whats your motivation

As a kid, I built model cars. I would go to the store each week and pick up the latest release and go home and finish it within an hour. Then my Uncle retired from the Air Force and talking with him, I started building aircraft. I built the types he flew, P-38, P-40, P-47, P-51, F-86, and F-100. I never could find a model of the F-89.

After I went into the USAF, model building was put on hold for some time. I got back into it in the mid 70's but built mostly armor. There were several aircraft thrown in every now and then.

In the late 70's I went to my first model show. I looked at the models and told my self I could do that too. That is when I really got serious with the hobby.

Now I build aircraft only. Early jet to modern jet aircraft. Having worked on many that I built, it gives me an advantage on knowing how to weather them.

I was Crew Chief on an RF-4C in Vietnam that had a six tone paint job. The SEA pattern was painted over Gull Gray on top and white underside. The SEA camo was pealing off in long strips showing the original paint under it. I built a model of that aircraft and was told by a judge it was not correct. How did he know. He wasn't there.

Motivation #1: The thing I like most is that when I am at my workbench, it doesn't matter what the president is doing, what the Iraqis are up to, how the pacific rim is getting along etc. etc. etc. All that matters for that little while is whether my panel lines are straight or if my paint is the right color or anything else I can control in that tiny corner of the world for that tiny stretch of time. In my work room, I leave the troubles of the world at the door and when I look at my slowly growing collection, I am reminded of hours of enjoymwnt where I left the CNN laden world and spent some time away and I have something to show for it. That's why I do it.

Motivation #2 : It's fun

Mom blames my facination with planes on my dad, him having been a pilot in vietnam. I find this rediculous since I've only met the guy once in 19 1/2 years and only realized who it was it retrospect seven years later. I did start building about that time and mostly planes though?! But mostly I like history and getting my hands dirty. Makes since I'm an archaeologist then doesn't it!!

It started out as an interest in history. I built aircraft, armor and ships. Then along came the muscle cars and so I added cars to the collection. I have owned a 66 Mustang with a factory 302. I thought I had a 289, so did the salesman, until we had to replace the starter for a problem that would not go away. Should never have sold that car. I then bought a Sat. Sebring Plus. In 77 I went in the military and was stationed in Germany. I returned to a rust bucket. I left the car with my Dad and he let my younger sister use the car to go to school. Well the Wife and I currently own a 68, rag top, Camaro RS/SS (hers) and a 87 Vette (mine). That explains the autos. My Dad (AF Ret. also) served under Robin Olds and while at Eglin under Daniel "Chappie" James. Two of the greatest AF commanders. My Grand father and Uncle served under "Chesty" Puller in WWII and Korea. This is my motivation.

Motivation to build models...
It's a long term creative project with no deadline. What a relief ! Nobody gives a rip if I take a long time, I don't have to do it their way, I can pick what I want to work on and when. If I have 15 free minutes I can find something to do - or if I want to stay up until 4 am I can do that too.

Motivation to build Aircraft Models...
I have no idea ! It's just in me.

I've always been interestd in history and wars and for some reason amor appealed to me more than aircraft.

I build aircraft almost exclusively because I have been a military aircraft nut since I was a kid. Part of it was fueled by my dad who also loved WWII aircraft, and was crew chief on Curtiss SB2C Helldiver's in the Marines as well as doing maintenance on Hellcat's and other aircraft at Alameda NAS after the war. He loved the F4U Corsair, the F8F Bearcat and the P-61 Black Widow especially. I always wanted to fly fighters and my dream was to be an Eagle driver, but that never transpired as I fooled around in High School and would never had been able to make it to the USAF Academy in Colorado with the sad grades I had. I guess building them and playing flight sims on the computer is the closest I will ever get to flying a real F-15, F-16 or A-10.


Mike

QUOTE: Originally posted by M1abramsRules I've always been interestd in history and wars and for some reason amor appealed to me more than aircraft.

Chris,

Have you ever read the book, "Team Yankee" by Harold Coyle?
Excellent read!

Mike