Re: The Panther & The Phoenix: Who needs 'Cat & Mouse', when the Black Cat can play
I know it's been quite a while since my last update, which is partly due to work being extremely busy, bit also due to a "family medical emergency". As some in here already know, back in March, while I was 'stationed' in Fresno (living in a hotel (full of nurses), driving nurses to the hospital & back twice a day), my mom had a stroke two days after visiting me for my birthday...and, two days after that, she was gone. It's been a rough four months, and, honestly, I've been purposely 'pouring' myself into work, so as to avoid dealing with reality. That has also, for the most part, kept me from RC stuff. Yes, I've done some, but I've mostly been "pushing aside" the projects I was already working on, so that I could work on something (TRX4 Chassis Kit) for my stepdad.
Anyway, after not working on the Phoenix for almost five months, I finally got a few things done. First up was reworking the shocks. I realized that the "long arm" GTS shocks were too long. 'Funny' thing is, the regular GTS shocks are slightly too short...so, to what to do, what to do!!! I decided to go back to my idea of using the shock bodies of one set, and the shafts of the other...but, was long-body/reg-shaft, or reg-body/long-shaft, to the better way to go. Extended, their virtually identical (0.1mm difference)...but, compressed, I discovered that the long-body/reg-shaft combo was 1mm shorter, thus I feel this is the better combo. With this combo, I also have the 'advantage' of the TiN shafts. What are other's thoughts on this? Is this the "better" combo...or, should it be the other way around?
Now...moving into what this update is REALLY about - the interior. First up...the dash. I apologize for not being able to recall his name (I remembered it a few hours ago, but I'm 'blanking' at this moment). His work is fantastic. You can get something very 'basic' (as I did)...or, did those wanting something truly "wild & crazy", he can incorporate LEDs, 'working' gauges, and even working miniature LCD monitors.
I know, a few of your eyes looking down my driver's top. Don't stare too long, you might get burned...literally. And, with that said, time to move onto the driver, and her 'companion'. As the kit is the VS4-10 Phoenix, who better to drive it than the Phoenix, herself. Yes, I'm talking about that fiery personality, Jean Gray. For those who've followed my other builds, you know that I enjoy not only 'themed' vehicles, but also The Avengers. I felt that Jean Gray/Phoenix was appropriate.
Obviously, I'm not finished 'installing' her. As I had to chop her up, and glue her back together, it's got to be done piece-by-piece, with plenty of "drying time" between pieces. What you see actually consists of four separate pieces. Still remaining are the left leg, then both arms. If you look back at the dash photo, you notice there's someone in the passenger seat...but, who? Well...if the driver is Phoenix, and "birds of a feather flock together", then the passenger can be none other than Sam Wilson, aka Falcon.
Here's a shot of the birds, uncaged.
And, for those who might be wondering, yes, that IS the short-lived Famke Janssen 'Phoenix' action figure. When it was released, the figure's...uh...'attributes' caused QUITE a stir with parents, they were recalled, and a new more-family-friendly version was created/ released. The 'adult' versions can still be found...if you know where to look.
Well...that's all for now. Hopefully, the next update doesn't take an long as this one did...but, it IS possible. In addition to work being very busy, and in addition to working on other projects (including upgrading my new Toyota RAV4), I am also preparing to move. With my mom having passed away, and my stepdad having his own medical issues, I feel this is (finally) the time to leave my wife...and move to Las Vegas. Planning, organizing, and actually making the move will take some time. My current guess-timate is sometime between the latter part of August, to mid/late- September. I'll be losing the great drifting track at Sheldon's Hobbies, and the even better tracks at NorCal Hobbies...but, I'll also be gaining the tech at 702 Speedway, and all the great crawling throughout the entire Vegas area.
Until next time..........
~ More peace, love, laughter, & kindness would make the world a MUCH better place