#Metal Intake Kit

[vividracing]

New Post has been published on https://www.vividracing.com/blog/top-8-best-mods-volkswagen-tiguan-r-line/

Top 8 Best Mods Volkswagen Tiguan R Line

Volkswagen Tiguan R Line brings comfort, power, and style in a way that is redefining what’s possible for SUVs. This ride embodies ability, versatility, and elegance in its exterior and interior with features that help it to bring its A-game to your drives. Even though the R-Line is very improved, this car is very easy to modify. In this blog, we are going to share the top 8 best mods for the Volkswagen Tiguan R Line that will elevate your ride’s performance, power, and aesthetics.

Ferrada FR2 Wheel 20×9 5×112 23mm Bronze with Gloss Black Lip

For an affordable price of $545, you can get this wheel from Ferrada Wheels. This wheel that is available in Bronze with a Gloss Black Lip finish is a seductive and evocative wheel with a 10-spoke design ready to make a statement on the road. This wheel will complement your R Line well as it is engineered for performance, strength, and durability. For the Volkswagen Tiguan / Tiguan R, we recommend a 20×9 +23mm Offset wheel.

Features:

Designed with Concavity & Design First

Floating Spoke Design Cues

Maximum Concavity in every profile

Fortune Auto 500 Series Coilovers Volkswagen Tiguan (MQB) 2018+

We also recommend a Fortune Auto coilover that is available for just $1,799. This adjustable coilover is the perfect balance between performance and comfort along with its ability to upgrade and rebuild. The coilover is equipped with a spring made with a special premium alloy that offers superior performance, longevity, and ride quality. In addition to that the high-quality bearing provides less bind for noise-free operation and smoother steering response. This is the best coilover for your Volkswagen Tiguan R Line, as in designing it the Fortune Auto engineers were chasing improvement and development, so they delivered the best product made with the highest quality materials.

Features:

FA Synthetic Shock Oil

Modularity – Upgradeable to 2-Way Canister

Aluminum T6 6061 Mounts and Camber Plates

High Flow Digressive Technology

24-Step Rebound Adjustable Dampers

Rebuildable and Revalveable at their VA Facility

Custom Built and Dyno Tested

Monotube Damper with High-Pressure Nitrogen

5-Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty

ARMYTRIX Valvetronic Exhaust System Volkswagen Tiguan R 2.0 TFSI 2020+

ARMYTRIX Valvetronic Exhaust Systems are some of the best exhaust systems in the aftermarket industry, and this $3,280 system will enhance your VW Tiguan R’s performance. This system will increase power, reduce weight, and improve sound. Made to deliver more power, this system adds a deep resonant sporty sound while at the same time neutralizing the annoying frequencies in the most critical rpm range. What makes this system different is its unique “Throttle Pedal Sensor and Engine RPM Signal Auto Functions”, through which car owners get a better launch-start without losing backpressure by automatically closing the valves at low rpm.

Features:

Mid-Pipe

Valvetronic Mufflers

Quad Chrome Silver Tips

IE 2.0T Sheet Metal Intake Kit Volkswagen Tiguan Gen 3 MQB 2018-2020

For a cold air intake, we recommend one from Integrated Engineering that will increase your VW Tiguan R’s horsepower, cause a more responsive acceleration, and boost your ride’s fuel economy. This cold air intake system turns your SUV into a fun sporty driver’s car. Uniquely engineered with true motorsport racing design features and industry-leading design software, the IE Cold Air Intake completely removes all factory flow restrictions allowing your engine to breathe free and make unrestricted power, the result is a true performance intake system that brings sophisticated sound and power to your ride.

Features:

Black powder coat aluminum heatshield

Factory style mounting

Stainless hardware

Multi-ply silicone with stop-flat edges

High-quality clamps

Stainless laser-etched logo plate

5″ pleated cotton filter

IE FDS Performance Intercooler Kit VW | Audi 2.0T

We recommend a $899.99 Intercooler Kit by Integrated Engineering that was built to offer the ultimate in performance for your GTI, Golf R, or 2.0T Audi/VW. This kit requires no modifications to install and has more benefits compared to the factory unit, including elimination of heat soak, and a decrease in pressure drop.

Features:

Fits MK5 GT, MK6 GTI, MK6 Golf R, and other VW/Aud 2.0T engines

Prevent horsepower loss from heat

Charge air temperatures lowered drastically

The largest core volume of any drop-in intercooler at 885.06 inches.

Horsepower and torque increased

FDS increases heat dissipation by 65% over competition intercoolers

The large bar and fin core measures 16.39″ x 24″ x 2.25″

54% more core volume than OE

Beautiful end tanks are cast and machined in the USA

Fully machined mounting bosses for a perfect fit

Fully machined inlet/outlet connections for a leak-free seal

Perfect OEM fitment, no trimming required

Large 2.75″ inlet and outlet connections

5 ply silicone hoses and a billet adapter ensure reliability

Includes all necessary hardware and hose clamps

(Requires custom intercooler hoses)

IE K04 Turbo Kit Volkswagen 2.0T TSI

For just $2,414.99, you can get the Turbo Kit from our shop. Made by Integrated Engineering, this kit is easy to install and it increases power to 391HP & 398TQ depending on supporting mods, while providing factory-like comfort and reliability!

Features:

Quick low-RPM turbo spool delivers a fast boost with no turbo lag

Genuine Borg Warner K04 Provides 330-350HP

Modified to accept diverter valve in OE location for easy, clean installation

Includes all installation hardware

Genuine Borg Warner Reliability

Uses all OE Hoses and Lines

(Requires supporting tune by Integrated Engineering)

APR Full Catch Can System 1.8T | 2.0T EA888 Gen 3 MQB 2016-2021

Available for an affordable price of $699.95, this APR Catch Can System with PCV Plate is a comprehensive upgrade to your engine’s Positive Crank Ventilation (PCV) system. This factory-racecar-inspired system takes a multi-step approach to address several performance-robbing issues, and critical engine safety concerns, with the factory system.

Features:

Catches oil and gunk keeping your engine’s air paths clean

Increases performance by reducing octane-lowering oil vapors

Prevents boost leaks from torn diaphragms and N80 valve issues

Completely replaces the PCV system and addresses all failure points

Helps prevent oil starvation and engine failure on the track and in high-G situations

Internally baffled can with quick draining valve

High-quality hoses with a clean braided finish and swivel AN connectors

Complete billet aluminum top plate with proper T304 stainless steel oil separation and drain back

Additional check-valve for the N80 valve

Precision fit bracketry for a proper and clean fit

Stand-off pegs for mounting the factory engine cover

The attractive design looks right at home in your engine bay

Fits most engine bays and modification configurations

APR Wheel Spacer Kit 57.1mm Center Bore 10mm Thick

Lastly, we recommend the Wheel Spacers by APR, which are available in our shop for $99.95. These wheel spacers physically move the wheel further away from the hub and in turn give your wheels the desired offset needed to create the stance or look you desire, or the clearance necessary to clear brake calipers.

Features:

CNC-machined aluminum

Weight saving design

57.1mm center bore configuration

5×112 bolt pattern

10mm thick

Hub-centric rings on larger spacers

Anodized black

Set of 2

[pickingupmymercedes]

I didn't get scared. I'm always scared - Lewis Hamilton

request: hiiiii ok just an idea. maybe angsty one where lewis injured himself fighting someone to defend/protect reader?

pairing: Lewis Hamilton x Reader!

warnings: Lewis thinking he's superman, mentions of possible accidents

wordcount: +1K

a/n: Angsty incoming. Anon, I cut the request because it gave away the plot, but it's there, thank you for sending it btw ❤️

As always, I'm open for feedback, come say hi!

______________________________________________________________

The metallic tang of blood filled the air, acrid and sharp. You stared at Lewis' hands, once smooth and strong, now marred by angry red welts and split knuckles. The throbbing thrum of the club was a distant echo in your ears, replaced by the pounding of your own heart, a furious counterpoint to the ragged gasps escaping Lewis' lips.

"Why did you do that?" You spat the words, a bitter cocktail of anger and terror swirling in your gut.

He flinched, the sharp intake of breath making him hiss through his teeth. "Had to" he rasped, wincing as he tried to flex one of his mangled fingers.

"Had to?" You slammed a first aid kit onto the coffee table, the clatter making him flinch again. The smug satisfaction that briefly flickered across his face only fueled your rage.

"He wouldn't leave you alone," Lewis defended himself, his voice tight. "You wouldn't have liked it."

You threw your hands up in the air, disbelief twisting your voice. "I wouldn't like it if you ended up in the hospital because of some drunken idiot!"

He remained stubbornly silent, focusing on the sting of alcohol as you dabbed at the wounds with antiseptic wipes. Each touch was punctuated by your frustrated sighs, making the silence stretch tighter, a taut rope threatening to snap.

"What were you thinking, Lewis?" you finally said, your voice quiet but loaded with venom. "I don’t need you to act like some kind of knight."

A muscle in his jaw clenched. "I was protecting you."

"By playing hero?" You scoffed. "What happens when you can't? When you get seriously hurt?”

He finally met your gaze, the storm brewing in your eyes mirrored in his own. "That’s not a situation I want to consider."

The flippancy of his statement was the final straw. You slammed the wipes down on the table, making him flinch once more. Tears welled up in your eyes, blurring his angry form.

He sighed, a hint of frustration leaving his voice. "Look, I get it. You got scared."

