I suspect that I am like many of you. During the onset of COVID, I found myself at home perusing the news, sports, cheesy movies and YouTube videos. And it was during this time last fall that I found myself once again getting lost in the memories of my childhood.
Horrible B-movies, early 80’s sci-fi TV shows (Manimal, Automan, The Phoenix, etc.), Airwolf, after school cartoons, etc. And among my endeavors when I was a kid, was building model planes. I don’t remember which was my first, but I think it was the venerable F-4.
To make a long story short, last year my beloved wife noticed that I was watching YouTube videos of master model builders displaying their talents. So, for my 48th birthday she bought me an F-15C, knowing that it has long been one of my favorite aircraft. A Tamiya 1/48, to be exact. I opened it up and tucked it away all this time. I tucked it away for so long because I remembered how expensive it was to buy the materials in the first place. But time can wait no longer, and I need to get back into this hobby.
My wife has no idea what she started. She thought that this was going to be as simple as just gluing pieces together and painting them. Little did she know that it’s just not that easy. And so I began the arduous task of compiling the materials that I need to complete my F-15. I’m only $45 worth of materials in and I have a lot more to go.
Anyway, I wanted to say hello. For now, dinner awaits!
Hi Lasercom! Welcome to the Forums! Glad to have you aboard.
I’m in just the opposite position. I started building at the ripe old age of 6 (in 1946) and never stopped. Had a lot of other hobbies along the way also, but they came and went but the models stayed. I’ve always built whatever struck my fancy at the time and my wallet said OK. Would hate to know what the total would be. It would probably give me a heart attack.
Don’t be in a rush to buy all the latest (and most expensive) tools and supplies. They are great but there are also a lot of tools that can be had in the “Dollar Store” and the ladies beauty supply section of Walmart. One example is sandind sticks of various grades. You can get an infinite type of them from lots of vendors but you can also get lots of different grades in the nail section at Walmarts a lot cheaper. They work for me. As far as paints go, a lot of them are great but there is a learning curve to their use. Try one and see if you like it, then try another and so on. Some work better with a brush and some with an airbrush (another learning curve). I use acryllic water based paints. Vallejo Model Air is my go to. I also use Craft acryllic paints at Joanne Fabrics. Usually $1.50 a bottle but they have sales at 3 for 1$. I use them because there is “no odor” and they can be thinned with distilled water at .98cents a gallon and cleanup for brushes or airbrushes I use Windex (also bought in a gallon refill size).
If you do have any questions/problems, don’t be afraid to ask. The members here will give you constructive criticism if you want it. You will get a lot of answers to any questions. You will probably get a lot of answers that are different than mine. That’s the reason they make Fords, Chevy’s and lots of others. Listen to all of them and then “Do it your way”. Looking forward to seeing your work. Relax and enjoy.
Jim [cptn]
Stay Safe.
PS - I live just off the Morgantown exit of the Turnpike.
Welcome back to a hobby that can be tremendous fun and amazingly frustrating. Both a cheap way to stay home from the bars and a place to wonder where did all that money go for “incidentals”?
One way or another, your wife did you a great favor by giving you that F-15. My wife understands how important my hobby is to me, too. About 35 years ago, she dipped into my stash and gave me a couple of models for Christmas. She thought I’d never notice.
Enjoy the building, the planning and imagining, and enjoy this forum!
Hello and welcome into the forray of model building. Rest assured that you picked a nice forum to share your skills and questions. As you get comfortable here, take some time to look through all the modeling subjects and group builds. You will find that the modeling, skillsets, and knowledge are inspirational.
The F-15 huh? Seems funny that. My first venture in that was some Revell models in 1/32 I built for store displays. Had so much fun on them I got one for me. Loved the kit and the finished plane. I am by no means a plane modeler of note. I build ones that catch my fancy.The F-15 “Strike Eagle” sure did that well. Welcome aboard!!
