At the beginning of 2023 I had a pretty clear idea of how the year was going to go. I had my resolutions. I had my spring and summer plans. I had by paddle plans and I had my hobby plans. Yup – plans plans plans. I was going to build at least 200 models, each would be world renowned for their beauty and creativity. Oh, and plenty of build videos would have been completed and uploaded too. One might have been nominated for a Palme D’Or.
I tell you, I had 2023 planned to a tee!
But then in February, an opportunity came along and I finally took it. On the one hand, we got to move into a nice place in a nice neighborhood and I’d do it all over again in a second. On the other hand, well, a lot of those 2023 plans were put on wood pallets and scrapped. I spent months with the buying, the selling, the painting, the fixing, painting some more, the packing, and the unpacking. By the time I caught my breath, it was pretty much time for a summer vacation.
So, yeah… that semi-unrealistic goal of 200 paradigm shifting models did not materialize. And the videos? Well, I did a couple. But not the ones I really wanted to do.
As for my other hobbies, well those suffered as well. I did not play ball and I did far less kayaking this summer. I just ran out of time. But I got in the water when I could. I really took advantage when we went up to a cottage on Lake Huron. I did more kayaking in those two weeks than I did all summer!
How about the models?
So here is the disappointing output for 2023. A grand total of three and, in reality, it was more two and a half.
As you well know, hobby output is directly correlated with time spent at the bench. I was woefully short on that. I had to say goodbye to my purpose built hobby room when we moved but within four months of the move, I got phase 1 of my new hobby room completed. It is functional but not exactly comfortable. Phase 2 will be much nicer. I am glad I resisted the urge to build it right away as I have thought and re-thought what I want that space to be. I am really looking forward to planning that out over the winter and getting someone to help me implement it in the spring.
The “Let’s Get Pacific” group build sponsored by Model Paint Solutions and the Hobby Centre ended on May 30. We had some 12 completions and they were very nice. I sincerely wish I was amongst the finishers and boy, did I try. The group build prizes were all mailed out and as far as I know, people enjoyed the experience.
2023 Model Shows
HeritageCon 2023
My show season started in March with some surprisingly mild weather in Hamilton Ontario. HeritageCon was an absolute blast. Not just because of the record amount of models and show goers (which actually forced the museum to turn away visitors). This time I finally got to meet some good friends from south of the border. I’ve been listening to Mike and Dave from the Plastic Model Mojo since they started their podcast in early 2020 and at some point during those fun months after March 2020, we got to chatting online. Well, they braved the long drive, the customs lines and my choice in value priced accommodation to come see HeritageCon for themselves. I also had a great time catching up with all of the characters at the show as well as hanging out after hours with all sorts of modelers in our unusually large living room.
CapCon 2023
In October we had the loooong awaited return of our local show, CapCon. The local club let yours truly lend a (somewhat limited) hand in organizing the event. I definitely got a taste for what it takes to organize and produce a scale model show and it sure made me appreciate the effort that goes into these things.
What I am looking forward to in 2024
Models I want to build
Like I said above, I had a lot of plans for 2023 but I barely scratched the surface. Because it took me a while to install the exhaust trunking from my paint booth, I have not done any serious painting for a few months. So, for the next few weeks I am going to be doing some quick builds to get the painting muscles exercised. These won’t be involved builds but will be smaller models meant for paint in order to get ready to finish the Okinawa Corsair:
I did some work on the cutaway Sabre and I plan to keep working on this project. But it won’t be a priority in 2024. Instead, I plan (there’s that word again) on completing a Kinetic CF-104, that Hasegawa PBJ, and a years old shelf queen. Oh, and there’s a few more I want to do, but I won’t get ahead of myself.
2024 Model Shows
HeritageCon 2024
HeritageCon is a “go” for March 26, 2024. And again, there is a strong possibility that the Plastic Model Mojo will brave the cold and make a trek up north to the Canadas. I’m also looking forward to seeing my friends at the Scale Model Podcast, Luftraum72 Kris, Scalescriber John and Panzermeister36. We had a fantastic, albeit very brief time together last year and I expect more of the same fun this year.
