I submitted my first topic in the forum in April without first posting an introduction in the forum’s welcome-introduction section. Never too late to get it right. So here I am correcting the record so to speak. My name is Peter (“Pete” is good too). I am enjoying the forum and glad to be here, learning a lot. Thanks to all of you. Here is a little bit about me.
I am now a retired local government executive. I returned to model building during COVID, before I retired. I built many military planes (plastic), balsa wood planes, and car models in junior high and high school. I enjoyed models of all kinds. I did a few car models when my kids were young in the late 90s. Now I focus on car models mostly, although I do have Guillow’s O-IE “Bird-Dog” Vietnam era FAC plane in my stash that I would like to build soon. I am a subscriber to HPIguys YouTube channel and like his style and techniques. I often buy kits from 90’s and I’m not partial to any brand, I like all brands each with their unique approaches. I’m not a perfectionist (but I try to do nice work) and don’t compete at model shows, although this year I did enter some cars at the NNL North model car show and had a good experience with that. I generally don’t let perfect get in the way of good enough for me (for my talent level and patience). I build models because I enjoy the hobby. I have an airbrush, but I really don’t have a good place to set it up in my house, so I prefer to use rattle cans and paint in my unheated attached garage. It can be tricky painting out there on cold winter days here in Minnesota. I like to use aftermarket wheels, usually Pegasus and Jays Resin Wheels from eBay. I’ve had some fun customizing some kits, with new motors, rusty/weathered paint or custom colors, fabric interiors etc. I have had some failures along the way, but problem solving is part of the fun for me.
I am looking forward to seeing some great models, sharing some of mine, and hearing about your experiences and creative solutions to the issues we face in this great hobby. Thanks again!
Welcome. I returned to modeling in my retirement after not building anything since I was 16. Sounds like you have some wonderful experience to share. Looking forward to seeing more projects.
Well welcome to the forums @PeterW ! I haven’t built a Guillow’s kit since I was a kid but I had some fun with it despite my entry level modeling skills at the time. I would like another shot at one though.
Keep hangin’ around communities like this and you’ll blow yourself away at what you’ll be turning out in the months to come.
Glad to have you here Pete.
Thanks Ron @portugeejn, I have an interesting Franken-car in the queue (a 69 Cougar with the roof of a 69 Boss Mustang grafted on). I bought it as a parts kit, but it was only missing the tires, the interior tub and window glass which I will be able to fabricate or replace to build it up…and I’m looking forward to trying a Balsawood plane after all these years. I will get some WIP posts going when the projects hit the bench.
Thanks Joe @mustang1989. I’m looking forward to building the Guillow’s kit. The subject is interesting to me and it should be fun, if not exactly a “Fine Scale Model”. I plan to build it as a display (non-flyer), but my Grandsons’ will be lobbying to try to fly it. It’ll be pretty big and fragile…so we’ll see.
I did some lookin’ and that is a fair size bird when it’s all built up Pete. If you put it together and it requires glue then it’ll fit just fine here. Looking forward to seeing it on the bench when you get to it.
Welcome aboard. If I were to do another stick and tissue plane I would spring for the laser cut stuff. I remember trying to cut out those printed bits and the balsa always splitting grrr.
Thanks keavdog, not a bad idea. That’s exactly as I remember them too. That will be part of the challenge (fun?) with this kit. No doubt there will be broken pieces and hair pulling (if I had any left) over the finicky tissue covering these planes. If it turns out presentable, it will be a victory. Wish me luck.
Welcome to the forum Peter. Good to have you here. I’m mostly an armor modeler, but I’ve done a number of car models, and have an airplane (a Skyraider) in my stash.
Thanks Solomon. I am already learning a lot, and enjoy seeing the projects other modelers are working on or have completed. I look forward to sharing my projects with the group and hope to continually improve moving forward. Thanks again.
Welcome to the board. I like your name… as it is my own also (though I am sure our last names are different. I used to do military models (and some car models) back in my teenage years. I am 62 now and back into model building.
Welcome to the forum. Looking forward to seeing your builds. Building balsa wood models was the highlight of my childhood. Sounds like you’ve dabbled in a little bit of everything. Glad you’re with us.
Thanks Cbowling. I’m happy to be here. Looks like a great group of highly accomplished modelers. Its fun to see what others are working on and learn more about their methods best practices. I’m looking forward to post my own projects as well.
Thanks again, PeterW
I used to do military models (and some car models) back in my teenage years. I am 62 now and back into model building.