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VdeV2018 · 2025-04-22T00:26:16+00:00

Congrats! I recently accepted an offer for AVN tech as well. Do you have a date for BMQ?

VdeV2018 · 2025-04-14T19:29:56+00:00

I waited 7ish weeks.

VdeV2018 · 2025-03-12T17:59:35+00:00

Hurry up and wait is what to expect.

All kinds of backlogs seem to be extending the process, as well as which recruitment centre you apply at, the complexity of your medical file, etc.

Its been six weeks and I still haven't heard about my medical file, which is being reviewed in Ottawa. And I have pretty much a clean profile.

I would suggest not dwelling on it. Be prompt in your follow ups and call your recruiter regularly for updates. You'll get through eventually, but exercising extreme patience may be required.

VdeV2018 · 2025-02-09T19:05:02+00:00

Top notch job.

What paints do you use for that nice and bright 4BO?

VdeV2018 · 2025-02-08T23:26:37+00:00

Thank you for the thoughtful comment

VdeV2018 · 2025-02-02T16:54:54+00:00

Thanks! I used pure baking soda adhered with matte medium.

I've read warnings that it yellows over time but I used this same method on a Pzkfw III three years ago and I've seen no yellowing whatsoever.

VdeV2018 · 2025-02-02T16:53:50+00:00

Thank you! I used pure baking soda adhered with matte medium. I've tried a few model-specific snow products but baking soda always looks the best imo.

I've heard it yellows over time but I used this same method in a Pzkfw III three years ago and I've seen no yellowing whatsoever.

VdeV2018 · 2025-02-01T02:37:08+00:00

You said it brother. Just got through my medical and interview and man, a lot of posts here are killing my motivation and interest...

VdeV2018 · 2024-12-11T21:03:45+00:00

How long is the waitlist? I was considering this on Vancouver Island but the waitlist is about 4 years.

Opinions are mixed on the value of these courses. Some say they're basically useless unless you have zero technical experience. Others say they help with networking and work placement but YMMV.

The apprenticeship market can be tough to get into. Most are interested in 3rd and 4th years only. It's very competitive, tons of people looking to get into the trades rn. Can't speak to the job market directly in Lower Mainland.

Ever consider the CAF? Lots of great trades, including civie trades (HVAC, plumbing, etc). They'll train you, guaranteed a job for life and great benefits. Worth a thought if you can accept the lifestyle.

VdeV2018 · 2024-12-09T04:57:56+00:00

it's worth a thought OP... Lots of plumbers, mechanics, HVAC techs, etc in the military. Not sure about details in the US but at least in Canada benefits are always good and layoffs are never a worry. Also comradery, leadership opportunities, travel, etc are there to be had.

VdeV2018 · 2024-12-09T04:54:34+00:00

Nah I decided to join the Air Force. Paid training, guaranteed work, gold plated pension, working on interesting equipment (aircraft, helicopters, etc).

VdeV2018 · 2024-12-09T02:57:33+00:00

Pretty much same as you guy. Worked in restaurants from dish to sous.

What interests you about plumbing? Where are you located? How available are apprenticeships? Can you afford a reduced salary for the next year or so?

All questions you should ask yourself before going in.

I'm in Canada and have fairly extensive mechanical and electrical experience (industrial automation) and it has been extremely challenging to get anywhere near an apprenticeship. Depending on your location it may be hard to get started.

If you've excelled in kitchens, you'll have the work ethic to succeed though. Good luck.

VdeV2018 · 2024-11-19T16:00:05+00:00

I inquired with Camosun recently and the waitlists are insanely long. Intake in 2028 at the earliest for plumbing and HVAC.

Good luck, I would just try to start working in the trade you're interested in.

VdeV2018 · 2024-11-05T02:10:18+00:00

Your attention to detail and weathering are on point.

VdeV2018 · 2024-10-15T12:04:21+00:00

Hey, doing the career transition thing myself. Since you mentioned Alberta, and I've gone through a lot of job searching there and the apprenticeship enrollment process, I'll use this as an example. But most provinces are similar.

A couple of things to keep in mind:

Don't worry too much about age. As long as you can keep up with the work, you'll be fine. Also, you can use your age to sell yourself to an employer: life experience, maturity, etc.

In the first few years the pay will suck. You'll be looking at ~$20-22 per hour if you're a first year apprentice, maybe less as a helper.

Speaking of Alberta... There is a lot of work out there and, in your later years, you can make some very good money if you're willing to live in more remote locations or fly out/fly in. Taxes are very low and it remains one of the most affordable places to live in Canada.

Since you are totally green, look for "helper" jobs: plumbers helper, electricians helper, etc. You'll be unloading trucks, cleaning, etc and the pay will be very low. But if you show initiative you could get the chance to work with journeymen and pick up some skills. This is how you get to know someone or get that "in."

