As many of you know by now, I got into a work related accident and now have TBI, Traumatic Brain Injury. I was sent to a rehabilitation center to live at a place called MENTIS in Stow Ohio.
I learned to eat, read, and write again. One day in therapy class I was presented with a Testors 1/72 F4U Corsair. I refused and fought with the therapist as I didn’t want to build model kits. I then thought of my childhood watching a TV show called “Black Sheep Squadron”.
Having the Corsair being my favorite childhood aircraft of all time I decided to build this foolish and stupid thing that was a waste of my time! I hated model kits.
The therapists even had me on a computer (As I couldn’t even use one yet) looking for a modeling club so I could physically meet other modelers as the therapist felt the Corsair came out great. I also fought with the therapist in that I would not join a modeling club to meet other modelers as I felt it was a waste of my time plus I hated the idea.
After several days of my refusal, I compromised with the therapist and said I’ll join an on-line forum but will not participate in any of this! This was the TBI messing up with my mood and personality changes. We both finally went on-line and sought a forum.
To much to my chagrin and anger, I just chose the first thing that popped up on the screen. FSM Forums. I had to join so said the therapist as I made a compromise and promised her I would do this. My avatar became my completed first model kit, the Corsair after a 40 year hiatus.
I decided to join and do a WIP so the therapist would leave me alone. My very first WIP on FSM Forums was a Revell 1/48 P-61 Black Widow of which I remember as a child building two of these. I went to Hobby Lobby of which was next door from MENTIS and purchased the P-61 and all of the paraphenilia needed to complete this kit. I really got into the shopping for this kit and started to do some research with my therapist on-line.
I even purchased something called Eduard Photo Etch, Vector Engines and Cowlings, and Metal Landing gears, all on eBay. I was having a blast doing this even if I didn’t know what PE was for nor resin products. I slowly started my thread and they let me go home to continue my WIP on FSM Forums and I was hooked!!! I loved it!!!
Three years later, I’m building a original Monogram P-61 Black Widow and that’s how I got hooked on FSM Forum.
Toshi
On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell
Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world. Mrs. Toshi