Last evening I received an email from a name I had long forgotten. Back in the 70s, I had built a 1/24th scale Spitfire. It has been so long ago I don't remember many details. I believe it was a Matchbox kit. It was a Mark I, and I converted it to a Mark II. To be honest I can't even remember what all that entailed. I do remember cutting out that open panel to the radio compartment and thought that was a really big deal at the time! The only aftermarket at that time was the cockpit detail set from Waldron. Actually, that guy was ahead of his time. Nothing else would appear on the after market scene for many years later in the late 80s.
I took it to several shows including an IPMS National in Phoenix AZ. It had won a lot of trophies including several best of shows. Remember, this was in the stone age of modeling.
Anyway, a guy from L.A. contacted me, his father was a pilot in the Eagle squadron before America entered the war and he wanted to present it to him for a birthday present. At the time I had never sold a model before and when he asked me what I would take for it I said $300. I do remember at the time, I thought that was really a lot of money for a model. He bought it and I never heard from him about it again until yesterday, 12/18/12.
He told me his father was still alive in his 90s and had treasured the Spitfire all these years. He sent a dozen photographs and it was really weird to see something I had built after all those years. I thought I would share them with you guys. I won't be describing details as I honestly can't remember much. I did paint the cartoon figure freehand, but not much else.
I really got a kick out of looking at these. Brought back some memories. I hope you enjoy them as well.
Bob
I took it to several shows including an IPMS National in Phoenix AZ. It had won a lot of trophies including several best of shows. Remember, this was in the stone age of modeling.
Anyway, a guy from L.A. contacted me, his father was a pilot in the Eagle squadron before America entered the war and he wanted to present it to him for a birthday present. At the time I had never sold a model before and when he asked me what I would take for it I said $300. I do remember at the time, I thought that was really a lot of money for a model. He bought it and I never heard from him about it again until yesterday, 12/18/12.
He told me his father was still alive in his 90s and had treasured the Spitfire all these years. He sent a dozen photographs and it was really weird to see something I had built after all those years. I thought I would share them with you guys. I won't be describing details as I honestly can't remember much. I did paint the cartoon figure freehand, but not much else.
I really got a kick out of looking at these. Brought back some memories. I hope you enjoy them as well.
Bob