Hello from New England

[AndyH]

Hi to all,

I'm a 62 year old man in New England, USA, who hasn't built a scale model since I was about 12 years old. I'm very interested in aircraft, automobiles, ships, and steam locomotives, and have been to many museums, shows, and events from auto auctions to battleships. Finally, the abundance of videos, original product literature, and other resources on the Interwebz has stimulated me to try my hand at a scale modeling project and see where it goes.

Total newbie in terms of any developments since about 1964, so I'm more inclined to listen than to speak. I have considerable experience with working on small things - from metal and lapidary work, to fly tying, to restoring vintage fountain pens. ("What's that?" ask several people...).

I consider myself reasonably knowledgeable on the full size items, but not at all about modeling. My favorite aircraft of all time is the Lockheed P-38, but I'm also a fan of Formula 1 racers, of classic era automobiles, of fighting ships vintage 1890 to 1950, and of classic steam locomotives, mostly American.

I'm not the sort to dip a toe into strange waters; more of a damn the torpedoes, dive in with a cannonball sort of fellow, so I'm looking to get right down to it with a larger scale, fairly difficult kit. I was thinking about the Trumpeter P-38 in 1/32 scale. Knowing that 1) I have pretty decent "working with tiny things" skills, 2) I haven't even touched a scale model since my own kids were young three decades ago, and 3) I'd rather spend a year working to make a single project perfectly than churning out three or four easier ones over the same time, what do you think of my idea? Any other advice for an (un-grumpy) old man?

Cheers!
Andy

[Desertfish]

Nice variety of subject interest there. I'm sure you won't be short of idea's on what to build.

As for you idea... Some people tiptoe into modelling while others dive right in without thinking twice. Some people churn out one model after another while others spend months building and perfecting a specific kit. It all depends on what you want to get out of it. It's your hobby and your time and effort you're investing in it. So you should go about it in a way that is enjoyable for you. And if things don't really turn out as expected, you can still ponder the members on this forum for help or idea's.

Hope you're having fun and to the forum.

[AndyH]

Thanks very much Desertfish! The one long and educational build thought appeals most to me, based on more than a half century of varying experience over a wide range of hobbies. Fortunately, I'm at the time of life when money is less of a problem that it was in younger days, and when time demands of kids and grandkids are sporadic due to distant locations.

I'm wondering if others with more practical experience think this is a fairly easy kit or one fraught with difficulties and unexpected challenges. I do favor the idea of working at a somewhat larger scale (eyesight isn't quite what it used to be...), but I don't want to bite off more than I can chew and become discouraged.

Any other ideas, suggestions, tips on equipment, etc. are more than welcome!

Andy

[Paul]

Hi andy, welcome to ISM.

I would rather spend the time on one kit than make several, i thinks it adds to the hobby and makes it more satisfying.

[schweinhund227]

I used to work on many kits at the same time... I have since changed my habits and only stop a project
if items for the said project are not available and if the delays are too long to keep the momentum going...
Only then; I will switch to another kit.

Nothing wrong with working on only one kit a year and making it perfect....

[Nev]

Welcome to the forum

[Lee]

Welcome to ISM Andy

[MerseyTrainz]

to the ISM forum Andy

[Daishi12]

Hi Andy to ISM. For my opinion, there is nothing wrong with either approach, however you may be advised to try a 1/48 P-38 as a trial "test-bed" to help with some of the techniques which have evolved. Whichever way you go I will be interested seeing your progress

[Joker56]

Hi there & to the forum

[UKguyInUSA]

to ISM Andy!

I would like to take a long time on a project and add scratch built details, so that idea appeals to me, but, that said, I find myself rushing to hit the dead-line dates of Group Builds (GB's) and Special Interest Groups (SiG's)

Cheers

Martin

[Tandrade]

Welcome friend!

[AndyH]

Thank you all for the warm welcome.

This may take me some time to get started, and I have many questions on kits, tools (especially airbrush equipment), and add-ons. I'll try to find answers to them in the appropriate forums.

If I may compliment the webmasters and membership, I will say that this seems to be a very open and welcoming community (I haven't seen a single "RTFF" snark on any of the threads I've looked at), with lots of encouragement and few rivet counter criticisms. I'm going to spend some time reading and absorbing, and then perhaps consolidate all of my questions in a single thread.

Thank you all for your welcome and for sharing your knowledge.

Andy

Edited to add: Martin, I'm also in New Hampshire. I'd appreciate any thoughts or advice you have on dealers, hobby shops, etc. in the Granite State. I'm in the southwestern part of the state, but do get into Manchester and the seacoast areas regularly.

[Corkmyster9436]

to ISM from Evansville IN