Pellet Guns

I have always had a thing for air rifles from shooting in the backyard, my indoor range in the garage or starting the kids out on safety, control, aiming etc. Pistols as well but there are more options and more capacity in the rifle category for sure.

Recently, I got back into it after a break and one of springers, actually my best springer, did not survive the hiatus that well. I started looking at options as I actually wanted to move up to a better rifle anyway but compressed air. I looking at my options, the single pump air springs, Nitro springs, etc had really improved since the last time time I was looking at them.

I am thinking I am about to buy another gun. I will post the links here as a research tool and book mark location for the guns and info I access.

Here is info on the Air Spring/Gas Ram/Nitro Piston Technology

http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2005/11/what-is-a-gas-ram-airgun/

A few words about gas rams, gas springs, and Nitro Piston

I am currently shoorting this one: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/682505/stoeger-atac-suppressor-air-rifle-black-synthetic-stock-black-barrel-with-4-16x40mm-scope

Here are the main resellers and manufacture sites I used so far in my search

http://www.pyramydair.com/a/Air_guns/Air_rifles/Gas_spring/372/loudness_3/calibers_0_22?orderBy=price_asc
http://www.midwayusa.com/gas-piston/br?cid=23245
http://www.airgundepot.com/remington-nitro-piston-air-rifle-sale.html
http://www.pyramydair.com/a/Air_guns/Air_rifles/Gas_spring/372
http://www.airgundepot.com/remington-nitro-piston-air-rifle-sale.html#sort=salepriceasc
http://www.midwayusa.com/gas-piston/br?cid=23245&sortBy=3&itemsPerPage=40
http://usa.stoegerairguns.com/

Here are the guns I am researching broke down by price range

$150 or less
$140 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1375509253/crosman-genesis-nitro-piston-break-barrel-air-rifle-wood-stock-matte-barrel-with-centerpoint-scope-3-9x-32mm-matte
http://www.crosman.com/genesis-np-1
$139/149 http://www.airgundepot.com/benjamin-titan-air-rifle.html
$139 http://www.airgundepot.com/beeman-grizzly-x2-air-rifle-combo.html
$99 http://www.airgundepot.com/crosman-shockwave-air-rifle.html
$119 http://www.airgundepot.com/crosman-phantom-np-air-rifle-22-caliber.html
$149 http://www.airgundepot.com/ruger-yukon-np.html#item-specs-container
$130 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Crosman-Nitro-Venom-Dusk-NP-.22-Air-Rifle-with-Scope/16536075?action=product_interest&action_type=title&item_id=16536075&placement_id=irs-106-m3&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id&category=&client_guid=3ce12037-b3ac-4cc3-8de0-6f60afe5756a&customer_id_enc&config_id=106&parent_item_id=25174756&parent_anchor_item_id=25174756&guid=094121f3-d7ff-44f2-a804-599b6cb22cfb&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n
$149 http://www.airgundepot.com/benjamin-titan-xs-air-rifle.html
$129 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/721311/crosman-fury-nitro-piston-break-barrel-air-rifle-177-caliber-pellet-black-synthetic-stock-matte-barrel-with-4x32mm-scope
$129 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/876789/benjamin-prowler-nitro-piston-air-rifle-177-caliber-black-synthetic-stock-blued-barrel-with-4x-32mm-scope
$144 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/681443/beeman-grizzly-x2-gas-ram-air-rifle-177-and-22-caliber-pellet-hardwood-stock-black-barrel-with-4×32-scope
$110-149 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2083851792/benjamin-titan-nitro-piston-break-barrel-air-rifle-with-centerpoint-scope-4x-32mm-matte
$99 http://www.airgundepot.com/crosman-fury-air-rifle.html
$149 http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Beeman_Gas_Ram_Dual_Caliber_Air_Rifle/3620
$89 http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Crosman_Vantage_Breakbarrel_Air_Rifle/1789
$109 http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Crosman_Vantage_Air_Rifle_With_Nitro_Piston/2806
$119 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1375156916/crosman-shockwave-nitro-piston-break-barrel-air-rifle-pellet-black-synthetic-stock-matte-barrel-with-centerpoint-scope-4x-32mm-matte
$146 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/446831/crosman-tr77-nitro-piston-tactical-break-barrel-air-rifle-177-caliber-pellet-black-synthetic-stock-overmolded-matte-barrel-with-4x32mm-scope
$219 http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Ruger_Yukon_Air_Rifle_Combo_Gas_Piston/3102
$149 http://www.airgundepot.com/crosman-mtr77-nitro-piston-scoped-air-rifle.html