US Nationals?
Now, I know I have teased about this a lot in the past but in my defence, IPMS Nationals almost always falls on dates where I am at a cottage on a beautiful lake, with my wife and my little one. But this year, the show organizers have switched things up. The show is in July and the timing is pretty much perfect. Unless something weird happens, I will be heading on over to Madison Wisconsin to take in the sights and sounds of a four day scale model convention.
Other Shows in 2024
I’m told that TorCan is scheduled for September this year. I am glad they made the switch from being a spring show. I hope to make it to that show. Lastly, rumor has it the Ottawa Scale Auto Contest will return sometime later in the fall of 2024. I sure hope it does!
2024 on ModelAirplaneMaker.com
2023 was another great year for the blog in terms of views and visitors. I apologize for having less build or technique-oriented content on the blog in 2023. The plan is to bring that content back in 2O24. As you know, I do not stick to a set schedule of posting because I write better posts when I get a nugget for an idea and I can work on it for a bit.
I was flattered to be asked to be a guest a couple of times on the Scale Model Podcast. I will always make the effort to sit down with model builders who share the same outlook on this hobby. I had a lot of fun with these guys and these guest spots were excellent experiences.
The most popular blog posts this past year were SR-71 Blackbird – America’s Middle Finger and the 2023 Dream Kit List. The first was one of my favorites to write. The other is one of my annual posts where I beg and plead to the hobby gods to bring me even more kits that I want. I am 99% sure there will be a 2024 Dream Kit List posted soon in the new year.
I have set up another group build on Facebook. If you are interested in making a Cold War airplane, why don’t you come join the group build? This one is called “Ice Cold Warriors” and will start January 1 and go to June 1, 2024. As an aside, if you have not joined the Model Airplane Makers FB Group already, please do! I love to see everyone’s models.
2024 YouTube Videos
As for Model Airplane Maker on YouTube, I was a little disappointed in my video output in 2023. So, I have a lot of catching up to do. My plan is to finish the Okinawa Corsair with paint and weathering. Then I have a few ideas that will definitely give the airbrush a work out.
One Last thing
Once again, thanks to everyone who visited my page or watched my videos. It has also been great read your messages and your emails. I really appreciate your support and I am hoping to meet more of you in 2024.
So, let’s wrap up this 2023. For me it was a weird year with some interesting twists and turns. Sure, some plans were scrapped. But you know something? Those are the years we tend to remember! I wish you all a Merry Christmas. If you have little ones, make sure to spoil them a little. And as always, take some time for yourself to relax. I also hope you have a memorable 2024.
If you have a minute or ten, I’d love to read your 2023 highlights. What did you start or finish? I’d also love to see your 2024 build plans.
MODEL AIRPLANE MAKER 
I think I will feature something on my blog if I can find the time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are a lot of parallels here. I moved into my new house this year, and put modeling aside for some time. When I returned, I did have a dedicated shop but quickly found the mix of repairs, modeling and woodworking a challenge (yes, a First World Problem). My wife graciously gave me the ok to do the woodworking in the front of the garage and BOOM, I’m now building an extended top (90″ for a 54″ desk) so I can clamp lamps and lamp/magnifiers, and support a paint booth over the Ikea rolling cabinet that holds my paints. The booth is 32x17x17, lighted, with an exhaust. The booth was made from house construction scrap. The exhaust fan was $30 on Amazon, and the vent and hose were leftover from the house. My next unknown is rationalizing the use of the rolling Ikea cabinet with the new shelves. Where do paints, primers, thinners, putty, and all the associated tools go? How much stays on the desk? Do I use bins or cubbies. A cool problem to solve!
I did finish two kits so far in the new space, a 1/35 UK Valentine Infantry Tank (Dragon) and a MetalEarth “Droideka” from StarWars. Currently working a Testor’s 365c Porsche and a 1/48 Kinetic Hornet. Having a spray booth for that artic splinter cammo is going to be nice. No more Amazon boxes and respirators!
Don in Texas
Aggieland Modeling Club (AMC) on Facebook
LikeLiked by 1 person