1:24 Dorvack – PAM-36A "Guntos" with HRM-02 assault rocket mortar and CW-27F 'Gatling Smash' (Kit conversion)
This is a major modification of a stock Aoshima PA-36K “Berlon†kit – redesigned almost beyond recognition ;). In fact, the victim of my modifications was the second “spare†kit included in the kit box, and it found good and creative use. I will tell a bit of the story behind this kit, because idea and inspiration evolved step by step over a longer course of time. It all started with the idea of applying a stylish “state of the art†fractal camouflage scheme on a Dorvack Powered Armour. Considering colours and such a paint scheme’s purpose to break up an objects outlines, I remembered the so-called “Hinterhalt†(“Ambushâ€) scheme of German WWII military vehicles around 1943-1944: a scheme of 3 high contrast colors (RAL 7028 “Dunkelgelbâ€/â€Dark Yellowâ€, RAL 6003 “Olivgruenâ€/â€Olive Green†and RAL 8017 “Schokoladenbraunâ€/â€Chocolate Brown†or RAL 8021, actually a rust primer). The pattern of these basic colors was improvised in the field – with the result that many tanks did not look alike. You can find many different and even creative versions of the 3 basic colours, with stripes and mottles. Its design purpose was to conceal vehicles in forests, from above, mainly in mid Europe where air superiority faded. This historic pattern has already found its way on some PAs I found in the internet, it is a classic. My idea was then to take the basic colors and follow the basic scheme idea, but apply it in a “digital†fashion, in a kind of grid that would effectively break up any outline. At that time I considered a standard PA like a PA-58 as a kit basis, since I just followed the paint scheme idea at that time. And this camouflage idea got even more fuel when I saw parts of the Dorvack TV series in the internet – in some scenes (e. g. in episode 14), Powered Armours with a disruptive 3 tone camouflage scheme (I'd say a medium olive green, a very light grey-green and a sand tone with a very pink hue…) or in overall bronze green livery appear. So, camouflage on such a kit was not total fiction. You might check here for reference: Dorvack TV series - stills from Ep. 14 & 18 auf Yahoo! Video Anyway, with the WWII inspiration, I stumbled across a certain vehicle while reading reference literature – the German “Sturmtiger†tank. It was an assault version of the famous Tiger tank, only 78 were re-built from damaged chassis. The turret was replaced by a heavily armoured “box†and a 38cm(!) rocket mortar was built into the tank’s front – actually a weapon which had been developed for the German navy. The Sturmtiger’s main purpose was to crack heavy fortifications like bunkers and to support soldiers in urban combat with building-wrecking firepower. Bringing it all together, it clicked: I wanted to create a cross-breed between a Dorvack PA and a Sturmtiger tank – or, at least, bring both “spirits†together – and paint it with a weird camouflage scheme! Here, a spare PA-36K “Berlon†kit came into play. The original kit from the box still waits for assembly, and since #2 comes without decals and its bigger arms’ and legs’ parts would make the figure appear more massive and “edgy†than a standard PA-36 “Noveâ€, this became an ideal basis. The kit itself underwent major modification, e .g. the head/helmet with the visor front. Here, American locomotives like the Baldwin „Shark Nose“ diesel locomotive were an inspiration. The original round front/top of the basic PA-36 kit was replaced - besides lots of Tamiya 2C putty, the cockpit area of a 1:144 F-117 kit went into it! The former clear cockpit canopy now houses a new visor arrangement, and the broad and edgy new outline gives the PA-36 a totally different look, much like the PA-48Z "Paladin" conversion kit vs. its PA-48 "Guardian" base. Another custom piece is the kit’s armament. Taking up the Sturmtiger idea and its characteristic mortar, I built a massive forearm gun from Dorvack spare parts and scratch. The basis is a reversed R6 cannon (the hand-held gun that comes with the standard blue PA-36N kit), its cannon muzzle actually is an A-10A’s engine exhaust in 1:72! Inside, a barrel was added as well as a characteristic exhaust ring (an engine part from a Matchbox 1:72 PB4Y -2Privateer) that creates a similar look like the Sturmtiger’s 38cm assault mortar’s mouthpiece. Thinking the urban combat/assault task further through, I felt that this assault PA needed another weapon. Smoke dischargers for defence were already part of my plan, but just like in real life (like the German heavily armoured assault tanks in WWII), this PA lacked short range firepower at close range and against soft targets. It had to be a gun, no further missiles, and so I salvaged a “CW-27 Gatling Smash†gun from a PA-58N kit – a 3 barrelled gatling gun with a drum magazine that is a 2 handed heavy weapon for the small PA-58, but a medium gun for the bulky PA-36 base. The gatling gun was modified to hold a belted cartridge feed system with a corresponding magazine on the PA’s back (which made a new exhaust system for the jump jets necessary...). The gun itself was modified to be mounted on the PA’s left forearm, which offers – thanks to the different PA-36K’s parts – an even and credible basis to hold the massive gun. All in all, the PA looks very intimidating with all this equipment – Idelians beware! Finally the painting: I wanted to stay close to the German original colors. But even though some of the authentic tones are available, I slightly varied them for the kit: • The RAL 7028 Dark Yellow became Humbrol 94 (“Brown Yellowâ€). Actually, it is IMHO a good approximation to the WWII RAL colour. Anyway, there were