So here I am, retired from the US Army, and, at 70 years old, I now have time to start a new hobby. I first started at the age of around 8 or 9, with balsa model WWI aircraft, gluing the ribs, assembling the airplanes, and covering the aircraft with tissue paper and using "dope" to both strengthen and color the aircraft in the appropriate colors. Spads, Sopwiths, Fokkers and the like. Today, I received the Revell 1:96 plastic "Connie" kit and plan to build it. Over the last 2 months or so, I have researched the ship itself, it's history, and it's restoration. I have viewed several videos on Youtube of the original, and in it's current form as it sits in Boston harbor. Most especially, I was interested in the details of the current ship, particularly as it pertains to the color scheme. I have also researched the Revell model itself, and the inerrant problems with the latest rendition of the model. I have a great respect for that ship. I have no expectations of finishing the ship in te next few weeks. Indeed, I am planning on this build taking me in the neighborhood of one year, as I hope to give the ship the justice it so richly deserves. I am happy to now be on this forum, as I have a lot to learn from the members here, and I hope you will bear with me. I will do my best to document my build, in hopes that, mistakes and all, I may be able to help the next "newbie" who may someday find themselves in my shoes. Larry
