Greetings!

General Discussion Welcome - Introduce Yourself
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I’m a “retread.” I started building models when I was 8 years old but stopped when I was about 26. Life just got too busy (so I thought). Now I’m 61 and have “the bug” again. During those early years I built ships, military vehicles (both armored and not), monsters (like Frankenstein), Star Trek’s USS Enterprise (the original one) but, mostly aircraft. I’ve loved airplanes all my life. I see very clearly that the hobby has evolved during my hiatus. The internet has clearly been a huge part of that. I am thoroughly enjoying the FineScale Forums and am picking up many new techniques. To those of you who have responded so quickly to my questions, I say thank you for the detailed and helpful info! The wealth of knowledge that I see in these forums is incredible.

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Welcome back, Valkyrie! [snWcm]

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Welcome to the Forums Valkyrie! Glad to have you aboard! Also welcome back to the hobby. I’ve been building for 67 of my 73 years and I agree with you that things have really changed over the years. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are many, many knowledgeable guys, and gals, on here that are ready, willing, and able to help you. So, sit back, take a sip or two of your favorite beverage and enjoy.[C]

Jim [cptn]

P.S. The guys, and gals, do like to see pics of your builds.

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Welcome to the Forum!

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Hey, Valkyrie ! Welcome to the FSM forums. If planes are your passion, you are in good company here. Everything needed to know how to create beautiful aeronautical pieces of art can be found here. So many knowledgeable folks in all categories of modelling. Just jump right in, maybe find a group build that suits you. And definitely post some build pics of your stuff.

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Welcome Valkyrie! Yeah, the hobby went on without us during our hiatus! But for the better I say. Planes are a passion of mine too, so jump on in and have fun! Just be sure to post some pics of your builds!

Eagle90

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welcome aboard

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Welcome aboard.

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Thanks, Eagle90! I’ve jumped in with both feet. I’m currently working on an XB-70, a B-52G and a B-52H. All in 1/48 scale. Started the XB-70 first and thought I’d use it’s name “Valkyrie” as my handle just to remind myself what sparked my interest again. I will post some progress photos soon (once I figure that part out).

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Thanks, Devil Dawg! I feel quite welcome here and have been enjoying the connection with people so much in love with the art.

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Thanks, Bish!!

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Thanks, Bill! I definitely feel in good company here! And I am totally impressed with the workmanship I see in the Gallery! I don’t think I know what the group builds are. I’ve seen reference to them, but haven’t gotten that far yet I guess.

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Thanks, checkmateking02. I appreciate the welcome.

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Thanks, Jim! So, in 67 years how many models have you built? I never really thought of counting them when I was modeling before, but perhaps 40-50. That’s not so many and they weren’t anywhere close to what I see in the FSM Gallery. The three I’m working on now won’t compare favorably either probably, but they’ll be dramatically better than any I’ve done before. And that is because I’ve already picked up some great tips from members here!

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I reckon that we’ll all be learning a few tips from you as well. Everybody has there own way of doing certain little somethings in their builds. Sometimes a fresh perspective can reveal a great new technique.

If you think that what you’ve seen in the Gallery is good, wait til you check out the results of the group builds. Lotsa awesome stuff in those.

And, as for the group builds. They can be found in the forums under the heading Modeling Subjects. You’ll see Group Builds toward the bottom of the list. Check em out. See if there’s one that fits something you were planning on building or maybe they’ll inspire you to build something new. Great way to learn new things and get to know some of the folks in here.

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Valkyrie, I would not even try to make a guess at the number of models I built. I do know that when I got married (the first time), my mother packed up, or I should say stuffed all the models that I had built till then into a couple of Steamer chests (without my knowledge or approval) and gave them to one of the kids that lived up the street. He told me a few years later that over half the ships and planes were totally destroyed. Half of the remaining ones were damaged. My uncles had kept my brother and I stocked with models and equipment as Mom and Dad thought that it was a total waste of time and money. I started over and filled the basement of my home with new ones. Kept giving a bunch of them away to kids in the neighborhood to make room for more. I now have a spare bedroom as a workroom and it’s shelves and curio cabinet are almost filled. I build more slowly now as the eyesight is not so good and the hands shake a lot. My “stash” has enough kits to keep me busy for roughly the next uhhhhhhhhhhh 350 years. If I don’t make it, the grandkids should have enough to keep them busy for a while too. They call me “Dr. Glue” when they call or come to the house. They always have something that needs fixing.

I built the “Scottish Maid” in my Avatar for my wife. She wanted it to put in the den after she redecorated it in a beach theme.

Jim [cptn]

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Hi, FlyItLikeYouStoleIt. Thanks you so much for encouraging me to look at the Group Builds! I found one the very first time I looked that fits what I’m doing like a glove - B-52 Group Build. I’m building two B-52s right now.