no colour samples left after the war, and nobody knows for sure what this tone actually looked like! As a side note: anything you see today on kits or in museums is just guesswork. • I replaced RAL 6003 Green (very similar to FS 34102) with an FS tone I found from Testors: FS 34096, an obscure green/olive drab which had been used on B-52 bombers. It contains less yellow than both RAL 6003 and FS 34102 and yields a lighter, almost sun-bleached and worn look. • RAL 8021 is actually available from Humbrol (tone 160). But again, I settled for a lighter colour with Humbrol 186 (“Brownâ€). The colours were applied with a flat 4mm brush in rectangular “blocksâ€, so that each tone got a third share on the surface. In a second step, the colour boundaries were frazzled and fractal “mottles†were added all over the kit – a time-consuming job, but the effect is stunning. I copied the fashion in which the original colors were applied: green on sand, and the sand on green and brown, so that the color shares become about 40% sand, 35% green and 25% brown. Altogether, the overall look and impression of the “Hinterhalt†scheme was kept, despite the fractal scheme, and the kit looks less dark and murky. Some typical PA details like the chest box were painted in orange - mainly because the water sliding decals (from various kits, including a Dougram Round Facer in 1:72) were orange, too. Finally, the whole kit received a black ink wash and some weathering through dry painting in hemp and some silver, and finally a matte overall cote. Pictures were taken with a simple Kodak CX 7330 digital pocket camera. PS: Recently I found this... cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/4/1/9/157191...
1:100 Macross TF-1D "Fylgja" - Supersonic trainer with Keith Ferris camouflage (Valkyrie kit conversion)
Pictures of a very old kit, never published before. The idea behind this Valkyrie-derivate was to build a non-transformable jet fighter from the base kit, e. g. a prototype. The basis for this kit was a VF-1D trainer, and it underwent subtle changes that separate this simple jet airplane from its more glamorous sisters. hence it also received a new name, 'Fylgja', a supernatural being or creature from Norse mythology like the Valkyrie which accompanies a person in connection to their fate or fortune. Main changes include the omittance of the Battroid head under the cockpit, the respective space was closed and flushly integrated into the bodywork. Additionally, the former legs are now integrated part of the hull, the seams of the original joints were covered with putty, too. Consequently, the arms under the hull are gone, and instead the airplane's body was elongated into an aerodynamic-friendly rear end cone (inspired by the similar Su-27 tail). The main engines were also changed - the vector thrust "feet" of a Valkyrie are gone. Instead traditional engine exhausts (from a 1:144 scale F-15) were implanted. With this lack of manoeuverabilty, two extra rudders were placed at the legs' sides (they come from a crashed transfoambel 1:100 scale Valkyrie kit), almost on the same level as the VG wings which were retained in full function. For painting I went for a low-viz livery, which was all the rage when I built this conversion (late 80ies, I think). Most of the markings come from an Italieri OA-4M Skyhawk and a OV-10D Bronco from Airfix, Macross insignia were left away. The edgy camouflage scheme (officially "rectilinear disruptive camouflage") was inspired by a hazy picture of one of the six F-14's which were (together with F-15s in a similar scheme) designed by artist Keith Ferris (who invented the false canopy painting!) and evaluated by the USAF and US Navy in 1977. I suppose this scheme was mainly designed to break up the airplane's outlines both in the air and also on the ground (works great against the concrete runway!), and to simply confuse enemies in air combat. The colors on the kit were guessed from the picrture. I think I used FS 36375 (Ghost Grey), FS 36320 (Compass Grey) and FS 35237 (Blue Grey). You hardly see differences, but they match up well with the grey markings. Today I know that the Ferris scheme had more contrast (correct FS tones are 36118, 36231 and 36440, F-16 colors, plus a false canopy underneath). Anyway, this kit is still in the official collection, even though I never could figure out what it actually could be - my final idea was/is that it could be an advanced trainer with supersonic capabilities for Valkyrie cadets, hence its fictional designation "TF-1D" and the new Flygja name.
Conversion Bianchi
Conversion, Bianchi "Rekord-748"
Conversion Bianchi
Conversion, Bianchi "Rekord-748"
Conversions
The three conversions I have built this month. L-R Auto 100 camera modified to use a 105mm lens. Full frame and rangefinder works. Could be tidier. The polaroid kodak vigilant. Polaroid back from super colour swinger mounted to a kodak vigilant. 3/4 frame. Manual lens. The front of the super colour swinger mounted to a broken 103 and converted to pinhole. 99% full frame. Has a small leak I need to find.
conversion and paradox
Conversion is almost entirely about moving from one world to the next, and yet having to live in both worlds at the same time. ----Richard Rohr
Cruzbike Downtube Conversion
The bike conversion story is told here. The owner gave it up because the small wheels didn't seem to do it for him so says the chap who sold it to me from Craigslist. It doesn't actually fold as is even though it's a folder married to the cruzbike kit. The recumbent seat is clamped onto the fold so would have to be removed to fold. And the handlebar doesn't fold down as before. I also like the idea of a cruzbike with xtracycle.
