"studio scale desanto viper"

Just looked on Colonial Fleets and Gordon (spcglider) posted this today:

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Okay folks, here's the poop on cannons:

I have 10 sets sitting in plastic baggies on my desk. I'm getting about 2 or 3 sets done a day since I have to do them in the morning before work, during lunch, and after work. I should be done with cannons in a few more days.

Now the canopy, that's a different story.

Michael is sending me his mold which I will use in the pressure casting tank. That should fix any problems with casting the thin part. If that doesn't work, I will need to re-mold the canopy... which could take a bit since I am currently OUT of silicone. And then there's the casting situation again. So lets all hope that Mike's mold works.

For this effort, I will be taking posession of Michael's eternal soul upon completion. I'll keep it buffed up and placed on a shelf next to my Colonial Laser Pistol.

-Gordon
[/b]
Sounds like good progress to me.:)
 
According to his Colonial Fleets posts and requests from Michael,.. looks like Gordon is waiting on the Canopy molds from Michael. I think Michael may have been briefly side-tracked away from the Viper Canopy in doing a Cylon Raider with a guest that is staying with him at Terri's home named Jim (Dilbertman off Colonial Fleets). He was working on lighting (via fiber) the cylon eyes in the Raider when I called him. While that sounds really kewl, I think it has definitely side-tracked him. With Gordon ready to go,.. I believe it is just a matter of keeping Michael focused on a single project (which is hard for most artists to do :) ). Lets hope that Raider gets done quickly so that the Canopy may be addressed. I will give Michael a call today to see where that Canopy sits.
 
<div class='quotetop'></div>
According to his Colonial Fleets posts and requests from Michael,.. looks like Gordon is waiting on the Canopy molds from Michael. I think Michael may have been briefly side-tracked away from the Viper Canopy in doing a Cylon Raider with a guest that is staying with him at Terri's home named Jim (Dilbertman off Colonial Fleets). He was working on lighting (via fiber) the cylon eyes in the Raider when I called him. While that sounds really kewl, I think it has definitely side-tracked him. With Gordon ready to go,.. I believe it is just a matter of keeping Michael focused on a single project (which is hard for most artists to do :) ). Lets hope that Raider gets done quickly so that the Canopy may be addressed. I will give Michael a call today to see where that Canopy sits.[/b]

Dilbertman's visit here has nothing to do with the canopy mold getting to Gordon. It will be sent today. And although I've set myself up for a few disappointments with this project, and probably have disappointed a few of my friends and customers, I really am trying to give the best product available. I just would not settle on sending out a kit that was not molded the best that it could be, and if I had problems with casting some parts, I seek help from others that are more pro in getting them done right. And in turn getting you all a better viper.
After my best friend passed away suddenly, it threw me into an emotional abyss, that I feel I have not near recovered from and am having trouble concentrating on my life and business, but I am still working on these things and trying to get back into full swing, but it is difficult, I won't lie.
 
<div class='quotetop'>(BlueSquad2001 @ Jun 2 2006, 10:35 AM) [snapback]1254954[/snapback]</div>
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According to his Colonial Fleets posts and requests from Michael,.. looks like Gordon is waiting on the Canopy molds from Michael. I think Michael may have been briefly side-tracked away from the Viper Canopy in doing a Cylon Raider with a guest that is staying with him at Terri's home named Jim (Dilbertman off Colonial Fleets). He was working on lighting (via fiber) the cylon eyes in the Raider when I called him. While that sounds really kewl, I think it has definitely side-tracked him. With Gordon ready to go,.. I believe it is just a matter of keeping Michael focused on a single project (which is hard for most artists to do :) ). Lets hope that Raider gets done quickly so that the Canopy may be addressed. I will give Michael a call today to see where that Canopy sits.[/b]

Dilbertman's visit here has nothing to do with the canopy mold getting to Gordon. It will be sent today. And although I've set myself up for a few disappointments with this project, and probably have disappointed a few of my friends and customers, I really am trying to give the best product available. I just would not settle on sending out a kit that was not molded the best that it could be, and if I had problems with casting some parts, I seek help from others that are more pro in getting them done right. And in turn getting you all a better viper.
After my best friend passed away suddenly, it threw me into an emotional abyss, that I feel I have not near recovered from and am having trouble concentrating on my life and business, but I am still working on these things and trying to get back into full swing, but it is difficult, I won't lie.
[/b][/quote]
Thanks for responding so quickly Michael...

