcat?

20260103_151712.jpg
 
You know, there hasn't been a wildcat built here in a while. :vgood:
I'm itching to get to it, too. I'm finding the number of crewmen I really want to put on the Saratoga is cost-prohibitive, so I've only got a couple more things to do with her before I set her up on the shelf and maybe keep adding crew over time.
 
I was looking over my stash the other day. I got a -4 but in the box is the Wake Island decal set, problem is the Wake Island Wildcats were -3s. Not sure what I was thinking on that one.
 
Exactly! It is worth noting what must be replaced if saving up for the 25 or 50 bit boxes. I am not sure if Drill Bit City offers the small plastic clamshell boxes for their 10 piece sets as they offer no photos.

Also, I believe I ordered from the outfit Paul (@Heavens Eagle) uses, Drill Bits Unlimited. They clearly have some VERY nice priced 50 piece assortment sets. $29.00 USD for lightly used or $44.00USD for re-sharpened. I need to look at the shipping to compare the total cost.
View attachment 187165
I usually get from Drill Bits Unlimited, which is comparable to Drill Bit City. I suspect that they are comparable in price as well.

 
Here are some goodies that I picked up for myself over the holidays.

Part II of something James tweaked me on, and I agree it will be helpful once I set down and start working with the program.

Aq-587.jpg


Then this which is explained in the photo.

Aq-588.jpg


Then some figures for my BIG vehicles. Got these from Andy's HHQ I decided that the Das Werk figures made more sense than the high dollar resin offerings. These two standing figures come with a nice base if you are just interested in the figures.

Aq-589.jpg


I saw a photo of the Stug III Ausf G with the Winterketten on it and decided that I wanted that look so upped for the track set. The Commander figures are also for the Stug and my Panzer III.

Aq-590.jpg


Details of the Commander fligure for @Tim A.

Aq-591.jpg


Aq-592.jpg


Then James showed us this, so I decided that having the prototype in the stash would be a neat thing.

Aq-593.jpg


Updates on the SdKfz 251/1 are in process. The engine almost looks like it would run, but it took a bit of work to get it there. Keep and eye out.
 
Back
Top