Hi

Just joined about a week or so ago.  First thing I would like to say is I am astounded at the inovative minds in these forums, their models are works of art.

I joined seeking to gain valuable insight from experienced model builders and eventually make my first model as a result from all the tips and advice posted on these forums.  Even though I have made models in the past, I want to go beyond the basics of what I know and go into the next steps of realism in the model building that I see posted.

I am former Navy and I am an aviation buff, but I plan to make some tanks and submarines.  I particuarly like the P-51 Mustang, maybe because at an airshow back in the 60's, a kindly gentleman picked up a young boy (me) and sat me in the cockpit of his P-51D Mustang, it was love at first sight.  I know the P-51D wasn't the very best prop plane that ever existed, but you've got to admit it just looks fast and mean.  If a plane was meant to look like a fighter, it was it.

I'm married to a wonderful wife for over 35 years, 3 grown boys, one is a truck driver, one is studying to be a cop, and the other works as a clerk.  I also like gun collecting, hunting, fly fishing, resistance strength training, bike riding, and Bible reading.

Hopefully I will retire in about 7 years and spend it happily trying to put a dent in my model collection and fly fish when I'm not putting together a model.  Thanks for letting me share.