$150-250
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1375226736/crosman-nitro-piston-venom-dusk-break-barrel-air-rifle-matte-barrel-with-3-9x-32mm-scope
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1375372781/crosman-nitro-piston-venom-dusk-break-barrel-air-rifle-brown-hardwood-stock-matte-barrel-with-3-9x-32mm-scope
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/425485/benjamin-titan-nitro-piston-break-barrel-air-rifle-177-caliber-pellet-hardwood-stock-matte-barrel-with-4x-32mm-scope
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Crosman-Nitro-Venom-NP-.22-Air-Rifle-with-Scope/16536078?action=product_interest&action_type=title&item_id=16536078&placement_id=irs-106-m3&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id&category=&client_guid=3ce12037-b3ac-4cc3-8de0-6f60afe5756a&customer_id_enc&config_id=106&parent_item_id=25174756&parent_anchor_item_id=25174756&guid=094121f3-d7ff-44f2-a804-599b6cb22cfb&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/3508664979/hatsan-model-95-vortex-piston-combo-break-action-air-rifle-pellet-walnut-stock-black-barrel-with-3-9×32-optima-scope-black
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2083782987/benjamin-summit-nitro-piston-2-air-rifle-pellet-black-synthetic-stock-black-barrel-with-4x32mm-scope
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Beeman_Gas_Ram_Dual_Caliber_Air_Rifle/3620
http://www.airgundepot.com/crosman-nitro-venom-dusk-air-rifle-177.html
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/682505/stoeger-atac-suppressor-air-rifle-black-synthetic-stock-black-barrel-with-4-16x40mm-scope
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1725131878/gamo-silent-stalker-whisper-inert-gas-technology-igt-pellet-air-rifle-black-synthetic-stock-fluted-polymer-jacketed-steel-barrel-with-gamo-airgun-scope-3-9x-40mm-matte
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Stoeger_ATAC_Suppressor_Gas_Ram_Air_Rifle/3042

http://www.airgundepot.com/stoeger-atac-suppressor-gas-ram-air-rifle-22-cal.html
http://www.airgundepot.com/stoeger-atac-suppressor-gas-ram-air-rifle-177-cal.html

http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Ruger_Yukon_Air_Rifle_Combo_Gas_Piston/3102
$164 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Benjamin-397-.177-Air-Rifle/8586191?action=product_interest&action_type=title&item_id=8586191&placement_id=irs-2-m3&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id&category=&client_guid=b9f1f691-ed61-4966-bd0a-8bc4c7766483&customer_id_enc&config_id=2&parent_item_id=5420297&parent_anchor_item_id=5420297&guid=1e5cdc91-354a-41c8-80f5-f81aee5e8386&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n

$250 or higher
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Benjamin_Trail_NP2_Rifle_Camo_Combo/3698
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Benjamin-Trail-Nitro-Piston-XL-1100-.22-Caliber-Air-Rifle/16536065
$259 http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Benjamin_Discovery_Air_Rifle/1543
http://www.crosman.com/benjamin-discovery-22
$367 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Benjamin-Discovery-.177-PCP-Air-Rifle-Kit-with-Pump/19426362?action=product_interest&action_type=title&item_id=19426362&placement_id=irs-106-t1&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id&category=&client_guid=d0cf4917-fc3d-4969-b845-91ce5bd62bd7&customer_id_enc&config_id=106&parent_item_id=14234837&parent_anchor_item_id=14234837&guid=f4a83e12-d6bc-4b7b-a6b8-d90783009313&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n

Pellets and Accessories
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/110904/crosman-premier-ultra-magnum-airgun-pellets-177-caliber-105-grain-round-nose-tin-of-500

http://www.airgundepot.com/airguns-accessories.html
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Crosman-Varmint-Target-Block/10248636?action=product_interest&action_type=title&item_id=10248636&placement_id=irs-2-m3&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id&category=&client_guid=78b0b951-6b1c-4c35-a782-45ed96ae4208&customer_id_enc&config_id=2&parent_item_id=21311836&parent_anchor_item_id=21311836&guid=34112c94-5bd4-4475-9fb5-db1382a13cee&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Air-Strike-Pellet-Trap/17617514?action=product_interest&action_type=title&item_id=17617514&placement_id=irs-2-m3&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id&category=&client_guid=78b0b951-6b1c-4c35-a782-45ed96ae4208&customer_id_enc&config_id=2&parent_item_id=21311836&parent_anchor_item_id=21311836&guid=34112c94-5bd4-4475-9fb5-db1382a13cee&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n

WAAAM – Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum

Another post in discovering weekend and day trip adventures near home.