The pitying tone did nothing to soothe your anger. You snatched up the first aid kit, shoving it back into the drawer with a slam. Your body trembled with a mix of emotions you couldn't name, couldn't control.

"I didn’t get scared, I’m always scared" you mumbled to yourself, the words a hollow echo in your mind as you stormed out, the apartment door slamming shut behind you with a deafening thud. Tears streamed down your face as you stumbled down the hallway, needing space, needing anything to escape the suffocating anger and the unacknowledged fear that gnawed at you.

The rhythmic thump of the city at night was a needed counterpoint to the frantic drumming of your heart. You found yourself wandering around Kensington, the cool night air doing little to quell the firestorm raging within you. Lewis' bruised hand, his cocky declaration of protecting you, flashed in your mind again and again.

The anger, that had felt so raw earlier, had begun to morph into something far more complex - fear, hurt, and a strange helplessness.

The truth, the terrifying one, was that you cared more for him than you'd ever intended to. But admitting that was a terrifying prospect.

He was an enigmatic F1 champion, the world at his fingertips, and he deserved someone strong, someone who could handle the risks that came with his life.

You weren't sure you fit that mold; you weren’t even sure you wanted to. Maybe you had fallen for the wrong guy, the one who thrived on danger, the one leaving a trail of worry and fear in his wake.

But you loved him, and until now that had felt enough.

Exhausted and emotionally drained, you found yourself back in front of your apartment building. The lights in your living room were dark, the silence inside a stark contrast to the cacophony within you.

Pushing open the door, you tiptoed inside. The air hung heavy, thick with unspoken tension. You caught sight of a rumpled blanket on the couch, a half-empty glass of water beside it. But no sign of Lewis.

You longed to talk, to scream at him, to drown him in the conflicting emotions churning within you. But your feet seemed glued to the spot, the energy drained from a night spent battling your own emotions.

You collapsed onto the sofa, the silence wrapping itself around you like a suffocating cloak, the smell of him clinging to the fabric of the blanket he had left behind.

The morning crawled in, a sluggish beast carrying the weight of the previous night. You don’t remember falling asleep but you woke with a raw throat and heavy eyelids, the events of the club a throbbing ache in your body and chest.

There, in the kitchen stool sat Lewis. His eyes, usually sharp with focus, looked dimmed, shadowed by fatigue as he stared into nothing. The sight of his bruised hands, still sporting bandages, sent a fresh pang of anger through you.

"Lewis" you started; your voice rough from sleep.

He turned towards you, a flicker of something resembling hope flitting across his face. "Hey" he said, his voice gruff. "You’re awake"

"Yeah," you replied, crossing your arms defensively sitting up straight. The silence stretched between you, thick with unspoken tension.

"Look…" he began, but you cut him off.

"Don't," you said, your voice tired. "Don't try to explain it away. You nearly got yourself seriously hurt."

He sighed, a deep rumble that reverberated through you. "I did what I thought I had to do."

"And what about me?" you sincerely asked, the words tumbling out, fueled by a night of pent-up emotions. "What about how I felt seeing you like that? Do you even care?"

Lewis didn't flinch. He simply held your gaze, his brown eyes reflecting a vulnerability that took your breath away. "That's exactly why I care" he said, his voice low. "Because seeing the fear in your eyes..." he trailed off, his jaw clenching. "It scares the hell out of me"

A confused silence followed. "I told you, Lewis," you finally said, your voice thick with emotion. "I don't need a knight in shining armor. I can handle myself."

"But, that's not the point, is it?!" he countered, his voice firm yet gentle. "You’re not really scared of needing physical protection. It's about..." He paused, seeming to wrestle with his words.

The raw honesty in his voice cracked the dam holding back your own torrent of emotions. Tears welled up in your eyes, blurring your vision.

“The danger. It's a constant threat hanging over my head. Every time you get in that car. What happens when the unthinkable happens? How do I deal with that?" you cried, your voice raw with a mixture of anger and fear. “Do you even understand what it’s like for me? To love someone who lives every day like it might be their last?”

Lewis sat back, his face softening as he listened, truly listened. “I know” he said quietly “I know it’s hard. And I understand that the way I live my life… it’s a lot to ask” his eyes filled with a quiet understanding. He stopped just before you, his gaze holding yours.

“And where does that leave me?” You asked, voice trembling. “Always waiting, worrying if the next race will be the one where I lose you?”

"Look," he said, his voice soft but firm. "I can't promise you there won't be any danger. That's the nature of what I do. But what I can promise you is I will always be honest with you. We can talk about everything, the good, the bad, the terrifying."

He reached out, his thumb gently brushing away a stray tear from your cheek. His touch soothing at your soul. "And if you ever, ever want to walk away, I'll understand. But please." he pleaded, his voice husky "Don't shut me out. Let's at least try and figure this out."

You saw the fear reflected in his eyes, the fear of losing you. And you realized, with a jolt that stole your breath, that this wasn't just about danger, about Lewis taking risks. It was about your own vulnerabilities, your own fear of letting yourself care about someone who lived on the edge, someone who didn’t exactly offer you the type of stability you had always thought you needed.

But Lewis was someone who gave you the kind of love you couldn’t see yourself without anymore.

"There has to be a line. A point where you consider the consequences, not just for yourself, but for the people who care about you." you began, your voice still husky.

He nodded, his thumb gently tracing circles on your palm. " We draw that line together, okay?"

You took a deep breath, finally acknowledging the emotions swirling within you. "Okay," you whispered, the word barely audible. "But this doesn't mean I'm going to be okay with every reckless decision you make."

A relieved smile softened Lewis’ feature. "I know" he said, his voice sincere. " We'll communicate, even when it's hard."

Hesitantly, you reached out, your fingers brushing against the bandage on his hand. The warmth of his skin sent a familiar spark through you. A fragile hope warmed your chest, battling against the ever-present fear. Maybe, just maybe, there was a way to navigate this crazy world Lewis lived in.

"So, what do we do now?" you asked, a hint of uncertainty in your voice. Lewis' smile widened, a genuine warmth radiating from him. "How about pancakes?"

You smiled nestling in his arms "Pancakes sound perfect," you agreed, the tension finally starting to ease.

"One more thing” he suddenly prompted, reaching for your face so he was looking at you “Yeah?" you nodded, eyes gleaming.

"No more bottling things up. Neither of us." He held your gaze for a moment, a silent promise passing between you. "Promise" you vowed; your voice sincere as he looked at you hopeful, his lips curling into the smile that had the power to make you forget about pretty much anything.

______________________________________________________________

TAGLIST - @saturnssunflower @xoscar03 @chocolatediplomatdreamerzonk @happy-golden-hour @vicurious28

@0710khj @thecubanator2 @neilakk @bigratbitchsworld @adriswrld

@fearfam69691 @cmleitora @goldenroutledge

If you’d like to be added to my taglist you can leave a comment or send me a dm/ask.

[whirlwindimagines]

‘In the moment we’re lost and found, I just wanna be by your side’

Vash X Reader

a/n: Me only using song lyrics from my Vash x Oc playlist as titles? More likely than you think. This is also 1000 words of comfort? or just hugging lol I have no idea (Wings by Birdy) Not requested! 

“You shouldn't have done that.” you flinched, not bothering to meet Vash’s gaze as he wrapped your shoulder in bandages. His tone was as always gentle, but you knew he was angry. Whether that be at himself, the situation, or you. Just… It had happened in instant, being shot at was nothing new for the two of you. Vash always wanted you to run away in shootouts, he’d handle it or just grab you and run. 

But the bounty hunter was sneaking up behind him and you had noticed before he did. You knew Vash had crazy good reflexes, but it was like instinct took over when you shoved him out of the way taking the bullet for him. 

You remembered hitting the ground hard, bile rising in your throat, ears ringing and your shoulder on fire. Then all of a sudden, hands were all over you and Vash’s concerned face came into view he was speaking to you maybe yelling, but you had no idea what he was saying. But then he was forcing you to your feet, and the two of you were moving once more.

In your haze, you realized the gunfighting had stopped but you didn't bother thinking too hard about the situation while Vash dragged you off to safety. He managed to secure the two of you a room in some hotel for the night, once he forced you to sit on the bed, he’d gone off for a first aid kit. 

You winced when Vash tied the bandages off probably tighter than necessary, he was just staring at you looking defeated, maybe looking for a response. You had no idea what to say to him, sorry? You weren't. It won't happen again? A lie. You’d do it a million times over just so that he would never be in pain. 

Vash continued to stare at you until he sighed, running his metal hand through his hair. Standing, he moved to the window leaning against it to look at the nighttime sky. “Look Vash it just happened, okay? This isn't the first time I've been shot ya know.” You finally gave an answer, glancing over at him. 

“That doesn’t matter, you shouldn't be getting hurt at all!” Vash turned to you so suddenly, you jumped at his tone, Vash wasn't one to raise his voice, especially at you. He was just as surprised at his outburst because he turned away muttering a small ‘sorry’. You could only watch gaze saddened, unsure of what to say to him. 

“It's just, everyone always gets hurt around me and I'm tired of it.” the statement was said so quietly you nearly missed it, but your heart ached all the same at the confession. “Vash listen to me.” You stood taking a step towards him, he didn't turn to look at you. “I chose to travel with you, and I knew the risk, okay? I took the shot for you because...” you trailed off, deep down you knew why, but suddenly you were too shy to say it. Vash felt bad enough about your injury confessing that you were in love with the man, wouldn't help anything not right now. You sighed before continuing “Because I care about you and I don't want to see you hurt either.” It was a copout answer, but still truthful.

