Folks,
This was a rough week. It wasn’t rough because anything necessarily bad happened. In fact, a lot of good things happened this week. No, it was rough because I had to choose whether or not I was going to keep playing the child or become a ‘grown up.’ Come on, I’ll explain.
GROWING UP
We’re modelers, which means — like it or not — a part of us is perpetually a child. I mean, be honest: when you first open that new kit, how many of you still feel that same old thrill you felt when you opened your first kit? I do, and I think it is a good thing. It’s that passion that binds the modeling community. But, for some of us, this passion can get out of hand. In my case, it means I have allowed myself to collect a ‘stash’ that is not only far beyond my ability to build in several lifetimes, but also a real threat to TMD and, thus, my purpose in the modeling community. So it was that I found myself having to choose between remaining a child and clinging to a stash that has no purpose, or choosing to become a ‘grown up’ and starting to let go of the useless so I can focus on that which has purpose.
THE SELL OFF
OK, I bet some of you are wondering what all that means. In short: it means I collected over 600 1/48 aircraft kits and a ton of books and aftermarket to go with them. Now, this stash is getting in the way of me focusing on armor modeling, which is what I do. Therefore, the aircraft stash must go! And it will, starting this weekend. So, if you’re interested, watch for postings here and on our Face Book page. What doesn’t sell there will go to the DG’s and, finally, to EBay.
TMD BUSINESS
My struggles came at a bit of an emotional cost this week, which slowed me down on the bench, but it did not stop me. I should have the following ready by this time next week:
For the TAKOM T-30/34: new mufflers and track holders with separate track links.
For the TRUMPETER KV-85: a corrected replacement turret.
For the DRAGON Aufklarungspanzer 38(t) mit 2cm KwK 38: corrected upper armor
For ANY Panther D and D/A: Front fenders (super detailed); Schurtzen and hangers and the initial exhaust stacks with mounting brackets.
Smaller Detail Items May Include: Extended Bergepanther exhausts and mounting brackets; German armored AFV MG barrels; Late style mounted gas mask containers for German AFVs; and possibly a Commonwealth AFV-mounted periscope set — maybe even more than this.
THE WEB STORE
At the moment, my biggest hang-up in the way of completing the new web store is in trying to determine what categories to use. I want you to be able to narrow your searches in three clicks or less. This means I need to choose categories that make sense, which is not as easy as it may seem. They have to be narrow enough to limit items, yet broad enough to catch the items for which you are actually searching. This is further complicated by the fact that the categories that make sense for American subjects don’t always make sense for German or Russian subjects, etc. However, I am going to do my best to push through this block, make the decisions and move forward by the end of the weekend. If I succeed, we may finally see the new web store next week.
MY PERSONAL WORLD
Me, BB and the shop rats are all in excellent health and good spirits. We have allowed ourselves a short break in the home repairs, which has helped a great deal. BB is looking forward to the summer off from work. I am actually happy with my decision to liquidate my aircraft collection. Family is coming to visit this weekend, and we are looking forward to it. So, aside from needing some rain, all is well in our world. We pray the same is true for each of you.
THAT IS ALL
OK, now go forth and do your thing. Just stay safe until we meet next week and, between now and then, try to build something (preferably something using TMD resin).
Joe