The Wooksta!: Not a Spitfire Blog - comments thread.

The Wooksta! · July 05, 2020, 03:30:34 AM

The nose art for the Sea Vixen has no connection with that used on the Bricks. It's an interesting play on the names of the two crew.

PR19_Kit · July 06, 2020, 06:43:46 AM

That FD2 kit is quite a nice thingie, apart from the lack of cockpit of course. Maybe if they'd put one in there the droop snoot wouldn't have worked so well?

But then FROG never were too keen on cockpits anyway.

kitbasher · July 11, 2020, 12:20:19 PM

Wacky Races/Alan Rickman....nah, being a bit thick and can't immediately see the link.

I do like the idea though!

Somewhere you mentioned a mid-engined Attacker whif. Would it have a pusher prop or tractor with a very high-mounted cockpit? Otherwise the pilot's special areas would be ground into mince seconds after switching the engine on.

The Wooksta! · July 11, 2020, 12:28:11 PM

I always touted Alan Rickman to play Dick Dastardly in any live action version of Wacky Races. Let's be honest, he would have been perfect.

I'll explain the thinking behind Wacky races later. It just seemed a bit more fun than the usual topless blart and it's too early for Viz. The early issues were about on Tyneside around then but it didn't really take off until 1989.

Mid engined Attacker? Extension shaft under the cockpit and the pilot would be on a MB bang seat anyway. I'm leaning more towards a pusher version now with a nosegear u/c and the fin under the fuselage.

NARSES2 · July 12, 2020, 02:03:44 AM

Quote from: The Wooksta! on July 11, 2020, 12:28:11 PM
I always touted Alan Rickman to play Dick Dastardly in any live action version of Wacky Races. Let's be honest, he would have been perfect.

I was never a fan of Wacky Races, but your'e right he would have been perfect for a live action version.

NARSES2 · July 12, 2020, 02:07:23 AM

Quote from: kitbasher on July 11, 2020, 12:20:19 PM

Somewhere you mentioned a mid-engined Attacker whif. Would it have a pusher prop or tractor with a very high-mounted cockpit? Otherwise the pilot's special areas would be ground into mince seconds after switching the engine on.

Or how about having the prop mounted as in my Westland Whirlpool proof of concept prototype ?

NARSES2 · July 12, 2020, 02:12:55 AM

I do like the nose art for your Eagle goes South scenario Lee

Saw your comment re work, I can guess, but hope I'm wrong. Best of luck mate

The Wooksta! · July 12, 2020, 02:22:44 AM

I think everyone will like it.

I doubt you're wrong - I have a consultation meeting tomorrow via phone. Having been through this at the Ronnie Gill, I know "consultation" is code for "we've made the decision already but doing this to make you feel a bit better." TBH, as the least experienced and least flexible (in terms of knowlege and capabilities) member of the team, I'm the most expendable.

Not the end of the world, I'm in a better position than I was in 2013 in having more transferrable skills and I do have a few contacts that I may well make use of, although I suspect they're in a similar boat.

NARSES2 · July 12, 2020, 02:24:40 AM

As I said, best of luck.

The Wooksta! · July 12, 2020, 02:35:07 AM

Thanks, I think I'm going to need it.

kitbasher · July 12, 2020, 02:37:39 AM

Quote from: NARSES2 on July 12, 2020, 02:24:40 AM
As I said, best of luck.

Same here, Lee.

PR19_Kit · July 12, 2020, 04:09:48 AM

Oh no, you reckon they're going to give you the elbow then?

NO fun!

The Wooksta! · July 12, 2020, 04:21:07 AM

TBH, if they do I'm not too depressed about it - I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown during much of June and July last year due to stress and there have been times since then that I really didn't want to exist - Christmas Day springs to mind. The company has been voted the worst employer in the UK two years running.

On the bright side, I do have more kits than I can ever build (a good number may well be up for disposal in the kitswap at Telford) and more time to do that. As I've said, not the end of the world if the worst does happen. I'll find out more tomorrow.

And thanks all for the good wishes.

zenrat · July 12, 2020, 04:26:37 AM

Make sure they give you everything you are entitled to.
My sister was in a similar situation last year and her former employers tried to pull a fast one.

Good luck, and don't let the bastards grind you down.

Nick · July 12, 2020, 10:56:38 AM

Sorry to hear about your bad news. All I can really say is good luck and make sure you read up on your rights regarding redundancy, the timescales and how much money you should be getting.
https://www.gov.uk/redundancy-your-rights

I'm seeing a lot of people I know who are looking for new jobs this year. We're going through a redundancy phase at work right now with the threat of mandatory job losses if they don't get enough volunteers. Thankfully my job is safe, we were the first team back to work.