I would like to introduce myself.
My name is Larry Cross and I reside in Dallas, TX. I joined this forum today. I usually don't adopt screen names in forums, but in this case I thought I'd try one this time: "Plastic_Cross".
I'm 47 years old, have spouse and 3 children, have a BS, MS in Chemical Engineering, 3 US Patents (automation technology and heterogeneous catalysis), composer/musician, and currently working as an IT manager for a large Oil/gas firm. I am new to modeling (except for the few I built when I was 8-10 years old), having started about 2 months ago.
The first model I tried was a 1/72 Mk IV "female" kit. Cool tank, but that scale seemed a little too small. I zeroed in next on 1/35 and am enjoying that scale.
I've started the 1/35 scale with the Tamiya M41 Walker Bulldog, then the Tamiya Marder IIIM. I've not painted or detailed either model yet - I want to learn a little more about painting before I start that phase of the build. I'm also wary of completely messing up my hard work - I'm a terrible painter.
My primary interest lies in WWII USA tanks, and more specifically the Tank Destroyers - M10, M18, M36. I acquired 17 1/35 kits (including 4 M18s and 2 M36s). I just started one of my two Academy M18 kits....the other two being AFV Club M18s.
I am finding the building process most enjoyable. I am also really enjoying learning the history of the vehicles, and even moreso, the history of our WWII heroes that saved the world from what could have been a very very dark future.
The other really good thing is that armor modeling has become a central activity for myself and my two sons, ages 13 and 9. We are building models, reading, researching and having great discussions together.
Best Regards to All,
Larry "Plastic" Cross