What a great local spot for a day trip with wife or family? I discovered paper card models a few years back. This would be a great chance to get to see some of the old planes and cars in real life that I am trying to model. These are real working machines from a time long ago. They have scheduled Fly In’s when people fly in in their vintage crafts. Check them out. I know I am going to.

http://www.waaamuseum.org/

Retro Arcade Linux Puppy Style

Of the many things I find interesting in Linux is a distro devoted to classic arcade games. There are more than one but Puppy seems to have a really good one that can run from a thumb drive or on a Raspberry Pi.

I will develop this article around checking them out,

Install Puppy Arcade to a Flash Drive from Windows

https://code.google.com/p/groovyarcade/

http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/2014/04/puppy-arcade-11-portable-retrogaming.html

http://www.linuxvoice.com/arcade-machine/

https://www.gamingonlinux.com/articles/puppy-arcade-retro-gaming-live-cd.3205

Are You a Happy Person?

Some people are happy people and some are not and it does not seem to be tied to their circumstances. It seems to be tied to the people themseleves. What is that makes the difference? I found a post that I thinks answers some of these differences.

22 Things Happy People Do Differently

Posted on April 9, 2013This article is from Chiara Fucarino. Enjoy!

There are two types of people in the world: those who choose to be happy, and those who

choose to be unhappy. Contrary to popular belief, happiness doesn’t come from fame, fortune, other people, or material possessions. Rather, it comes from within. The richest person in the world could be miserable while a homeless person could be right outside, smiling and content with their life. Happy people are happy because they make themselves happy. They maintain a positive outlook on life and remain at peace with themselves.

The question is: how do they do that?

It’s quite simple. Happy people have good habits that enhance their lives. They do things differently. Ask any happy person, and they will tell you that they …

1. Don’t hold grudges.

Happy people understand that it’s better to forgive and forget than to let their negative feelings crowd out their positive feelings. Holding a grudge has a lot of detrimental effects on your wellbeing, including increased depression, anxiety, and stress. Why let anyone who has wronged you have power over you? If you let go of all your grudges, you’ll gain a clear conscience and enough energy to enjoy the good things in life.

2. Treat everyone with kindness.

Did you know that it has been scientifically proven that being kind makes you happier? Every time you perform a selfless act, your brain produces serotonin, a hormone that eases tension and lifts your spirits. Not only that, but treating people with love, dignity, and respect also allows you to build stronger relationships.

3. See problems as challenges.

The word “problem” is never part of a happy person’s vocabulary. A problem is viewed as a drawback, a struggle, or an unstable situation while a challenge is viewed as something positive like an opportunity, a task, or a dare. Whenever you face an obstacle, try looking at it as a challenge.

4. Express gratitude for what they already have.

There’s a popular saying that goes something like this: “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.” You will have a deeper sense of contentment if you count your blessings instead of yearning for what you don’t have.

5. Dream big.

People who get into the habit of dreaming big are more likely to accomplish their goals than those who don’t. If you dare to dream big, your mind will put itself in a focused and positive state.

6. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Happy people ask themselves, “Will this problem matter a year from now?” They understand that life’s too short to get worked up over trivial situations. Letting things roll off your back will definitely put you at ease to enjoy the more important things in life.

7. Speak well of others.

Being nice feels better than being mean. As fun as gossiping is, it usually leaves you feeling guilty and resentful. Saying nice things about other people encourages you to think positive, non-judgmental thoughts.

8. Never make excuses.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” Happy people don’t make excuses or blame others for their own failures in life. Instead, they own up to their mistakes and, by doing so, they proactively try to change for the better.

9. Get absorbed into the present.

Happy people don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. They savor the present. They let themselves get immersed in whatever they’re doing at the moment. Stop and smell the roses.

