Is this where the cool kids hang out? (Long-ish)

Brimauster

Member since
May 2020

Is this where the cool kids hang out? (Long-ish)

Posted by Brimauster on Friday, May 29, 2020 6:34 PM

Hello people! My name is Brian, and although I have built upwards of 200 models of all kinds over the course of my life, I have not had the opportunity to do so for quite some time... about 30 years. So, in order not to bore everyone, I will be brief... I'm 52, married with one amazing kid, 2 dogs and 5, yes FIVE, cats!

I served in the US Navy back in '85 to '88 aboard the USS Nimitz with Attack Squadron VA-35, and have always wanted to build a model of the Nimitz as an homage to my time spent aboard such a majestic, although hot, loud and smelly vessel... so this past Christmas, what I thought was a telescope, turned out to be the 1:350 Nimitz! I'm not ashamed to admit, I danced a jaunty jig when I saw what it was... but now I have a problem... I haven't put glue to styrene in 30 years, I have NO tools whatsoever, and a model that requires pro-level skills to show properly.

So, in that regard, I hope you folks dont mind if I lean on ya a little bit for some assistance and guidance during the build. I am NOT going to document and photograph my build, I dont have a 'shop' to speak of, so this will be built on my dining room table. I will post pics as I go along, so you can all have a giggle at me.

So that's me and my story, thanks for having me and I look forward to building this enormous model with your help and expertise to guide me.✌

I don't run unless it's bleedin' or burnin'

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Bish

Member since
December 2002
From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England

Posted by Bish on Monday, June 1, 2020 1:34 PM

Welcome aboard.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

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keavdog

Member since
April 2003
From: USA

Posted by keavdog on Monday, June 1, 2020 1:38 PM

Welcome! That kit will take your entire table I imagine.

Thanks,

John

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GMorrison

Member since
September 2012

Posted by GMorrison on Monday, June 1, 2020 1:55 PM

Welcome and thank you for your service, Brian!

Now, sail on over to "ships". There's the place to ask specific questions.

I'm sort of breaking that advice here, but you'll be over there soon.

Take a look at this link to a page about the Trumpeter kit.

It has the history of the kit, reviews, and (danger!) aftermarket stuff available.

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/trumpeter-05605-cvn-68-uss-nimitz-1975--103400

Bill

Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

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Keyserj

Member since
May 2020

Posted by Keyserj on Monday, June 1, 2020 2:02 PM

Welcome to the forum Brian. You should check out the ships of the American flag group build in the "group build" section and join us if you would like. There are many experienced ship builders on the forum that will be happy to answer your questions.

"Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves?"- Oddball

John

On the bench:

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Tickmagnet

Member since
July 2018
From: The Deep Woods

Posted by Tickmagnet on Monday, June 1, 2020 2:12 PM

Welcome aboard and man that is diving right in. I'd do a few cheap models first to build up skills before tackling what sounds like a special and meaningful build. Good Luck and have fun.

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goldhammer

Member since
August 2014
From: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Posted by goldhammer on Monday, June 1, 2020 2:33 PM

Welcome aboard. Only 5 cats? Wait till you have a dozen of the portable hairballs.

You will want to get a pair of sprue nippers, a bottle of Tamiya extra thin glue, and an assortment of sanding sticks. For those think fingernail sanding files from the beauty supply area of your favorite big box store. Way cheaper than the hobby specific ones.

Lot of talented ship builders here more than willing to help with any questions.

Do your research for painting, don't rely on the callouts in the instructions. Lots of aftermarket goodies out there from photoetch brass to 3D printed stuff. Depends on how far you want to take her and how many $$$ you want to put in her and your abilities. Might want to do another build before to get feet wet. Maybe a DD or DDG.

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GMorrison

Member since
September 2012

Posted by GMorrison on Monday, June 1, 2020 2:40 PM

It's good advice. There are a number of nice Arleigh Burke kits for not too much.

Be aware, Trumpeter never designs 1 kit part when 10 parts will do.

Bill

Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

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armornut

Member since
March 2007
From: Northeast WA State

Posted by armornut on Monday, June 1, 2020 3:02 PM

Welcome aboard shipmate,( VAQ 131, USS Ranger 1988-1994). Thank you for your service!

Watch the cats, they are good at making things "disappear" we had 4 at one time. Two thinhs ya can't do is herd cats or shovel rain.

Look around the foums as said LOTS of knowledgeable folks here....some grumpy ones too but they mke the place fun.

I also agree, get your feet wet on something cheaper the Nimitz is plastic and will be there for ya when your ready. The main thing is you have one Big Smile

we're modelers it's what we do

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Tojo72

Member since
March 2003
From: Western North Carolina

Posted by Tojo72 on Monday, June 1, 2020 3:34 PM

Hello and welcome

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fox

Member since
January 2007
From: Narvon, Pa.

Posted by fox on Monday, June 1, 2020 5:29 PM

Hi Brian! Thank you for your service!

Welcome to the Forums! Glad to have you aboard.

You've come to the right place. The members here are very knowledgeable and ready to help out with any and all questions/problems that you might have.

Don't leave any parts or the plans for your models laying around. I used to have 2 cats. One of them got into my workroom and shreaded the plans for the sailing ship that is my avatar. The kit was from Italy and I had a lot of fun getting another set. While waiting for it, I put a screen door on the room so it would be closed up to keep the cats out but still let me keep in touch with the goings on in the house.

Enjoy!

Jim Captain