I had a technical problem on the original introduction post that I made (One More Old Guy Story) . I would like the chance to clarify a few things, to make it more understandable with this new version. Here it goes:
I am another who dabbled in this world of creation, so many years ago. I guess it was in the early 70s, when I wanted to craft ideas that were floating around in my head. and wanted to see if I could make those ideas and/or looks come alive. Or, at least as close as I could. When I was assigned to Air Force electronics technical school (in Biloxi, MS), I would marvel at some of the guys placing so much time carefully customizing their model cars. They were actually making their own custom parts not made or added to the kits, for the special detail and realism they wanted to see. Like engine exhaust headers, traction bars, wheelbase changes (remember the Funny Cars?) and straight front axles. I did a car or two but it was the aircraft models that drew me in. I even built a huge Martin Mars, Flying Boat and turned it into a German war Plane, complete with Luftwaffe markings and insignia. I didn’t pay much attention to scale and this completed model dwarfed everything around it. My military service kept me on the go for over twenty years. As an Air Traffic Controller stationed at Kadena, in Okinawa, I worked with so many different aircraft, including the F4G Wild Weasels and the SR-71s. (Both my favorites) And yes, I happened to be there when the SR-71, 61-17978, nicknamed Rapid Rabbit crashed on our runway. He was being controlled by good friend and fellow controller. I was placed on the investigative team and believe me it was a monumental experience, for me. My wife this past Christmas, gave me die-cast models of the two most impressionable aircraft in my heart. One was a Hobby Master F4G Wild Weasel and the other was the Century Wings SR-71, of the Rapid Rabbit from Kadena. Both had incredible detail, and I cherished them. However the hook had been set. Again. I began researching several different plastic models that seemed to have a high degree of accurate and authentic details, that I desired. Since I had no experience with air brushes, airbrushing, thinning paints, working with 3D resin accessories, paint booths and the wonderful weathering process, I knew i had things cut out for me. But I DO have the tremendous desire to jump in there and learn, do and perfect (as much as I can). Finding out about the new (to me) Tamiya Extra Thin cement was a major thing to me. Especially when i learned HOW it worked. Amazing. I had selected the Meng1/48 scale kit for the the F4G Wild Weasel. Then it was the Great Wall 1/48 F-15E Strike Eagle. Next was the Merkava Mk.3D Israeli Battle tank. They sit on my shelf patiently awaiting me to catch up on the expertise to give them the special credit they deserve. Which brings me to the point of seriously wondering which Air Brush or compressor, and yes even paints to consider. It seems that everyone has their own choices and why they made these choices, which only adds to the confusion. So, I found myself trying to absorb all that i could, by visiting as many niche websites, as I could. It was on a particular evening I began to read the “Linebacker:” post, on FSM. He was talking to me. And I was taking notes. I am hoping that by being surrounded by ALL of the professional talent and friendly folks that share the same love for creativity that I do, with your website, that maybe I can glean information and just what instruments and techniques worked best, for your members. I tell you that I feel honored just to be associated the caliber of these folks. Thank you for your gracious invitation to join with you. I am very glad to be here.
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Once again I will say,welcome to FSM
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Ahoy again Wolf78. I knew you’d figure it out. Good to see all of your text in one piece. Welcome and happy model building.
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Welcome to the forum Larry, good to have you here.
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Hello Wolf. Welcome.
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Welcome - much more readable post. Thanks for your service - did you ever say “Negative Ghost Rider, the pattern is full” 
I have that Meng F-4G in the stash and it looks like a very nice kit. I’ve read the recent 1/48 Revell SR-71 is a nice and impressive kit as well. You’ll get many opinions on airbrush/equipment/paint but here’s what I do 95% of my modeling with:
- Paasche H single action airbrush
- CO2 (silent & dry) instead of a compressor - though I have a backup compressor
- Tamiya, MRP, and Mr Color paints and Mr Color leveling thinner.
I could never make water based acrylics work for me so I stick with the solvent based paints and spray in the garage in a spray booth vented to the outside.
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