FineScale Modeler unboxes new kits, drains an air compressor tank, and gets our modeling mojo back

Well I have learned something new as a result of the piece on airbrush compressor tanks. I re-read my owner's manual and sure enough it says to drain the tank occasionally...and sure enough there is a drain plug in the bottom of the tank. So I opened the drain plug after ensuring the tank was empty and there was no water in the tank. I admit that I am mystified about the variety of methods discussed to empty air from the tank. When I open the pressure adjustment knob on the regulator all the way the tank empties. No need to use the valve on the bottom of the water trap or the emergency release valve (which is inaccessible on my compressor without removing the metal case surrounding the compressor and tank). Why was this method not discussed?

Tim - Addressing your Clydesdale problem. Get yourself some good color photos from online or a picture book from a used bookstore. There are a lot of them out there. You want to see the horse from all angles to see their normal color patterns. One of the best horse painters I knew was Henri Lion. His painted horses always fascinated me. Henri co-authored a book on painting figures back in 1977, "My Way". It's long out of print, softbound. See if you can find a used copy or borrow one from a friend. Henri has a section in the book on painting horses. I still use his method when I paint a horse, and I'm still satisfied with the results. As Greg points out, no two horses are exactly alike. Best of luck.

Thanks so much for the “over thinking” process. I’ve been guilty of this a couple of times when building an F-4B for a fellow retired LEO who worked on these on the USS Forrestal. The painting is my mind block because I have issues with camo and delicate lines. As you said though once I get started, it (or I) work it out by just doing. And as for working on more than one kit at a time, I can’t do that. My mind tells me to do one at a time and that there is no rush. It’s taken me, many times, months to a year+ to complete a kit that should not but when it’s done I’m happy with the finished product. That’s the important part of this hobby, be happy with what you’ve done. I can honestly say that I have never tossed a kit in the trash because it has been too difficult. I just keep building and it turns out pretty good. Again, thanks for a great magazine and videos! I’m always learning.

I have been suffering with the 'over thinking' issue. With me it is doing the research to make sure it is CORRECT. Years ago I built an item and everyone I showed it to raved about what a great job I did. None could see all the mistakes I made, but I did. I think I need to remember that and push though that and set a plan, the other part of the over think, and execute the plan. About 3 years ago I started a pair of Monogram '65 Shelby Mustangs and I was making good progress and the paint on the body went bad and tried to strip it and that did not work and they have set every since then. But the point of this is that I had a clear plan and I was working that plan and doing fine up to then. As for motivation I joined a a couple of FS Forum group builds and that helped, until I got to OT a project and it stalled. I think I will stop OTing and just execute the plan and build the kits. Thank you for letting me know I am not the only one with this issue. BTW those ladies(?) building the horses have a plan and few pic and don't need to think about the 'possibilities' in the horses colors or design of the coat. No 2 horses are the same and if the colors are close and you do a good job doing the painting, no one will know if they are exact. Tim, paint the horses to the best of your ability and your Dad will smile at them. Thank you for the help.

I once had a plug on a paint ball cylinder let go while I was trying to empty it for disposal. Scared the hell out of me and the plug certainly moved at the speed of a bullet. Fortunately it bounced off a concrete wall in the garage and fell harmlessly to the floor. That being said, I have never emptied my compressor tank. The instruction manual says nothing about doing so. Fortunately, my workshop is pretty low humidity. In fact I have never had water in the moisture trap. Now I am off to empty the compressor tank...

Thanks for the video regarding the compressor and also the making time for modeling segment. Really dislike using the moisture trap button; had no idea the bottom plug could be weaponized by loosening too much. Appreciate the thorough explanation.  As regards the making time, this is a hobby in the truest sense for me. Family comes first, then other obligations. There is the other aspect you touched on though - haven't touched a model since October 24, 2024. Yes, life intervenes but I messed up three models in a row before this, so now it's like I'm searching for a reason not too model because I'm not confident I'll do it properly. Agree about hitting a step wall in the instructions when building a kit. Hopefully I can learn to get past this. I love scale modeling despite not being a good modeler; I need to remember the only person I'm letting down and depriving of having enjoyment with my current mindset is myself. I need to get back to the bench and try my best.