Stikpusher wrote: ↑Mon Feb 09, 2026 11:15 amGary, judging by some of your short stories here, I would guess so
My lips are sealed. 
SPA Modeler Member Interviews.
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Gary Brantley
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Re: SPA Modeler Member Interviews.
My lips are sealed. -
speedgraflex
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Re: SPA Modeler Member Interviews.
MEET CBALTRIN, MEMBER OF SPA MODELER
Hi Chris, what was your first model kit?
Boy that is a tough one. Get ready for some rambling on... The first model kit I ever saw being built (by my cousin) was the Monogram B-17G. As far as myself building a model kit, the oldest memory I have is brushing painting the wings of the old Revell 1/32 357th FG P-51B "You've Had it!". I Distinctly remember painting the wings with Testors Flat Olive using the quarter inch Testors flat nylon brush... Other kits I recall attempting or at least purchasing during my first years of model building are the Monogram Skyraider, Bubble Top P-47D (The Turtle boxing), Monogram A-7 Corsair, Monogram 1/48 F-14A (I actually finished that one, with markings of a VF-41 Sukoi Killer, and entered it in a local model contest). I was very proud of that kit as I accidentally discovered on that one that I could reveal those raised monogram panel lines by lightly sanding the paint off the raised detail with some fine grit sand paper. Oh, speaking of F-14's. One of my best childhood modeling memories was buying and building the MPC reboxing of the 1/72 Airfix F-14A (it was Golden Opportunity kit you know). I just loved the box art on that kit and have been a fan of VF-143 ever since. I know I built that kit because I remember running around the yard with in pretend dogfights--probably against zeros. Next, I know I also came to acquire the big Revell 1/32 F-4 Phantom II (can’t remember if it was a B or J but I know it was a Navy bird with VF-96 markings). That F-4 kit really put the zap on me. I think it was the first Phantom II that I ever saw and I could not get over how cool I thought it looked with the bare metal tail section and drooped horizontal stabilizers. Why would they do that? Plus two engines and two pilots on top of that. I haven't been able to get enough of F-4's ever since. I know I also received as Christmas gifts the Monogram Zero, 109E and FW190. I am pretty sure I built all those but that Fw 190 with all the cool markings and weapons configurations blew my mind. I will still pick up and build that 190 to this day. Lastly, I have to say I am very proud of completing two Monogram B-17G's and the Monogram B-24D "Moby Dick" before I graduated HS (I don't know how I accomplished this--completing the kits I mean, haha). Lastly I have to mention the Testors Electro Plated P-51D 'Moonbeam Mc Swine' with that beautiful blue nose. Pretty sure I built that kit. Still my Favorite P-51D markings. Oh, and the Monogram 1/48 Phantoms.. I think I had them all, the F-4C, F-4J Showtime 100 and the black F-4J (which again bent by brain). See.. I can't stop.. this just popped into my head.. The ESCI 1/48 F-8E crusader -- no idea where I would have picked that up. Don't think they had them at K-Mart or the corner hardware store. Hmmm... That was a cool kit to a teenager with cool markings , even French Navy markings--I don't think I ever completed it...
What’s your preferred scale?
Probably 1/48, but I appreciate the advantage of 1/72 and the fun of 1/32.
What’s your preferred subject or subjects?
WW2 A/C US, German and Japanese mainly. Don't think I'll ever build a Russian or Italian bird though. Also, Modern US Jets from Vietnam Era to the End of the cold war (partial to gull grey and white Navy schemes and Vietnam style USAF Camo schemes). You will probably never catch me building anything more modern than a legacy hornet. Bring out a stealth aircraft model and you may see ME disappear. I dabble on rare occasions in cars, tanks and ships.
What’s your favorite model built to date?
That's tough. Not sure I can answer. The Monogram Skyraider I finished a year or two ago would be in the top 5.
Also, I finished a Monogram P-51D "Detroit Miss" several years ago (pulled out all the stops on that one -- rescribed most of it and closed all the open panels. Painted on almost all the markings except for the nose art. Boy she looked/looks good...
