Sorry, but a bit of reminiscing follows. Betcha didn’t know the Irish Air Corps flew Spit 22’s, huh?
Actually, they do in our little world. My three kids (now 13, 10, and 6-1/2) and I used to have frequent dogfights in the basement, zooming around and rat-a-tatting one another. Eventually, I wised up and built a purpose-built dogfight model. I used the ancient Hawk Spitfire 22 and some left over decals. Many a fight has been had – a handful won, but most lost (hey…my kids like jets…). Best of all, lots of fond memories, even on the days when I wasn’t really wanting to try and weave my way thru the basement, avoiding boxes and the “real” models.
This week, my youngest just asked for a dogfight round after working on his F-4E kit. I realized there hadn’t been many engine sounds in the basement of late. Kids are growing up. Oh, they still build models. But now they’re “real” models too, just like dad’s. You can’t get “engine noise debris” all over them, after all. It made me realize another phase was passing. Soon, I’m sure, the IAC Spit 22 will be retired from flight duties. It will not be scrapped, however – it will take its rightful place in the cabinet next to the oldest kit I still have, a Monogram P-6E built in 1977. If you look closely, that has faint signs of “engine noise debris” on it as well.
I’m glad models have provided some special memories for me – both from my childhood, and on into the launch of the next generation. Grab a kid somewhere and give them a model to build…who knows what memories might ensue for you or someone?