by Matt Bittner
Well, due to the lack of anything else to put here, the editors have asked that I write something to introduce myself to the IM readership.
I really don't like talking about myself, but I guess since I've been asked kindly (I hear a Trumpeter Bear is heading my way) I guess I'll type something up.
I'm not sure how long I've been modeling, but my first memories of modeling consist of getting the Monogram Dauntless to actually release its bomb successfully. While my youth has been geared toward building 1/48th types, it wasn't until I was working on the Monogram F-106 when I realized I was bored. Bored with what I was modeling and bored with the scale I was in. So, I took a chance, went to a local, now out-of-business (unfortunately) local hobby shop and purchased the Harleyford book on WW1 fighter aircraft. That started something that has grown to this day. I went to the same shop a couple of days later and bought all the Airfix WW1 types they had in stock. Keep in mind that this was in the late eighties, so I came back to modeling (after taking time off for school, the start of my career and (more importantly) the opposite sex) at the ėright timeî to get caught up in the WW1 craze at the time. In addition I was introduced to the One True Scale, 1/72nd, and all other scales no longer exist for me.
My first multi-winger was Airfix's Albatros D.Va, built out of the box not knowing about aftermarket nor references (other than the Harleyford book) for WW1 aircraft. Somewhere I happened about a Windsock ņ the magazine for WW1 aircraft modeling. Once I purchased one of those, then the hook was firmly set and the WW1 bug bit, hard and often. I snatched everything 1/72nd WW1 I could find.
1/48th Monogram types weren't all I built exclusively in my youth. I remember reading a Military Modeler where some modeler built these cool dioramas using 1/72nd and 1/76th scale ground vehicles. Cool! So, I started into that and now primarily build Soviet Great Patriotic War (WW2) vehicles as well as WW1 types. This bug was primarily fed by my very close friend Kent Kirkpatrick, especially since there isn't much else to do in Des Moines, Iowa, USA, but build Proper Scale ground vehicles.
As far as the VVS goes, I came into that by accident. Hasegawa just released their I-16 and I thought it was a great looking aircraft. I had a passing interest in the Spanish Civil War so wanted to back date the I-16 into a Type 10. It was while querying the WW1 email list (found via the World War I Modeling Page) that my now VVS site co-author (and now another close, dear friend) Erik Pilawskii came to my rescue (demise?) by offering any help he could. The rest, they say, is history.
Along the way I have met tons of great people, most I consider near and dear friends (especially those from the WW1 email list). I have influenced people and made enemies, especially since the majority of the US builders build in that Horrible Scale, 1/48th. I have met not only modelers along the way but respected historians like Greg VanWyngarden (another person helping the WW1 bug). I've dealt with some great people directly involved in the hobby (like Barry Settler of Rosemont Hobby Shop). I've met world-class modelers - like modeling-god Steve Hustad - showing me how to take my modeling to the highest levels. I've also had the luck of being asked to ėmentorî a local group of junior high school youngsters who wanted to put together a modeling club.
All in all - although I'm currently in a modeling "funk" -I'm having a great time and can't imagine having any other hobby.
If this seems too long, then it's all Bob Pearson's fault.