I also recently finished the old Tamiya A6M2N Rufe float plane which is posted here on the site somewhere. I attempted that thing once before and also the Hasegawa one. Both ended up the circular file. Third time is a charm I guess.
What’s the hardest model you’ve built to date?
If we are talking kits I finished, that would be a toss up between the 1/48 Monogram F-14A and the 1/48 Monogram P-51D.
What’s your Holy Grail kit?
I probably already have it with the Tamiya release of the 1/48 F-14A and 1/48 F-4B (hopefully both in 1/72 soon), Fine Molds new 1/72 Phantoms and the Kotare 1/32 109K. Now if Tamiya would release a 1/48 A-7E Corsair II (so they could then also release it in 1/72 and I could build about 10) that would be the cherry on top. No, wait, there is one or two more. I really want a 1/32 or 1/24 F4U-5N Night Fighter corsair--wanted one of those ever since I saw that one converted from the Revell 1/32 F4U, on the cover of FSM. I would also not complain if someone tooled a state of the art 1/72 S-61 US Coast Guard chopper.
Who is your favorite kit maker?
You know, I don't have one. I love all kits. I love models. If you forced me to pick one, I would have to go with Monogram for nostalgia.
What’s your favorite glue or glues?
All Tamiya cements + ZAP CA glue.
What’s your favorite paint?
For ease of use, price and availability, Tamiya acrylics and sprays. I also have a good supply of Gunze Lacquers
What started you as a modeler?
I fell in love with Aviation and model building at the same time roughly. When I was growing up, Black Sheep Squadron was on TV, along with other shows like Airwolf and Tails of the Golden Monkey (Jake?). Also, I had seen the classic movies like 12 o'clock high and Fighter Squadron... Saw The Final Countdown in theater and wanted to fly F-14's right then and there! My father also had an aviation background and would take me to the Cleveland airshow as well as to the regional airport occasionally to watch airplanes come and go. About the same time I found out I could build my own airplanes! I am pretty sure it was the summer of 1984 specifically. You see, I frequently spent a week or so during the summer at my grandmother's house. My Uncle and cousin Mikey at that time lived with my Grandmother also. The attic of Grandma's house had been converted into an apartment at some point, but was pretty much and unused storage space by this time. I remember in the attic there was a kitchen space with a vinyl floor and old 1950's style gas range. I remember one day going up the narrow and steep staircase to find my cousin Mikey sitting on the kitchen floor, with paint and glue, amidst a pile of Monogram B-17G sprues, along with the Shep Pane diorama sheet, and the novel 'The Last Mission' featuring a B-17G on the front cover, wing peeling off in flames after a flak hit! My Grandma's house was in the small town of Navarre, Ohio. There was a little hardware store about a half mile walk from Grandma's front door and my cousin and I would always go there and get some models (smelling that fresh bread baking as we passed by Nickles Bakery). That hardware store is probably where I got the Revell P-51B. Now, how do I know it was the summer of 84? Well you see, I distinctly remember a certain song playing over and over on the radio that summer (seemed like it was on at least once and hour). That song was released the previous September. Unfortunately, that song and album cover are forever linked in my mind with the start of my model building journey. Now I suppose you want to know what song that was don't you? Ok, I'll spill the beans, but remember, this message will self destruct in 15 seconds...(and I will deny this if ever asked). The Song was Karma Chameleon by The Culture Club. I actually thought it had a good sound to it and ended up buying the album (and I actually thought that was a girl on the cover!) Well, that's all folks!
Thank you so much, Chris! A version of this interview will be published on our Facebook tomorrow.
Hi Chris, what was your first model kit?
