Collector Demographic

pickelhaube · Post by **pickelhaube** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 8:13 pm

I was never in the service but almost joined the USMC.

Went as far as the recruiting office opened the door but turn around and left.
Then I got a job laying bricks.

All my Mom' s brothers ( 3 ) were in the service during WW2. 2 of them did not come back.

My Dad and Mom were both in the Airforce and went to Korea at different times. My Mom was a nurse Capt. and my Dad was a Staff Sgt.

When they met my Mom was already out of the service.

I can trace my clan back to when they came over from Irleand. 2 brothers were gunsmiths back in the 1860's they came over and set up shop in Alabama. They made guns for the Confederates.

I guess that is why we do not have any money.

I collect 1/18 , 1/6 and 1/1 scale.

Armor, planes, helmets and tank parts.

I have bunches of stuff.

gouchy · Post by **gouchy** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 5:23 am

I'm in my late 30s

As with most males in my country, 2 to 2.5 years compulsory service in either Armed Forces, Police or Civil Defence followed by many years in the reserves.

I did 2yrs in Army as remf and 13yrs joy-riding around as part of a mounted motar unit

Rediscovered my love for.. ahem ..toys 2 years ago

I collect 1/18, diecast military, sw, joe, 1/6 and some scifi/mecha

Jay · Post by **Jay** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 12:42 pm

Early thirties Civilian. As a kid I wanted to join the airforce but I had bung eyesight. As far as aircraft where concerned I was more interested in WW2 era anyways.
Like others I started with model kits - anything and everything. During the late 90's I got into 1/18th diecast cars - which then led to 1/18th aircraft.
17 aircraft, 2 Helicopters, 9 Landbased vehicles. Has slowed right down this year.

Light.Inf.Scout · Post by **Light.Inf.Scout** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 12:53 pm

US Army Infantry (Light) - Scout Platoon, from 84 - 92. "Follow Me!" Collect all scales and vehicles but prefer 1/32 and 1/18 aircraft and armor.

Post by **p51** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:57 pm

Civilian, with a huge appreciation, respect, honor, and love for all military servicemen and women. Family has a lot of military history dating back to WW2, Korea, Vietnam, and even Desert Storm. Platoon Sergeants to Missile Engineers. Supply Officers to MPs. Lots of history.

I seriously considered joining the Marines as a fighter pilot at the start of Enduring Freedom, but at the time was in college with a good job, so I opted out. If the draft ever did come back up again, I'd join in a heartbeat before drafted.

I work with the military from time to time on photo projects and even (which I always found to be ironic since the military has their own photographers) supplying photos to military bases for various things. I do military aviation photography, traveling to airshows all over the west coast (soon to expand all over the USA). I volunteer at one of the world's largest 'flying' aviation museums, the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, CA as webmaster/photographer/graphic designer.

I collect 1/18 mostly, some 1/32. Mostly Aircraft (WW2), but also as much modern as I can. I've been trying to collect 1 example (in any scale) of every major military aircraft from the USA from the Wright Brothers military version of their aircraft to the Joint Strike Fighter. I've expanded that a lot lately to include aircraft from all around the world (still military however). Scales range from 1/18 (largest) to mini-micro machines.

Folkwulfe · Post by **Folkwulfe** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 7:25 pm

20 years in the US Army Military Police. Toured the world courtesy of your tax dollars from 1974 to 1994....including a tour during Desert Shield/Storm all the way to Kuwait International Airport 48 hours before the cease fire. Been collecting mostly aircraft ever since I discovered them. Now some 15 years in local law enforcement and 12 years of collecting....still going strong. Army Strong!!!!!

BLACKSNAKES · Post by **BLACKSNAKES** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 8:15 am

Another civilian here with family ties to military service. Before I go any further I would like to say Thank You to all who have served or are currently serving in the military.

My niece is currently serving with the 122nd Fighter Wing ANG (Blacksnakes) based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She has completed one tour in Iraq.

Nephew Served seven years with the 82nd Airborne as an M.P. Two tours in Iraq, and one in Afghanistan. Two purple Hearts (IED's) and The Army Commendation Medal. He is now an officer with The Fayetteville, North Carolina PD.

Also an Uncle that served in Korea, and Great Grandfather who served with The Royal Hungarian Army WWII.

Prior to collecting 1/18 air and armour I built a lot of Tamiya 1/35. Also collected Star Wars until years ago while visiting the local TRU I found a 1/18 LOU IV P-51 and a Me 109. That was it for Star Wars!

I'm a new member here (about a month I think)and I am really enjoying reading through all the posts on the site. I hope you all find me to be a positive addition to the conversation.

