Since I was 10 years old, I’ve had a dream to build an airplane. 55 years later that dream is now becoming reality, and is nearing completion. Towards that end building models has been one of many steeping-stones on the long road.

Many people say that model building requires patience. They are wrong! Model building GIVES patience! (The only thing I find MORE inspiring than watching paint dry is a Trump rally.) What building requires is: 1) Vision. 2) A steady hand. 3)A sharp eye. 4)Commitment. These skills are transferable to any project of any duration.

When I interview a co-worker, I ask if he/she builds. If the answer is no, than I can deduce what kind of aircraft mechanic they really are, and most of the time, I am correct. (One of the very few YES answers opened the drawer of his toolbox to display 2 fuselage halves of a 1/100 scale 707 mingled with the other junk he had rolling around in there.) I fear that many builders in the workplace are afraid to admit it because it isn’t “cool”, or is “kids stuff”.

In the last few years, I have acquired the absolute LAST of the available plastic model kits that I find even REMOTELY interesting. The dozen+ that remain un-built should last me no more than 2 years. After that, I am reduced to scratch-building. There, I have 3 projects that are in the parts procurement stage: 1) 1/24 Titan II two stage flying rocket with Gemini spacecraft or nuclear warhead. 2) 1/6 flying replica Albatros D Va (with discrete small block Chevy engine.) 3) 1/1 Hovey Wing Ding II. (For tail-dragger training.) I have, however, recently discovered something new: building models, then giving them as gifts! (Encased in child-proof containers, of course!)

To give thee an idea of what I call “interesting”, dig this; If I was reduced to having one, and ONLY one model airplane, it would be a Boeing 307 Stratoliner. Ditto helicopter: Bell 47G. Ditto car; Slingshot rail Dragster with 1^st gen Hemi engine. Ditto motorcycle: Harley Davidson lowrider. Ditto armor: German Schwimmwagon. Ditto ship/boat: Inflatable with outboard motor. Ditto rocket/spacecraft: Honest John, or Hound dog missile. Ditto architecture; New York’s Flat Iron building. Ditto figures… That is a tough one, I’d have to go with “I don’t care if it rains or freezes, as long as I’ve got that plastic Jesus, riding on the dashboard of my car.”

What I’d buy if available, affordable and good quality? 1/48 Cessna 195. 1/25 57 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser. 1/72 Boeing 727. 1/25 vintage road grader.

That’s about it.