So, at the urging of my father-in-law and having recently attended the 2008 IPMS show here in VA Beach, I'm inspired to rejoin the ranks of modelers!
I used to build 1/72 modern US aircraft when I was a kid, with plenty of inspiration and actual examples at Clark, Kadena, Hickam, Reese, Langley and other US airbases my family ended up at. My father was an Air Force jet mechanic so I got to walk around F-4s, F-15s, F-16s, C-130s as well as watch mechanics work on their jets.
My father-in-law builds 1/35 WW2 US/Allied armor, with a Firefly Ic that lives on his workbench as he slowly adds his resin, PE and other aftermarket parts to it. He saw that I still paint historical figures occasionally and suggested I build a few kits of armor or aircraft. It gets me away from the humdrum world of working on the house/yard.
I joined the Marines in 1995 and was honorably discharged in 2000 as a sergeant (E-5). My MOS was 1833, AAV Crewman. Camp Pendleton, CA and Little Creek Amphib Base, VA (reserves).
I'm not interested in modeling any modern US armor right now. It's been suggested I pick up one of the latest AAV kits, but after spending years on it as a crewman, crew chief and then section leader I'd rather talk about something else. Besides, I think any AAV kit will have me "correcting" all sorts of things based on my experience as an 1833, writing the manufacturers with suggestions and photos from my own collection. In other words, I'd never finish an AAV kit!
I have a 1/35 Dragon T-34/76 Mod 1941 (#6205) and the recently re-issued 1/35 Tamiya Italian Carro Armato M13/40 (#35296). Before I get started on those, however, I've decided to sign up as a member here and join a group build as well as visit with the local IPMS chapter. It always helps to post WIP photos and questions about problems/concerns.