Scale Plastic Aircraft Modeler Member Interview
Clint Gibbs aka Floki
Muncie, Indiana
1. First model kit?
My first kit was a Revell/Monogram B-17 that I built with my Dad when I was 8 or 9. Inside there was a booklet by Sheperd Paine on building dioramas—his famous “Crashed B-17,” which became the main reason I like to have every build I complete either as a diorama or with a decent base.
2. Preferred scale?
1/48 for aircraft 1/35 for armor.
3. Preferred subject or subjects?
My preferred subject for aircraft are WWII German and Pacific theater subjects—but the Wildcats, Hellcats, Corsairs are beautiful and the P-61 Black Widow of the Pacific is my all-time favorite. Same with armor! There is so much to choose from with German armor. With US, well you got the Sherman a tank, but I would personally never call a Sherman beautiful.
4. Favorite model built to date?
I would usually say “The last one built,” but my last one gave me some paint fits that sucked the fun right out of the build. I took a 3 year break from the hobby to finish remodeling my house and when I came back, the first aircraft I built was Eduard's Bf110 I think it turned out great.
5. Hardest model built to date?
In terms of most challenging it would be Fine Molds Millennium Falcon that I did a Echo base diorama around. The kit was a gem i made it difficult with 3D parts LEDs and 500+ feet of fiber optic line.
6. Holy Grail kit?
Soar arts 1/35 Dora railway gun, I know the kit has some problems and it's huge but I just keep thinking of the diorama I could build around it. But I know the wife would never let me spend the money for it.
7. Favorite kit maker?
For aircraft that would be Eduard. For armor I'm gonna say Dragon for now—but if Takom, RFM and Meng keep putting out great kits then that will change.
8. Favorite glue or glues?
Tenex 7R—haven't found anything I like as well as it, hope someone will start making it again.
9. Favorite paint?
Tamiya acrylic—I started testing AK Real color recently and might switch everything over to AKR.
10. What started you as a modeler?
Building some kits with my Dad, I really enjoyed that, then later after school and getting a good job, getting married having three wonderful dogs lol it's just nice and relaxing to sit down and create something beautiful out of a box of plastic bits.