10. Wake up at the same time every morning.

Have you noticed that a lot of successful people tend to be early risers? Waking up at the same time every morning stabilizes your circadian rhythm, increases productivity, and puts you in a calm and centered state.

11. Avoid social comparison.

Everyone works at his own pace, so why compare yourself to others? If you think you’re better than someone else, you gain an unhealthy sense of superiority. If you think someone else is better than you, you end up feeling bad about yourself. You’ll be happier if you focus on your own progress and praise others on theirs.

12. Choose friends wisely.

Misery loves company. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with optimistic people who will encourage you to achieve your goals. The more positive energy you have around you, the better you will feel about yourself.

13. Never seek approval from others.

Happy people don’t care what others think of them. They follow their own hearts without letting naysayers discourage them. They understand that it’s impossible to please everyone. Listen to what people have to say, but never seek anyone’s approval but your own.

14. Take the time to listen.

Talk less; listen more. Listening keeps your mind open to others’ wisdoms and outlooks on the world. The more intensely you listen, the quieter your mind gets, and the more content you feel.

15. Nurture social relationships.

A lonely person is a miserable person. Happy people understand how important it is to have strong, healthy relationships. Always take the time to see and talk to your family, friends, or significant other.

16. Meditate.

Meditating silences your mind and helps you find inner peace. You don’t have to be a zen master to pull it off. Happy people know how to silence their minds anywhere and anytime they need to calm their nerves.

17. Eat well.

Junk food makes you sluggish, and it’s difficult to be happy when you’re in that kind of state. Everything you eat directly affects your body’s ability to produce hormones, which will dictate your moods, energy, and mental focus. Be sure to eat foods that will keep your mind and body in good shape.

18. Exercise.

Studies have shown that exercise raises happiness levels just as much as Zoloft does. Exercising also boosts your self-esteem and gives you a higher sense of self-accomplishment.

19. Live minimally.

Happy people rarely keep clutter around the house because they know that extra belongings weigh them down and make them feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Some studies have concluded that Europeans are a lot happier than Americans are, which is interesting because they live in smaller homes, drive simpler cars, and own fewer items.

20. Tell the truth.

Lying stresses you out, corrodes your self-esteem, and makes you unlikeable. The truth will set you free. Being honest improves your mental health and builds others’ trust in you. Always be truthful, and never apologize for it.

21. Establish personal control.

Happy people have the ability to choose their own destinies. They don’t let others tell them how they should live their lives. Being in complete control of one’s own life brings positive feelings and a great sense of self-worth.

22. Accept what cannot be changed.

Once you accept the fact that life is not fair, you’ll be more at peace with yourself. Instead of obsessing over how unfair life is, just focus on what you can control and change it for the better.

Have you found true happiness in your life? What makes you happy? Share, comment, and be happy with your beautiful life.

http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/22-things-happy-people-do-differently/

Homebuilt Wooden Boat

I am in the process of building my first wooden boat with my son. It is a solo canoe using the free Stitch and Glue plywood method and plans for the Cinderella.

Here are other links I found later….

http://forum.woodenboat.com/archive/index.php/t-98643.html
http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=774135

http://shantyboatliving.com/2011/free-plans-2-sheet-rowboatcanoe/
http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?117707-Little-Guide-a-one-sheet-canoe
http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?117707-Little-Guide-a-one-sheet-canoe&highlight=

http://www.bandbyachtdesigns.com/mocci.htm
http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?159619-May-I-introduce-you-to-the-Flywood-Family

Click to access ccanoeUS.PDF

18′ Canoe from single sheet of plywood

http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?165793-Plywood-Canoe-Concept-Birchbark-Style
http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?166618-looking-for-plans-for-a-solo-plywood-canoe
http://flo-mo.weebly.com/two-sheet-boats.html
http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?158400-The-Ultimate-One-Sheet-Boat
http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?158400-The-Ultimate-One-Sheet-Boat
http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/03/r/columns/welsford/011/john.htm
http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?42816-Stitch-amp-glue-with-polyester
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/gavin/cinderella/
http://www.woodworkforums.com/archive/index.php/t-114816.html
http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/archives.htm

Here are other links that contain other info.

