SPA Modeler

Been toying around with the thought a little but it's real hard finding any time anymore as I started working at my old job again 3 years ago on 2nd shift.
Don't get up until 10am and just don't have the drive that I once had. Sold all but a couple of kits years ago and all my paints may or may not be still usable. We shall see.
Hate to build anymore before moving in 4 years as packing the few that I built years ago is going to be fun to move 2,500 miles away without breaking too many small parts.

Build! Build! Build! Do a 1/48 Tamiya Spitfire Mk 1, that will get you going. Their newer 1/72 kits like the P-47 are also a lot of fun and go together quickly. Build them wheels up with removable props and they will ship easily.

6 years ago I did the move. 1500 miles. Moved all of my stash and my builds. Only lost 1 build as not worth fixing. Maybe 6 others had a wheel fall off or pylon.

I figured out, what I think is the best way to move built kits.

Every build goes in its own bag. Ziploc mostly. If too big it goes in a plastic shopping bag.
Styrofoam peanuts are layered in the bottom of a box. Then layer of bags, layer of peanuts, etc. Til box is full. The trick is to have as little room for movement as possible. They can't break if they don't move.

What the two John’s said! Build something! You’ll have fun.

You should build just for the fun of it,four years is long time enjoy the hobby now.Even if you sell,give away,or even trash what you build,you enjoyed them and the hobby,you learned new techniques,and if your really happy with the builds,you can carefully box them up and take them.

I used a similar technique in packing,but instead of using peanuts,I use the stuffing you get at craft stores used for stuffing pillows and stuffed toys, looks like cotton candy,it locks in the build.I didn't lose as much as a machine gun.

Build! Definitely build! Find a subject area you love then start with something quick & easy to get the modeling mojo flowing again.
I’m back to work now, part time, even though I retired 4 1/2 years ago. It does cut into my bench time, but when I have the free time i really dive into it. Above all, have an enjoyable time with whatever you’re working on.

Tojo72 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 08, 2024 7:09 am You should build just for the fun of it,four years is long time enjoy the hobby now.Even if you sell,give away,or even trash what you build,you enjoyed them and the hobby,you learned new techniques,and if your really happy with the builds,you can carefully box them up and take them.

I used a similar technique in packing,but instead of using peanuts,I use the stuffing you get at craft stores used for stuffing pillows and stuffed toys, looks like cotton candy,it locks in the build.I didn't lose as much as a machine gun.

I think I built my last kit in 2008 or so. It's been a long, long time.

Tojo72 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 08, 2024 7:09 am You should build just for the fun of it,four years is long time enjoy the hobby now.Even if you sell,give away,or even trash what you build,you enjoyed them and the hobby,you learned new techniques,and if your really happy with the builds,you can carefully box them up and take them.

I used a similar technique in packing,but instead of using peanuts,I use the stuffing you get at craft stores used for stuffing pillows and stuffed toys, looks like cotton candy,it locks in the build.I didn't lose as much as a machine gun.

Yeah that would protect well.
I don't know how well the open canopy would stay on but that can be reattached with super glue.

Stikpusher wrote: ↑Mon Jul 08, 2024 12:31 pm Build! Definitely build! Find a subject area you love then start with something quick & easy to get the modeling mojo flowing again.
I’m back to work now, part time, even though I retired 4 1/2 years ago. It does cut into my bench time, but when I have the free time i really dive into it. Above all, have an enjoyable time with whatever you’re working on.

Aircraft is all I have built really.
I have a Hasegawa P-38, a Monogram Douglas Dauntless, a Monogram F-4 Phantom and a couple of Monogram P-61 Black Widows. Might try the P-38 in Richard Bong's version as I always wanted a kit of the top scoring ace of WWII.

Those are great subjects. I’ve done the old Revell P-38 Nightfighter kit a couple years ago. I want to tackle the old Monogram/Revell 1/48 scale P-38 Lightning from my youth years. Definitely want the new Tamiya P-38 but they’re a bit pricey for me now. Same for the Tamiya Tomcat kit too. Someday…