This is the first ever model built completely alone by my son Nick.  He was only 8 years old when this was built.  We had built a couple together and then he decided that he wanted to build on all on his own. I taught him how to use my airbrush and he used it to detail the engine & interior.  He sprayed the body with SNJ then buffed it with a soft cloth - and it looks great!  The decals were somewhat frustrating for him. He used some Micro-sol on them and then cried out in horror as they wrinkled!  I have to admit it was fun watching him try to resist the temptation of straighten them out as they wrinkled up, I just kept telling him "Don't worry, it's supposed to do that - they will flatten out."  Despite some of the frustrations, his modeling skills improved remarkably from start to finish. 

The weeks of Nick's hard work really paid off at a local contest.  This, his first ever solo build, won him a Third Place trophy in the Junior Category.  What a confidence boost that was for him, he is now very excited about modeling & is currently working on a 1/72 Revell P-47.

I just think it is amazing how the single most rewarding model for me was one I didn't even build!

Arrin (Nick's Dad)