x635

Many people asked how I set up this shot: [attachmentid=2100] Here's a behind the scenes look at the x635 Diecast Collectible photo studio (which is also used for other items. (Not pictured- the tripod and camera). Special thanks to an anonymous friend for helping me with this- actually I just gave orders from my bed. [attachmentid=2101] I use this to photograph most of my pieces to go along with my inventory system. Sometimes though I set up the shot differently, like here. [attachmentid=2102] Again, special thanks to my friend for doing this for me and lifting my spirits a little in the meantime.

LOL Paul! I'd love to take you up on that offer, but by the time that's all done I'm hoping to be "promoted" to using a cane. Also, although I need my walker 24/7, I'm sure I could get a loaner. Thanks for the offer though, lol. I may still take you up depending on the events of this week. Maybe for a quick fix one of the E-170 guys will spray some rustoleum on it- the kind that's made specifically for that surface. That's after I get them to come over with the sawz all for a small task that needs doing.

WOW! Steve, that is AWESOME! You have quite a talent! For those not familiar with Stepjam's work, he's also kitbashed, amongst other things, Yonkers Rescue 1 and Ladder 73. Check it out his creations and art at: http://public.fotki.com/Stepjam/ Thanks for sharing with us here at EMTBravo! Can't wait for more photos!

From the LA City FD Blog/LAFD Media Relations Office http://lafd.blogspot.com/2007/02/firefight...injured-in.html

Believe me, I'd love to have a Rascal or Hoverround, but walking, even with a walker, keeps my legs sstrong. Hopefully I won't need the walker anymore after a few more weeks of physical therapy. and some other stuff.

A Roto-Ray would get people out of my way...not by the lights, but by hitting them. Some people are amazing,

Well, I WD-40 out of the wheels, that I have beat to crap going through salt and sand. I have to get someone to remove, clean, and replace/addjust the wheel assemblies. It's also time for new tennis balls. The aluminum on the walker has some sort of coating that would need to be sanded off. Then I thinlk some lime green Rust_Oleum (there are so many vsrieties these days) and some blue striping and I'll be all set. Boy, I feel bad for the next person coming to visit me who has these skills.... Or maybe I'll get one of those modern ones with brakes- or even better- a hover-round! But hopefully, Ill be on my feet again soon.

I just got my Code 3 Febuary release (opened at least), which was the Allentown Pierce RM Ladder. What an AWESOME piece! Like the Lafayette Quantum, this piece is very well detailed. I also think that the real rig itself is pretty nice! And, if you took out the double rear axles, you could kitbash it easily into Greenville Ladder 4. Hopefully, Code 3 will release the ALF LAFD Tiller soon. Here's a photo of mine: [attachmentid=2060] (Photo by x635, http://ww.x635Photos.com)

Hartsdale FD's Spartan Gladiator/4 Guys will be like nothing 4 Guys has built before. I've seen the design, and I don't think 4 Guys has bullt anything like it. The new Engine 170 is designed as a urban-esque first due engine, with added capability as a rescue pumper. I also believe that that Hartsdale is one of the busiest departments 4 Guys has built for. Engine 170 runs 800-1000 runs a year. Ridgefield, CT is another local career department that uses a 4 Guys engine.

I'd highly reccomend the Laffayette Quantum. It's a beautiful, well detailed piece and much more so than the Vegas models. Also, the Orange color makes it unique. Here's a photo of mine: [attachmentid=2059] (Photo by x635)

The Gannet Co. (which owns the Journal News), has aqquired The Stamford Advocate and Greenwich Time. Just found that interesting, and wonder if anything will change on The Advocate side.

Looks AWESOME! What brand is the body? It looks to be 4-Guys, especially with similar looking plant in the foreground.

Before my injury, I had been debating in my head whether I had made the right choice by going with my Dell XPS PC instead of a Mac. Everyone I know who has a Mac swears by them, and I have never heard a bad word about them. I used to use Mac's exclusively up to about 15 years old, when I got my first PC. I currently own a brand new Dell XPS 400 desktop, and a 4 year old Dell Inspiron 4150 laptop, ruunning Windows XP, and I'm satisfied with both, and my needs dictate a PC. (Although I could run Boot Camp) After having some extra dough from a prviate consulting job I did, the money was burning a hole in my pocket. Sure, the smart thing to do would have been to put it into savings. But there was something itching me, wanting me to buy a Mac, and I scratched it. Not having a need for another desktop, I got a Macbook Laptop. So, I finally got around to opening my brand new MacBook that I ordered the day before my injury.It's AWESOME! It's thin, light, and good looking....like me. It sports an Intel 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo processor. It's extremly user friendly, and am looking foward to learning all the features of this seeminly very well designed machine. There's a ton of innovative features. Well, I'm getting tired out so that's all for now. Here's the link to learn more about the MacBook: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebO...5D&nclm=MacBook Here's a photo: [attachmentid=2037]

