Didn’t quite get upstairs in time!

My RPi Pico proximity warning sign is coming together. Pico Proto PCB all soldered up with the internal wiring. Sensor and LED panel test fitting good.

Loving the MonkMakes Pico Proto PCB - manages to help make even my soldering look good!

Ok. I think I’m just about ready to go. Top of the list for tomorrow.

Complete hot-end strip down ready for a new heartbreak, which hopefully will get everything fully operational again. Lesson learnt - always check your fans!

Another new video out now - how to model realistic chrome trim - based again on my Bedford truck build: youtu.be/bJXGCDb_XOs?...

So, printer not mended after all. But, I think I have found the issue. One of the wires has come off the cooling fan, so I recon the whole hot end overheating and melting the filament inside the heat-break, blocking the whole thing even before it gets to the nozzle.

New tube and nozzle, extruder serviced, bed re-levelled, and it looks like we’re back in action.

Probably time for a new nozzle anyway!

Intruder alert!

Too long taken for granted and allowed to rust, I decided to give my trusty 3rd-hand tool a bit of a spruce up.

Mixing up the making, mending and modelling, I’ve got a @raspberrypi.com Pico project on the go. Using both Monk Makes breadboard and pico_proto for the first time.

So, the question is ‘what next?’. Am I ready for another Tower Models experience, or should it be the ‘mog? Either way, it’ll have to wait a week or so as I’ve got a couple of videos to finish first.

Tragedy outside our local Londis!

How to make your own miniature scale model map: youtube.com/shorts/v46HQ... (1.25 mins)

Busy couple of months at www.youtube.com/@paterpracti... with a diverse mix of films: making, modelling and mending. I’ve 3D printed a tool holder and #DnD floor tiles, replaced traction tyres on the model railway, painted planks on my Bedford truck and even fixed a wobbly pub table (not pictured).

Make your own realistic scale model maps with just a regular inkjet printer - and some deft folding: youtube.com/shorts/v46HQ...

EMHAR 1/24 scale Bedford 5-ton O series dropside truck, or as I’m calling it “I’m pretty sure we passed one about a mile back”.

Figure painted. Very nice quality resin print from @modelu-miniatures.bsky.social

Everything you could possibly need in a 1/24 scale breakdown emergency.

Made myself a tiny map!

As well as the thermos, I’ve pulled together a design for a 3D printed toolbox - painted up in appropriate colours.

Couldn’t find many 1/24 scale accessories for my Bedford truck, so I’ve designed and printed my own Thermos. Looks about the right size for my @modelu-miniatures.bsky.social workman.

Very close to finishing the Bedford truck itself. Then I need to paint my @modelu-miniatures.bsky.social figure and set up the other bits of the scenario - thermos, map etc.

Secrets to realistic oak planking for your models: youtu.be/yp8qcM8Isks?...

This is the point I slightly get the fear. A moderate amount of man-handling required to get cab and radiator fitted and straight. A clumsy move, scraped decal, mucky fingerprint or too much glue could ruin everything.

Radiator, headlamps and bonnet parts nearly ready for fitting.

Secrets to realistic oak planking for your models: youtu.be/yp8qcM8Isks?...

Radiator bars foiled - just regular cooking foil cut into thin strips and ‘glued’ on with gloss varnish.

New video out now - youtu.be/yp8qcM8Isks?... - how to achieve realistic wood planking with some simple paint effects.

If you don’t have a display turntable for filming your models, you can always use a round piece of MDF and that bit from the bottom of the microwave.

Cab parts painted and test fitted before detailing radiator etc. Windows fixed with gloss varnish, rather than glue to keep everything clean.

My @modelu-miniatures.bsky.social figures have arrived! One for the Bedford truck and a signalman for the layout.

Cream gloss for the Bedford cab roof. About 50:50 Humbrol 41 and 7. Very happy with the finish.

First #RaspberryPi project for a while - taking my proximity warning sign (youtu.be/dnucOPa1LK8?...) to the next level with a colour changing RGB panel. #MakerMonday

New favourite card game - Sea salt and paper.

You know when you go from ‘this will never be finished’ to ‘actually, we’re not so very far away’. Well, I think that might be now.

Cab work-in-progress placed on the chassis. Pleased with how the seats turned out. Starting on the engine bay next, but that can wait for the morning.

3D printed vacuum cleaner tool holder. Designed in Tinkercad to fit snugly on a standard 32mm tube - complete with sprung clips to keep spare brushes in place: youtu.be/KNTFMRKnaAo?...

New in-line moisture trap for my airbrush. Seems to work well.

New video out now: 3D printed vacuum cleaner tool holder - designed in Tinkercad. youtu.be/KNTFMRKnaAo?...

Amongst today’s tasks will be the decals for the truck back so I can fit the gates. Some inconsistencies between box art and instructions. I think both ‘BRITISH RAILWAYS’ and logo would be unlikely, but scanning internet, the word placement in the instructions better than on box.

Drop-side back looking the business with the flaps test-fitted in place. Think I’ll be going for one to be open - perhaps with a guy alongside unloading some bits. So pleased with the way the planks came out.

Chassis and flat bed united. Everything nice and straight.

Ducks in a row! That’s nearly everything ready for mounting the flat bed on the chassis. I’ve got a bunch of fittings sprayed silver on the sprue and when they’re dry I can start assembly.

On with the crimson for the British Railways livery of my Bedford truck model. Contrasts really nicely with my oak planks.

Significant progress on my Bedford truck kit. Oak planking came out better than expected, so when the sides and ends are painted it’s on with the cab.

Happy with that. Suitably weathered planks for the bed of my Bedford truck kit.

New card game. Think we’ve just about got the hang of it.

New #youtubeshort - the quickest way to fix a wobbly pub table: youtube.com/shorts/f6WJ3...