I completely understand your feelings about Lucky,.. I think I would still be greiving as well if it were my best friend/brother.

I took from our conversation the other day that since you had begun work on the Raider, being that Jim was there,.. and then I read the posts from Gordon asking where the molds for the canopy were,... it seamed that maybe your focus had possibly been side-tracked....my bad. :$ You have to admit though that even you have admitted to easily getting side-tracked with your ambitious ideas for several projects. :lol You artists kill me. :lol

Well,.. since that has been answered... guess I don't need to bug ya today with phone questions. :p

I am glad that you enlisted Gordon to help out... less stress is always a good thing. :) I can't wait to see the final product.

Did you get a chance to read the email I sent ya? B) What do you think? :confused
 
Looks like this has turned into my thread alone. LOL.

It's my thread now...MINE I SAY... B) LOL.

Michael,... did ya send out the canopy mold to Gordon yet? This project is like...just right there,.. but not quite reachable.... and my excitement is stirring. :) AARRRRRRRRRGG. I'm like a kid that can't quite reach the cookie jar. LOL.
 
<div class='quotetop'>(Kuhn Global @ Jun 3 2006, 10:56 AM) [snapback]1255435[/snapback]</div>
Looks like this has turned into my thread alone. LOL.

It's my thread now...MINE I SAY... B) LOL.

Michael,... did ya send out the canopy mold to Gordon yet? This project is like...just right there,.. but not quite reachable.... and my excitement is stirring. :) AARRRRRRRRRGG. I'm like a kid that can't quite reach the cookie jar. LOL.
[/b]
Went out yesterday.
We are taking Dilbertman out to Petit Jean mountain today to show him a few sights while he's here. Gotta run. :D
Mike
 
<div class='quotetop'>(BlueSquad2001 @ Jun 3 2006, 10:42 AM) [snapback]1255473[/snapback]</div>
Went out yesterday.
We are taking Dilbertman out to Petit Jean mountain today to show him a few sights while he's here. Gotta run. :D
Mike
[/b]
SWEEEEEEET. Can't wait.

Hope you show Dilbertman a GREAT time. LOL.... I know ya will. :D

Any chance of seeing some pics of the Raider you guys were working on the other day? ;)
 
Hey Kurt, Hey Mike.

I figured I'd chime in as well :p I've talked to Mike several times over the past few months So I just never bothered asking any questions here :)

I also totally have no problem waiting for the Viper until she is perfect or at least as near as possible. I think were some, not me or Kurt mind you, may have gotten a little ...."antsy" ....is just we were told that the Viper was ready and shipping in a few days, a few times, and then it turns out its not. I just want to say to you Michael, that I am NOT dissapointed and appreciate your efforts in trying to provide me with a top notch product, especially through a difficult time.

Now, get back to work. :D

Chris
 
<div class='quotetop'>(Dobber @ Jun 5 2006, 07:04 AM) [snapback]1256483[/snapback]</div>
Hey Kurt, Hey Mike.

I figured I'd chime in as well :p I've talked to Mike several times over the past few months So I just never bothered asking any questions here :)

I also totally have no problem waiting for the Viper until she is perfect or at least as near as possible. I think were some, not me or Kurt mind you, may have gotten a little ...."antsy" ....is just we were told that the Viper was ready and shipping in a few days, a few times, and then it turns out its not. I just want to say to you Michael, that I am NOT dissapointed and appreciate your efforts in trying to provide me with a top notch product, especially through a difficult time.

Now, get back to work. :D

Chris
[/b]
Thank You Chris.
 
<div class='quotetop'>(Dobber @ Jun 5 2006, 05:04 AM) [snapback]1256483[/snapback]</div>
Hey Kurt, Hey Mike.

I figured I'd chime in as well :p I've talked to Mike several times over the past few months So I just never bothered asking any questions here :)

I also totally have no problem waiting for the Viper until she is perfect or at least as near as possible. I think were some, not me or Kurt mind you, may have gotten a little ...."antsy" ....is just we were told that the Viper was ready and shipping in a few days, a few times, and then it turns out its not. I just want to say to you Michael, that I am NOT dissapointed and appreciate your efforts in trying to provide me with a top notch product, especially through a difficult time.

