It may be that I did certain models when I was too young to know they were "difficult" (building and rigging the old Hawk Nieuport 17 and the other Aurora WW1 models when I was 10-12) and starting out with balsa models, but vacuforms are easy, so long as you have the hand-eye coordination to touch your nose with your right index finger three times in succession. Just "take your time." Here's a vacuform Falcon Models Spitfire XVIII of 208 Squadron for the "RAF 100." Still the most accurate Griffon Spitfire in terms of overall shape. Done with a resin cockpit and landing gear and prop from an Academy kit.

3 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Oh yeah, I wouldn't want anyone to see those models mentioned from my youth. But "fearlessness" is a good attitude to have as a modeler. It's only a plastic toy and if it doesn't turn out, there's always the trash bin. It's the learning that's the fun of it (at least for me). The only three things a modeler needs are: 1) pay attention to the project; 2) take your time to get it right; 3) have fun and learn.

There's a ton of research out there to show that the main protective factors against ill health as we enter that 'golden' age are maintaining eye/hand co-ordination, learning, maintaining challenges in life, and social contact.

And sniffing glue, of course.

Yep, I AM saying iModeler is a public health project. Well done us!

A bit of work on cleaning up the inlets.

2 attached images. Click to enlarge.

I really like those decals Allan. I sometimes think decals don't cut it for interiors - but those are full of contrast and really look the part. That contrast should mean they stand out even once the construction grows up around them. As ever, really impressive skills!

David - does two books a year count? 🙂