“And you may ask yourself – how did I get here?” Words about a mid-life crisis, apparently, which may also explain how I ended up with so many 1/48 Ju188 kits in 2004. But that’s another story. This is about how I first got into model aeroplanes, some stuff inbetween, and how I got out.
Real aeroplanes
I’ve been interested in aviation for a long time – one of the earliest books I actually bought was a 1963 Observer’s Book of Aircraft. I would still own it if some badly behaved child hadn’t scribbled my name on it. In a deceptively close approximation to my handwriting. Fortunately an earlier favourite, ‘Troublesome Engines’, didn’t suffer this sort of indignity. (Unlike Henry the Green Engine, who was squirted by an elephant.)
So I got this copy off eBay, in better condition, for less money – allowing for inflation.
Then I found out about Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft – and sticker shock, although I didn’t hear that term until about 50 years later.
Model aeroplanes
I had been led into temptation by an Airfix 1/72 Lockheed Starfighter built for me by my older cousin Robert. By the time that Observer’s Book found its way home I had already started actually building model aircraft kits myself. An Airfix MiG-15 – was (probably) the first of many 2/- temptations from Woolworths. Possibly the only MiG kit available in Woolworths, or anywhere else at the time.
I discovered a few years later that there was a lot more potential in terms of accuracy, realism etc and it was a slippery slope from there. As my standards got more demanding, I finished fewer and fewer actual models. Plus real life getting in the way – 1:1 scale cars and houses also needing dangerous implements and filler.
An untidy ending – much like real life
This carried on intermittently for about 40 years, until I finally drew a line under the whole saga. Although even now, if I am (was) bored in WH Smiths it’s tempting have a browse through ‘Model Aircraft Obsessive Monthly’ or whatever. Then I go a bit green at the level of skill, free time and dedication some people have – even though the current fashion in painting styles doesn’t always appeal. (I never cared for the much copied Verlinden style either).
Although not everyone does their research properly, even the people who write books about aeroplanes and make aftermarket decals. But the reliability of allegedly reliable sources is a lesson in itself.