Hi Richard, & all interested mayhemer's, I joined this forum after doing a check of what is available out there on the web. I have to say I am not in the least disappointed with the forum or its content. Do I partake of all aspects of the forum, the short answer is no, but I do try not to have a closed mind on anything, as it is my way of learning. When I follow a thread on a battleship, in which I have very little interest I still learn modeling techniques that I would miss otherwise. I also like to hear the comments & opinions of other members on current issues, it gives me another perspective on that person, it also makes me stop & think a little. After all what has the sinking of a cruise ship got to do with what props I use on my Smit Nederland you well might ask. From it I did however learn a lot about the expected protocols of being a Captain & many other issues that transpired because of the interest & comments expressed by our members, I am I hope a little bit wiser now on nautical issues. Our economy is at present in a poor state,There is nothing wrong with those of us that wish to do so discussing it in Chit Chat, that is what that thread is for after all. The poor economy indirectly affects the hobby in that people including our members have less discretionary income to spend on their hobby & so the number of builds drop & in some cases we lose our local suppliers. These days government action & inaction affects us on a daily basis, it is nice to be reminded sometimes of that fact. I have found on here some Very helpful people,Neil, ( NHP651), John, (Oldiron),Colin Bishop, Norseman, Bryan Young, & last but not least Dave from ACTion. There are many others that have helped me along the way, don't be upset that I missed you , you know who you are, Martin included. I really want to put pictures on here but as yet have failed. I have half built my Smit Nederland, I would like to show you my work area & where I live. I want to put pictures of the Fairmount Alpine kit & my assessment of it on here. When I was in Maui (Hawaii) I took boat pictures & Lahaina harbour & of some cruise ships also that I would like to share.(Martin says no beach candy pictures) I am also in the process of ordering the Speedline Tamar kit, thanks to Neil's lifeboat thread. As you can see Dicky the forum meets more criteria than just building threads, it needs a strong social side to keep interest up as well, long may it survive. A final note to Neil, if you want some cash to buy the stir spoon for Dicky let me know, I would be happy to contribute.LoL. Mick B.