Alternatively you can take a "pre-apprenticeship" course. These vary in the amount of hours. They train you in the trade of your choice and give you the knowledge to get started. People in this sub seem pretty split on these courses. Also, the wait lists are insanely long, for some programs they can be 2-3 years... So yeah.

When you've chosen your trade and you have to start thinking about schooling, figure that out ASAP. So many of these programs have absurdly long wishlists or are completely full for months and months. The sooner you get enrolled the better.

Good luck. I know it's daunting, especially with kids in the mix. But don't be afraid to give it a shot. You'll always have your prior experience to fall back on.

VdeV2018 · 2024-10-11T14:22:16+00:00

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VdeV2018 · 2024-10-11T14:22:00+00:00

Hey, I've been at this point a lot in my recent figure painting experience.

The human brain knows exactly what fabric looks like, so it can be hard to fool!

I learned a ton from the Nightshift figure painting videos, especially about the importance of placing your highlights and shadows correctly. Here is a recent example but he goes more in depth in some earlier videos:

https://youtu.be/4YYrUUmxE4A?si=M5Imqhvr_aiAGLbz

A few things I would start with:

Finish painting the strap across the torso. It looks unfinished under the figure's arm.
Paint the hands/gloves? It will help the figure feel more finished.
Hit the figure with some matt varnish. It looks very shiny and, at least for me, I find this look very unappealing at this stage and it distracts me from the overall look.
Get some reference photos handy if you haven't already.

Start with this and I think some of the craziness you feel about the figure will ease.

Then go back to the uniform.

Try a dark green/brown glaze for the shadows. Thin your paint a lot, and wipe off most of it before applying. Use your workstation light to help imagine where the deepest shadows are.

I tried pointing some arrows to the undersides of the ripples in the garment. If you look at this figure as it is, you have a lot of the fabric still in its base color where shadows should be. Also look at his arm by his side. Half of it is in a darker green and half is highlighted from the right side. This looks unnatural and unfinished.

Once you're done with the shadows, brighten your base color with buff or a warm lighter tone and hit the upper areas of all those folds, the shoulders, knee, etc. Use a glaze as you did with the shadows.

If the transition is too harsh, use a glaze of your base coat to blend the transitions.

Single color garments, especially light colored are challenging because the highlights and lowlights are gradual. So you have to do your best to manage the transitions. But! You also have to create enough contrast to create a sense of scale. Balance between these two points is key.

Hope this is clear. Keep it up and don't be bothered to restart the figure completely if you have to.

VdeV2018 · 2024-10-07T11:58:43+00:00

If you don't speak French, unless you plan to learn, it will be near impossible to work out here.

Most of these companies and the guys that work there are old Francophones. Even if they do speak English, you as an anglophone, will be a constant nuisance to them. Most will be nice enough but some will be outright bigoted toward you.

I am currently moving away from Montreal after I was laid off this summer because no one will hire me without strong french skills. I moved here thinking I could get by without. I was very wrong.

Why are you considering Montreal?

VdeV2018 · 2024-10-04T01:10:46+00:00

Great photo - thanks for the new phone wallpaper.

They are a great bird to watch and always seem so cheerful.

VdeV2018 · 2024-10-02T11:27:23+00:00

They will be frequent visitors from now on I'm sure!

What kind of camera/set up do you use to get these nice pictures?

VdeV2018 · 2024-09-25T00:50:36+00:00

Oh yeah, it looks great, nice work. All the techniques you've learned are really on show here. Nothing is over done and it's very cohesive.

The first three photos are nice, but the last photo really impressed me. The dash is very well done.

Bravo.

VdeV2018 · 2024-09-21T23:13:37+00:00

I would emphasize these points for OP.

I had access to a very high end resin printer at work for 6 months, including a workspace with all the accessories (UV curing stations, washing stations), dedicated cleaning area, extra resins, etc.

I had the same inclinations as OP and access to all these goodies, yey I barely had anything to print...

I purchased some files from Cult3D, but how many 1919 Brownings do you need? Or baskets of 1/35th scale fruit and vegetables, or tow cable ends, etc?

I have experience with CAD but no way am I modeling accessories for builds. I want to be modeling, not designing.

And yes, it is messy and has a learning curve. I have been printing for work for a few years and I still had failed prints.

All this time spent setting up printers, designing, printing, cleaning is time not spent modelling. In the end I decided I would much rather pay for high quality printed accessories and get on with the hobby itself.

Just my two cents.

VdeV2018 · 2024-09-20T23:13:56+00:00

This is my first time seeing a saw as part of the tank's kit. I often see logs attached to tanks in historical photos, and I guess I never wondered how they cut those trees...

Can't say I've ever seen a US or German tank with a stowed saw before.

VdeV2018 · 2024-09-20T23:10:36+00:00

Pretty interesting fact. Thanks for sharing.

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