iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Ha! The issue’s not boredom, it’s time and energy, but we’ll see. I’m hopeful of the two plus two, more - would be nice.

000

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Old? I remember Supermodel the first time around! (Ahem.) But also, ‘yes’.

120

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I was lucky enough to get a good look inside a Cant, thanks to a screening of Rossolini’s ‘A Pilot Returns’ film, at the ACMI Melbourne. My report and some stills here: vintageaerowriter.wordpress.com/2025/03/13/r...

vintageaerowriter.wordpress.com

Rossellini’s ‘A Pilot Returns’

In 1942 Roberto Rossellini made a wartime propaganda film ‘Un pilota ritorna’ (‘A Pilot Returns’). Finding that the ACMI in Melbourne were screening it as part of a Rosselli…

141

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Well I hope these weird things don’t catch on, but this one’s old enough to be a commemorative ‘warbird’ so that’s OK even if it stinks of Kero. Yours for a consideration, but you’ll need to bring your own canopy and seat cartridges. www.boschungglobal.com/Inventory/wa...

boschungglobal.com

Fiat G.91R/1A FOR SALE | Boschung Global Aviation (BGA)

FOR SALE: Fiat G.91R/1A | SN 169 | Reg. I-AMIC | SEARCH, BUY AND SELL WARBIRDS. ONE OF THE LARGEST INVENTORIES OF WARBIRDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

110

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

To clarify, I'm not (yet) sure which Fiat CR 32 kit I'll use, but the intent is to end up with one . Interestingly, three Fiats, and three kits from Italy as well as (required) all Italian made subjects. However there WILL be a twist, if I manage it!

Three kit boxes (see previous post for contents) featuring a Meng Fiat G 91, and two Fiat CR 32s, one from AZ Model, one from Supermodel. All 1/72. A phone shows the date of Thursday 24 September 2026. By James Kightly.

Two kit boxes (see previous post for contents) featuring a Italeri Fiat CR 42 and a Supermodel Regiane RE 2000 Falco I, both 1/72. A phone shows the date of Thursday 24 September 2026. By James Kightly.

140

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Well, work (+other things) delayed my entry to #histscalemodels #ItaliaGB, but I couldn't miss it! My first idea wasn't quite 'right', but I think it's resolved now. So. I'm trying (will I get there?) is 2 displays of 2 aircraft each. Thankfully simple (ha) single seat fighters. V Italian so far!

3334

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Yup. Just re-read to check which still wasn’t worth it. Not funny. Not clever and now not known. Bye!

001

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Pats the shelves of “why do you buy DVDs?”

181

Reposted by James D Kightly

Ben Monreal @benmonreal.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The science behind this started in my classroom! I was teaching undergrad environmental fluid mechanics ("The Physics of California") at UCSB; one student's final paper was the baby-steps first look at this; he re-attacked the problem (and named the phenomenon) as a grad student at UCSD.

5656

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

The New Yorker, January 13, 1940, the great Charles Addams. Wouldn’t want to be without the two great visually subversive, witty and destabilising cartoonists from the New Yorker stable, Addams, or Arno. An analysis of the cartoon in the first link.

A very strange cartoon of two skiers that looks normal at first glance. See the article in the following link for detail.

140

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

I’m presenting the Wellesley story at the Aviation Historical Society of Australia’s Melbourne meeting 7.30 on Wednesday night. It’s a great story, I’ll try and do it justice… If you’re able to join us, it’d be good to see you! Also available on Zoom for members: www.ahsa.org.au/wp/ahsa/ahsa...

065

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Getting back to #DrawingAugust, #DrawingAugust2036, a quick and companionable sketch at the local Ecotherapy park with @bevlaing.bsky.social. She got the brushes out and did one lovely one, I rattled off a few quick ink notes. Individual art to follow!

Two drawing notebooks, one, smaller one, with an ink sketch, the bigger with a watercolour painting, both showing a building and plants from slightly different viewpoints. By James Kightly and Bev Laing.

1193

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Today’s #DrawingAugust #DrawingAugust2026 A curious set of belted Galloways who came to the gate as I was undoubtedly the most interesting thing they saw on the day. Being up a rural dead end.

Pencil outline sketch of a group of cows in a field with a gate just visible in the foreground. By James Kightly.

071

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Missed a couple, here’s a recent drawing for #DrawingAugust, #DrawingAugust2026 from BC, Canada. Another grabbed sketch with a view to a return and another go. I liked the trees peaking over the very straight lines and triangles of the cabin roof and windows. Drawing board and ruler next time.

042

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

…to the operation of the effective civil state, from education, to health and all kinds of planning. Without data, it’s guessing. So the smartest thing you can do is fill it out and get it in, and we all benefit. Thank you. 3/3.

