Inspiration

Usually comes from books on the subject. I like to try and duplicate based on real photos if I have them. Example: for the 190 GB, I was reading the history of JG 4, and came across a cool photo of a downed Fw 190 Sturmbock, and Eagle Editions just happened to have decals for it.

Funny things is, I very rarely model a specific tank. Unless it's like, a specific boxed model---say, "Wittman's Last Tiger" or something, I think I've maybe modeled only Ernst Barkmann's Panther, Wittman's Tiger, and Peiper's Command Tiger.

Why? Because they're the "German Rock Stars" of the panzer arm!

I am also a photograph guy.

To the point that if I want to build something, I don't care if there are decals for it or not. I just make them myself, either by swapping codes from another decal set, or masking the trim colors out and then painting them.

It is the only way to build aircraft such as VA-16's Skyraiders, just swap some tail code letters, chop up some VA-164 squadron designators, and mask and paint some Orange and Black trim parts.

Granted, life is easier if there is a decal sheet for the subject, that also matches a photo,,,,,but, that only works for about 75% of my collection.

Rex

I am often inspired for a subject by what I read. But then my subject choices often are dictated by what markings are available. At least in aircraft. In armor, I will model particular units at particular times- 1st armored division in North Africa,  4th armored division at the Bulge, 9th SS at Arnhem. But since pinning down a specific vehicle is often impossible, my choice often devolves into a representative vehicle or group of vehicles. I am hoping to one day turn up the markings for the P-61 "Hard to Get" that flew a aerobatic diversion at Cabanatuan as the Rangers made their approach to the camp during their raid.

Stikpusher, I read the book about that raid....Ghost Soldiers. It's one of the best history books I've ever read. And, I remember the part about the P-61 flying overhead. Here's hoping you find the markings to build that plane. It would be awesome to see.

Yes, I read the same book. Awesome writing. Very gut wrenching at times. I do keep looking in the hope that one day I will hit pay dirt and find a photo or enough info on that bird.

Hi;

  Of course shipbuilding is much easier , but , I still chop up decals for certain ships .For instance ,In the REVELL line there used to be the U.S.S. John Paul Jones .Well , I did the whole Des-ron .So ship numbers and equipment had to be different .