http://www.makeacanoe.com/opencanoesupto15.htm#CHRISTINE

http://www.makeacanoe.com/index.htm

http://www.makeacanoe.com/opencanoesupto15.htm

http://www.makeacanoe.com/opencanoesupto15.htm

http://www.makeacanoe.com/motorcanoes.htm

http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?18033-osprey-glue-and-stitch

http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?27398-Lightweight-solo-stitch-and-glue-canoe-recommendation

http://www.makeamodelboat.com/model-boat-plans/model-canoes/christine-canoe

http://substantialorganization029.wordpress.com/2014/07/12/diy-canoe-plans-easy-pdf-download/

Alan Stancombe builds his second Cinderella – and does a super job

http://www.boatdesigns.com/Human-Power/departments/8/

http://www.glen-l.com/designs/canu-row/pirogue.html

http://www.selway-fisher.com/Opcan16.htm

http://www.selway-fisher.com/Opcan15.htm#SHER

http://www.selway-fisher.com/Opcan15.htm#HER

http://www.selway-fisher.com/Opcan15.htm#HAZELNUT

http://www.makeamodelboat.com/

http://www.devlinboat.com/stitchandglue.php

http://www.storerboatplans.com/Eureka/Eurekacanoes.html

Free boat plans

Alan Stancombe builds his second Cinderella – and does a super job

http://www.storerboatplans.com/Eureka/Eurekacanoespage2.html

http://christinedemerchant.com/free-canoe-kayak-boat-plans.html

http://forum.woodenboat.com/archive/index.php/t-98643.html

Alan Stancombe makes a nice job of his Cinderella open canoe Marie Rose

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/r/plansindex/canoe.htm

A Cinderella canoe adapted for rowing

http://forum.woodenboat.com/archive/index.php/t-98643.html

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/07/projects/cinderella/index.htm

http://www.tdem.co.nz/links/free-boat-plans

http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?8544-The-most-rediculous-build-i-can-think-of!!!

http://christinedemerchant.com/free-canoe-kayak-boat-plans.html

http://sitevelocitytest.com/free/free-canoe-plans.html

http://www.bateau2.com/free/cheapcanoe.htm

http://www.paddling.net/message/showThread.html?fid=advice&tid=1512989

http://home.clara.net/gmatkin/design.htm

http://sandypointboatworks.com/boatstore/canoe-plans

http://heirloomkayak.com/

http://www.bearmountainboats.com/130-rob-roy/

http://sandypointboatworks.com/boatstore/canoe-plans

http://www.greenval.com/

Click to access catalogue_kits.pdf

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/r/plansindex/canoe.htm

http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/boat-plans/stitch-and-glue-boat-plans/skerry-rowing-sailing-dinghy-kit.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_MacGregor_%28sportsman%29

———————————–

8.7.14 Update

So we still working on his and about to start mine. I wanted to include some additional links and even some to fun reading.

http://www.wcha.org/literature/perfect/  .. Funny dated read but very funny if y0u are in to canoes.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/40238/40238-h/40238-h.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_MacGregor_%28sportsman%29

http://www.wcha.org/literature.php

I am going with the Rob Roy canoe and plans: http://www.boatdesigns.com/14-5-Rob-Roy-SG-canoe/products/182/

They have already been ordered and I am waiting on them to arrive.

This is  a link to one of the most beautiful canoes but not one I am ready to even consider building.
http://www.woodenboat.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/boat_launchings/Bradley_5_02.jpg?itok=Efqo4XKz
http://www.woodenboat.com/launchings/unnamed-canoe-5

http://kevinmartin.wcha.org/robroy.php

http://www.pittsfordlumber.com/Pittsford-Lumber/boats-canoes-and-kayaks.html

http://www.gaboats.com/boats/snowshoe12.html

http://www.noahsmarine.com/United_States/Strip_Canoes-us/Canoe_Plans-us/canoe_plans-us.html

Your Home from Scratch #4: Andrea’s Custom Vanity

http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/boat-plans/canoe-plans/sassafras-16-stitch-and-glue-canoe-kit.html

http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/boat-plans/canoe-plans/nymph-strip-planked-pack-canoe.html

http://www.clcboats.com/shop/?type=kp

http://www.makeacanoe.com/opencanoesupto15.htm#CHRISTINE

Next I need to start looking at ways to stow them. I have a royal-x Bell that is just sitting out and I need to fix this and we are about to have two more boats to store as well. Here are some links to canoe storage solutions. I should make this its on post someday.

http://www.trails.com/how_10944_build-canoe-rack.html

http://www.theclassicarchives.com/how-to-guides/free-canoe-boat-rack-wood-plans

http://www.ehow.com/way_5664193_diy-plan-wooden-canoe-rack.html

http://www.trails.com/how_34531_diy-plan-wooden-canoe-rack.html

Sailing and sail plans:

http://www.thecheappages.com/tiphys/Practical_5.html

Paper Card Modeling, making models and memories!

