Hello from Northern CA, USA

Hello to all,

I am an inexperienced modeller, and out of the building game for some time now, but desiring to begin anew at some point in the near future.

My first model was a Revell HH-3 "Jolly Green Gian" Helo at age 11, many , many years ago. From there I built a Pzspahwagen 222 by MRC at age 16, a 57 Chevy Finback from Revell at age 17, and a 1:700 scale USS Nimitz at age 20. After being deployed to Japan for a year in the service, I built a Revell Air Cav : Vietnam dual kit Kiowa Scout / UH1 D Huey Gunship combo kit; a PzKpw IIIE; a Maltida II; a SdKfZ 251/1; a BMW/Zundapp Motoercycle w/ dispatch rider; and a SAS LRRP Jeep; al lof those in rapid succession from Tamiya. The Tamiya models were then used in my first effort at a diorama, depicting a battle around El Guettar in North Africa, 1942. I used a wood base, and local dirt and sand from the airfield I was stationed at to recreate the sand / karst landscape, and it was ok, if a bit shiny in the painting ( all done by hand , no airbrush around.). I did get several compliments on such an involved effort, it was quite large , measuring 24" by 30". After returning to the US, with kits in hand for 2 other diorama ideas ( a Stalingrad scene around an unfinished but battle ready T-34c; and a flight line at Danang Air Base, RVN, 1967.) all kits form tamiya, the inf and AFVs in 1:35 scale and the airplanes in 1:48 scale, I began to build the t-34c, and also began using some of those nifty tips you find in the modelling hobby magazines like tissue and whit glue to make canvas, strectched sprue for radio antennae, etc, etc.

A house fire in 1996 cost me all the kits and my tools, and at that point, I stopped building. My interest is still around, and recently I acquired 3 Fine Scale Modelers Magazines, and a book on Armour detailing and conversions. The reading is very good at stirring my desires to build in 1:35 and 1:48 scale again, despite the investment "buy in" required to begin building in earnest.

I look forward to some of the many tips and ideas available here. I do not own and would rather not have to deal with; the hassles of using / owning an airbrush, albeit I know that the weathering process is much more handwork without one.

Mostly , there is a definite lack of local hobby shops to shop at. I remember fondly the days of models at many local stores, that is all but gone now, sadly. At least there are internet resources, and the recent issue of FSM I received have been a boon in that respect. Pricing has certainly increased also, esp in my chosen desire of scale sizes, but I do desire to begin anew.

Well met to all

Jon H

Welcome aboard, great bunch of people here and everyone is here to help, just ask and we will be there for you.

Bob

Hi Jon,

Welcome to MM, I am sure you'll find all the help and advice you will need on these pages, enjoy.

Paul

Hi Jon,

Welcome aboard you will find plenty of advice help and friendship here.

Regards

Brian

Hi Jon

Welcome to MilMod.

Jim

Hi Jon

Welcome to MM mate.

cheers

Rossco

Hello Jon,

Welcome back to the hobby, and to the Mil Mod website as well!

Robin

Jon

A very warm welcome to MilMod. You are absolutely correct, airbrushes are the work of the . . Much can be achieved without one, and the only aim is you enjoying yourself. I do very much hope that you enjoy the site and the company.

Cheers

Tim