I'm Dr. Tom VonTankenstein, from Tanksylvania.
I initially started modelling at age 7, the first unfortunate model being a sad (probably) 1:144 C-141 upon which I globbed various military-ish colors of Testors' paint in an overzealous fury. Truth be told, I've been away from modelling for about six years and am now reintroducing myself to the craft. For the most part, I have enjoyed building 1:72 WWII-era aircraft.
Granted, with a username such as 'Dr. VonTankenstein', one would probably expect me to be into armor. I have loved both tanks and old aircraft for as long as I can remember, but I appreciate building aircraft more. To provide credibility for my screen-name, I was a Marine Corps M1A1 Crewman (1812), spending the majority of my enlistment as a Tank Commander.
It feels shameful, but I must admit that I've been lurking on this site for a while now, but only today got around to registering. As I've checked in on the armor and aircraft forums, I've been captivated, impressed, and shocked by the skills and abilities of the members on this site. I hope to re-hone my skills, but even at their height, I'm afraid that I wasn't too far removed from gluey fingerprints on plastic or the act of smashing paintbrushes globbed with paint at my model victims.
I love the hobby, but my skill and understanding lacks considerably. My models usually look like they were made by Helen Keller. What matters to me is that I have fun.
It's a pleasure to be here.