PJM's story reminded me
My uncle was in the RAF and, as it turns out, flew aircraft (Lightnings) designed partly by PJM's dad. However, when my uncle was a wee chap, his interest lay in rather smaller aeroplanes. Balsa models, to be exact.

So after he'd spent weeks building a particularly fine example of a model aircraft - dope, tissue paper, paint, the works - he didn't want it to be damaged. So it was duly placed on top of the piano in the spare room, out of harm's way and away from unruly siblings who may have caused an aviation catastrophe.

My grandad (see earlier in this QOTW), who was not renowned for his subtlety, finesse or skill in the DIY department, was shortly afterwards doing a job in the (unfloored) attic.

You've guessed the next bit already. He appeared through the ceiling, having missed his footing on the joist and, of all the places in the house, landed smack bang on top of the piano.

The piano, and my grandad, survived. The aeroplane however, being made of a less sturdy form of cellulose than polished walnut, did not.

My uncle wasn't best pleased.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Mon 7 Apr 2008, 13:45, 1 reply)

Airfix Arse-Ups
My old chap introduced me to Airfix kits when I was a very small boy - about six years old. Oddly, I was trusted with glue, paint and sharp things to separate fuselage from plastic frame.

However, my Dad's interpretations were a thing of wonder. With his perilously short attention span and amost monumental temper, getting him to make something as patience testing as - say an Airfix Hawker Hurricane - resulted in some amusing renderings.

Oh yes, we had pilots painted in orange with bright yellow helmets, Illusyn 28s with one wing unpainted, Victor bombers in a fetching grey/brown camo and Sopwith Camels finished in Sky Blue and Daffodil Yellow.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Mon 7 Apr 2008, 15:51, closed)