Kevin Futter

Thanks, Mike. I think it'll take some time for all of us to adjust, and figure out what's what! Kev

As you can probably tell, I've been able to successfully run the v5 forum upgrade. So here we are! It's as fresh to me as it is to you guys, so we'll have to figure it out together. Kev

Well, this is embarrassing! It turns out I've been uploading the files for the upgrade to our *old* server - no wonder it didn't work! D'oh. Might be time to retire... In any case, I'll be having another go at the full v5 upgrade now, so stay tuned. (And yes, I realise I'm mostly talking to myself, here.) Kev

Well, the forum software upgrade failed completely, and I have no idea why. At least the old version still works! I've submitted a request for help on the software provider's forums (the only support they seem to offer!), so we'll see what comes of that. Right now I'm just frustrated about all the hours I've wasted so far... Kev

I've decided to perform this upgrade today, and it should happen sometime in the next couple of hours. I've done a test install on a local copy of the forums, and they're radically different, to say the least, so be prepared for a bit of a shock! Kev

Just a quick heads-up about an impending major update to the forum software, which will take us from v4 to v5 - essentially, a whole new platform. Not only will this make wholesale changes to the look and functionality of the site, but the upgrade has to be performed manually (or at least partly so). I'll try to provide you with a specific window during which I plan to perform the upgrade, but I'll need to do a full site backup first, and the forums will probably be unavailable for the duration. One point to reiterate that will affect all members right off the bat is that, once the upgrade is complete, you will need to sign in the your email address (the one associated with your SMPM account) and usual password; using your display name ("Kevin Futter" in my case) will no longer work. More news when there's news! Kev

I believe Sven had to make custom modifications to his laser cutter in order for it to be capable of meeting his requirements, which suggests that an off-the-shelf unit still may not get the job done - at least, not to the same standard as 1ManArmy seems to manage. As far as the blade cutters are concerned, however, I can't even match what Max is able to achieve! Kev

Excellent work, Guy! Kev

Welcome aboard, Benjamin! Kev

Welcome aboard, John! Kev

Welcome aboard, Massimiliano! Kev

Looks great to me, Mike! Very nicely done. Kev

Welcome aboard, François! Nice to have you here. Kev

Welcome aboard, sir! This sound like an odd problem, and I've never experienced it myself. If I had to guess, I'd say the sample of Oramask you're using is faulty. Maybe someone else has a better idea? Kev

Thanks for posting these, Max. Here are the links to the two files involved: Kev

I'm pleased to announce that the server migration has been completed! There may be some teething issues as things settle in, so just sing out if you're experiencing any difficulties with anything on the site. Kev

UPDATE The new server has now been commissioned, and I've been informed that we're now in the migration queue, which still could take up to 10 days. Once the migration is confirmed, I'll have to switch off the forums and get all the latest posts from the old server into the new one, which will lead to some unavoidable downtime, unfortunately. I'll also try to give everyone as much notice as possible, but that may well be none at all! Stay tuned! Kev

Welcome aboard, John! Kev

Just another minor software update, and another obligatory test post. Kev

This is a general announcement that contains information pertinent to all members, so please read and take note! For a long time now, the server Scale Model Paint Masks is hosted on has been slowly becoming obsolete, and I've been trying to find the time to either upgrade it or migrate to a new one. Things are coming to a head now, however, as there's a new version of the forum software coming out soon that absolutely won't work on our current server configuration. This means that sometime soon - possibly as early as next week - I'll be organising to have the website and forums migrated to a brand-new server. This will inevitably entail some down time, and perhaps a few quirks afterwards. I'll endeavour to keep everyone as in the loop as possible. With regard to the new version of the forum software, this will introduce quite a few new features, and some important changes, one of which I'd like to flag here, as it will affect most of us. Once the new forum software is installed, we'll no longer be able to log in using your forum display names - email addresses will be required instead. I'm pretty sure you're able to log in with your email addresses now (will confirm shortly), and if so, I recommend everybody starts doing that immediately, so that the transition to v5 of the software is as trouble-free as possible. Just to clarify: the server migration and forum software upgrade are two different things, and will be happening at different times. But the latter requires the former, so one step at a time. This will also affect the KLP Publishing and Large Scale Planes websites, the latter of which uses the same software as we do here. Stay tuned! Kev

Welcome aboard! 3mm does seem a little too thick to me. I couldn't imagine trying to cut that on my Portrait 2. Kev

Welcome aboard, sir! The Cameo 5 is an impressive machine from all I've heard and seen. Kev

Welcome aboard, Bogdan! That's a beautiful collection of builds. Kev

Thank you, sir! I left some things off the model, including the prominent tail rigging, but it still passes muster I think. Kev

Thanks, Mike. My stash is full of these old kits, so there'll be plenty more to come! Kev