030

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

The Australian census run by the Australian Bureau of Statistics is the most comprehensive and useful census in the Anglosphere, currently the most frequent, in depth and robust. The access to that aggregate (not individual) data is publicly accessible and vital… 2/3

120

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Tonight’s the datapoint for the 2026 Census – Australia; you (if in Aus, and not a diplomat) might’ve filled it out already, or be doing it soon, but as the envelope says: ‘please return without delay’. 1/3

120

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Another sketch from the RAAF Museum, a proper aircraft. Well, sort of. It’s a detail of the Maurice Farman Shorthorn, which could be described in many ways, few of them flattering. #DrawingAugust / #DrawingAugust2026.

Ink sketch of the nacelle of an aircraft. By James Kightly.

2124

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Here you can see how playing with colour and texture could be fun.

The drawing contrasted with a photo of the scene. Muted colours.

010

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Today I liked the contrasting shapes and solidity of colour between the birds and the tree. Another quick one laid down for review and later variations. #DrawingAugust / #DrawingAugust2026.

A drawing of some birds in a tree, black cockatoos in a poplar. By James Kightly.

172

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

No question that jets are easier to draw than proper aircraft with props, wires and extra wings. Here’s the RAAF Museum’s Macchi jet trainer sketched today for #DrawingAugust / #DrawingAugust2026.

Photograph of a sketch of a jet aircraft seen from above with the sketch of it in ink seen in front. By James Kightly.

1131

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Lines and curves. I can see taking this in several different directions (ink? Paint?) so stopping here and having a think - for today’s #DrawingAugust / #DrawingAugust2026.

A pencil drawing of a knife, fork and spoon. By James Kightly.

070

Reposted by James D Kightly

Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Stockport Gloom: From Rostron Brow To St. Mark’s, pencil drawing by Dave Hartley.

312613

Reposted by James D Kightly

Chris Sams @jerijerod14.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

This week’s #podcast looks at archaeology/grave robbery on ship wrecks, my interpretation as to the right/wrong of it including HMS Invincible, Titanic, Mary Rose and Prince of Wales. open.spotify.com/episode/1pWg... #history #navalhistory #archaeology

open.spotify.com

Wreck pillaging

Maritime History with Chris Sams (live and unplugged) · Episode

1143

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Lysander indeed. Not Matchbox, bigger.

020

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Drawing something on the table and ‘bringing it to life’. A sketchy sketch, a fun idea. Maybe return to it with more time / detail, but I’m happy with it as it is… Yes, it’s a real subject, someone may guess the aircraft type, and if they’re clever, the kit, too. #drawingaugust #drawingaugust2026

An ink drawing of a model aeroplane box with the model coming off the top of the box.

2144

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

So much! It wasn't THAT hot in Canada, early summer, but certainly not the bitter cold we've got at the moment here...

000

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Day 3 of #DrawingAugust. My partner picked local buildings buildings, and we sketched from the car - it was sharp and cold out there! Our local post office, a standard building type, but heavily modified of the years.

Pencil drawing of a building seen between trees. By James Kightly.

1112

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Thanks! I rotated the pad to get the curve from inside, rather than the other way up. Though I wasn’t happy it was good enough, I kept going, otherwise I’d be stuck fiddling with the first lines. So it was OK, not great. However I may return to try again. Good to get feedback, appreciate it.

010

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Here’s a quick smash to get loosened up and into the habit. Started with trying to get the curves of the oval’s fence, then sketched in the details. Started a bit rough (not convinced by the perspective curves) not great, but happy to have had the bash and get going with Day 2 of #DrawingAugust !

Drawing of the edge of a football oval, buildings and trees, with the real thing behind… By James Kightly.

The first go at the decline curves before more detail was added. Not great curves, but gotta try!

181

Reposted by James D Kightly

The Abominable Jonathan L. Howard @jonathanlhoward.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Oh, I love dumpy little transporters like this feller. BBC News - 1950s Bristol Freighter Type 170 to be restored - BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...

bbc.co.uk

1950s Bristol Freighter Type 170 to be restored

The Bristol Freighter Type 170 is believed to be the last remaining aircraft of its kind in Europe.

1115

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

As it’s the 1st, it’s the start of #DrawingAugust. Not managed a sketch today, but here’s a previously unshared one from under a month ago, and done on the other side of the Pacific.

A pencil drawing by James Kightly of a set of trees, with a water inlet between foreshore and distant hillside.

080

Reposted by James D Kightly

angerj.eurosky.social @angerj.eurosky.social · 29/07/2026

I was just scrolling down the drawings lots of us did for last year's #DrawingAugust. What a bunch of lovely drawings. Do join us this August. A drawing a day, or whenever you can, and post it on here with the #. I am going small this year...

Photo of a small square spiral bound sketchbook with a drawn label on the front saying '#DrawingAugust' 2026.