Defiler Conversion
Nurgle Defiler conversion, I really dislike the huge ass cockpits and think these look much more practical.
conversion minolta rokkor 58mm/f1.4 pour sony MAF PART9
Cet ergot faisait saillie au niveau de l'adaptateur qui ne pouvait être ajusté sur la partie supérieure de l'objectif. Sciez le ou coupez le à l'aide d'un dremel muni d'un disque à tronçonner. Vous vous apercevrez également qu'une petite patte est présente sur la bague d'ouverture. Celle-ci empêche également la mise en place de l'adaptateur. Tronçonner ou limez la.
Battery Conversion
Shows a conversion of a Polaroid 320 camera to take a CR123 3v lithium battery.
Conversion of St Paul
25 January is the feast of the Conversion of St Paul. This mosaic by Boris Anrep is in St Paul's chapel in Westminster Cathedral. In Acts 22:6-16, St Paul recounts his conversion story to the people of Jerusalem: "As I made my journey and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, `Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' And I answered, `Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, `I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting.' Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. And I said, `What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, `Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.' And when I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. And one Anani'as, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, came to me, and standing by me said to me, `Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And in that very hour I received my sight and saw him. And he said, `The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Just One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.' " In this 2000th anniversary year of St Paul's birth, we thank God for the wonders he worked through Paul and for the preaching of the Gospel which has been handed down to all Christians that they may follow in St Paul's example of love and zeal for Christ.
TrikeZilla Bike-Trike Conversion Axle
TrikeZilla Conversion Axle. Turn any 2 wheel bicycle into a 3 wheel bicycle using this axle kit. Ideal for kids with special needs or balance problems; www.TrikeZilla.com
AK SMG Conversion
7.62x25mm AK SMG conversion kit. comes with detachable 25 and 40 round magazines. Recoil buffering collapsible stock. Barrel length is 12 inches, and cyclic rate of fire is roughly 850rpm.
Glock Carbine Conversion
An experimental carbine conversion for glock pistols.
Timpo Conversion WWI Pickelhaube
Timpo DaBro Conversion WWI Pickelhaube
b/w conversion
Because Jeff asked. (: bigger As of now, my favourite b/w conversion method is Image » Calculations in Photoshop (CS2 for me). I learned about the method from Ken Rockwell's "Creating Great Black-and-White" article. I used to pick one of the channels, or convert to grayscale and run curves (I owe my curves knowledge to Justin [@ Flickr]), but once I saw this Calculations method in action: I was hooked. Calculations is specifically for blending two channels from one or more source images (you'll notice the same photo is the source for both channels in my example above). I generally leave the result as "New Channel." I think I tried "New Document" once and lost all my EXIF data -- and I don't play that game. (: I don't have a one-size-fits-all set of channels and modes and opacities. I pretty much flip through the options each time I convert a shot. Not all of the blending modes, though: I like Multiply and Hard Light the best. Once I get a result I like, I "OK" out of the Calculations dialog and then hit Image » Mode » Greyscale -- there's a message asking if you want to discard all other color information, I always say yes. I save the full-sized JPGs in the same folder as the colour JPGs and go about re-sizing or dropping the dpi for posting to Flickr, etc. And that's about it! (Although, sometimes it's fun to run Calculations twice.) (: By the way: the above example photo is from my summer 2005 trip to Wisconsin.
After Conversion Trike
Here is my adult Trike Conversion after completion. Included in conversion were altered 2 speed gearing and adding mountain bike front end with shocks. Also added seat shock inside seat support, and better tires.Tires have heavy "Slime" inner tubes.
Timpo Conversion Roman German Legion
Timpo Conversion Roman German Legion
HPI MT2 Brushless Conversion
HPI MT2 Brushless Conversion
HPI MT2 Brushless Conversion
HPI MT2 Brushless Conversion
1976 Dodge Van Conversion
My wonderful Dodge Van Conversion with bucket seats and carpeted throughout. I drove this in 1975-1977 while living in Norwalk, California. $7000 brand new! That seemed outrageous at the time.
Dodge "Santana" Van Conversion
A "Santana" Van conversion on this old Dodge.
AUG Para Conversion
With the Russians taking an interest in the AUG, they needed the AUG to accept the AKs magazine. Due to this, the Russian developed a conversion kit for the AUG to accept their magazines. For now, the PARA has been converted. There are plans to revamp more designs.
Anaglyph 2D/3D Conversion
Conversion of an Anton Semenov work of art.