Now, get back to work. :D

Chris
[/b]
Very kewl Chris. Good Man. :D

I too believe Michael has the talent to make this thing phenominal. I can't wait... :p

Just saw a post on Colonial Fleets from spcglider (Gordon) with great news. :)
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If you've just ordered a kit and Michael isn't doing a build-up for you, you should be getting your kit in the same shipment as the rest of the pre-orders as far as I know.

I just got Michael's canopy mold this morning. I made the necessary modifications and now i am casting copies as quickly as possible to help him get the orders filled.

As soon as I have all the canopies cast and rough-trimmed (probably by the end of this wek), I will pack them up with the cannons and ship them to Michael who will complete his part sets with them and hopefully get them shipped asap.

I know you guys are all waiting patiently for your kits... and for that we thank you. I'm waiting for my kit too... :ugh:

-Gordon
[/b]
Things are looking well. :D
 
<div class='quotetop'>(Kuhn Global @ Jun 5 2006, 08:23 PM) [snapback]1256900[/snapback]</div>
<div class='quotetop'>(Dobber @ Jun 5 2006, 05:04 AM) [snapback]1256483[/snapback]
Hey Kurt, Hey Mike.

I figured I'd chime in as well :p I've talked to Mike several times over the past few months So I just never bothered asking any questions here :)

I also totally have no problem waiting for the Viper until she is perfect or at least as near as possible. I think were some, not me or Kurt mind you, may have gotten a little ...."antsy" ....is just we were told that the Viper was ready and shipping in a few days, a few times, and then it turns out its not. I just want to say to you Michael, that I am NOT dissapointed and appreciate your efforts in trying to provide me with a top notch product, especially through a difficult time.

Now, get back to work. :D

Chris
[/b]
Very kewl Chris. Good Man. :D

I too believe Michael has the talent to make this thing phenominal. I can't wait... :p

Just saw a post on Colonial Fleets from spcglider (Gordon) with great news. :)
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If you've just ordered a kit and Michael isn't doing a build-up for you, you should be getting your kit in the same shipment as the rest of the pre-orders as far as I know.

I just got Michael's canopy mold this morning. I made the necessary modifications and now i am casting copies as quickly as possible to help him get the orders filled.

As soon as I have all the canopies cast and rough-trimmed (probably by the end of this wek), I will pack them up with the cannons and ship them to Michael who will complete his part sets with them and hopefully get them shipped asap.

I know you guys are all waiting patiently for your kits... and for that we thank you. I'm waiting for my kit too... :ugh:

-Gordon
[/b]
Things are looking well. :D
[/b][/quote]


Any updates?
 
<div class='quotetop'>(JP05 @ Jun 18 2006, 11:33 PM) [snapback]1263839[/snapback]</div>
<div class='quotetop'>(Kuhn Global @ Jun 5 2006, 08:23 PM) [snapback]1256900[/snapback]
<div class='quotetop'>(Dobber @ Jun 5 2006, 05:04 AM) [snapback]1256483[/snapback]
Hey Kurt, Hey Mike.

I figured I'd chime in as well :p I've talked to Mike several times over the past few months So I just never bothered asking any questions here :)

I also totally have no problem waiting for the Viper until she is perfect or at least as near as possible. I think were some, not me or Kurt mind you, may have gotten a little ...."antsy" ....is just we were told that the Viper was ready and shipping in a few days, a few times, and then it turns out its not. I just want to say to you Michael, that I am NOT dissapointed and appreciate your efforts in trying to provide me with a top notch product, especially through a difficult time.

Now, get back to work. :D

Chris
[/b]
Very kewl Chris. Good Man. :D

I too believe Michael has the talent to make this thing phenominal. I can't wait... :p

Just saw a post on Colonial Fleets from spcglider (Gordon) with great news. :)
<div class='quotetop'></div>
If you've just ordered a kit and Michael isn't doing a build-up for you, you should be getting your kit in the same shipment as the rest of the pre-orders as far as I know.

I just got Michael's canopy mold this morning. I made the necessary modifications and now i am casting copies as quickly as possible to help him get the orders filled.

