Looking through some of my old files and photos in preparation for my upcoming Father’s Day article, I came across a few things that really starting me reminiscing about my earlier days as a modeler.
Though I had been dabbling with models before, 1976 really kicked my modeling into high gear which has propelled me along all these years. I found some of the official USAF photographs taken of me for an article which appeared in the February 6, 1976 issue of the “Command Post” the official Scott AFB, Illinois base newspaper. In it appeared a full page featuring several photos and a story about me and my models.
I had a pretty modest modeling bench in those days. My bench was as old desk and my chair was a folding lawn chair! It’s funny how even then my workbench could get so cluttered…some things never change!
Though the article told about my skill as a modeler, I didn’t know jack and was barely capable of assembling a model without my fingers being attached to it permanently. I did however have a passion for modeling and was very active not only in my building but sharing the hobby with others.
The article also reminded me of my first paying commission model builds. Actually they were repairs more than builds. I repaired many of the desktop models that were decorating the HQ MAC Commanders & Protocol offices. After years of being knocked about many had broken off bits, cracks, dings and scratches. They were also covered with layer upon layer of nicotine from cigarette smoke. Yellow tinge was putting it mildly, they were opaque dark yellow. But I found a formula of cleansers to remove the stains without damaging the models. I repaired those that needed repairing and I got my first commission check as a “Professional Modeler!”
I might point out, about this time long hair was the “in thing”. I sported rather long hair and I mean long hairstyle or lack there of. I received a piece of advice at the completion of my work while standing in General P K Carlton, Commander, Military Airlift Command’s office, he made a comment and suggestion…”Nice work kid…but get your f**king hair cut.” So I did!
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Entries (RSS)