Quote from: Firstone18 on May 17, 2024, 12:05:13 PMYears back when I was really 'into' HiFi shops would have a listening room, but I considered this unrealistic as it was filled with many speakers not at all like a home environment.

When I bought my Mission 752 speakers, back in the late '90s, the shop's listening room was a room, about the size of a typical living room, with a settee, a hi-fi rack and the two speakers that I was listening to at the time.

Today I have been refurbishing quite a few Metcalf card buildings built by me from modded kits to be low relief 1930s dock and industrial.

Despite most being boxed in store for "a while", even the ones out had not generally faded but all had mostly lost the red tint in their brickwork, so were incorrect for the area and did not remotely match the backscenes I now want to pair them to. (They'd always been too yellow based, anyway)

SO, a much watered down mix of burnt umber and red acrylic was sort of carefully but speedily applied over the brickwork avoiding the many windows. This had the unplanned advantage of drying matt, leaving the blacked out windows shiny..... improving the realism in one go, when I'd thought I might have to use matt varnish......result!

Oh, and what did I mean by "a while" ago?

Well I date my models internally somewhere out of sight. 

These were dated 1994 and 1995.

    

"Eli, you seem deep in thought. Is everything alright?" Sylvia asked, her voice laced with concern for her dear friend.

Eli nervously brushed a stray lock of dark hair behind her ear. "Sylvie, I need to get something off my chest about this thing with Giles." She exhaled shakily; vulnerability etched across her features.

Giving Eli's hand an encouraging squeeze, Sylvia offered a warm smile. "Of course, darling. You know you can share anything with me."

"You've been so supportive, Sylvie. After the hell I went through with my father, I never thought I could let myself be vulnerable with a man again." Eli's gaze grew distant as she accessed those painful memories. "But my connection with Giles... it stirs up emotions I'm not used to. I feel drawn to him in an exciting yet unsettling way. There's this unexplainable pull."

Hugging herself, Eli continued, her voice tinged with wonder and apprehension. "Part of me craves that intimacy – the ability to fully let go with someone I can trust. But the idea of allowing Giles to take control, of surrendering myself to his desires?" She paused, worrying her lip. "It terrifies me, yet I'm completely captivated by the thought."

Sylvia nodded understandingly. "Oh Eli, I can't imagine the intensity of those conflicting emotions, especially given your traumatic past. Having only known the nurturing love of women, the concept of submitting to a man must evoke excitement and curiosity, but also fear leftover from your abuse."

"Exactly!" Eli's bright blue eyes shone with both intensity and vulnerability. "After my father's cruelty, the mere idea of submission made me sick. But now, with Giles, there's something alarmingly freeing about allowing that vulnerability." Her voice took on a defiant edge. "It's this forbidden thrill – intoxicating, even – after being forced into submission for so long."

Sylvia held Eli's gaze, the firelight dancing in her fathomless eyes as she carefully measured her words. Reaching out, she rested a reassuring hand on her friend's arm. "Eli, you're one of the bravest women I know. To desire intimacy after enduring such horrors is the ultimate reclamation of your power."

"You really think so?" Hope flickered across Eli's features. "Part of me feels so naughty even entertaining these fantasies."

Hi Bob @Bob Tidbury

Great to catch up and here's the latest Tidbury creation

https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=23500.msg832877;topicseen#msg832877


Keep up the good work and modelling skills gents

Chris

Link here:  https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/mrh-202405-may-2024-13372900

Jon

A smile played across Sylvie's lips as she said, "You know, Eli, as we were talking about these qualities, I couldn't help but think about Jeremy."

Eli let out an amused laugh, "That's funny, Sylvie. Although I've just mentioned Jeremy, all the time we were talking, I was thinking about Giles!"

Curiosity filled Sylvie's voice, "Really? In what way?"

Eli explained, "Well, Giles has all these qualities we've been talking about. He's resourceful, adaptable, adventurous, and thinks creatively to find solutions and seize opportunities. He's self-sufficient, takes on challenges, and shares his thoughts and experiences gradually, maintaining an air of mystery."

Sylvie nodded in agreement, "That's exactly how I feel about Jeremy! He's also innovative, creative in problem-solving, and he's flexible in his thoughts and actions. He's also strategically silent at times, which keeps me intrigued," she laughed delightedly.

A warm smile curved Eli's lips, "And that's probably why Jeremy and Giles are such good friends. They share these qualities we value so highly, and they understand each other so well. Giles' life is a delicate balance between the ordinary and the remarkable. He deftly manoeuvres through complicated trade agreements, the whispered conversations of rival importers, and the mystery-filled world of covert connections," she sighed.

"Yes, you're absolutely right, Eli," Sylvie agreed. "It's wonderful to realise that we've chosen men who not only attract us but also have a deep bond with each other. Jeremy has shared tales of their adventures together. They are more than just friends—they are comrades, true brothers-in-arms, each contributing their unique skills and experiences."

Laughing lightly, Eli exclaimed, "Yes, it's like we've hit the jackpot, Sylvie, with our two princes!"

A grin spread across Sylvie's face as she raised an empty champagne flute, "Indeed, Eli. Here's to Jeremy and Giles, princes among men, and to us!"

Quote from: dannyboy on May 17, 2024, 09:26:39 PMHaving been away for a week, it has taken me some time to catch up, but catch up I have done! Thanks Chris. 

Thanks, David. I was concerned that you had not been posting your usual likes. I hope that you had a great holiday.
Best wishes,
Chris

Thank you all the information, confirming my doubts, and finally the engineering logic that applies !  I'm sure I'll be happy with the devices when they finally arrive. When all said and done, on-line purchasing won the day (based on many reviews and comparisons) because the prices were about half of that in the local physical shops. If I detect a change after some time I'll let you all know !

Having been away for a week, it has taken me some time to catch up, but catch up I have done! Thanks Chris.