As soon as I have all the canopies cast and rough-trimmed (probably by the end of this wek), I will pack them up with the cannons and ship them to Michael who will complete his part sets with them and hopefully get them shipped asap.

I know you guys are all waiting patiently for your kits... and for that we thank you. I'm waiting for my kit too... :ugh:

-Gordon
[/b]
Things are looking well. :D
[/b][/quote]


Any updates?
[/b][/quote]
Yes. B)
I'll be updating everyone of you guys and dolls, here and at the Colonial Fleets tomorrow on where we are at with this, and how I intend to bring closure so that you all can get your viper. I owe you all an apology for all of the setbacks and delays that life has thrown towards me. ;)
Will shoot you all a message sometime tomorrow.
For now, I've got to pass out.
 
<span style="font-family:Impact">Viper Kit Update

Okay, first of all I want to thank all of the new friends we have made through this project, all of you, near and far. From right here in America, all the way to Austrailia and England. We love you and have enjoyed getting to know you, and talking to you personally. I also appreciate all of the e-mails and am very greatful for all of the faith and friendly support you have given me. I also want to thank all of you for the kind letters regarding the passing of my best friend, ven though some of them did not get replies, they are none the less dearly remembered and were of great value to me in that period of greif.
As of this moment, I have not heard one complaint out of any of you, with the exception of some jerks in Calif. but that is a forgotten and wasted moment.
You all have every right to feel just tired of waiting and anxious, if you do, concerning the shipment of your kit, or kits. I want you to know that we honestly feel that too. We are tired and angry, because of one thing or another going wrong, or holding the project back from shipping, I wish like hell I had'nt given all of you a shipping time, and then again another shipping time, until I was certain and had everything together and ready to go to the post office. I'm very sorry, from the bottom of my heart, that I misled anyone of you, and feel very bad about it. I really am bothered by this, and feel I must make it up to you all, and in one way or another, I will. That I can promise.
What happened? This is the question that you are all wondering and wanting to ask, but have not. This lets me know that you have faith in me and my professionalism, and I will reward that by telling you all the truth.
When I last had promised on the threads that we were about to ship, we had recieved the final batch of silicone to mold the final parts and all was proceeding well. I was excited about finally being finished and shipping these and was sure that all wuld be well. Then the molds for the canopy and guns did not turn out well, and we were forced to find a trustworthy pro that would assist us in correcting this problem, and in turn also would produce better castings of the parts. I turned to (Spcglider) as you all know and we are all fond of, to help. He did, and it was like I knew it would be, he did a terrific job molding the parts and then he even went so far as to cast many pieces of each. Thank You Gordon.
All was well, and I just knew you all were going to be surprised soon to find your kits in the mail delivery. But once again, something went wrong. And it has delayed us for over a week. Gordon accidentally, I must add, placed an incorrect zip code on the package. And it is lost in the mail system somewhere. One would think surely that the post office would take a look at the address and get it sent to the proper location. But they have yet to correct this. Gordon and I both are waiting, and I have discussed the problem with the post office, and have kept in touch with Gordon, and he has assured me, again today, that it will come back to him, or to me, one or the other. As soon as this package gets to me, this is what will happen, I will gather all the kits, box them and ship them that day, and confirm with everyone, that their order has shipped. And then we can rejoice.
I will ask all of you, to please be patient a little longer, and your wait will be rewarded. I'm certain that this will be resolved soon, and will keep after it until you all have your vipers. That you can trust. The wait will soon be over.
Let me also say that if you have any questions, regarding this issue, or any other about the viper, shoot the questions to me here and now and I'll be more than happy to put your minds at ease with a quick reply.
You all have my home e-mail, and my number. Don't hesitate to call if you need to.
Because of the nature of the project, it has been quite an out of the pocket expense to produce. And thanks to Tom Desanto for being a friend and helping me to produce a great number of kits soon to find their way to you all.
I want to say this, please be patient, you will get your kits. That is definate. We all have not gone through this production for nothing rest assured.
Thank You All. </span>
 
Considering all that you have gone through,.. a wrong zip code seems kind of amusing. LOL.

Thanks for the update Michael.
 