Taking another step forward you reached for Vash, grabbing the back of his coat in your hands and fisting the material. You leaned your head forward resting your forehead between his shoulder blades. “You carry so much on your shoulders, the whole desert if you could. Please just let me hold a grain of sand for you.” You felt Vash stiffen under your touch and then heard a sniffle. 

An intake of stuttering breath in one moment and then in the next, Vash turning and wrapping his arms around you, resting his head in the crook of your neck. He made sure to be mindful of your wound, as he cried softly into your neck. You stood shellshocked for a moment before wrapping your arms around his shoulders, your shoulder protested the movement but you could care less at this moment. 

“Oh, Vash.” You cooed softly as he wrapped himself tighter around you, you held onto him just as tightly. Afraid to let him pull back, letting him cry out what he needed to. You had meant what you said, why should he have to carry the problems of the world on his shoulders all by himself? You would do your part to help him carry it, even if you ended up crushed by it. 

Eventually Vash stopped crying, but continued to hold you tightly you didn’t mind one bit. Leaning into him with a content sigh, you didn’t know how long the two of you stood there enjoying each other’s warmth.

“You should rest,” Vash muttered into you, his breath hit your neck and you shivered. He pulled back, meeting your gaze his eyes were still watery and his smile didn't really reach his eyes but it was enough for now. 

“Okay.” You whispered, dropping your arms from around him. You wished you weren’t such a coward, but you could tell Vash had put his walls back up and now wasn’t the time to break them down. He held you a moment longer before dropping his own arms. You turned moving back towards the bed but paused turning to look at him nervously. “You’ll still be here when I wake up right?” 

You couldn't read his expression, “Of course.” you turned back towards the bed frowning, something in his tone was off. You moved to get in bed, not bothering to change out of your clothes you could worry about that tomorrow. Vash moved forward, grabbing the blanket and placing it over you gently, he turned to leave until you reached out grabbing one of his hands. 

He looked surprised, and you were as well you opened your mouth but no words came out. How could you explain to someone that being at their side was enough? No matter the pain, that you’d take as many bullets for him as you could. Instead, you squeezed his hand and smiled softly at him. 

“Goodnight Vash.” Dropping his hand quickly, you turned to lay on your uninjured side clutching your hand to your chest. How embarrassing! You felt a light touch on your upper arm, “Goodnight y/n” just as quickly as his hand was there it was gone, you heard Vash move across the room probably looking for somewhere to settle down for the night as well. 

Closing your eyes, you just hoped tomorrow would be better and that you would continue to find ways to help Vash carry his burden. That you could get him to laugh and smile, you’d sacrifice everything for his happiness. 

[hirocimacruiser]

13th TSUKUBA SUPER BATTLE NA CLASS

CHAMPION

AP.E CIRCUIT ATTACK ALTEZZA 13th Tsukuba Super Battle NA class fastest

BASE VEHICLE MODEL

1998 SXE10 Toyota Altezza

DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT

4400×1755×1410mm/1030kg

ENGINE TYPE

3S-GE

MAXIMUM POWER/MAXIMUM TORQUE

282ps/7700rpm 28.6kgm/6200rpm

When using NOS 335ps/8000rpm 33kgm/6000rpm

ENGINE

Port processing

A'PEX 2.2L KIT (piston, crank, connecting rod)

A'PEX SPL Camshaft IN 295-13.3 EX 285-13.0

A'PEX Metal Gasket (T-1.5mm)

Compression ratio 12.0:1

AP Engineering Original NOS System

TRD 4 slots

INTAKE AND EXHAUST SYSTEM

cleaner

EX manifold for TRD competition

front pipe

Muffler AP Engineering Titanium SPL

COOLING SYSTEM

intercooler

radiator normal

oil cooler

FUEL SYSTEM

injector normal

PUMP - BOSCH Reinforced Pump

ATL Safety Fuel Tank (30L)

IGNITION SYSTEM

PLUG A'PEX RACING PLUG No. 9

Plug cord

BRAKING SYSTEM

Brake pad PFC

Brake Hose AP Engineering SPL

With adjustable P valve

SUSPENSION SYSTEM

A'PEX N1 Dunbar Type PRO

A'PEX N1 Spring IIF 22kg/mm ​​R20kg/mm

Stabilizer AP Engineering SPL. (Adjustable)

Bush full pyrolysis

Tire MICHELIN PILOTSPORTS F 235/40-17 R235/40-17

Wheels Gram LIGHTS 57F F 8.5J-17 R 8.5J-17

POWER TRANSMISSION/TRAVEL DEVICE

Tower Bar AP Engineering

Mission TRD cross mission (6 speed)

Differential ATS

Clutch ORC single plate

Flywheel ORC lightweight flywheel

CHASSIS SYSTEM

Roll bar 15 points

Strengthen members and make them rigid

CONTROL/ELECTRONIC PARTS

A'PEX Power FC AP Engineering SPL.

A'PEX EL System Meter

OIL

A'PEX OIL PRO Racing NA oil

Mission OMEGA

Differential OMEGA

INTERIOR

Steering Nardi gala 3 Buckskin

Seat BRIDE ZEROS/NEOS

Seat belt

EXTERIOR

VERTEX Super durable F bumper, raised over fender

GT Wing, AP Engineering Polycarbonate Window

F under cover

[divineruler]

TOO WEAK ~ Kit Walker

He was always too weak.

!GRAPHIC DEPICTIONS OF VIOLENCE!

WARNINGS- hurt/no comfort [kind of??], violence, forced stripping [non-graphic], canning, blood, trauma

WORDS- 1.6k

[This is a vent post lol]

Kit grunted as he was pushed down against Sister Jude’s solid oak desk. He tried to struggle. He tried to fight back against the guards holding his shoulders and head down, but he was too weak. He was always too weak. It was deplorable, demoralizing even, knowing he would never be strong enough to fight back. He would never be strong enough to protect the people he loved. They had already taken everything from him, his home, his work, his wife. His wife. Tears pricked his eyes as the guard held the side of his face down against the desk. His jaw shifted unnaturally out of place and black spots clouded his vision as the pressure increased on his soft temple. 

His wife. He tried desperately to think of anything but her. At this point she existed as an increasingly painful reminder of what he had lost. It made his head spin. He hated what this place had done to his memory of her. His isolation had corrupted his memories. Thinking of the time they spent together, the long nights and the lazy mornings, they brought him nothing but misery. So he tried not to think about her. He couldn’t let this place take his memory of her. They had taken everything from him, they had revoked his personhood like a dog in a mussel. He was nothing more than a name on an intake sheet. Twenty years of life, stripped away in seconds. This would be his legacy. That was something he had come to accept. But he couldn’t let them do that to Alma. She deserved to exist in peace and tranquility, in the back catalog of his mind. He wouldn’t let them take her too. He had to preserve the last piece of her he had, and if that meant pushing her from the forefront of his mind, then that’s what he was going to do.  

Kit winced as a loud voice pierced his ears. He couldn’t quite make out what they were saying. He craned his neck, eyes frantically scanning the room until they landed on Sister Jude’s cold dead stare. Her voice penetrated his consciousness, noise echoing around in his empty head. He tried to focus on her words, but he was too far gone. His brain was corroded like a dead battery. He couldn’t even remember what he did, but it must have been something bad. Judging by his swollen, bloody knuckles he probably punched someone. Hopefully it was the guard sitting several feet away from Kit, holding an ice pack to his black eye. Kit felt a spark of justice spread warmly through his chest. He almost gasped as the warm feeling swirled in his gut. Was it pride? Was he proud of his outburst? Of course he was. That guard had it coming. Drunk with this new surge of passion he fought again against the guards. He yanked one arm out of their grasp, swinging his fist wildly. He was blind with rage, violently thrashing in their iron grip. Right as he thought he had gotten the upperhand, a hard batton to the back of his head sent his world spinning. His vision blacked out as he was slammed back down onto the desk. Kit groaned as the pain finally caught up to him, his brain buffering like a broken disk drive. His ears began to ring with every heavy pulse of his lagging heart. He almost didn’t feel the cool metal of the handcuffs pinning his arms behind his back. 

The world began to piece itself back together little by little. Kit felt his face begin to flush. He felt embarrassed. Why did he think he would be able to take on three guards and Sister Jude with nothing but his injured hands. He couldn’t believe he let his adrenaline exceed his decision making. He was still weak, too weak to fight back. 

His vision began to clear as he scanned the room. The world around him had been reduced to a blurry swirl, but he could just make out Sister Jude opening the door to her old oak cabinet containing her assortment of woven canes. At this point he didn’t even care which one she chose, he had been beaten with every one of them at one point or another. They all hurt the same. Judging by his violent outburst, he knew she wasn’t going to have mercy on him. Mercy, he smirked, mercy isn’t a word in Sister Jude’s vocabulary. 

