A modeler named mike

Hello to all. Although I've been here a couple years now I have yet to finish my profile. Procrastination at its best..? yes that is one of my down falls. Anyway.. I started out building Hubley metal model kits as a kid. I loved the idea it was like a real car. Made of metal with working steering. I still have these models sitting in a box collecting dust in my model room. Then I moved on to plastic model kits, mostly automotive themed. In the early 70's I became interested in model railroading. Mainly the scenery! I had a J shaped grid type layout with multiple levels and about 300 feet of HO track. I had it running but it was always a work in progress. I scratch built most of the buildings along with using some bought pieces to add such as windows and doors etc.. I never was able to complete the layout due to I was now at that age where I had a new hobby that would over take everything... Girls!! Yep that was the end of model railroading for me. Can't support a hobby and a girls wants and desires at the same time. Plus I was having more fun with the females than the layout. ? 

Much time went buy before I would get involved in building models again although I continued to buy a kit from time to time for my stash.  It was sometime in the late 90's went we had a few layoffs and I was able to build again. My co-worker and I had our own competitions as to who was a better builder. It was a draw.. That lasted till we went back to work and no play time was available.

Since that time life got in the way and it started raining grandchildren. I wasn't able to pick up a glue tube or a paint brush until some time around the year 2000. I started to attend the local MAMA's contest and was able to attend a few of the NNL East shows. What an eye opener that was for me. I had no idea as to how far the hobby had grown and how many aftermarket companies were available. I had entered some of my builds and enjoyed seeing others. Never won but I didn't go with that intention. Some time after enjoying modeling again for about a 7 year off and on period life got in the way again. Sadly I haven't been in my model room to build since 2020 where my last two projects sit waiting my return, a resin '59 caddy hearse from dead sled morgue matted with a polar lights ecto 1 and a AMT Twister Vega prostock kit.

Fast ward to now 2023.. At this point in life I've been caring for my 98 yr. old dad with dementia for one year and a month. I retired and uprooted from my home and wife to live with and care for him 24/7. For now i'm just collecting new and vintage kits in hopes that someday I'll get to building them. I've contemplated building something simple while caring for Dad but I don't think I can pull it off. Its hard to get involved in anything with so many interruptions. Someday it'll happen but I'm in no rush for that. For now I have an awesome bunch of talented individuals here to convey with.. Thank you all for your helpfulness, kindness and support..

After writing the above I guess I got caught up in my story, I forgot the important stuff. I am married to the same loving and understanding wife for 40 yrs. We have one daughter and 5 grandkids. I'm a retired cabinet maker of 30 yrs. at the same shop. Loved almost every minute of it. Don't miss the stress.

Sadly with a heavy heart my journey caring for my loving father had come to an end on Feb. 1st 2024, he was 98 1/2 years old..? now I have a different journey to conquer.  When that all comes to an end my model building days will begin... Thanks... Mike ✌?