There is a cheap and historically interesting way to make models. It is using graphics that are printed on card stock and then cut out and folded and glued to assemble the model. These models can be of anything. It is part puzzle and all fun. It is cheap and can be done by anyone and anywhere. They are of vehicles, buildings, air and water craft as well as figurines of animals, people or more.

Some are actually considered toys as they are functional and actually fly or have moving parts.  Here are some links to sites that I like for this recreational and interesting hobby. I put these here for myself as a way to keep track of them as well as others.  Enjoy and go check them out! Many even have free samples that are really fun to start with.

Of course there is wikipedia. You have to look there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_model

On of the many commercial sites that I have visited is Fiddler’s Green. It is a community of modelers and designers who love the hobby have a lot of fun at it. They have a lot of interesting information on the models they have. There is usually information on the model subject and its historical and social significance and also often on the model designer as well. That part is almost more fun that the modeling.

https://www.fiddlersgreen.net/

http://www.papermodeldownload.com/

http://www.papermodelhouses.com/

http://www.papermodeldownload.com/home/product-splash-stub/

http://www.ecardmodels.com/index.php/free-models.html

http://www.cardmodelers.org/download.html

http://www.scalemodelnews.com/2009/05/free-card-models-to-download-from.html

http://www.cardfaq.org/faq/freeb.html

http://www.cardfaq.org/faq/

http://www.ecardmodels.com/

http://www.papermodelers.com/forum/card-models/

http://www.currell.net/models/

http://www.currell.net/models/mod_free.htm

http://www.zealot.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=633

http://www.cardmodelers.org/

http://www.bobscardmodels.net76.net/

http://www.paper-replika.com/index.php?option=com_alphacontent&section=10&Itemid=169

http://www.cardmodels.info/

http://www.grubby-fingers-aircraft-illustration.com/card_models.html

http://www.freerails.com/view_topic.php?id=3706

http://www.kbismarck.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1394

http://www.paperpanzer.co.uk/Links/Site%20Links.htm

http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/modeling/card-models-free-downloads-31502.html

http://www.cardmodels.info/free-models/

They are often used in other games and hobbies. Some are used in historical games, some in fantasy games and many are used to establish scenery on model railroads.
http://winterof79.blogspot.com/2012/04/free-c20th-download-and-print-buildings.html

http://www.papercraftsquare.com/douglas-dc-6b-water-bomber-free-aircraft-card-model-download.html

http://www.largescaleplanes.com/Photostory/JimMerrigan/Paper/Paper.php

http://www.scalemodelnews.com/2013/03/free-models-on-offer-from-ecard-models.html

http://www.tomtom-net.de/resources/cardmodel/cardmodel_f.htm

http://tektonten.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html

http://www.outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=2032

http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=29587&start=525

http://www.papermodelers.com/forum/aviation/5476-my-dga-models-1-200-a-13.html

There thousands more pages and places on the internet to find information and sources of files to print and model. Some are very basic and the result of unskilled designers and some is amazing as to the detail you can get out of a piece of paper.  No matter what you are interested in, take a look. My grand daughter still has the first models we did and talks about them often!  Make a memory for someone special!

All roads lead to adventure on the Nehalem River

A campground set amid an old-growth forest of Douglas fir, cedar, spruce and hemlock awaits visitors who make their way to a beautiful location in the Tillamook State Forest, about 10 miles inland from Manzanita on the Oregon coast.

Main attraction: The Nehalem River Road , mostly paved but gravel in places, follows its namesake’s curves as the river flows through the Coast Range to empty in Nehalem Bay . The Nehalem Falls campground has 14 drive-in campsites, not a lot for a summer weekend but usually enough for other days. Campers who can’t find a spot head north on the river road to Clatsop County ‘s Spruce Run Park , or pitch a tent in an undeveloped site along the river.