He felt the strong hands holding his body against the desk shift, making room for sister Jude to untie the back of his hospital gown and pull down his paper-thin underwear. He felt his face flush, squirming against the desk as his nakedness was out on display for the whole room. He thought by this point he would have gotten used to being stripped; modesty was a privilege in this place, not a right. The cold air stung his naked skin, the scars littering his ass and lower back growing an angry red, like they knew what was coming. His face began to flush with embarrassment, red creeping down his pale chest as he tried to close his legs to save himself some modesty. That didn’t last long as sister jude yelled an incoherent threat before kicking his legs apart once again. Fine. It wasn’t worth fighting back. Kit closed his eyes, gritting his teeth as he tried to take deep breaths. He tried to prepare himself for his punishment. They weren’t going to break him this time, he was going to stay strong, he wasn’t going to give them the privilege of seeing him cry. 

Kit felt sister Jude’s cold, clammy palm against his middle back. He took a shaky breath in through his nose, exhaling in a sharp cry as the cane came down upon his pale skin. Pain crept up his back and down his thighs, making his legs shake. His breath caught in his throat as he tried to find his footing, only to be interrupted by another whip, and another, and another. He bit down hard on his bottom lip, screaming through clenched teeth. He felt blood sting his tongue as his teeth pierced through the soft flesh of his lip. It was almost enough to distract him from the lashes, almost enough. Each lash of the whip left a trail of fire in its path. His backside was a swirl of color as the old lashes began to bruise a deep, dark purple. His broken skin glowed furious and inflamed. Sister Jude was not letting up, at this point, he didn’t even know how long she had been beating him, but it felt like an eternity. His knees shook as he took another lash, making his vision swim. He felt his consciousness begin to slip away little by little. He could hear the vibration of the Guards and Sister Jude talking around him, but he was too far gone, he couldn’t make out a single word. Kit felt his chest vibrate, was he screaming? The burning in his lungs and the dry tickle creeping up his throat answered his question. He was screaming a deep, guttural, broken scream. A sound that would make your stomach churn. With each crack of the cane against his raw skin, he screamed. He fought against the handcuffs pinning his arms behind him as he felt a familiar warmth settle in his chest. His nose began to run and he could feel hot tears pricking his eyes. No, he was not going to cry. He was stronger than that, he wasn’t going to give them the pleasure of seeing him cry. But there was something comforting about this feeling. It was a feeling of warmth, the feeling of something familiar. A particularly brutal whip knocked Kit out of his daze, he felt the pressure building up inside him break as the cane split his aching skin. Warm tears leaked down his face as blood spilled from the wound, oozing down his thighs. He gasped, his body feeling paralyzed and stiff. Another lash from Sister Jude caused Kit to choke out an anguished noise, something between a scream and a cry. A cry. He was crying. There was no stopping it now. Blood bubbled down his chin from the puncture in his bottom lip, splattering onto the desk as he cried. He was quickly losing control. More tears began to pool beneath him as he cried and begged. His “strong-man” facade began to crack, as another lash split open his lower back. The pain was almost too much to handle, his shaking legs gave out from under him sending a crushing pain through his ribcage as his chest caught the weight of his body. He tried to regain his footing, but his bare feet slipped in the puddle of blood leaking down his legs onto the floor beneath him. Kit sobbed, his breath becoming short and shallow as he choked on his own spit. Suddenly his world began to swim. His vision became blotchy and his hearing began to falter. All he could hear were his own sobs, reverberating through his hollow body. He gasped as the pain began to numb, soon all he could feel was the thick blood trickling down his legs and his own hot tears staining his face. It was over. At least, for now. As his body began to slip into a state of unconsciousness, he thought of Alma. He could almost see her, in his imagination of course. He could see her smiling face, and her warm hands running through his hair. His bloody lips almost cracked a smile back at her. For the first time, Kit felt at peace, even if it was only a dream. As his fragile mind finally allowed him to slip into a state of unconsciousness, his body went limp in the guard's hands. They let go of him, letting his broken body fall to the floor.

[cootcutebatkat]

More Ford Headcanons

Yeah I'm making a part two right now. Why not? These will be more adult-oriented.

Ford is not at all fond of high-pitched noises. Some he tolerates, especially if he has control over them. But most of the time, he'll react by covering his ears and grimacing.

There isn't a recreational drug out there that he has tried at least once. But his most favorites are alcohol, cannabis, hallucinogenics, and amphetamines. Oh wait, caffeine is considered a drug now? In the mainstream sense and not the medicine sense? Okay, well, that's also his favorite too.

He's only done caffeine the most since he came back into Gravity Falls through the portal. But ofc, with the help of Stan and Fiddleford, he's able to drink and ingest weed as much as he'd like! And yet. There is a limit on caffeine? The nerve!

He's only allowed the limits ever since Dipper and Mabel kindly asked him to follow the rules on his intake levels. Mabel used her darling eyes on him. Dipper used his darling eyes AND plenty of research to back up his claim. Curse his love for his grand-niblings.

Ford is, in a sense, trans-human. He's had many more modifications done to him beyond just the metal plate in his head. He heals faster, runs faster, jumps higher, and has more keen senses! Of course, a vigorous exercise routine helps too.

While Ford identifies as part of the asexual and aromantic spectrum, he's not immune to such feelings either, especially the asexual part. But he's unsure if it's the person's characteristics that are sexually appealing or if the sex alone is and they just happened to be good-looking. But romance is another story.

He has felt romantic feelings towards Bill and Jheselbraum. Fiddleford too, in retrospect. But if you ask him, a queer-platonic relationship sounds much more appealing and emotionally deeper. He has yet to deduce why.

He is polyamourous too! Somewhat. Well, it takes a lot of trust and he'd prefer to deeply know the other persons involved as well. But he isn't opposed to his partner sleeping with another being, so long as Ford is aware of their location, the exits, their current defenses, the stranger's weaknesses, their immunities and defenses and and and. Okay, he's not opposed to it due to jealousy and lack of trust. He's opposed to it because he cannot risk anything bad happen to his beloveds.

That being said... STD transmission is a thing. He might also be opposed to it due to health and hygiene purposes. Unless. He could craft a rapid-testing kit that his beloveds could take with them wherever they go if they feel the urge to sleep with another being.

If his partner(s) have a habit of sleeping with other folks though... it could cause some insecurities. Communication is an absolute must at this point. But depending on the relationship and other variables, you might not hear about said insecurities. So much for communication... (Stan is probably yelling at him for it)

Sometimes, he'll avoid communication to avoid arguments. Expect a lot of serious talks during the earlier parts of your relationship, especially if Ford feels it becoming more intimate and serious. He wants to avoid conflict as much as possible.

He loves absurd memes. The internet, while it did take a while to learn due to its rapid growth, is oddly fun and a host of many research articles! Thanks to Fiddleford, he's learned to bypass many security walls and such, so he's able to access all sorts of articles without having to subscribe or pay for them!

But also. Memes. He loves them. What, you don't think an old man from the 60s and 70s who has done many different drugs and has studied anomalies and has been to a shitty college and has traveled the multiverse would be weirded out by internet humor? My dear, he thrives in it! Hell, he's learned quickly how to make them and posts them regularly. He's pretty amused by how his followers believe that some of them are just absurd jokes and not events he's actually experienced. One day, he'll reveal the truth. But he has to figure out how.

Speaking of, he and Fiddleford has been working with the people of Gravity Falls on how to prevent another apocalypse and, with the consent of the anomalies, how to research the unique flora and fauna and strange happenings in this part of Oregon.

He, Stan, and Fiddleford now all live together in Fidds new estate! The extra rooms have been turned either into guest rooms, entertainment rooms, or academic archives. AND THERE IS STILL MORE ROOM?? Fiddleford, you've truly succeeded! Ford is not only extremely happy with his friend's fortune, but he's also grateful that he gets to share it with him.

Of course, Ford loves his alone time. All the more reason why he appreciates living in a mansion with his beloveds instead of a cramped cabin (seriously, that thing is massive! And yet, it's still too small for such a large and outgoing family). It is a bit too big, though. Hell, it's not a mansion. It's a palace! He's discussed with Fidds about it, leading to a map in every room and hall (with a little "You are here" dot in each one) and a PA system next to it. With some extra work, magic, and rummaging through the alien ship, there is now quick travel throughout the estate as well! Just... hold on to the railing while you're at it. And your stomach.

[patantasma]

For anyone who buys Lunchables (or anything similar), they found high levels of lead, cadmium, and sodium in them.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Consumer Reports called on the Department of Agriculture today to remove Lunchables food kits from the National School Lunch Program. CR recently compared the nutritional profiles of two Lunchable kits served in schools and found they have even higher levels of sodium than the kits consumers can buy in the store. CR also tested 12 store-bought versions of Lunchables and similar kits and found several contained relatively high levels of lead and cadmium. All but one also tested positive for phthalates, chemicals found in plastic that have been linked to reproductive problems, diabetes, and certain cancers.

“Lunchables are not a healthy option for kids and shouldn’t be allowed on the menu as part of the National School Lunch Program,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, which launched a petition to the USDA. “The Lunchables and similar lunch kits we tested contain concerning levels of sodium and harmful chemicals that can lead to serious health problems over time. The USDA should remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program and ensure that kids in schools have healthier options.”

The USDA currently allows two Lunchables kits — Turkey & Cheddar Cracker Stackers and Extra Cheesy Pizza — to be served to nearly 30 million children through the National School Lunch Program. To meet the program’s requirements, Kraft Heinz added more whole grains to the crackers and more protein to the Lunchable kits designed for schools compared to store-bought versions.