Jim

alf · Post by **alf** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 3:26 pm

32 right now, civilian.

nothing to link me to military except US marines friends but I always been fascinating by war birds thanks to my father

Considering WWII hall of fame. My Grand father was in the french resistance, arrested in 1942, finally send to the Mauthausen concentration camp, then liberated (Yes I had to think twice before buying an ME262 thinking he may have been forced to work on those in real, I had never ask, I will never know).

rschaap · Post by **rschaap** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 4:11 pm

My father was in the navy for 20 years. He served in Korea and did two tours in Vietnam. I lived on bases and have always been interested in the military.

I've been a police officer now for 30 years. 30 years ago I had to make a choice between the military or law enforcement. A job opportunity presented itself that I could not pass up, so here I am.

I collect 1/18 scale U.S. Military and 1/18 Nascar. I also have a tolerant wife who puts up with my obsession.

sledgehammer · Post by **sledgehammer** » Wed Jan 06, 2010 5:22 am

Served 6 years in AirForce as a A-10 crewchief, for the 110 FW 172 FS out of BattleCreek before BRAC sent them over to Selfridge. Yes I would have to say we had some of the most well kept hogs in the fleet. Should have stayed but just like anything the state is out to cut jobs not keep or grow em. Collect 1/18 ACFT and armor as well as 1/48 diecast acft and love still working on model kits. For as much time as I spend checking and posting on this board I would have to say this is a pretty good hobby in its own right.

Website · Post by **Teamski** » Wed Jan 06, 2010 9:15 am

Retired in June 2009. Having fun going to college full time!

-Ski

fightin · Post by **fightin** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 5:02 am

Turning 21 in March. I'm still going to school, but I will (hopefully) graduate in the middle of June.

I don't remember any family member fightin in any world war.
My dream is to join the USAF, wich might get a bit tricky for me because I'm no US citizen.
But maybe, one day I will have the opportunity to join. That would be great.

I am mainly collecting 1/18 aircraft. I'm interested in photography and all military-related stuff. I do also own some WWII stuff like ammo boxes or a German field pack.

sledgehammer · Post by **sledgehammer** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 7:13 pm

Good luck, with all the cuts taking place.

Barbarian333 · Post by **Barbarian333** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 7:48 pm

Civillian, Grew up an Air Force brat. My father flew B 47's . Lived in Germany, The Phillipines, and 13 states . Went to airshows all my life.

Tambo · Post by **Tambo** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 10:13 pm

Vet. US ARMY NCO Time in the 7thID (123rd AVN), 25thID (214th AVN) and lastly at the home of the 101st with the (160th AVN Reg) and this is my current home.

I am a Officer in the Civil Air Patrol with the Ft. Campbell Composite Squadron

I also do the reenactment stuff to honor those before me and for fun with the 101st Living history group.

and lastly I dress up is Stormtrooper Armor or as Boba Fett/Jango Fett with the MidSouth Garrison of the 501st.

KAMIKAZE · Post by **KAMIKAZE** » Sun Jan 10, 2010 7:10 pm

You left out escaped mental patient.

Mark

Tambo · Post by **Tambo** » Sun Jan 10, 2010 7:53 pm

KAMIKAZE wrote:You left out escaped mental patient.

Mark

That is what my wife says I am.

Threetoughtrucks · Post by **Threetoughtrucks** » Sun Jan 10, 2010 11:29 pm

I'm sorry guys to burst anybody's bubble, but, any grown man who plays with toys, has an elevator that doesn't go all the way to the top.

Now I didn't mention a grown man dressing up as a SW figure AND who runs around forests fighting other reenactors AND is involved in the CAP AND is married......WOW. Personally, I knock myself out just opening the box for a new toy.

TTT

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 11:14 am

After watching that Simpsons 20th Anniversary special last night where they highlighted all the uber-nerds that collect anything and everything Simpsons (particularly that guy in England), I suddenly realized that those of us with rooms, attics, and houses filled with military models and memorabilia are not quite so crazy after all. At least there is still some respectability behind toy soldiers

stv9000 · Post by **stv9000** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 2:35 pm

deleted - double post.

stv9000 · Post by **stv9000** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 2:38 pm

10 year Navy vet. 6 years military prep school grades 7-12, Navy airmen (USS Saratoga handler) struck EW (electronic warfare), Navy EW A school Corry station Pensacola FL served USS Kalamazoo AOR, Navy EW C school Corry station, USS Spruance DD963 during desert shield / desert storm.

pickelhaube · Post by **pickelhaube** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 9:15 pm

Wow 102 members answered the poll.

I think that is a record.

gouchy · Post by **gouchy** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 2:58 am

I have not voted yet cos I'm still not sure if I consider myself a vet when its just conscription

chunks · Post by **chunks** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 3:13 am

gouchy wrote:I have not voted yet cos I'm still not sure if I consider myself a vet when its just conscription

Anyone who's served or is serving honorably is a vet. There's a lot of draftee's over here and they're all vets also.

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Collector Demographic

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Collector Demographic