I consider myself a newby, even thought I did some models back in the 70's (I'm 56). I've kept up reading Scale Modeler, Military Modeler and FineScale modeler through the years. I'm an empty nester with the time now and a place to build without kids destroying a project.
I still have some models from the 70's and even some unopened bottles of paint......I think those paints were about 17 cents then. My model collection (unbuilt) in the box is probably around seventy or so. Most of my collection consist of WWII German Armour.....built and unbuilt.
In the past 30 years or so I would occasionally start a model but kids and life would distract me and they would go unfinished. The perfection that I see in the FineScale Magazine is also somewhat intimidating. However, I've come to the conclusion to forge ahead with my current project and not get bogged down with perfection.
Even though my major interest has been armour, I got a model of the USS Cole a couple of years ago and got down to business earlier this summer and am now at the priming/painting stage. My change of modeling interest is due to my son has been on the USS Cole for about 2 1/2 years now. After I finish the Cole, I'm going to do a model of a WWII LSM.......which my dad served on in the Pacific.