Once you get the new box running, then it becomes a question of finding all your data, unscrambling files and getting it working. That in itself ain't easy when some of the programs won't work because they were designed to run on Windows 98SE and the new box is XP Pro.  All I have to say about that mess is thank God I wasn't dealing with Vista!

The final insult was a brand new printer in a sealed factory box that already had the supplied ink cartridges out of their sealed package and installed in the printer!  So back the printer goes for exchange.  Only problem was that they didn't have another of the same kind.  After about thirty or forty minutes of them looking and me alternating between whining and threatening, they came up with one that had been on the shelf for a year or so.  Not the same one, of course, but still not bad when you consider that it used the same cartridges as my original purchase, carried a list price of $200 and was still a photo quality printer.  The computer gods finally smiled on me when they checked the price.  Their computer (and this time I loved their computer) said the price was $39.95.  Who am I to argue at this point?  I took it, along with a refund for the difference, and bolted for the door.

The bottom line is this:  The last three or four weeks has been a total loss, but I finally have a computer system again.  Still chasing files, info and emails, some of which I will probably never be able to recover.  And with my luck, what I can't recover will very likely be something critical that I absolutely, positively can't do without.

Now all I have to do is get caught up.  Again. 

Despite being arguably the best known ship in recorded history, there have been precious few models of Noah's Ark, never mind a quality injected styrene kit.  Now, thanks to Minicraft Models, there is one.  Produced to "cubit scale", the box states that the finished model is 1/350th actual size, given the finished model's length of over 18 1/2".

No one knows what the Ark actually looked like, but the split hull, interior detail and construction options incorporated in this kit makes it suitable for use as a teaching aid in children's Sunday School classes. Or, if you prefer, a very interesting conversation piece when displayed on your bookcase. Price? $79.95. 

Those of you whose primary interests lie with railroading, both prototype and modelwise, should have seen the Summer 2008 issue of Historic Rail hit your mailbox by now.  If not, call the number you see at the bottom of the photo and get on their mailing list.

This issue contains 64 pages crammed to the gills with models, art prints, videos, DVDs, T-shirts and other types of merchandise.  I'm not about to tell you what all's inside because that'd take all the fun away from you.  Just get your hands on a copy and enjoy.  Incidentally, if you don't have one yet, you can download a PDF copy from their website. 

Are you having trouble jumping back and forth from one scale to another.  Do you need to convert 32nd scale dimensions to 48th or even 1/220th?  This Guide from The Modeler's Weapons Shop will solve your problems.  Now available as an immediate download in PDF format, it's an even better buy then it was before.  By downloading, you save the $3.00 shipping charge, reducing your cost to only $3.99. 

The Modeler's Weapons Shop

Available in three sizes, each size comes as either a two-pack, three-pack or  assortment containing one of each.  Priced at $3.95 & $4.95. 

Next is a line of unfinished Walnut wood bases, ranging in size from  2" x  2"  to  8"  x  10" and in a choice of three edge finishes.  You can get them  sanded and clear coated for a 50% premium.  If you don't find the size you need, custom bases can be produced for you.  Prices range from $.99 to $9.49 plus shipping.