151

Reposted by James D Kightly

jessamyn @librarian.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

I work at a public library. People who want to use AI seem to have no trouble doing so. People who don't want to use AI have a harder time. I crowdsourced and then finalized this document "How to disable or avoid intrusive AI" and then gave it a short URL: notoai.org Please pass along if it's useful

An aircraft passenger oxygen mask: a drop down passenger mask with air bag and yellow plastic mouth and nose cover, oxygen tube has been cut; Demonstration model used by flight attendant crew for passenger instruction. Has text on the side indicating that it's non-functional.

193126077997

Reposted by James D Kightly

Mar Hicks @histoftech.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Tweet so good I printed it out and put it on my wall. I referred to it in a conference talk today @hypervisible.blacksky.app

Tweet

quantified (br)other @hypervisible
When you say "no one knew" with regard to tech, what that almost. always means is "I wasn't listening."

4:10 PM • 3/29/21: Twitter Web App
143 Retweets 21 Quote Tweets 798 Likes

131612386

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Thanks to @laserpferd.dtun.de for this fun group #BastilleBuild in #histscalemodels. Delighted to have contributed two models, and a fascinating, learning experience to go through too! bsky.app/profile/jdki...

0202

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

The arrogant assumption that Americans can operate outside the law seems normal to them (as imperialists do) and amusing when they spot that others may not agree. They’re. Not. Special. Make good law. Follow it. Don’t try to operate beyond the law. That’s bad.

041

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

This is 4/4. #BastilleBuild at #histscalemodels. Prob biggest change was NOT just going with the borrowed Airfix crew for the Bloch. (The Bréguet got a Matchbox pair). Bloch crew had heads 'turned', which makes them more alive looking, and a Matchbox(?) Daimler A/Car cdr adapted for the observer.

The original crews test fitted. Heller didn't provide crews, but flying posed models need them! Bloch in the foreground. Models and photo by James Kightly.

The revised Bloch crew. St Ex has has head turned to stbd as the nose observed calls out a point of interest. Models and photo by James Kightly.

The crews ready for paint. Bloch gunner had head also sawn off and turned, but the commander got a filler headset and Milliput harness and map, boots off another figure. Models and photo by James Kightly.

The Bloch crew test fitted, and despite the thickness of the canopy and sparse interior, surprisingly effective once 'glassed in'! Models and photo by James Kightly.

0233

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

No rest for the wick... #histscalemodels groupbuilders evidently. Our slave driving @jaaaagirr.bsky.social already lining up the next one! If only I didn't have TUTTO IL MONDO of Italian models already in the build plan from the stash, I might've escaped! Peccato. (Joking aside, these are fun.)

1172

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

And the #BastilleBuild at #histscalemodels together. The roundel for the Bréguet 693 is a temporary paper one, I'll be replacing with an acrylic version soon (time ran out). There's a few extra stories, like that and sawing St Ex's head off(!) which I can share if of interest, once I'm back home.

Photo of the two models in the open sun on their bases. Models and photo by James Kightly.

1314

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Next #BastilleBuild at #histscalemodels, the Bloch 174 of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The stand display has a scale 'model' of the book 'Pilote de Guerre' he wrote about his flights during the Battle of France. I'm now reading a wartime edition of it in English (retitled as 'Flight to Arras'). 2/n

Photo of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Bloch MB 174 'in flight' thanks to a little post processing. Photo and model by James Kightly.

Photo of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Bloch MB 174 on its base which also features a dummy copy of the book he wrote about these wartime flights. Photo and model by James Kightly.

Photo of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Bloch MB 174 entering a climb 'in flight' thanks to a little post processing. Photo and model by James Kightly.

1161

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

A few more glory shots of my two #BastilleBuild at #histscalemodels! First the Bréguet 693. The wheels can be lowered, so a quick borrowed base from another display gives us some lovely ground shots taken outside on a sunny day, and one 'flying' thanks to duffing out the wire and prop blurring. 1/n

Photo of the Bréguet 693 model on the grass. Photo and model by James Kightly.

Photo of the Bréguet 693 model 'in flight', thanks to some retouching. Photo and model by James Kightly.

Photo of the Bréguet 693 model on the grass, with some people watching and a speaker on a pole. Photo and model by James Kightly.

180

Reposted by James D Kightly

Helen Day @lbflyawayhome.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

On this day 5th July 1948 the NHS was born. (The Nurse, 1963 Artist: John Berry)

The illustration that became a cover picture for the book, showing a nurse in traditional uniform supporting a young girl in a red coat and with her leg in plaster

15895224

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Commemorating Canada Day in the Strong and Free North! Always great to share a bit of special Canadian aviation, here with Philthy Vabre at the The KF Centre for Excellence, and (a long time ago) the Air Canada operated Lockheed 10 Electra while visiting the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

050

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

So grateful to be in a world with one Mel Brooks. None is too few. Two would be too much. One Mel is just right.

070

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Completed, posted, so in the position of sharing more photos of build stages, or completed models, if I (other people) want! #BastilleBuild

Photo of the fuselages of the two models test fitted together.

1111