CR tested store-bought Lunchables and similar kits from Armour LunchMakers, Good & Gather, Greenfield Natural Meat Co., and Oscar Mayer and found lead, cadmium, or both in all. Lead and cadmium can cause developmental problems in children over time, even in small amounts. While none of the kits exceeded any federal limit, five of the 12 tested products would expose someone to 50 percent or more of California’s maximum allowable level for lead or cadmium – currently the most protective standard.

CR also detected at least one type of phthalate in every kit it tested, except for Lunchables Extra Cheesy Pizza. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, compounds that may mimic or interfere with hormones in the body, which can contribute to an increased risk of reproductive problems, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. As with heavy metals, the goal should be to keep exposure as low as possible.

The sodium levels in the store-bought lunch and snack kits CR tested ranged from 460 to 740 milligrams per serving, that’s nearly a quarter to half of a child’s daily recommended limit for sodium. CR found that the sodium levels of the Lunchables made for schools, which had a larger portion of meat, are higher than in the store-bought versions. The school version of the Turkey and Cheddar Lunchable for schools contained 930 mg of sodium compared to 740 mg in the store-bought version. Similarly, the Lunchable pizza kit for schools had 700 mg of sodium compared to 510 mg in the store version.

Eating foods with too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and lead to hypertension, which is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Kids with high sodium intakes are about 40 percent more likely to develop hypertension than those who have low sodium diets.

Michael McCauley, michael.mccauley@consumer.org

[headstrongblake]

@thewholecrew: ❝ if you’re gonna keep risking your life for me than you’re also gonna let me patch you up without a single complaint. ❞ / trin & nick hvh

standing against the metal table, nick examined the gash along his side, sucking in a sharp intake of breath as the wind, caused by trinity's delightful appearing act, prickled along his open wound. gritting his teeth together, crystal hues raised from his side to glare at the blonde before he rolled his eyes. "you've gotta stop doin' that in here," he muttered, letting the fabric of his shirt fall down as he turned toward the table, sifting through the med kit they had onboard.

after threading his stitching needle, nick took a long gulp of whiskey straight from the bottle before leaning against the table once more. he forced out a heavy exhale— while getting stitches was nothing new, even stitching someone up was practically second nature; nick had never quite managed to get past the queasy sensation in the pit of his stomach whenever he had to sew himself together. it must show in his features because before he can begin, once he slipped out of his shirt entirely, trinity was snatching the needle from him. "hey! the hell do you think you're doing?" he asked, brows furrowing as he put his palm out immediately. "if you’re gonna keep risking your life for me than you’re also gonna let me patch you up without a single complaint."

quickly, his brows lifted with surprise, softening his features a touch at her offer, covered in all trinity's usual attitude before a smirk rose on his lips. "yes ma'am." he poked playfully. if he thought back to the day's events, he had taken the knife to the side to keep trinity safe. just because she couldn't feel the damage...didn't mean her wounds had no chance of being life-threatening. "s'kinda my job to keep you alive you know, being the civilian and targets family and all, don't really need any thanks." he replied, his hands raising at his sides with innocent defeat before she could argue that that wasn't what she was doing. nick shook his head as he chuckled lightly, hopping up onto the metal table as trinity moved closer. "you sure you know what you're doing with that?" he asked in all seriousness, "there's no shame, i can do it, s'no big deal for me in my line of work."

[slowmissiles]

Back in a former life, I had an addiction that I loved beyond sanity. Here’s the story of it. 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 pt1 2009 pt2 2009 Redux

This is the final spec list for my glorious, insane Brutal Truth.

Nissan Skyline BCNR33 GT-R (Type 2) manufactured in April 1996. JDM non V-Spec vehicle retailed through Osaka Nissan Prince in May/June 1996. Imported to the UK in June 1997. Remained in original JDM spec without speedometer conversion until August 2002. Only the steering wheel & white dial sets were fitted in Japan.

Nismo RB26N1 bare engine: [N1 water pump (improved flow & less cavitation)/Reinforced cylinder block head bolt boss/Increased sump capacity (6L 20w60)/1.2mm oil restrictor]

N1 head with 0.5mm overbore (2598cc)

Cryogenically hardened N1 crankshaft

Wossner forged & cryogenically hardened pistons

Abbey Motorsport reinforced & cryogenically hardened con-rods

ACL Race Series conrod & crankshaft bearings

Tomei sump baffle kit

Tomei high flow (larger drive gears) oil pump

HKS 1.2mm metal head gasket

Tomei Procam Spec 2 cam kit (270 degree inlet & outlet with 10.25mm lift)

HKS V-Cam System Step 1 Type B (variable 248-278 degree inlet; replaces Procam inlet camshaft)

HKS vernier cam pulleys

HKS kevlar reinforced timing belt

Trust metal intake & throttle gaskets

HKS front pipe & decat gaskets

GReddy Iridium 08 Racing sparkplugs

Mocal 19-row oil cooler & Abbey Motorsport remote oil filter assembly

Abbey Motorsport catch tank & washer reservoir with SFS breather hoses

Abbey Motorsport Pro Alloy large radiator

Tomei fuel pump, fuel regulator & 600cc injectors

A’PEXi Power Intake induction kit

A’PEXi GT Spec intercooler (237x610x136mm) & hard pipe kit

HKS GT-SS turbos

HKS twin AFM delete kit

Tomei turbo elbows

HKS downpipes

HKS Silent Hi-Power exhaust

Abbey Motorsport 80mm decat pipe

Mine’s VX-ROM

HKS F-Con V Pro

HKS EVC 6 boost controller (1.6 bar)

AEM wideband lambda sensor

Splitfire DI Super Direct Ignition System

HKS Circle Earth kit

HKS GD Max twin-plate clutch (with lightened flywheel)

Abbey Motorsport rebuilt transfer box

Abbey Motorsport rebuilt gearbox with cryogenically hardened gear set, modified Nissan synchromesh upgrade and OS Giken strengthening plate

Abbey Motorsport rebuilt rear diff

Nismo gearbox mounts

Nismo Solid Shift gear stick (10% short shift)

Omex Shift Light Sequential

Sunsei SE-135 solar panel trickle charger mounted on a custom aluminium riser between the rear parcel shelf speaker enclosures.

Team Dynamics Equinox alloys 19x9.5, ET+15 in silver with polished stainless steel rim.

Falken FK452 265/30/19 Y-rated tyres

Cusco brake master cylinder brace

Cusco rear steering delete kit

Cusco front & rear upper suspension links

AST Sport Line 1 full suspension kit with UK spring setup

Nismo stainless steel braided brake hoses

StopTech 355mm rotor 4 pot caliper front brake kit

StopTech 355mm rotor 2 pot caliper rear brake kit with Abbey Motorsport modified pad retainers

Ferodo DS2500 brake pads front & rear

Bomex AD-390 front splitter

Nismo R34 smoked front indicators in custom aluminium mounting plates finished in crackle black

Nissan Xenon headlamp units

Border Racing Aero Fenders (vented front wings) with silver GT emblems from a R32 Skyline

Nismo smoked side repeaters

Top Mix one-off FRP twin blade rear spoiler on custom aluminium mounting plates

Entire exterior resprayed in BMW black (code 086) base and lacquer

Nissan Motorsport International carbon fibre B-pillar plates

PIAA carbon effect silicon wipers, front pair with spoilers, rear without

Nismo white face dial sets (dashboard & centre console) in carbon fibre panels

AEM AFR gauge mount replaces the lighter socket

HKS EVC display mounted on custom carbon fibre plate replacing the ashtray

Lighter socket relocated to the fog light switch panel

Nissan Momo steering wheel (with airbag)

Dressycar Nismo harness pads

Redline Automotive leather gearstick & handbrake gaiters

Abbey Motorsport carbon fibre door sill trims

Carbon fibre boot sill trim

Inlet plenum and sundry induction pipework finished in powder grey

Trust clear cam pulley cover

HKS Kansai Service carbon fibre spark plug cover

Right hand cam cover finished in crackle black

Nismo radiator & washer reservoir caps

HKS Kansai Service front strut brace finished in high gloss black

GReddy aluminium slam panel finished in crackle black

Tein bonnet dampers with black sleeves

Custom made one-off Cobra Misano Lux front seats: [Alcantara (colour code 9189) outers/Alcantara (colour code 9182) centre panels/One-piece carbon fibre backs/Sidewinder bases on custom subframes adapted by Abbey Motorsport/Cobra logo in silver thread on the headpads/GT-R logo beneath the grommets on seat backs]

JVC KD-AVX2 multi-media DVD/CD receiver with built-in 3.5” widescreen monitor

2x JL Audio Evolution VR600-CXi 6” speakers (front)

2x JL Audio Evolution TR650-CXi 6.5” speakers (rear)

Multiple and interlaced Thatcham rated security systems.

500 bhp. 520 ft/lb.

Ludicrously, hilariously, unbelievably fast.

Hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane with me. Cheers! JM.

(Photo by N. Liassides.)

[judgeanon]

Plastic Skies - Model 8: F-16A Falcon

It’s been a little under two months since the last time I posted one of these, but without being dramatic, it feels closer to two years. Issues with getting paid at work meant I spent most of the early weeks of 2023 in a constant state of anxiety, and models only added to it. Or rather, knowing that I wasn’t gonna be getting any models done any time soon. Eventually, the fever broke and after paying any outstanding debts, I decided to treat myself. And it sure was a treat.

