Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Michael Smith

@mcsmith.bsky.social

430 followers 630 following 900 posts

Lawyer dad in Marshall, Texas, mostly federal courts & patent litigation. Interested in WW II, scale modeling, history, books, & learning. Scale fundamentalist - only 1/700, 1/200 & 1/72. Extremely fond of the rule of law and almost as fond of Canadians.

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 2h

I’m optimistic we are not headed for a third consecutive overtime home game. Go Cowboys! #dallascowboys

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 1d

Coming along … #histscalemodels #heaviesgb

1 15

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 1d

Starting on a base for Dixie Clipper. Not even embarrassed about how slapdash this is going to be. It would look really good on the shelf! #histscalemodels #heaviesgb

1 8

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 1d

Sixth and seventh colors applied and as I had hoped, a wash of FS 35164 intermediate blue brought out the chorus of angels. The brush painting aft is an abomination, but I’m learning. #Histscalemodels #HeaviesGB

1 17

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 1d

I like it. Good kit.

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 2d

I think the original had 15 separate shades. I’m simplifying to seven, per the instructions. Close to finishing the airbrushing, and will change to brush painting for detail work. Fun subject!

1 1

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 2d

Getting there on the Dixie Clipper. #HistScaleModels #HeaviesGB. Five of seven colors applied - enough to assemble.

2 1 27

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 3d

The 1/72 4 engine bomber shelf is done. Think from here on I’ll be doing these in 1/144. #HistScaleModels

3 2 28

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 4d

Next project - “Dixie Clipper” as it appeared in wartime camo when transporting FDR to Casablanca in 1943. Found a set of painting instructions from when Minicraft boxed the ‘67 Airfix kit as part of a set. 3 main colors on - next is adding the four intermediate colors. #HistScaleModels #HeaviesGB

2 5 30

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 6d

Finally finished my Nine-O-Nine B-17G for another installment in #HeaviesGB. putteringinthestudy.com/2025/10/14/1... #HistScaleModels

6 4 40

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 6d

The 909 is almost done. I’ll finish weathering tomorrow. #HistScaleModels #HeaviesGB

4 45

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 7d

What is need is of course more 1/700 building docks. Docks 6 & 7 have never worked out - they’re too long, and the sides too high. I need something smaller than the #1 I built in 1992, so I now have a cruiser/destroyer dock for smaller builds, and a larger for Essex-sized kits. #HistScaleModels

1 1 13

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 8d

There have been manufacturers of gear in metal and I’m keeping an eye out for those for any tricycle kits.

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 9d

Worry a little about your landing gear - I had to use a lot of weight on a 1/72 Mitchell and the main gear started sagging. A few months after I finished it I ended up adding some unobtrusive “crutches” to take the weight off the failing axles.

1 2

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 20d

I saw this kit again Saturday but opted against it (size) but always been interested in the subject. Really enjoying your build.

1 4

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 20d

I have been going back to Revell glue for the strength in a lot of places.

1 4

Reposted by Michael Smith

John Schwartz @jswatz.bsky.social · 22d

A strong NYT editorial: “He has removed any pretense that the law is blind. As despots have done for centuries, he is persecuting people he considers his enemies, with little justification other than raw political power. It is reminiscent of the old royal notion ‘L’état, c’est moi’: I am the state.”

Opinion | The Comey Indictment Plunges the Country Into a Grave New Period

www.nytimes.com

9 90 380

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 22d

Absolutely! I am saving that close-up.

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 22d

It is absolutely terrifying. Still scares me.

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 25d

Update - a run through of lacquer thinner every couple of days seems to do the trick,

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 25d

Decals on, larger clear parts added, and masking coming off windows. More detail work ahead, then weathering. #histscalemodels #heaviesgb

2 1 35

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 26d

Lots of good work today. Finished the major paint, gloss, and started on decals. #HistScaleModels #HeaviesGB

1 1 32

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 28d

Made a lot of progress today on the 909. Big painting is done, and starting to finish the various sections & add gloss coat for decaling. Clear parts stay covered with masking film (and the big clear parts aren’t installed yet) until gloss, decals and final matte coat. #HistscaleModels #HeaviesGB

1 1 32

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 29d

It did get better today. I just have to be more patient!

1 2

Michael Smith @mcsmith.bsky.social · 29d

But seriously, folks. Red markings applied to 909. Dangerously close to overall gloss coat for decals. #Histscalemodels #heaviesgb

2 1 29