Incorrect Scale Ford Focus (non 1/43)

I wanted to get a Ford Focus in 1/43 scale just to compare it to the models I collect from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Unfortunately, a caning fellow eBayer falsely advertised 1/34 scaled model (very unusual and "not so much" collectible scale) as scale 1/43. I ended up with a model that is two or three times bigger than the rest of my models. Those are the risks of eBay. Anyhow, I decided to keep the thing since it is similar to a car I used to drive (mine was not SVT).
Not the nicest level of details, but it could pass. Only if it was not 1/34, but 1/43 scale. Will keep an eye on a 1/43 scale one.
This one has better level of details, but again a wrong scale (1:1). Who needs that. I got rid of that one (sigh). Have to admit I kind of miss it. I replaced this 2001 ZX3 "model" with 2006 ZX4 two years ago. The new ZX4 feels like a plastic toy as compared to the 5 year older one. Focus line probably got "optimized" for profit and not for quality. Well, family got bigger and I needed 4 door sedan, not a sporty coupe (sigh again).

Looking back 32 years...

Just got these in my email from my school mate. These were taken on or around September 1, 1976. First day of school. I was almost 7 at the time.
I am really having a hard time finding myself in the first picture. I have an idea, but I am not sure. It is funny that I recognize other "people" probably because I was looking at them more than at myself.
In the second one I was told where to look. I even recognize my dad at the back. At the time he was around my age... even little bit younger. Will post more from the period if I find them.

Fixing Broken Car Model: Renault 4TL (Krazy Glue at its best)

Intro
This is one of my favorite models. It is Renault 4TL from 80s, a very popular car in former Yugoslavia back in the days. I had some guests that were also from former Yugoslavia and accidentally they dropped this poor guy down to ceramic tiles. At first it looked as it lost only the rear view mirror, but further inspection (shaking) showed that some parts inside got unglued as well.Sorted out the parts that needed some glue. Left set of windows glass, right seat, muffler, and rear view mirror.

Solution
Went to the super store and bought me a stick of Instant Krazy Glue (super glue). It was little more expensive than plain old super glue, but I liked the pen-like tip that gives better control of where you putting the glue.
First I glued the right seat. No problems there. Then applied some glue inside the roof and placed the windows where they belong. Nice thing about this glue is that it only needs 30 seconds to dry enough to hold stuff and let you manipulate. I assembled top shell and bottom part and It already started looking OK.
I had to glue in the muffler and one side of the rear fender.
Last, but not least was the outside rear view mirror. A very small part and very small area to use the glue. It actually (for now) went pretty smooth. I think here it was important to have that precision of the glue tip not to spread glue all over it.
Conclusion
Seems like I will be able to appreciate this model after all. Have to buy those clear display cases for the models and maybe even employ some shelf with glass door. Krazy glue did it part.

New Project - Kids Bedroom

Intro
It's that time again. One of kids bedroom got so dirty that we decided to paint it. Wife is always excited about that as wall painting is something that relaxes her and she really enjoys both the process and the results.

Enjoying Saturday
We checked some colors at Lowe's and Home Depot and finally decided to take Behr at Home Depot. Wife and daughter chose nice light blue purplish color. I actually like this color very much, too. It brightened the whole room. We used that silky finish which is glossy and let you wipe the wall little bit in case kids leave track on it.

We first cleaned the room and removed all the furniture. Then we removed the covers from electric outlets and light switches, and AC vent. Got to be careful when painting around these. Since the room's ceiling is in different color we needed to properly tape all the edges. Taping was the part I did not like. Here the key is to be patient and also use a good quality tape. Painters blue tape from Home Depot did the job.
We used the regular roller "thingy" to apply the paint to big areas. I used a brush like a crazy person at the taped edges. My wife is more patient she used small sponge tool to touch up the details.

Trim Touch Up
She was also not lazy to adress all the issues with the trim . She basically repainted most of the wooden shelves, and trim. The room looks like new.
The built in desk looks like new. Was much easier to paint the whole thing than to try to touch it up. The room now looks much cleaner and brighter. Now our oldest one wants her room to be repainted.
Some Remarks
The quality of paint is extraordinary. Strongly recommend Behr paint from Home Depot. One coat was sufficient to cover the old paint. We used the stain blocker spray (around $5 a can) to cover stains from fire ant poison (that thing leaves stain) and there were a couple greasy stains on the wall. There was no need for second coat.
Definitively a rewarding experience. Kids are as happy as little monkeys :)

DSC PowerSeries Alarm Battery Replacement

Intro
My home alarm started recently that annoying beep every 10 seconds. You can kind of pres "#" key and it will be silent for few hours that it would do it again. Especially annoying this is during the night or early morning.

