...Since you've asked...
Greetings all!
I've been modeling since the age of 10. I'd have to say those experiences at that age were all that survived since the models are long gone. I learned a lot while modeling as a kid, like what happens when you use too much glue or tryng to paint a model with an open jar of paint on a bed... with a kid, you know what's going to happen with that jar. (and it did) I built many different subjects while growing up with the hobby. I really did not know what I was getting into until I focused on the broad subject of model railroading. What a fascinating and imposing area of modeling that presented. I learned about scratch building at this point since most model railroaders seemed to always want more than what was available in kits or ready to roll models. I joined a local model railroad club and found many things to do there. One of my scratch built buildings is still on the layout even today. Due to the expenses and other directions pulling at me in my life, I ended up leaving the club. I had always been an avid gamer and attended game conventions since I was 18. While I was delving into model railroading, I had also picked up on miniatures wargaming. Specifically, naval. Seeing those 1/2400th scale ships duking it out at a convention was enough for me to jump in. Unfortunately, there wasn't much of a public draw for such gaming to feed my desire to play. I moved on to yet another game, which seemed to fit much better; Aerodrome 1.1. This particular miniatures wargame was about WWI aerial combat and used 1/72 scale model airplanes as game pieces. What an awesome fit for my interests... wargaming and modeling. Now that my modeling interests had a purpose again, I jumped in head long. Since the planes are used as game pieces, there is no need for super detailing the kits. The models would get handled a lot and in some cases, broken. (we have emergency repair kits at the game tables to keep that favorite plane in the action) After being involved in the game for the past 3 years, I find myself nearly overwhelmed with projects which need to get done and usually with deadlines. Other gamers who do not share "our" interest in model building often request having a plane built for them. To date, I've built 34 planes in the past 18 months. I've accumulated over 100 kits for my personal use in the same time and have 80 of them yet to build. One of my customers requested the following model sans decals so that he could add the markings of a nationality which was not provided by the kit later.
If I remember correctly, the kit is an old MPC Airco D.H. 4 which the customer provided. Paints used are Testors and Floquil enamels. The number on the top wing is a Woodland Scenics dry transfer. Overall time on the bench was 4 weeks start to finish. I'd guess there is about 30 hours in the project.
WW1 planes in 1/72 scale are at times difficult to find if you're looking for a specific plane (as one would if you're looking for game pieces) but for the most part, are readily available if you look hard enough. I do believe I'll be staying with this subject matter for some time.
John