Although I continued with the hobby during my teen and college years, my skills only improved gradually. Then in the mid-1980, I started reading FineScale Modeler magazine. This publication opened up a whole new world of model building and finishing techniques for me. Thanks to FSM my model building skills became much stronger and more varied than they were. On the other hand, it takes me a lot longer to finish a project than it once did.

FSM also made me aware of the International Plastic Modelers Society. I joined this group in 1996 and entered my first IPMS competition that year. This was another milestone for me as a modeler. I learned that these events can afford one a terrific chance to see the work of other modelers, which makes the hobby much less a solitary one. The other competitors that I’ve met have always been very friendly and more than happy to share tips and ideas (when was the last time you talked models with someone whose eyes didn’t glaze over after the first few seconds?). Finally there’s the dealers’ rooms where it’s possible to get models, books, tools, etc. that one can’t always find in a local hobby shop, and at good prices, too.

It doesn't hurt one's modeling to have the love of a good woman. I found that with my wife, Kathy, to whom I've been married for over 25 years. She's always been supportive of my pastime, which has been a blessing to me.

It seems to be part of a modeler's development that he acquires some photography ability. That’s a skill I don’t really possess - but fortunately, I know someone who does. Ken "Snap" Roshak has taken many of the pictures of our models on this site. In fact if it wasn’t for his knowledge of general computer stuff, this site wouldn’t even be here! I owe a big debt of gratitude to my buddy Ken. Together we’ve created the Black Swamp Modelers SIG; we hope that it will add even more fun for our brothers and sisters in the hobby.