I like the F-16 Falcon a lot. Light, compact but still sporting some fine lines and a great silhouette, I always think of it as the pony car to the F-14′s muscle drag racer. The Camaro of fighter jets. That love for the F-16 runs deep, since I remember it being another one of the kits my brother or I built as kids, and one I had a big fondness for. The intake in particular I remember thinking looked very cool. And more recently, I kept running into it on every single Ace Combat game I touched, along with its cool seafaring Japanese cousin, the F-2.

Speaking of Japan, this particular F-16 comes from the fine folks at Hobby Boss, and is the first time I bought a Japanese kit. I got it for a decent price and at a 1/72 scale, mostly because all the 1/144 kits I could find had some wacky paintjob or something. So HB it was, and right out of the box, I was in love. The plastic felt strong and durable, the pieces all looked beautiful, none of them had to be cut or drilled, and as I would later find out, the kit came witha  bunch of small touches to make it an extremely easy build.

Along with the model, I also bought a couple of extra tools and paints I’d been missing, including one that was an immediate “How the FUCK have I been doing this for so long without you?” moment: a pair of spruce cutting pliers that made separating parts an absolute joy. That was, in general, my main goal with this model. Joy, relaxation, just having a good time building one of my favorites and giving it a cool desert camo job (appropriate, considering the scorching summer we had while I was building it). But I also had a bunch of other goals in mind that turned this kit into a test bed of sorts.

The first and most obvious one was finally getting to use a bottle of Mig Jimenez’ AMMO paint, a particular shade of grey I bought months ago in preparation for the “final boss” project I’ve had in my mind pretty much since I started doing this stuff. It’s a very strange kind of grey, almost turquoise under certain lights, but definitely eyecatching. I wanted to see how it’d look like when applied, and while it was a little weird at first, the more I got used to it, the more I liked it.

For the top, as mentioned above, I decided to go for a desert camo. I'd already painted two woodland camos before, so I figured this would be a nice change of pace while still using brown. Beyond the paints, however, the build proved to be really satisfying. All the pieces fit together perfectly (although some required a bit more pressure than usual) and the whole model, even before being finished, felt sturdy in ways no other model had felt so far. Turns out, the “Boss” part of Hobby Boss ain’t just hype.

Speaking of Japan, I also bought a can of Tamiya’s burnt iron metallic paint, since I’d seen it in a lot of instruction manuals. And just like every other metallic paint before it, I immediately fell in love with its easy application and lovely tone. This feels like the edgy member of the metallic paint crew and if I could, I’d probably try to paint a whole plane with it. Just to see what that’d look like.

And speaking of paints, the brown part was a bit painful, requiring about three coats before it looked decent enough to varnish. Maybe I need to start using primer, but I swear I have three or four specific paints that just refuse to stick properly until I get a bunch of coats in there. A bit frustrating, but the end result was still decent enough, and before I knew it, it was time for decals.

This is where things got a little interesting: the model I bought had decals for the Belgian and Norwegian air forces. But I had other plans. Using a couple of USAF roundels leftover from my F-14 Tomcat (as seen in Plastic Skies: Model 3) and a pair of emblems from the Ace Combat decal sheet I’d ordered last year, I decided to turn this into a Warwolf Squadron F-16, from Ace Combat: Assault Horizon. It was never going to be canon, since that game’s desert F-16 has a different camo scheme and I didn’t have any serial number decals, but the idea was to test the decals I did have while also finally doing something with those USAF emblems. And something was done indeed.

Unfortunately, however, decal application ended up being an absolute mess. The sheet that came with the plane was extremely packed together, so cutting around things was a terrifying labor. The decal solution I used dried up terribly quick, leading to decals that landed on a surface and immediately refused to move no matter what I tried. And one or two decals were just absolutely nuts to begin with. The job was taxing and the results were a bit disheartening, but I’ve long since learned to accept imperfections. Or at least, I try.

Lastly, I applied a bit of grey wash to accent the panel lines, a process that continues to haunt me. I’m trying not to rely on the “sludge” method of just covering the entire surface in wash and then cleaning it up, but I’ve tried three brands of wash so far and none of them seem to really slip into the lines as easily as advertised. I’m worried that I might be the problem, that my paints and varnishes may be so thick that the washes just can’t find the lines, but despite asking a couple of shop owners it seems like I’m doing everything right. Oh well.

Of course, you might notice something missing, and not just talent or skill. Hobby Boss, turns out, sells missiles and other weaponry separate from their models. I already knew this going in, having looked at the model on a few websites, and to be honest it was a little relaxing to not have to worry about tiny little decals on tiny little missiles. Plus, I already have a plan laid out to deal with this. But the way things are going, it might take a while.

Despite problems big and small, I’m pretty happy with this F-16. Every time I spend more than a month without building a new kit, I’m terrified that I’ll get rusty, that my hands will forget the meager skills I’ve gained so far and that my final goal keeps getting away. So doing something in this scale and spending so much time on it was a relief in several ways. And who knows? Maybe someday I will find some applicable serial decals for the fin. Still, it’s good to be back on the saddle.

And thanks to a very generous friend, the wait until the next one would end up being way, way shorter this time.

[celinamarniss]

We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This, chapter three, part six. Part one. Part two. Part Three. Part four. Part five.

Long one this week.

Din found a work table under the shade in Peli’s workshop and cleared off most of the accumulated junk that covered its surface. From his vantage point, he could see Mara handing over a wallet filled with credits, but he couldn’t hear what she and Peli were saying. Luke returned with a small tool kit pinned under his arm and a box containing the replacement memory chip. He opened the kit on the table and spread the tools out one-handed. 

Mara came over and perched on the edge of the table, her feet propped up on the bench. Din sat on the other side of the table and watched as Luke shrugged out of his jacket and tossed it on the bench next to Mara’s feet. He’d removed his sling and his damaged hand hung at his side. 

Din stared. A latticework of scars wrapped around Luke’s biceps, crawling out from under the short sleeves of his black shirt. They covered his upper arms, and, judging by the thick white patterns on his neck, his chest as well. 

“That’s not an ion burn,” Din blurted before he could think the better of it. 

“Oh,” Luke said, glancing down at the scars although he’d forgotten they existed. “No, those aren’t new. Not—not new.” 

“I hadn’t noticed before,” Din said. They ran like rivers down Luke’s arms, one thick tributary ending abruptly where the prosthetic began. Din was seized by the urge to run his fingers along the scars, or—he shut down that line of thought quickly. 

“We were wearing so much cover up at the Viper,” Mara explained, making a face of distaste. “Practically had to scrape it off later.” 

The wide curved neckline of Mara’s shirt hung just below her collarbone and if Din looked closely he could see a few faint lines, delicate as lacework, peeping above the hem. The longest tendril curled at the base of her throat. 

Din wrenched his gaze away. “Let me see your hand,” he said. The table was narrow enough that when Luke offered up his damaged prosthetic it rested comfortably between them, palm up. 

Repairing the hand would be delicate work, so Din stripped off his gloves and tucked them in his belt. He lifted Luke’s hand in his own, the synthskin cool against his bare fingers. Luke’s hands were wide, his fingers long and blunt-tipped. His prosthetic was fashioned to perfectly match his left hand, with the exception of whatever wear and tear the original hand had suffered. Aside from the creases that criss crossed his palm, the synthskin was smooth, incapable of holding a callus. Din wondered what scars, what history, had been lost when the hand had been replaced. He ran his thumb over those creases, feeling the synthskin give under his touch. 

He heard a sharp intake of breath and looked up. Luke was staring intently down at their hands. 

“What?” Din looked down. The prosthetic cupped in his hand was still inert. “Sorry—did I—did that hurt?” 

When he raised his head again, they both looked away. Luke shot an expression that Din couldn’t read in Mara’s direction, and Mara turned her head so that Din couldn’t see her face. There was color in Luke’s cheeks. 

“No, it’s fine.” Luke shook his head. His voice was light, almost breathy. “No feeling at all.” He cleared his throat. “Uh. The catch is there—” 

Luke reached over with his left hand and dug his nail into the side of his right wrist. Din heard a pop as the catch was released. 

“Ah.” Din said. He could see the seam now. He carefully peeled back the synthskin, exposing the metal casing that surrounded the machinery. That too, opened with the press of a latch, and the interior workings of the prosthetic were revealed. Din pulled Luke’s hand a little closer, tilting his wrist this way and that to see around the row of pistons that powered the wrist’s motion. 

“I didn’t lose it in an accident, if that’s what you’re thinking,” Luke said. 

“In the war?” Din asked. There were a lot of ways that someone might lose a hand in a war zone. 

Luke hesitated a moment. “My father cut it off,” he said softly. 

Din’s head jerked up and he stared at Luke. His father? Anger flashed through him, bright and sudden as a lightning strike. How could a father have acted with such violence and cruelty toward own child—toward someone remarkable as Luke? 

“Like I said, our relationship was complicated,” Luke said with the sort of wry lightness that masked deep pain. 

In his peripheral vision, Din saw Mara turn her head in his direction to catch his eye, and from the flinty expression on her face, Din understood that she felt the same way that he did. 

Hadn’t she made veiled references to growing up with an abusive guardian as well? Din took a breath, wrestling his anger back under control. There was nothing he could do about it. Not now. No matter how much he wished he could go back in time and shield them both from the father figures that had harmed them. 

“I’m sorry,” Din said. 

“It’s alright,” Luke said. “Thank you—I’ll tell you about it sometime.” 