Details

• Alarm security from DSC PowerSeries (board PC580)
• The battery type is UB1245, 12V, 4.5Ah, Sealed lead acid.
• The battery was around 5 year old.
  

Solution

The issue was finding the installation manual. The user manual would refer to the error as "Service Required", and refer to calling the security company that installed the system. I guess this is probably what is the best for most people. However, finding the Installation Manual online (thank you Google and friends), I read that once you display the error condition with keyboard command "*2" you can push more buttons to get more info on the problem. In my case:

• "*2" revealed orange flashing system LED, and red LED next to zone 1 was on.
• at this stage pressing "1" should give more info on the error. I pushed "1" again and the red LED next to zone 1 was still on meaning the battery is low.
• I Googled the UB1245 battery and replacement ara available from around $15 + around $12 for S&H.
• I went to local battery shop and got me 12V, 5Ah battery for around $30. Not the best price, but saved me wait and possible hassle if return was needed. NOTE: could not find this type of battery in Home Depot nor Lowe's.
• To stay on the safe side, I turned the power off. Was lazy to find which breaker powers the 16V trafo that powers the alarm. So I powered off the whole house.
• Battery replacing took less than a minute. Took off black wire, then red. Put new battery in. Connected red wire to "+" (labeled with red at the battery as well), and then put black wire to the "-".
• Switched the power back on and most of my issues with annoying sound were gone.
• I had another System error now (one with red LED next to zone 8). Red LED at #8 means that time/date info was lost due total power loss (AC + battery).
• Now, with user manual only, I reprogrammed the time/date and the error cleared.
• I had also to turn on the door chime beep to make everything back to "normal".

Conclusion
Probably saved around $50 or more for a service man to come out, diagnose the problem, and replace the battery. I do not recommend anyone not having a basic understanding what he or she is doing to do that alone. On the other hand if you are a dyi person and have similar issue. Try to locate the Installation Manual, confirm the error type and if you know what you doing to replace the battery yourself.
The reason I turned power off is to avoid arcing when connecting the battery. Installation manual also suggested that battery should be installed prior to applying AC power.


Disclaimer
I cannot by any means be responsible nor liable for any possible negative outcome of your attempt to fix your alarm by replacing the battery. My battery was 5 year old, and the alarm manual suggested replacement of the battery every 2-3 year. You are making your own calls. I just wanted to share my experience here.

Wanted: Fiat 1300 (scale 1/43) Model

Anyone seen one of these as a scale 1/43 model?

How to Make the Best Toy Ever

Intro
This is some high quality stuff. The best toy ever. Fairly simple instructions on how to make it. Requires an average parents skills to make it.

Material

• An used cardboard box (in this case 24x18x18 inches)

Steps to make it

• none

How to use it

Just watch and learn.


Warning

Grownups, please do not try this at home unless supervised by kids. These kids in the pictures are trained professionals.

Peugeot 504 from Altaya (scale 1/43)

Yet another nice model. It says Altaya on it, the scale is 1/43. It looks awfully like the other models made in China. Decent level of details, a very enjoyable toy to look at. The doors cannot be opened. The inside details and color make it look fairly realistic

While comparing it with other 1/43 scale models, I was little bit surprised how the 504 seems big. It seems like one of bigger cars that could be seen in former Yugo back in 80s. I love the comparison to Lada 1500, which was one of the popular "large" cars in former Yugo. Peugeot 504 seems much bigger and roomier. I remember both cars very well, but I do not recollect the "feel" about which car was bigger.

Lada Vaz 2107 "Riva" (scale 1/43)

Another beautiful model from Russia. My father-in-law actually still has one like this (scale 1/1, same color, real engine). This was actual around late 80s in former Yugoslavia. I still remember those nylon tires. However, believe it or not, this car was reliable and fun to drive. As it can be seen the model has fairly high level of details and opening doors, trunks and everything almost makse you believe you are looking at a real car not a model.

Here I put some of these models I got recently next to each other.

Volga Gaz 2101 (scale 1/43)

Volga Gaz 2101 is named after the great river in Russia. This was considered and extremely large and fuel consuming car in former Yugoslavia. This Russian giant was a big show off especially in Montenegro. It was not consider a cool and nice car, but rather sturdy and heavy "monster". This particular model is another example of beautiful car models made in Russia.

The details and opening doors, trunks, and even engine are crazy in such a small model.

Again, the comparison goes against Renault 4TL, Trabant 601, and Lada VAZ 2107 ("Riva"). All models are in 1/43 scale.
Check out the engine inside. The "big" wooden stick there is actually a piece of toothpick.