Thursday, September 3, 2009

A Busy Week

Hi Guys,

Just a quick blog tonight. It's been a busy week for me. My son Cooper, now 15, started school on Monday. Turns out that this first week was testing for many of the classes. Cooper only has one class, and it is over by 11AM. So, between chauffeur and dad duties (OK, so I like to spend time with him!), the days have gone quickly. Next week returns to normal.

This week, I have been chasing the many details that need to happen now in order to get the new project up and running, so that "Product X" can debut on time in November at Scale Modelworld in the UK. This project has turned out to be more involved and complex than I originally thought. The good news is that after a lot of scrambling this week, I think I have gotten most everything rolling that needs to be rolling at this point.

Being a new venture, there is much to learn. So far so good. I am feeling confident that everything will go as planned, and that the deadlines will all be met.

On top of that, I am hoping to get the next batch of decals off to the printer shortly. For those who have been asking, yes, the P-40 sheets will be reduced to 1/48th and 1/72nd scales. New sheets will also be run, but I'm not ready to divulge them just yet. I would like to give you a hint about one of the subjects, but the thought of it makes the coarse hair on the back of my neck stand up. No hints.... nope. Not gonna do it!

Tonight, I am off to the Greasy Gourmet, to have a late dinner with some of my local modeling friends. I have not forgotten about the promised build article on the Spitfire HF VII. I will post the second installment by Saturday. "Sure you are! This is me holding my breath!" I can hear you all saying. Not that I blame you.

Back to work.

Happy modelling. Roy



Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Barracuda Studios moving in new directions!




Hi Guys,

Time for an update from Barracuda Studios. "Barracuda Studios?" you ask in an unnaturally high, slightly incredulous voice. You clear your throat, and then add, in a more natural tone (actually deeper than usual, to make up for the first somewhat squeaky utterance) "What's that?"

BarracudaCals is a product line of the company properly referred to as Barracuda Studios. This line of decals was launched back on December of 2008. Not content to let sleeping dogs lie (who are they lying to anyway, what are they lying about, and who would even hear them when they are sleeping?), we are expanding out horizons.

We are proud to announce a new line of resin detail sets, to be called BarracudaCast. They are not ready for sale yet, but will be soon.

Now, some will say "Why not stick with Cooper Details?" There are a number of reasons. Some are personal, some logistical, but the most important is to unify the product lines. I have spent many years establishing Cooper Details as a line synonymous with quality. I am proud of the line, but the time has come for a change. A new start. A new hope. Help me Obi Wan Kenobi. You're my only...

Cooper Details is now BarracudaCast. BarracudaCast - Cooper Details. Hope that isn't too confusing. I will make sure that fact is covered in reviews until the new line is established. The line will launch in October some time, and will feature some of the old Cooper Details line, renumbered and in new packaging, as well as new sets. Watch the major modelling websites and our own website for announcements.

Pretty exciting, huh? No? Old news to you? OK, Mr. jaded modeler... well, here's something that you didn't know. Barracuda Studios will be launching yet another line at the UK Nationals in Telford. Get your tastebuds ready for BarracudaCandy! Yes, tender morsels of Blackfin Barracuda fillets covered in the finest Swiss dark chocolate and topped with coconut. Mmmmm... fish and chocolate. OK, that's not true. Or even the slightest bit appetizing.

The first release in this new line will be announced sometime in October, once I am sure it will be ready for the show. I am sure it will be an exciting addition to the growing world of BarracudaCrap for you to buy. I must be in a good mood. This entry is considerably more odd and sarcastic than most.

The UK show will feature the debut of a number of new resin sets from BarracudaCast, new decals from BarracudaCals, and the surprise launch of the new line. I'm looking forward to this show. Its always a lot of fun.

I now return you you to your regularly scheduled life, already in progress.

Happy modelling! Roy

PS. With a few simple clicks down in the Followers area in the right margin, you can become a follower . This only means that you will receive email notifications of new posts, and not that you have joined a strange cult where we chant strange incantations while wearing optivisors and drink decal setting solutions (don't try this at home... or at work or anywhere, really. It tastes really bad, and is probably not at all good for you).