<div class='quotetop'>(Kuhn Global @ Jun 3 2006, 08:56 AM) [snapback]1255435[/snapback]</div>
Looks like this has turned into my thread alone. LOL.[/b]

Not anymore.

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It's my thread now...MINE I SAY... B) LOL.[/b]

" Great...now there are TWO of them. "



This thread has been an interesting read. I'm anxious to see the completed results once some of yas gets your vipers.
 
<div class='quotetop'>(Hand Solo @ Jun 20 2006, 09:39 AM) [snapback]1264484[/snapback]</div>
<div class='quotetop'>(Kuhn Global @ Jun 3 2006, 08:56 AM) [snapback]1255435[/snapback]
Looks like this has turned into my thread alone. LOL.[/b]

Not anymore.

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It's my thread now...MINE I SAY... B) LOL.[/b]

" Great...now there are TWO of them. "



This thread has been an interesting read. I'm anxious to see the completed results once some of yas gets your vipers.
[/b][/quote]
Yup, it's been an interesting journey into the world of B.S.. B)
But it's about over.
Nice to meet you...Hand Solo.
 
^ Howdy BlueSquad.

What project doesn't have setbacks and difficulties?

It'll happen. And I'm sure everyone will be proud of the results. Sorry to hear about your best friend...
 
Hi there Michael, I hope you can look back at this project and get a little chuckle out of this, once it's finally over. :) (with the exception of Lucky that is). It really has been a wild ride. Are you really ready to go through this again with the Raider...? :D
No worries though, we know we'll get them.. And I can't wait.....well I guess I can but ya know what I mean... :p . The way things have been going you should probably verify everyones address again once the kits are ready....just to play it safe.....you seem to have a gremlin working against you.. :lol

Best,
Chris
 
<div class='quotetop'>(Hand Solo @ Jun 20 2006, 09:54 AM) [snapback]1264495[/snapback]</div>
^ Howdy BlueSquad.

What project doesn't have setbacks and difficulties?

It'll happen. And I'm sure everyone will be proud of the results. Sorry to hear about your best friend...
[/b]
I really appreciate that you took the time and thought to respond, and you are very welcome here on this thread and I need support like yours, it fuels me and that is important to an artist. :thumbsup
We are so egotistical and arrogant. LOL... And ANAL. I'm so screwed. :p
Thank You Hand, ....uh that sounded weird. :confused
 
<div class='quotetop'>(Dobber @ Jun 20 2006, 11:24 AM) [snapback]1264529[/snapback]</div>
Hi there Michael, I hope you can look back at this project and get a little chuckle out of this, once it's finally over. :) (with the exception of Lucky that is). It really has been a wild ride. Are you really ready to go through this again with the Raider...? :D
No worries though, we know we'll get them.. And I can't wait.....well I guess I can but ya know what I mean... :p . The way things have been going you should probably verify everyones address again once the kits are ready....just to play it safe.....you seem to have a gremlin working against you.. :lol

Best,
Chris
[/b]
Thank You Dobber. I just read this to Terri and she said that was very nice of you. :thumbsup
Thank You for mentioning Lucky. He was very important to me in this project and was there physically, watching with amazement through the whole process. Even though after his passing, when we were at his reception, I met tons of his acquaintences that I never had before, and they all approached me, I guess they recognised me from Lucky's description of me. Any way, they said you have got to be Michael. Lucky has told us how awesomely talented you are and he believed in you more than himself. He was so f*#@in' proud of how fast and far you have come, compared to when you guys first met. He was so excited that you would be taking him with you, and said you were above and beyond what we understand to be a friend.
Well, I wish that he was still here, but he's not.
I always believed in Slash's outgoing philosophy of, "Keep it going once you've started, and share a ride with everybody." Life, what a sweet sweet drug. I surely would have had him by my side, and took him along. Once I got him to L.A. and all of the conventions we're about to do with Tom DeSanto and Richard Hatch, he definately would have made an energetic impression.
I don't know why I went off like this, but my thoughts wandered because you mentioned Lucky, and I just started to remember.
Here's an image of him when he had discovered that after so many years of being so close and best friends, that I was also a sculptor. LOL. He just could'nt put down that sulpt of Batman that I was doing. He must have held it and looked at it for over 30min. B)
154hzpz.jpg

154is8l.jpg

154itxh.jpg
 
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