SPA Modeler Member Interviews.

[cbaltrin]

Nice interview Tom. Great to have those memories of your Grandfather helping you get started in the hobby!

[BlackSheep214]

That key memory on my grandfather is never forgotten. In fact, I was very close to my grandparents on my mom’s side. I took it hard when he passed away in 1981 of leukemia. I was very devastated when my grandmother passed away in 1995. I still miss them to this day. I guess it’s true for everyone who have grown close to their grandparents and still misses them.

[speedgraflex]

I believe all currently active members here have had an interview; and I feel that through these interviews we have a much greater sense of our origins. If I did miss someone, let me know, but I’ve asked everyone on the member list that I could locate. Thanks to all who participated! It was an honor getting to know you better!

Perhaps do some guest interviews, people in the industry you know?

That’s a great idea, Lyle. I’m going to ask my mate Dave from AFV Modeller about this. I won’t be adding here, though. This is reserved for the forum members.

[Stikpusher]

Thank you all for the kind words.

Yeah, John…. what was I thinking pulling off all those parts from the sprue trees?
Here’s the funny thing about my dad. He worked at Chicago Pneumatic for over 40 years as a draftsman (engineer by today’s standards)

In case anyone is curious why my screen name is BlackSheep214. It’s self explanatory since I used to love watching Baa Baa Black Sheep during the 70s, plus I’ve read Boyington’s biography. Not to mention the Black Sheep Squadron and the F4U Corsairs. I need to build a few Black Sheep USMC Squadron aircrafts through the years. The Harrier, Skyhawk, F/A-18 Hornet(?), F-35, etc…

Nope, they never flew the Hornet. They went from Skyhawks, the Harriers, to Lightnings…

According to Wiki:

F4F Wildcat (1942)
F4U Corsair (1943–53)
F9F Panther (1953)
F2H Banshee (1953–57)
FJ Fury (1957–62)
A-4 Skyhawk (1962–89)
AV-8B Harrier II (1989-2022)
F-35B Lightning II (2022-present)

[Stuart]

A great interview Tom - it's always nice to know a bit more about you guys. Your Grandfather sounds like he was a really great Dude.