With assistance from a friend, I recently was able to upgrade my Canon Digital Rebel XTi 400D. First, I recieved the new Tamron 18-250 Di-II lens that I've had on order since January. Although it'll be a while before I can try it out, I'm excited about the extra 50mm of range. Previously, I used the Tamron 18-200 Di-II, and used it exclusively. I found it to be an excllent walkaround lens. With it's wide angle and zoom, I never needed to use or change lens. If interested, I may be selling my Tamron 18-200, it's a great lens- you've seen my shots with it on this site. The second updgrade to my camera was "Camera Armor" http://www.camerarmor.com/ This is a rubber shell that encases my camera body, a plastic shiled over my LCD screen, and a rubber piece that fits over my lens. All the controls are stilll very accesible. My camera does take a lot of abuse, and I think this will help to protect it. My Digital Rebel 300D was exposed to rain, smoke, falls, etc and I wish I had this then, although knock on wood my D-Reb 300D was tough and never failed me. [attachmentid=2035] [attachmentid=2036] (Thanks to Kristen for typing this post for me)

As many of you know, I love my Tamron 18-200 Di-II lens for my Digital Rebel SLR. The Tamron Di-II series are lenses that are specifically made for digital SLR cameras. It's a great "walkaround", everyday lens. It's wide angle is great, and the big zoom makes the lens very handy and easy (not having to change lenses is a big help when shooting!) Anyways, I found out today that they are releasing an upgraded model, with a 18-250 range: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0609/06093001tamron18250.asp I can't wait to see what this actually will retail for, I'd really like to pick one up.

Are there any spec changes to Engine 2 that are different from other similar HME Engines they have?

That looks AWESOME! I really like the color!

JTCamp has gotten some AWESOME shots of Spring Valley 17-Quint, with Spring Valley's 17 Rescue Check them out on EMTBravo.com: http://www.emtbravophotos.com/NewDeliverie...ngValleyTL.html

Seems like LACoFD has modified their hiring process.....

Today, while reading the latest issue of PC Photo magazine, I came across this awesome device that would be perfect for my camera and the situations I put it in. Check it out: http://www.camerarmor.com/ It seems like it's an awesome invention. Does anyone have it? I plan on purchasing it next week, along with my new Tamron 18-250 Di-II lens from B&H Phot supply next week. I'll report my findings as soon as I get better and can use my camera. [attachmentid=1994]

Although I currently own a Dell XPS Desktop and Dell Inspiron Laptop, with Windows XP, and love them, I recently got a credit that I can use towards a variety of electronics. I have heard rave reviews of the Mac. Now, I'm not switching my operations to a Mac, but thought if the price was right, I might try to add a MacBook laptop with Intel chip to my Arsenal, espeically since I'm spending a lot of time on a laptop. If I don't like it, I'll sell it on eBay. I just want to try the Mac and their OS X Tiger system. I used Macs exlusively up to age 14, but then made the PC swiitch. I'm considering ordering from MacMall.com Anyone have any advice or experience with Macs?

The lens would be PERFECT. I don't really use any other lens. It's a great "walkaround" lens. You have the wide angle, and an impressive zoom all in one lens that's built specifically for digital camera. I'll have my 18-200 for sale in a few weeks, after I upgrade to the new Tamron Di=II 18-250 lens. I'm assuming she's using the Canon 18-55 which came with the camera? Also, getting back onto topic the camera armor will be ordered next week and I'll be posting a review as soon as I can, even though I can't use my camera right now.

Thanks guys. I currently use a Dell Inspiron 4150 Laptop and a Dell XPS, both run Windows XP. I love them and I need a PC for what I do. I'm considering the Macbook just for fun, to try a new computer and OS, and take advantage of some of the software Apple has to offer. If I don't like it, I''ll switch back. I can't spend much time on the computer lately, but I figured since I have a credit, I could use it to experiment with a new computer. Has anybody bought from MacMall.com?

Just wonder what happened to Stat-Flight Ground after their takeover by Air Methods/Lifenet??? I know they used to use two Wheeled Coache Type III's operate by Metro/Transcare and staffed by Statflight staff for ground critical care and neonatal transports, but I haven't them recently. Also, do they still wear the red Stat Flight jumpsuits?

It's my understanding, never having been and always wanting to go, that the FDNY Shops in Long Island City are old and cramped. Does anyone know if plans are in the works to build a more modern shops? And does FDNY have a "junkyard" or storage yard? Also, where are the ambulances maintained? At the old NYC*EMS facility in Queens? Anyone who has any photos of the shops, I'd love to see them. Still though, being a regular at the LAFD and LACoFD shops, those are still the most impressive to me. I'd have to imagine the FDNY shops are just as much.