Boy that is a tough one. Get ready for some rambling on... The first model kit I ever saw being built (by my cousin) was the Monogram B-17G. As far as myself building a model kit, the oldest memory I have is brushing painting the wings of the old Revell 1/32 357th FG P-51B "You've Had it!". I Distinctly remember painting the wings with Testors Flat Olive using the quarter inch Testors flat nylon brush... Other kits I recall attempting or at least purchasing during my first years of model building are the Monogram Skyraider, Bubble Top P-47D (The Turtle boxing), Monogram A-7 Corsair, Monogram 1/48 F-14A (I actually finished that one, with markings of a VF-41 Sukoi Killer, and entered it in a local model contest). I was very proud of that kit as I accidentally discovered on that one that I could reveal those raised monogram panel lines by lightly sanding the paint off the raised detail with some fine grit sand paper. Oh, speaking of F-14's. One of my best childhood modeling memories was buying and building the MPC reboxing of the 1/72 Airfix F-14A (it was Golden Opportunity kit you know). I just loved the box art on that kit and have been a fan of VF-143 ever since. I know I built that kit because I remember running around the yard with in pretend dogfights--probably against zeros. Next, I know I also came to acquire the big Revell 1/32 F-4 Phantom II (can’t remember if it was a B or J but I know it was a Navy bird with VF-96 markings). That F-4 kit really put the zap on me. I think it was the first Phantom II that I ever saw and I could not get over how cool I thought it looked with the bare metal tail section and drooped horizontal stabilizers. Why would they do that? Plus two engines and two pilots on top of that. I haven't been able to get enough of F-4's ever since. I know I also received as Christmas gifts the Monogram Zero, 109E and FW190. I am pretty sure I built all those but that Fw 190 with all the cool markings and weapons configurations blew my mind. I will still pick up and build that 190 to this day. Lastly, I have to say I am very proud of completing two Monogram B-17G's and the Monogram B-24D "Moby Dick" before I graduated HS (I don't know how I accomplished this--completing the kits I mean, haha). Lastly I have to mention the Testors Electro Plated P-51D 'Moonbeam Mc Swine' with that beautiful blue nose. Pretty sure I built that kit. Still my Favorite P-51D markings. Oh, and the Monogram 1/48 Phantoms.. I think I had them all, the F-4C, F-4J Showtime 100 and the black F-4J (which again bent by brain). See.. I can't stop.. this just popped into my head.. The ESCI 1/48 F-8E crusader -- no idea where I would have picked that up. Don't think they had them at K-Mart or the corner hardware store. Hmmm... That was a cool kit to a teenager with cool markings , even French Navy markings--I don't think I ever completed it...
What’s your preferred scale?
Probably 1/48, but I appreciate the advantage of 1/72 and the fun of 1/32.
What’s your preferred subject or subjects?
WW2 A/C US, German and Japanese mainly. Don't think I'll ever build a Russian or Italian bird though. Also, Modern US Jets from Vietnam Era to the End of the cold war (partial to gull grey and white Navy schemes and Vietnam style USAF Camo schemes). You will probably never catch me building anything more modern than a legacy hornet. Bring out a stealth aircraft model and you may see ME disappear. I dabble on rare occasions in cars, tanks and ships.
What’s your favorite model built to date?
That's tough. Not sure I can answer. The Monogram Skyraider I finished a year or two ago would be in the top 5.
Also, I finished a Monogram P-51D "Detroit Miss" several years ago (pulled out all the stops on that one -- rescribed most of it and closed all the open panels. Painted on almost all the markings except for the nose art. Boy she looked/looks good...
I also recently finished the old Tamiya A6M2N Rufe float plane which is posted here on the site somewhere. I attempted that thing once before and also the Hasegawa one. Both ended up the circular file. Third time is a charm I guess.
What’s the hardest model you’ve built to date?
If we are talking kits I finished, that would be a toss up between the 1/48 Monogram F-14A and the 1/48 Monogram P-51D.
What’s your Holy Grail kit?
I probably already have it with the Tamiya release of the 1/48 F-14A and 1/48 F-4B (hopefully both in 1/72 soon), Fine Molds new 1/72 Phantoms and the Kotare 1/32 109K. Now if Tamiya would release a 1/48 A-7E Corsair II (so they could then also release it in 1/72 and I could build about 10) that would be the cherry on top. No, wait, there is one or two more. I really want a 1/32 or 1/24 F4U-5N Night Fighter corsair--wanted one of those ever since I saw that one converted from the Revell 1/32 F4U, on the cover of FSM. I would also not complain if someone tooled a state of the art 1/72 S-61 US Coast Guard chopper.
