Hello from State College, PA!

Hi Lasercom! Welcome to the Forums! Glad to have you aboard.

I'm in just the opposite position. I started building at the ripe old age of 6 (in 1946) and never stopped. Had a lot of other hobbies along the way also, but they came and went but the models stayed. I've always built whatever struck my fancy at the time and my wallet said OK. Would hate to know what the total would be. It would probably give me a heart attack.

Don't be in a rush to buy all the latest (and most expensive) tools and supplies. They are great but there are also a lot of tools that can be had in the "Dollar Store" and the ladies beauty supply section of Walmart. One example is sandind sticks of various grades. You can get an infinite type of them from lots of vendors but you can also get lots of different grades in the nail section at Walmarts a lot cheaper. They work for me. As far as paints go, a lot of them are great but there is a learning curve to their use. Try one and see if you like it, then try another and so on. Some work better with a brush and some with an airbrush (another learning curve). I use acryllic water based paints. Vallejo Model Air is my go to. I also use Craft acryllic paints at Joanne Fabrics. Usually $1.50 a bottle but they have sales at 3 for 1$. I use them because there is "no odor" and they can be thinned with distilled water at .98cents a gallon and cleanup for brushes or airbrushes I use Windex (also bought in a gallon refill size).

If you do have any questions/problems, don't be afraid to ask. The members here will give you constructive criticism if you want it. You will get a lot of answers to any questions. You will probably get a lot of answers that are different than mine. That's the reason they make Fords, Chevy's and lots of others. Listen to all of them and then "Do it your way". Looking forward to seeing your work. Relax and enjoy.

Jim 

Stay Safe.

PS - I live just off the Morgantown exit of the Turnpike.

Welcome aboard.

Welcome aboard.

Hello and welcome - I  look forward to seeing that F-15!

Welcome back to a hobby that can be tremendous fun and amazingly frustrating.  Both a cheap way to stay home from the bars and a place to wonder where did all that money go for "incidentals"?

One way or another, your wife did you a great favor by giving you that F-15.  My wife understands how important my hobby is to me, too.  About 35 years ago, she dipped into my stash and gave me a couple of models for Christmas.  She thought I'd never notice.  :-)

Enjoy the building, the planning and imagining, and enjoy this forum!

Best regards,
Rick

^^^ Ha!  I'll have to watch out for that one

I  look forward to seeing that F-15C!

Another Keystone Stater!  Welcome back to the hobby and welcome to the forum, LC!  I look forward to seeing your builds.

Best regards,

Brad (in Bethlehem)

Hello and welcome into the forray of model building. Rest assured that you picked a nice forum to share your skills and questions. As you get comfortable here, take some time to look through all the modeling subjects and group builds. You will find that the modeling, skillsets, and knowledge are inspirational.

Glad to have you here.

Hello Drums. This is a great place to learn and improve your skills. You're also my neighbor....kinda. I'm from near Selinsgrove. 

Hmmm;

        The F-15 huh? Seems funny that. My first venture in that was some Revell models in 1/32 I built for store displays. Had so much fun on them I got one for me. Loved the kit and the finished plane. I am by no means a plane modeler of note. I build ones that catch my fancy.The F-15 "Strike Eagle" sure did that well. Welcome aboard!!

Good on yer mate. There is a lot happening here. Good people, great advice, if you want it.