Din felt a tug on his boot. He looked down to see Grogu at his feet. 

Putting Luke’s hand down for a moment, he lifted the child onto the table. “Don’t touch anything,” he said. Grogu immediately snatched up the shiniest tool in the kit and stuck it in his mouth. He looked back and forth between them, defiance creased onto his small face and the ratchet firmly between his teeth. 

Luke laughed, reaching across the ruffle the thin hairs on Grogu’s head. “Don’t give yourself indigestion, kiddo.” 

Din just sighed and turned his attention back to Luke’s hand. He used a pair of pliers to ease the fried memory chip out of its slot, hidden underneath one of the pistons. Casting the old chip aside, he removed the new chip from its packaging and fitted it into place. Luke had been right—he had to use both hands to carefully maneuver the delicate chip into the slot. With a careful nudge it clicked into place. Luke’s whole arm shivered and his fingers twitched. 

When Din glanced up, he noticed that Luke had caught the edge of his lip between his teeth. This close, Din could see his long lashes brushing against his cheek as looked down at their hands. 

Din forced his gaze back to the prosthetic. 

“A few wires loose, too,” he said, making adjustments and trying not to be distracted by the way the hand came to life as he repaired it. When he was satisfied with his work, he snapped the metal casing closed. The synthskin sealed back together until it looked almost as seamless as a real hand, the only indication that it was a replica was the scar where the prosthetic met Luke’s arm. 

Luke flexed his fingers wide and rotated his wrist in half-circle. “Thank you,” he said. “Thank you, Din.” 

“Sensation all back?” Mara asked. 

Luke reached up and brushed his fingers along her cheek. “Oh yes,” he murmured. She leaned down as he rose to his feet, their mouths meeting in a heated kiss. The hand Din had repaired wrapped around her waist as Luke stepped between her knees. 

Din looked away, far too aware of the heat rushing to his face and wishing he had the ability to shut off the sound input to his helmet. Fumbling for the gloves at his belt, he pulled them back on. He looked over at Grogu, who was still determinedly chewing on the end of the ratchet. Grogu met Din’s eyes and pulled the tool out of his mouth. Maintaining eye contact, he tossed the ratchet to the ground, where it landed with a sharp clatter. 

“Kid...” Din trailed off helplessly. 

Luke and Mara had turned at the sound, and Luke stepped away from his wife with a chuckle. He scooped Grogu up with both hands. “Look what your dad did! Good as new!” 

Din tried not to flinch as he tossed Grogu up in the air and caught him. Grogu shrieked in delight, his big ears flapping as he went up and down.

[talesfromsiteredacted]

Alterations

Rabbit has her first on site accident. She literally comes out of it a changed woman. Whether this is a good thing remains to be seen.

Triggers: life or death struggle, blood, implied death, overprotective Clef, loud profanity, trapped Rabbit

I wake up to blaring alarms, gunfire, screaming, and general chaos. I dress, grab my combat gear and head out, expecting the Insurgency again. What I find are typical goons, black-clad and with worse aim than the average Imperial Stormtrooper. Hell, these boys are so dumb I literally walked up behind one and knock him out with a sucker punch to the nose. There's a crunch, and boom goes the goon. Huh. No insignia on his kit. Not Insurgency then. Still... bad idea breaking in here, guys. If we don't get you... there's always the residents. Speaking of... looks like someone met 073, and it went better for Cain than him. Cain is standing over the dead guy, a bullet hole in his shirt, but the wound is on the dead thug, right through the heart.

"Who are these people?" Cain looks at me, confused.

"Not Insurgency goons, I think. See any more?"

"Twelve, headed toward the Mechanical Anomalies wing. I do not think that would be such a good thing for us. We should stop them."

"Sorry, Cain. We're supposed to protect you. I have a better idea. Find Dr. Clef. Tell him to bring the whole squad. These boys are going to regret breaking into our home, I swear on 035's overdramatic attitude."

"Right. Be careful, Little Sister. As angry as... the other guy is with me now, he would be much more angry if you were hurt."

"I'll be careful. You be careful too. Attacks might not hurt you, but the jury is still out on environmental damage."

We separate, and I run into a handful of thugs outside 914. Three go down to gunshots, two more meet my feet. And... then there were five. One manages to open the door. We all rush in, amid a flurry of punches and kicks. I get socked in the left eye, but the guy who hit me is out. As are two of his buddies. The other three team up, and I'm shoved into a metal box. Crap. It's the intake side. I hear one of the thugs outside.

"Wonder if we turn this thing on 'very fine' if it'd hurt that bitch."

"Dunno. Let's find out." A dial turns, the machine activates... everything goes dark. It. Fucking. Hurts. Like being torn into a million pieces. Oh 343, if I survive... forgive me for what I want to do to them. Somehow... I hear a familiar shout. It's Clef. There may not be enough ass left to kick when I get out. Dr. Gears is with him. And he's got a grenade launcher. How do I even know that?

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO? Where is Agent Rabbit?" Gears is shouting at them.

"Gears, she's in the Clockworks." Clef shoots one of the goons. "That was for my favorite intern." Another shot. "That was for the three teams your crew slaughtered." He reloads. There's only one now... and he wished he wore the brown trousers. I would, if I had to deal with both Gears and Clef pissed off. The machine dings. And... I survived. I have no idea what happened to me, but... I'm alive. The door opens, I step out, and Clef rushes to see if I'm okay. He stops two meters before me. The thug is cowering, muttering gibberish. I can make out a few phrases.

"Dios mio, I am sorry. What have we done?"

"You fucked up a perfectly good intern, is what you did." Huh. Is... is that what I sound like now? Like I have a megaphone in my throat? Yikes. I may never speak again. "Now... fuck off."

"Que?"

"Fuck. Off. I'm giving you a five second head start. Run." I flap my... wings? What the fuck? I have wings now? Forget it... the guy runs. Time to hunt the goon. I take off out of the room, chasing him. I catch him right outside the men's room. Perfect. I can wash the blood off me, at least my hands and face. I slam him into the wall... and through it. Huh. Super strength. Wait til Abel finds out. I wind up in front of the mirror, and look at myself. Wow. I'm uninjured, my hair is now red instead of dark brown, my height increased by at least half a foot, and... the wings. There's six of the things, the ones on my right are flaming, the others frozen. I can see through my torn off left sleeve that arm is now covered in tattoos, blue-white roses amid green leaves and thornvines. Nice, but... what the hell did 914 do to me?

Clef and Gears catch up to me. They're both staring at me like they're seeing me for the first time. Which, to be fair... it kinda is. At least, the accidentally improved me.

"Rabbit... wow. Normally, I'd be against extreme makeovers... but you're hot."

"Clef, three of my wings are permanently on fire, it seems. Oh." I look in the mirror again. The face is mine, yet... not. A refined version of me. Weird. Meh. At least I only have the wings. Huh. Wonder if I can tuck them in or something. I will my wings to fold, and they melt into my back. Good. Damn things would just be in the way.

"We're going to want to run some tests, see what you can do. And there's going to be a mountain of paperwork." Gears said. "But, I'm just glad you're still mostly our Rabbit. I'd hate to lose one of our brighter lights in the darkness."

"Honestly, Big Boss... I'm just thrilled I survived. Just... don't sign me up for a cell of my own just yet. I'm still me, I'm still part of the Foundation. I'm just... altered. And in desperate need of a good cup of tea."

"Rabbit, my wee bunny... I'll make you a whole pot. You still on the jasmine green kick?"

"Yeah. Hey, have I ever told you that you two are my favorite bosses, ever?"

"You're not getting out of the physical, little Bunny." Gears responds.

"Ah, bugger all that for a game of soldiers! You know I hate physicals."

[the-firebird69]

This guy BG has taken her son's design on. everything, and he's just like these other schmucks and doesn't pay him and give some trouble. This is a really hot car It's our son and daughter who designed it, and we're going to use it as a kit car in this format as a 4 seater This is actually a four seater. It's a sport It's a sport version of the Tesla. and we're going to make a kit and we're going to use the compact sedan, which is the same size. And we will bump out the rear tire. using a kit. It will be 4 wheel independent suspension front wheel drive fully electric. And he's come up with the name and we're pretty much going to copy the car because it's not produced. We're going to change it a little because it's been just 10 years. But there's some things we don't like. but there are things that make it look like a super car. We might lower the top of it to make it look more supercar and less Asian. The name of the vehicle is Zephyr And his spelling is usually atrocious. but he has it right and we wil talk to bja. wants tons we cn make them. We will start out with a front wheel drive electric motor. And we use the existing transmission, which is heavier duty than most. With the goal of being mid engine, and we will always have 4 wheel independent suspension. These cars are too fast, not too.. we're going to actually produce this because of his. attitude. And we need his stuff, and we need him out. We don't need someone who knows what they're doing. he's going to try and kidnap him constantly too. And this will heat it up nicely. we're going to start out with a standard battery configuration for the motor. But because it's lighter, we're going to start out with the. FRP, RCR, and it's. a bit stronger. It doesn't move or bend at speed, and it doesn't dent as easy, and it doesn't rip to pieces if you hit someone or someone. hits you. And it can be fixed fairly simply and. will have to make kits for that. We will switch to metal which will be a little heavier, but not much This car is going to be very fast. It will be quick charge. 15 to 20 minutes. Fully charged. We will have a small reserve battery. Most cars don't. But we will. It's about the size of a bicycle battery and goes about five miles or 10 miles..