Who is your favorite kit maker?
You know, I don't have one. I love all kits. I love models. If you forced me to pick one, I would have to go with Monogram for nostalgia.
What’s your favorite glue or glues?
All Tamiya cements + ZAP CA glue.
What’s your favorite paint?
For ease of use, price and availability, Tamiya acrylics and sprays. I also have a good supply of Gunze Lacquers
What started you as a modeler?
I fell in love with Aviation and model building at the same time roughly. When I was growing up, Black Sheep Squadron was on TV, along with other shows like Airwolf and Tails of the Golden Monkey (Jake?). Also, I had seen the classic movies like 12 o'clock high and Fighter Squadron... Saw The Final Countdown in theater and wanted to fly F-14's right then and there! My father also had an aviation background and would take me to the Cleveland airshow as well as to the regional airport occasionally to watch airplanes come and go. About the same time I found out I could build my own airplanes! I am pretty sure it was the summer of 1984 specifically. You see, I frequently spent a week or so during the summer at my grandmother's house. My Uncle and cousin Mikey at that time lived with my Grandmother also. The attic of Grandma's house had been converted into an apartment at some point, but was pretty much and unused storage space by this time. I remember in the attic there was a kitchen space with a vinyl floor and old 1950's style gas range. I remember one day going up the narrow and steep staircase to find my cousin Mikey sitting on the kitchen floor, with paint and glue, amidst a pile of Monogram B-17G sprues, along with the Shep Pane diorama sheet, and the novel 'The Last Mission' featuring a B-17G on the front cover, wing peeling off in flames after a flak hit! My Grandma's house was in the small town of Navarre, Ohio. There was a little hardware store about a half mile walk from Grandma's front door and my cousin and I would always go there and get some models (smelling that fresh bread baking as we passed by Nickles Bakery). That hardware store is probably where I got the Revell P-51B. Now, how do I know it was the summer of 84? Well you see, I distinctly remember a certain song playing over and over on the radio that summer (seemed like it was on at least once and hour). That song was released the previous September. Unfortunately, that song and album cover are forever linked in my mind with the start of my model building journey. Now I suppose you want to know what song that was don't you? Ok, I'll spill the beans, but remember, this message will self destruct in 15 seconds...(and I will deny this if ever asked). The Song was Karma Chameleon by The Culture Club. I actually thought it had a good sound to it and ended up buying the album (and I actually thought that was a girl on the cover!) Well, that's all folks!
Thank you so much, Chris! A version of this interview will be published on our Facebook tomorrow.
Make more models!
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Gary Brantley
- Elite Member
- Posts: 2568
- Joined: Tue Apr 08, 2014 9:40 pm
- Location: Cameron, Texas
Re: SPA Modeler Member Interviews.
That's a fantastic interview, Chris! 
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BlackSheep214
- Elite Member
- Posts: 12755
- Joined: Sun Apr 06, 2014 8:47 pm
Re: SPA Modeler Member Interviews.
Ramble on he did! Great interview. I can see the enthusiasm and nostalgia of this hobby seeping through his words. Bravo, Chris!
Great interview. I can see the enthusiasm and nostalgia of this hobby seeping through his words. Bravo, Chris!“Who controls the skies, controls the fate of this Earth”
Author unknown- 352nd Fighter Group, Blue-Nosed Bastards of Bodney
“Send one plane it’s a sortie; send two planes it’s a flight; send four planes it’s a test of airpower. - Richard Kohn
Author unknown- 352nd Fighter Group, Blue-Nosed Bastards of Bodney
“Send one plane it’s a sortie; send two planes it’s a flight; send four planes it’s a test of airpower. - Richard Kohn
Re: SPA Modeler Member Interviews.
Yeah.... she's gone down hill a bit since 1984!
Stuart Templeton 'I may not be good but I'm slow...'
Re: SPA Modeler Member Interviews.
A really interesting and entertaining interview Chris - thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I think I'm pretty much the same as you in regards to eras, although I have to ask - what's wrong with F-117A's? 
