Here's my story sad but true, bout a gir... whoa, strange how a song sticks in your head. anyway I have been reading the posts for a few months now and have finally decided to join. I do this for a number of reasons, most important, the ability to thank all the people who have unknowingly provided with inspiration and advice and to be able to ask some specific questions in the future.
A bit about my self before I mention a few troubling aspects of this hobby. Im in my early fifties and have not touched a model since my mid teens. I never lost the love though as I would always make regular visits over the years to the local hobby store where ever I lived.
In the past few months I have finally been able to make the commitment to get back into the hobby. I have slowly aquired some of the tools needed such as files, sandpaper, knives and finally an airbrush. If I can just dwell on that subject for a minute. After spending countless hours reading posts on what airbrush to buy, the wisdom of experience finally sunk in, buy the best you can afford, buy what you like, but most important just go build something!
I have to say I have been a little surprised at the cost of starting from scratch. Except for the cost of the compressor most other items, from kits to supplies while not prohibitive can add up to a significant amount of money, more on this later.
So here is what has occored in the past few months. I just could not stand it any longer, after looking at so many works of art that people have built I wanted to create my own. I guess its the same way when we watch pro baseball and say "I could hit that".
Last November I mentioned to my sister that I wanted to build a few kits and she smiled and said why not and left it at that. I had the kits picked out I wanted to build (none that I was ready for) and forgot about her comment. At Christmas I opened her present to me and and guess what, she bought me three kits. But not three ordinary kits but three friggin biplanes!!! I dont know how to take this, is this her way of saying see you in six months dont bug me, I have confidence in your ability or is she just a saddist.
Now on to the worrying trends about the hobby. I have noticed in pictures and discussions a scarry trend regarding "the stash".. I have not built my first kit yet and already I have a list of at least five kits I just have to buy. This seems to be a universal affliction of everyone associated with this hobby. Is there a cure for this or do we just want to own everything?
Second, does this hobby make you obsessive or are obsssive people drawn to the hobby? I have noticed that some people take minute detail very seriously. Now, that is easy for me to say at this time, wait six months I will be pointing out that someone just missed a rivet on a particular access panel.
How long is that average time spent at the workbench? Last night I stopped at 1:30am but could have gone much later. Doctor, Help me!
Does anyone else take the price tags off before you get home? Wheres my vacination to prevent obsession?
I am also using this hobby to help me quit smoking so be careful what you say to me GOT IT!
Looks like I am getting into this hobby with my eyes wide open with the confidence of a newbe and all the associated arrogance of ignorance, Lord help me Im in trouble.