0-60 3.2 seconds

quarter mile 7 seconds

top speed 280 mph mostly 300 mph but wiht our son and ken ok

distance per full charge: 400 miles plus

These statistics are accurate even with the full size lithium battery system. it would be encased as well. the chassis will have to reinforce. We will take. the whole thing off, and we will leave the firewall. And the dashboard and we will replace none of the gages. No, we replace a couple, but they do have the same size, and it's very simple.. if you look at it, you definitely will know it's electric. And we're going to have an air intake for cooling in the front. We don't know why he doesn't. He's a little insane. The drive is definitely not on the wheels. It's an engine in a transmission.

This is a kick car, but with special panels. They're like the Saturn, but they're sturdier, and it. has a brake system with it. And high speed tires and rims and will look very cool. And be very light. and with roll cage and enclosure in a in a frame for the panels and engine and it's not going to be much of a frame. No, it will be a real one, but it's going to be made so it's not hard to put together and we'll. make it as a kit car to send to people.

Zephyr and nice she says and came up with hit sees it and good.

i love this song and now i know why no i loved it before one of cour creatures i thought mb both we do that typically and they prob build this car

Hera

im in they sponsor it and help design it we do it we do

Madonna

and we see good. we need it now

ken

and we do

Madonna

now we see it need it we do this is bull you shits blow will see it and hope its not too late damnit

mac daddy takes forever you need a sitick and hahaha

Olympus

[vividracing]

New Post has been published on https://www.vividracing.com/blog/best-cold-air-intake-for-the-toyota-gr-supra-a90-a91/

Best Cold Air Intake for the Toyota GR Supra A90/A91

For 2020+ Toyota GR Supra enthusiasts looking to take their A90/A91 to the next level, the VR Performance Cold Air Intake System is an absolute must-have. Crafted from high-quality titanium, this intake system is designed to play a critical role in optimizing your Supra’s performance and add some great aesthetics to your engine bay.

Why Choose A Titanium Intake Pipe?

Titanium is renowned for being lightweight and exceptionally durable, making it ideal for high-performance modifications. The VR Performance Cold Air Intake System is a prime example of this, standing out for its ability to withstand extreme conditions. The titanium intake pipe, metal filter shield, and Lexan glass top offer superior heat resistance for temperature pollution from the engine bay, resulting in colder air induction. This leads to improved combustion efficiency and optimal power output. Additionally, the transparent top of the enclosure showcases the air filter, providing a unique visual element that sets it apart from most other cold air intakes.

Maximized Airflow for Peak Performance

The VR Performance Cold Air Intake System features a high-flow air filter and titanium piping designed to maximize airflow to the B58 powerplant. The precision fitment of the heat shield and intake routing ensures a seamless installation process. All necessary hardware is included, making it a hassle-free upgrade for any Supra owner.

Form, Function, and Aesthetics

This intake system isn’t just about performance. It’s designed to enhance the overall look of your engine bay. The titanium finish adds a striking visual element that pairs perfectly with other titanium components like turbo inlet pipes and charge pipes. When you pop the hood, the VR Performance Cold Air Intake System makes a statement, combining functionality with style.

Features and Benefits

High-quality titanium construction: Ensures durability and lightweight performance.

Superior heat resistance: Maintains cooler air intake temperatures for better combustion.

High-flow air filter: Maximizes airflow for increased horsepower and torque.

Precision fitment: Guarantees easy installation with all necessary hardware included.

Stunning titanium finish: Adds a sleek and modern look to your engine bay.

Upgrade Your Supra Today

Elevate your Toyota A90/A91 Supra’s performance with the VR Performance Titanium Cold Air Intake System. Experience the perfect blend of power, durability, and style. Whether you’re hitting the track or cruising the streets, this intake system ensures your Supra performs at its best while looking incredible under the hood.

Upgrade your Supra with the VR Performance Titanium Cold Air Intake System and feel the difference in performance and style today!

Let us help!

There is no doubt this all-new titanium cold air intake kit for the B58 is a no-brainer upgrade for your GR Supra. As always, if you have any questions regarding upgrades for your vehicle or this VR Performance part specifically, we are enthusiasts who genuinely believe in supplying fellow enthusiasts with the best mods to meet your driving goals! We have almost 12,000 5-star reviews and a 4.6/5 review on Google to prove it 😏 You can chat with us – HERE (Live Chat). We’ll get back to you like, spooky fast. Reach out to us at sales@vividracing.com or give us a call at (480) 966-3040 📞 and we’ll be happy to help with your questions or be a shoulder to cry on.

[akglobaldent]

How To Take Care Of Your Oral Health With Invisalign?

Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces to correct dental issues like gaps and overbites. Both options can lead you to your goal and improve your smile. But using Invisalign clear aligners instead of conventional metal braces doesn’t demand you to make any vital lifestyle changes. For example, you won’t have to avoid certain foods or wear a custom mouthguard when you play contact sports.

However, undergoing Invisalign treatment does require maintaining good oral hygiene. Though it may sound intimidating, it is not! Here, you will find the answers to all your questions based on the insights we have taken from the expert team of Orthodontists at AK Global Dent. This blog will help you understand how to manage your oral health with Invisalign. And where to find the best Orthodontist doctor in Gurgaon. So, let’s start the journey together!

Seven Tips To Follow Oral Hygiene With Invisalign

Brush And Floss Your Teeth First

As per the doctors, a typical patient wears their Invisalign aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily. In between that, you must remove your aligners whenever you eat or drink something besides water. To keep your teeth in good shape, you must brush and floss your teeth before you put Invisalign clear aligners back into your mouth.

To ensure you do the brush timely, it’s advised to take a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you if you are going out to eat. If that’s not possible or you forget them at home, try to at least swish your teeth clean with some water before reinserting your aligners.

Limit The Intake Of Foods And Beverages That Causes Stains

Despite not restricting what you can eat or drink during your Invisalign treatment, you can still take cautious steps when determining how much you consume stain-causing foods and beverages. To simplify it in a better way, we have made a list that you may want to think twice about consuming to prevent your aligners from becoming stained:

Wine

Soda

Tea

Coffee

Juice

Soy Sauce

Acidic fruits like grapefruit.

Remember To Brush Your Aligners properly.

Just like you brush your teeth daily, you must also brush your Invisalign aligners and take proper care of them. Though your aligners are tough enough to handle the day’s event, they need special care when brushing. So make sure you brush your aligners lightly but thoroughly.

Tip: Do not use toothpaste on your aligners, especially the whitening ones or toothpaste that includes baking soda in its ingredients.

Get Used To Invisalign Cleaning Kit

It is easy to maintain your aligners in good condition with the help of an Invisalign cleaning kit. These kits will deep clean your aligners by keeping them in a glass of water and a denture cleaning tablet.

Build A Habit To Store Your Aligners In A Case

When you’re not wearing your Invisalign clear aligners, store them in a case. If you lay them on a table or sink, they can get covered with germs and bacteria, which will wind up in your mouth.

Stay Hydrated And Maintain Overall Health

Staying hydrated is essential for both your general health and oral well-being. Drinking water can help to flush away bacteria and food particles, reducing the risk of cavities and gum issues. Additionally, having a balanced diet and overall health leads to the success of your Invisalign treatment. Include nutrient-rich foods to support your strong teeth and gums and enhance the overall impact of orthodontic care on your oral health.

Rinse Your Mouth Before Inserting Aligners Ideally, it would help if you cleaned all the plaque and food debris from your teeth before placing your aligners back on your teeth again. If you do not, you will trap all the food and bacteria between your aligners and teeth. It can result in stains on your teeth and aligners, bad breath, and an increased risk of developing cavities. So, try to brush or at least rinse your mouth with water after eating.

Final Words

Finally, taking care of your oral health with Invisalign involves a combination of regular check-ups, hygiene practices, and lifestyle considerations. Following these tips ensures that your Invisalign journey results in a beautifully aligned smile with improved oral health. Remember, a healthy smile is beautiful, and using Invisalign properly can help you achieve both.

You can end your research at AK Global Dent if you still have doubts and want to consult the best orthodontist for your Invisalign Treatment in Gurgaon. Here, Dr. Aneesh Katyal will consult you on the best possible treatment. He has 14+ years of overall experience and has transformed thousands of lives by giving them beautiful smiles while maintaining their oral health.

To start your journey, you can book your appointment at AK Global Dent Today!

[nzdepot]

$106.89 $ Tamiya Military Miniature Series No.289 - 1/35 - Russian Heavy Tank JS-2 Model 1944 ChKZ https://nzdepot.co.nz/product/tamiya-military-miniature-series-no-289-1-35-russian-heavy-tank-js-2-model-1944-chkz/?feed_id=137878&_unique_id=65b1eafeadb5a Features: – 1/35 Russian Heavy Tank JS-2 Model 1944 ChKZ is a plastic assembly kit. – Length 282mm, Gun Length 122mm, Gun comes on a large turret. The Tank’s front part adds to its presence. – Gun Turret and Tank body have a realistic cast metal surface affect. – The engine intake grill has etching parts which give a sharp finish. – The Caterpillar tread comes in two kinds, belt type and connection assembling type. – Comes with 4 kinds of markings belonging to Russia, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. Specifications: Manufacturer Part No: Tamiya 35289 Brand: Tamiya Product Type: – 1/35 […] #