Man. Somehow, it’s already late August. 2015 is just about two-thirds of the way done. And what do I have to show for it so far?
Two completed builds. Just two. And one of them was mostly done in 2014…
Granted. I’m rather happy with both..but still…two stinkin’ completions is pretty weak.
WTF Happened?
So. What’s happened to this year?
First, work has been extremely busy and the frequency with which I’ve had to put in time on nights and weekends has kept me away from the bench for a lot longer that I’d ever anticipated. Like…for a significant chunk of July.
Second, I’ve had a string of false starts – which never got too far but still stole time all the same. There was the Mirage 2000BG, the Mirage 2000-5, the Airfix EE Lightning…a very brief flirtation with a Revell F-15E Strike Eagle, and so on.
Third, I’ve got a fair number of kits “in progress” that have either taken far more work than I’ve anticipated, or that I’ve had to put on hold for various reasons. Such as:
I guess at least I’ve been busy…but I’ve spent a lot less time with the airbrush that I’d really have preferred this year.
Meanwhile…what’s on the plate? Kinetic’s F-5B Freedom Fighter, which I’m building for Model Aircraft magazine.
So far it has been a…frustrating kit in many ways. But it has a deadline…and now that I’m getting close to paint I’m finding some of my excitement returning. I’ve got an awesome scheme picked out…good chance to have some fun with fading and weathering.
After the F-5B is put to bed, I’m looking forward to getting some of those jets off the back burner, and to getting something with a propeller or two spun up. It’s been too long since I’ve played with a WWII subject.
Doogs Models 
i know what you mean.
My 11 year old son has been building models out of the stash I have, he builds them with the intention of me helping him to paint them.
Well
We now have over 30 (no kidding) sitting side by side on shelves I have in the basement. Since we got into Vallejo Acryllic Paints I hope to get started soon now that everyone is back in school!!
Yr builds are all quality tho’ Doogs….I get taken to task here in the UK by a guy new to modelling and yet to get an airbrush. My builds mostly 32 scale are still only 3 and one of those started a year or so ago….I guess it,s down to what we as modellers feel happy to call done…my mate works on the basis…I,’ll try to rectify..then bugger it!!!…and it,s out on display😱
I know the same issue, I have completed 2-3 builds this year but again they were started a long time ago and it was just a case of finishing up. I think we all put too much emphasis on how we build and wanting to only put models together in a 100% state…..we are all our own worse critics.
I have had a second child which has slowed me and with him being quite ill and based at the Children’s Hospital for the past 7 weeks does not help with builds.
Welcome to my world, Matt!
Sure, you’ve got only two completed Matt, but all I also see five fairly complex kits in a fairly advanced state too. Don’t be too hard on yourself. I guess this dove tails into your last post too. With limited bench time, its becomes even more apparent not to waste time building hidden detail
My completion rate for the last 4 years has been about 5 a year, which led to me slashing the stash. I could not see the point of a 300 kit stash when my was only pushing out five a year
Been slashing my stash pretty heavily, as well
Between my military career and trying to spend time with family, my production has been minimal. I have a stash of kits that numbers around 350 or so. I have accepted the reality that they will never all get built and have started to downsize.
Please put the Airfix Lightening at top of your list when you get back into the ‘swing’ Matt, be great to see what you do with that! I am half way thru mine right now. Bare metal finish that will be done without an airbrush