All those models are fantastic - if I had to choose a favourite (and that's hard), it'd have to be Detriot Miss. There's just something about those markings that really appeals.
All those models are fantastic - if I had to choose a favourite (and that's hard), it'd have to be Detriot Miss. There's just something about those markings that really appeals.
Stuart Templeton 'I may not be good but I'm slow...'
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Brandons_Iron
- Advanced Member
- Posts: 450
- Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2020 11:18 am
- Location: Eastern Idaho
Re: SPA Modeler Member Interviews.
That's great, Chris. It really helps a fella understand another modelers motivations when you learn more about them. Now I kinda feel bad that I really didn't go into too much detail on my interview. I guess I just don't have as much to say anymore. I got told to shut up too much as a kid now people ask me at family gatherings why I don't say anything. 
Anywho, great interview, Chris. I enjoyed the "rambling." 
Anywho, great interview, Chris. I enjoyed the "rambling." BrandonK
If you can't fix it with duct tape, you're not using enough duct tape.
If you can't fix it with duct tape, you're not using enough duct tape.
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Stikpusher
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- Posts: 20684
- Joined: Sat Apr 05, 2014 8:37 pm
- Location: Ceti Alpha 5
Re: SPA Modeler Member Interviews.
Chris and Bruce, great interview! Very nicely in depth answers to many of the questions.
"Surely I have made my meaning plain? I intend to avenge myself upon you, Admiral. I have deprived your ship of power, and when I swing 'round, I intend to deprive you of your life."
FLSM
FLSM
Re: SPA Modeler Member Interviews.
Thanks Gary!
Thanks Tom!BlackSheep214 wrote: ↑Thu Feb 12, 2026 10:40 pm Ramble on he did!
Thank's Stuart. Detroit Miss is indeed a great markings option for a P-51. Even more so if you live in the Detroit area!
Thanks Brandon. I am sure Bruce would let you resvise or ammend your interviewBrandons_Iron wrote: ↑Fri Feb 13, 2026 10:45 am That's great, Chris. It really helps a fella understand another modelers motivations when you learn more about them. Now I kinda feel bad that I really didn't go into too much detail on my interview. I guess I just don't have as much to say anymore. I got told to shut up too much as a kid now people ask me at family gatherings why I don't say anything.
Thank you Carlos, I am actually going to have to got back through this thread. I am sure there are interviews I have not see yet as I am a relative newbie on this site.Stikpusher wrote: ↑Fri Feb 13, 2026 12:45 pm Chris and Bruce, great interview! Very nicely in depth answers to many of the questions.
Big Joe: 'You just keep those Tigers busy and we'll take care of the rest.'
Oddball: 'The only way I got to keep them Tigers busy is to let them shoot holes in me...'
My Stash https://www.scalemates.com/profiles/mat ... 53&p=stash
Oddball: 'The only way I got to keep them Tigers busy is to let them shoot holes in me...'
My Stash https://www.scalemates.com/profiles/mat ... 53&p=stash
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Duke Maddog
- Elite Member
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- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 11:22 am
- Location: Rowland Heights, CA
Re: SPA Modeler Member Interviews.
Fantastic interview Chris! I love reading these and finding out about everyone!
It's been awhile and I should also look back on past interviews too.
It's been awhile and I should also look back on past interviews too.
The Duke
Virtuoso of Miniatures
"Do you know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I get and beat you with 'till you understand who's in ruttin' command!"
-Jayne Cobb, Firefly Episode 2 "The Train Job"
We are modelers - the same in spirit, in hunger to insanely buy newly released kits, hustlers in hiding our stash from our better halves and experts in using garbage as replacements for after-market parts.
Virtuoso of Miniatures
"Do you know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I get and beat you with 'till you understand who's in ruttin' command!"
-Jayne Cobb, Firefly Episode 2 "The Train Job"
We are modelers - the same in spirit, in hunger to insanely buy newly released kits, hustlers in hiding our stash from our better halves and experts in using garbage as replacements for after-market parts.