Hello

fordict

New Member
Jul 30, 2026
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Hello everyone
I'm almost 60 years old. I haven't made many paper models except for a few. But I made a lot of plastic kits throughout my childhood. I was even making models during my military service. :)

I'm interested in Science Fiction in all kind of media. And I like to make Sci-Fi models. I also like making models of World War II vehicles. But that's secondary.

My eyesight isn't as good as it used to be. I'm doing it with a headstrap magnifying glass. :)
And I'm very slow in making models, cause I'm still working even though I'm retired.
 
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Hello and welcome!

Please allow me be the first one to welcome you to Zealot! You have (INDEED) come to the right spot to learn many different aspects about model building as a whole. As you may have seen, This is a place where like minded people come together to share information, ideas, thoughts, tips & techniques. As well as helping one another to improve their skills and promoting this GREAT hobby!
There are many members here who are into SCI-FI (myself included). The interesting thing about paper/cardstock model building, is that there are more SCI-FI paper/cardstock model templates then all other mediums combined. So, I am certain that you will be able to find templates that will interest you. With that being said, if there is something in particular that you are specifically looking for, please feel free to ask. I am certain that one of the members of the forum will know where to find it (if it is not available in the resource section).
There are also many members who like militaria (and World War II militaria) as well. So I hope that you will feel right at home here.

If you have any photos of your work, by all means, please post them. You can post photos directly from your computer to the thread without the need of a photo hosting site.

As for using magnifiers to help you see what you are doing, do not worry about it. Many of the members here use them (myself included).

When you start a new project, I would like to invite you to post a build thread. Build threads are a great way of show off your work and skills. Not only that, but if you run into an issue with a model you can highlight the area that you are having problems with and we can offer you some suggestions on how to deal with them.

So, if you have any questions, comments, concerns, need help or advice. Please feel free to ask and we will do what we can to help you (or at least point you in the right direction).

Once again, welcome aboard. I hope that you enjoy yourself here and feel at home. I look forward to seeing your work.
 
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Welcome, I have many similar problems. I am 68 years old. We are so very happy to have your here. Always feel free to upload pictures, as this is a visual oriented forum. Our membership and staff will offer any help on anything with you wish. This is an empathetic, passionate group of like minded individuals. Any suggestions will be given in such a matter. Welcome to Zealotmodels!! ;)
 
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Wow. What a warm welcome... It's been a long time since I've encountered such an encouraging and friendly forum.

I'm thinking of starting to build a model to try myself. Or at least I hope to. But I haven't designed models myself. I can't. Even so, wouldn't it be boring for you if I took photos of the building process of a model that you've seen countless times? After all, it wouldn't be my own design.

Thank you again for this warm welcome. Looking forward to chatting in the forum corridors.
 
Wow. What a warm welcome... It's been a long time since I've encountered such an encouraging and friendly forum.

I'm thinking of starting to build a model to try myself. Or at least I hope to. But I haven't designed models myself. I can't. Even so, wouldn't it be boring for you if I took photos of the building process of a model that you've seen countless times? After all, it wouldn't be my own design.

Thank you again for this warm welcome. Looking forward to chatting in the forum corridors.
I also asked myself that question in the beginning. But no, even a model already built countless times you can start a thread for and show us your progress. Every build is unique and if you encounter problems or discover faults or unnecessary difficulties on some designs then there is always something to gain out of it.

And regarding own designs: it is not necessary. It took me a while to start some own stuff and it is fun and I got inspired and encouraged to design by myself while watching other build and design threads here.
 
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Wow. What a warm welcome... It's been a long time since I've encountered such an encouraging and friendly forum.

I'm thinking of starting to build a model to try myself. Or at least I hope to. But I haven't designed models myself. I can't. Even so, wouldn't it be boring for you if I took photos of the building process of a model that you've seen countless times? After all, it wouldn't be my own design.

Thank you again for this warm welcome. Looking forward to chatting in the forum corridors.
I would like to encourage you to build, design, or create whatever you wish (regardless if it has been done 100+ times before), and please post a build thread of it. To echo both Elmax and mijob (as well as in my previous welcoming post), posting a build thread is a great way of show off your work and skills. Not only that, but if you run into an issue with a model, you can highlight the area that you are having problems with, show how you have dealt with it or we can offer you some suggestions on how to deal with them. Each and every person has their own unique approach to building a model, using their own techniques and skills.
I have been a member of this forum since 2009 (I have been and administrator since 2013). With the majority of the models that I have built, I have posted a build thread. With every build thread, I have learned a great deal about this hobby from this forum.


As for designing a model template, there are several members who are designers and are willing to help you (two master model designers that I can recommend are @Revell-Fan & @mijob).

So, I encourage you to try your hand at literally whatever you want to do. We are here to help you and encourage you to grow and succeed at this hobby.
 
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No, it would not be boring. Your are in the prime of your life. Keep your hands busy, you stay out of trouble. I can't count the amount of people who started here, who couldn't put a box together, and within a short time were building extremely what seemed to them earlier, difficult models, and doing a real good job at it. The best thing is if you mess up a part, you just print another. We'll guide you with much care, never putting you down. So go for it, post pictures. Be ready to accept suggestions. Nobody criticizes any one here. We lift each other up. We do so gladly. :)
 
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