Trails/users: Nehalem Falls campground has one mile of trail that loops through the old trees, never far from the river’s beautiful pools. For more hiking, look for the parking area at the Salmonberry River, eight miles north of the campground. Hikers can walk the lightly used railroad tracks upriver into one of the wilder parts of the Coast Range. Be cautious because freight and excursion trains occasionally use the tracks.

Season: Nehalem River Road is open all year. Busiest times are whenever the salmon and steelhead are running. Hot summer days bring out swimmers, while the golden leaves of fall have their own beauty. The campground is open May 1 through September.

Getting there: Nehalem River Road connects U.S. 26 near Elsie with U.S. 101 near Mohler. Finding the north entrance is a bit tricky when hurrying along at 55 mph. The turnoff is in the Coast Range , east of Oregon 53 (the cutoff highway between U.S. 26 and Manzanita).

When driving west from Portland , look for the Nehalem River Road ‘s north entrance at milepost 20.4, about 55 miles west of the city. When driving east from Seaside , the turnoff comes at milepost 19.8. Due to sharp curves and limited visibility, each traveling direction has its own approach. If you miss the turn when heading west (it comes up very fast), continue driving west one mile to the Elsie restaurant, then turn around.

Mileposts are measured from the U.S. 26-U.S. 101 junction at the coast.

Nehalem Falls campground is 20 miles south of U.S. 26.

To reach the southern end of the Nehalem River Road , drive north on U.S. 101 from Wheeler for a half mile. Turn right on Oregon 53 toward Mohler. At 1.3 miles from U.S. 101, turn right, drive 0.9 miles, then turn left on Foss Road . Nehalem Falls campground is seven miles north.

Trail tips: Anyone who plans to spend much time in the Tillamook State Forest should have a copy of the Tillamook State Forest Visitor Map and Guide, along with the book “50 Hikes in the Tillamook State Forest ” by the Sierra Club.

Cost: Day recreation is free in the Tillamook State Forest . The map sells for $6 from the Oregon Department of Forestry, the book for $14.95 (plus shipping) from the Columbia Chapter of the Sierra Club. Camping is $10 per night.

Information: Oregon Department of Forestry, Forest Grove, 503-357-2191, or http://www.odf.state.or.us

Exploring Ghost Towns and Mining Camps…

I have never had the chance to do so yet, but I have always wanted to visit Ghost Towns and old mining camps.

This post is started to serve as a platform to connect any and all articles that I write and post concerning exploring and discovering ghost towns and mining camps and maybe a little about learning to pan for gold!

Open Letter to Teen-ager

This has been around since the 60’s but it still remains mostly true.

Judge Gilliam’s letter to the Pierce County Tribune:

Open Letter to Teen-ager

Always we hear the plaintive cry of the teen-ager. What can we do?…Were can we go?
The answer is GO HOME!
Hang the storm windows, paint the woodwork. Rake the leaves, mow the lawn, shovel the walk. Wash the car, learn to cook, scrub some floors. Repair the sink, build a boat, get a job.
Help the minister, priest, or rabbi, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army. Visit the sick, assist the poor, study your lessons. And then when you are through – and not too tired – read a book.
Your parents do not owe you entertainment. Your city or village does not owe you recreational facilities.
The world does not owe you a living…You owe the world something.
You owe it your time and your energy and your talents so that no one will be at war or in poverty or sick or lonely again.
Grow up; quit being a crybaby. Get out of your dream world and develop a backbone, not a wishbone, and start acting like a man or a lady.
You’re supposed to be mature enough to accept some of the responsibility your parents have carried for years.
They have nursed, protected, helped, appealed, begged, excused, tolerated and denied themselves needed comforts so that you could have every benefit. This they have done gladly, for you are their dearest treasure.
But now, you have no right to expect them to bow to every whim and fancy just because selfish ego instead of common sense dominates your personality, thinking and request.
In Heaven’s name, grow up and go home!

Paper Models – 1/72 L-5 Sentinel for free!

This is a great model.  You can get it free here.  Then all you have to do is print it and assemble.  It is a pretty fun and cheap way to have family fun or a Boy Scout or other group event as well.

http://www.freewebs.com/kampfflieger/

Here is another easy project.  It is the timeless VW Bus.  Again, just click on it to get the full size version and then print it out and assemble.

Enjoy!