AFV site

you say that you build models for a living?

Actually I do but they are different than the plastic and resin ones on here. I fabricate mostly prototype models and parts for aircraft companies like Boeing and Lockheed. I recently finished a FLIR composite turret cover for the Osprey tilt rotor aircraft. I have done IR suppressors for the MH-47 Chinook helicopter and for the Kiowa helicopter at Ft. Eustis, VA. I used to build mostly scale flight test ,spin, static display and windtunnel models but I guess actual flight hardware is where the money is these days. But change is good; I get to learn new techniques and processes and actually work on the real aircraft!

sooo... tell me..
what kinds of real aircrafts do you work on? how much do they pay you?
..im sorry but i couldnt help myself from asking

hey, how do you get that job?!?!?!?!?! did you go to school for mechanical engineering or what? seriously, im going to engineering school now, and i would kill for a job like that one. how do i get started?

I see that I'm not the only rotor head/airplane mech here that has converted to a tread head. I too am an aircraft mechanic for Lockheed Martin. Mostly an inspector. I do ACE (Aircraft Condition Evaluations) inspections up and down the east coast for all army aircraft including National guard and reserves. I started building german armor about 5 years ago while on the road working with lockheed. I can't stop. I think the last aircraft model I built was a CH-47D for a friend of mine. Other than that, It's all WW2 german. I get to Fort Eustis all the time, maybe we could get together and share some trade secrets sometime. Chris.

I'm sorry sundalo , I won't discuss the pay but will say I am very fortunate with the job I have.
Edog, I didn't go to school for but started this job 2 years out of high school. I was pursuing an Art degree at Old Dominion University at the time and never finished graduating. I was working so much overtime that I didn't finish out ( what a dummy! ) and now just am too lazy to go back! Everything I learned was basically on the job training. I took shop and drafting in high school which helped immensely. I learned conventional machine shop skills as well as sheetmetal, welding/brazing, composite work, vacuum forming, moldmaking, pattern work, and autoclave technology. I learn new things daily and remember as much as possible for possible future use in other jobs.
King Tiger Tank, its good to see others in related fields enjoying modelling as well. Hopefully we can pool our resources , share and learn together on this site.

its ok boybuddho..
its just because i donk know what to take for college to help myself get a good career after... anyhu
goodluck on yours!

Thanks for the info boybhuddo. Sounds like you have it made! I have to say I would consider myself very lucky and rich for that matter if I end up with a job like yours, or just one I enjoy going to every day.