I’m Tony entering retirement and returning to the hobby after 35+ years of dealing with all the curveballs and pitfalls of life and life choices 
. So many changes and more available resources than back in the days too. The last time I built or painted anything was 1987 or 88. PollyS was the Acrylic and I tried to learn airbrushing using canned air propellant. Photoetched had been out for a few years but never got to really work with it. I am glad to see forums like this that support and encourage the one thing I really loved as a kid. I now have a stash of over 100 kits that need to be built, cried over, screamed at, cursed at, pull out my hair and remind me the true reason I loved this as a boy. Because it was fun and very cool to bring things to life.
Sounds like any other model builder around this place…
Welcome aboard!
Get and share tips and advice, enjoy the sillyness we get up to sometimes.
Sometimes we get into comparing stash size, a bit like when others compare other sizes …
We have a special sub-forum where all the off-topic stuff goes on, only available after agreeing to the rules (no personal attacks). The software running these forums has a dictionary of words that are not “family friendly”, can be worked around with some creative spelling.
Ask questions, it’s the fastest way to learn 
Greetings from MN!
Welcome aboard Tony.
Welcome Tony, so nice to see another lost in the wilderness returning to the warm bosom of…um, well us guys. Sorry, there should have been a better ending to that sentence. Anyhow you passed the audition with flying colours and checked all the boxes for full acceptance. Clearly you’re One of Us, in a wide spectrum ranging from normal older males to outright basket-cases – I’m likely towards the latter end. But we all march to the beat of the same drum, enjoy.
I’m noticing that feels almost like ….. an insane asylum…. smells like plastic, resin, and glue. Thanks Uncle Heavy
Thanks Dan hope your not freezing up there
Thanks Tank
You got it in one, we’re all high to varying degrees…
It’s here or lose my sanity…. okay can’t really lose what you don’t have. In some form or another model builders regardless of subject matter are a breed apart from the “normies” Thanks for the welcome.
Actually you make a very serious point, assuming you’re in your early 60’s (?), the old adage of “Use it or lose it” is probably uppermost in the minds of the majority of members here. I’m talking about both mental stimulation and socialising – forums like this provide an outlet for both, albeit remotely but the pay-off is you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home to immerse in it. When I retired I didn’t have many close friends in my location, they’re all scattered round the world. And I wondered what to do with my “golden” years, all I had was this hobby. So to make real friends of like-mind also all over the world was something of a revelation, and highly stimulating. I hope you enjoy the same experience.
We froze last weekend, it has come early this year unfortunately. We are on a bit of a warm up now.
65 so halfway into and out of the 60’s Too long have I been away. And to think of the stash I had in 88 I ended up giving most of them to the Boys Club of America associated with the Hobby shop I use to frequent. On the positive side I hope that some of those young boys and girls enjoyed them. I have moved alot over the years back and forth across the states so I understand the social aspect and very few friends. I have a wife and daughter who support and encourage of the hobby so there is that. All I need a is a light box and work on those skills. I look forward to seeing everyone out there to share and learn from.
I hear ya been pretty cold too. Daytime when the sun is out is not bad but when the winds come through its tough. Stay warm.
Welcome back to the hobby. Trust me, you’re not alone, I have kits purchased in the late 1970’s still waiting to be built (but I somehow manage to “need” a new kit now and then). Just sit back, build what appeals to you, and look to this Forum, there are a lot of really nice and helpful folks from all over the world ready to help with any info you may need.
Hi Tony. Seems like the usual reprobates have jumped in with a welcome so not much more to say other than asking what type of kits you have in the stash. Any particular theme or scale you’re focusing on?
There’s a lot of knowledge and expertise here so please ask any questions or seek input/advice as you proceed with a build. I would say that for almost any kit you can source you’ll find someone on here who has built it and will have great insights to share. I’m at the lower end of the paddling pool in terms of expertise but I am a good cheer squad!
Looking forward to seeing some of your works if you’re happy to share.
You as well. Our family is taking a trip to your state next spring and I’m looking forward to it.
Our basic rule here is you must have at least 100 kits in the stash to be a forum member….
Welcome TonyFNG, a great hobby that can be put down and picked up again over days or even decades. I also would like to know what you build, been a little eclectic with my kits.