Tamiya 1/32 “Bucket List” Mosquito

Pardon me for a little history first.

In early 2019, I stumbled across a few YouTube videos on building plastic models and found them fascinating. Like many of you, I had built models in my youth, but it had been 40 years since I'd been engaged with the hobby. I had never used an airbrush, had no idea what "weathering" meant, had never laid down a primer coat, and didn't understand what decal setting solutions were. Outside of Testors paints, brushes, and glue, I had never used anything else.

My wife encouraged me to get back into model building, so I spent about a month watching several hours of YouTube videos every day. Phil Flory's videos and website were an eye-opener. I followed Doogs' site, interacted with Chris Walchoup on his website, and hit Brett Green up with some questions. I was pretty bold about asking questions. At some point I found Nigel's Modeling Bench and others as well.

After a few months of this, I spent at least a thousand dollars setting myself up with what I thought I needed: airbrushes, paints, thinners, and more. For my first model back after 40 years, I decided to build Tamiya's 1/32 Mosquito, because I had loved the Monogram Mosquito years ago. This kit was, and may still be, regarded as one of the best models ever produced, and it sits on many a "bucket list" of kits to build before you kick the proverbial bucket.

So, all excited, I bought a ton of aftermarket parts, opened this exact box, and looked inside. Within about 30 seconds, I felt a hot flash rush to my face, and I knew I was in over my head. I was drowning, overwhelmed, and wondering what the heck I had been thinking. Sometimes emotions betray you. In this case, they were exactly right. I had no business attempting this as my first model back, especially with so many new things to learn.

I consulted with some folks on Flory's forum and others, and they recommended the Tamiya 1/48 Spitfire, which became my first build. The Mosquito went into the closet, and I told myself that when I felt ready, I'd give it a go.

Six years and 22-23 models later, I finally think I can handle it and give it the attention it deserves.