Taking the icy re-plung back into modelling

[ScottishRunner41]

In the summer 1969 on a family vacation to North Battleford, Saskatchewan, I was given a 1/72 Sopwith Camel model kit. I examined every infinite detail and asked too many questions what it was and what the 'toy' was. I was hooked.

For the next decade I explored,researched and modelled aircraft. One day my father asked me why I kept purchasing German WWII aircraft. To my unhistoric educated eye I replied, "Because the German Designers explored imaginative new ideas in all aspects of aviation. The American Designers had no flair, no spark of greatness". I made special note to exclude the P-51D, one of the 5 greatest single seat, single engine piston aircraft. "The Japanese aircraft were just too utilitarian and functional for me, no ghost in those machines." To finish my uneducated narrative, "British, French, Soviet and Italian designs were, well ugly." Again making special note to exclude the line of Spitfires.

Then around 1977, I discovered girls and the models soon sat on dusty shelves.

I grew up but my love for aircraft was never far. For the last 4 decades and many, many moves, I've either lived near or at (literally) airports and airforce bases. Life always got in my way of returning to modelling. The internet has allowed me to slowly reengage the many changes in the craft and love the many absolutely amazing examples being created today. I've tried to purchase kits along the way, ready for me when the time was right.

So, I must offer many apologies to all those national designers I've snubbed, even British. I think I've be able to begin again this spring. So a huge thank you to all those that have kept this hobbit strong and alive. I could retire in the next 2 years but why hurry and grow up now.

Cheers everyone.
Mark

[Lee]

Welcome to ISM Mark

[Smiffy]

Welcome to ISM and back to the hobby. Like oyu I'm also in the process of returning to making models after a substantial break.