About me

Name:: Richard Cheals
Nickname:: RKC
Country:: Italy
Town:: Civitavecchia
Member since:: April 29, 2017
Communities:: scalemates.com (Scale modeling)
papermates.net (Paper modeling)
gundammates.com (Gundam modeling)
railwaymates.com (Train modeling)
diecastmates.com (Diecast models)
rcmates.net (RC modeling)

Retired kiwi, trained as production engineer but worked mainly in product marketing in auto and agricultural equipment industries. Traveled extensively, lived in NZ, USA, Australia & now Italy. Started modeling at age 8-9 with Airfix Spitfires & BF-109's etc in plastic bags, 2 shillings-11 pence each!

My collection, built up over 50 or so years, consists of approx. 100 completed kits and another 190 unbuilt, plus some diecasts. Primarily military aircraft in 1/200, 1/144, 1/72, 1/48 & 1/32 scales; also a few AFV's and cars.

Too many kits to list have crashed & burned (metaphorically!) during the numerous relocations over the years.

Got back into modelling as a consequence of reading Tom Clancy's "Red Storm Rising", first building a Dragon Mig-29 in 1:144 scale purchased from Hannants in London during a business trip in the early 90's and rediscovering the enjoyment of our hobby.

Was an active member of IPMS/Manawatu Scale Model Club during the period I lived in Palmerston North (New Zealand, 1990-1997).

Definitely finding that there has been some deterioration of the biological equipment over the years - mainly vision and tactile skills, but nothing too frustrating and any excuse to add to the workbench gear is good!!

At least today (Jan 26, 2024) I can say I've built out all the 1/200 (11 kits) & 1/144 (59 kits) from my stash. Now starting on the 72 unbuilt kits in 1/72 scale. The oldest kit was purchased in 1976!!