I'm getting back into to hobby after not building a kit in 50 years. 62yo now
Was in the US Naval Air Reserve in the early 70's. Looking back, I enjoyed that time and I wish that I would have been a career Navy person but when you're young and there's a war (Vietnam) going on you don't think of those things. Family had no money to send me to college, grades weren't up to snuff for any kind of scholarship, and my dad (Served on the Burma Road in WW2) recommended US Naval Air Reserve. Signed up at NAS Glenview in Illinois. Trained as an ASW operator in P2V Neptunes.As others have said, wow have things changed in the model building hobby! Not only the fact that it was just tube glue and enamel paints for me as a kid, I don't recall aftermarket enhancements as they are produced now.
My memory is vague, but I recall building a Revell (I think) Polaris submarine where the side flipped down to reveal the inside and you could actually launch a small missile from one of the tubes. I wish I still had it, I remember spending a lot of time building that. If anyone has knowledge of such a kit, model number, or whatever I'd love to hear about it. If available somewhere I may just get one for nostalgia purposes.
My current interests in modeling include anything military (except figures... not sure my hands are steady enough for those), and I have a real interest in the war in the pacific. Been watching a bunch of very interesting shows on the military channel regarding the pacific conflict and looking to find some good books I've become kinda hooked on the history.
I think the first ship I'm going to tackle is the Tamiya 1:350 DD445 Fletcher (kit #78012). It was recommended by a gentleman on another forum as a good jumping off place. I have the kit but now need to clear out a space in a little room that I have that has a drop down desk to work on, get tools, glue, etc. etc. It may be a little till I get started since there is a lot of work to do to get that room cleared and set up. I have a bit of a disability with chronic migraines and pain (fibromyalgia).
Besides the Polaris Sub question, another question I have question for the group is in regard to purchasing sealed model ship kits. I recently purchased a Tamiya (kit # 78018) 1:350 USS Battleship Missouri BB-63 and although I know it'll be awhile since I'll have the talents to build it up it was a fair deal and I wanted to have the Mighty Mo in my collection.
My question is this. The model is sealed, in perfect box shape. I'd rather *not* break the seal at this time but simply keep it in my stash. Is Tamiya a good company with regards to any parts that might be either missing or damaged in the box? I don't know why I'm so anal about such things but I remember as a kid having a Revell kit that had a damaged part and it was like pulling teeth to get the part replaced. Luckily then I did. How are companies these days regarding this? I realize that with super old kits they may not have the parts but I don't believe this one is that old (2005?).
Thanks very much and I look forward to hopefully contributing at some point in the future. Sorry this intro has been so long but I figure if I'm going to be active in a community like this maybe someone cares to read my story and answer my questions.
Regards! - Bob
