Let the virtual convention begin!

My plans for our virtual convention are set. Unfortunately it won't be as grand as I had planned, but I'm excited about the weekend nonetheless. I was intending to take a vacation day tomorrow (Friday) so I could spend a solid two days at the workbench, but I’ve decided to save the time time for an upcoming family vacation instead. I suspect most of you are in the same boat, being able to commit only Saturday to the virtual convention, and that’s okay. The goal isn't necessarily to spend four days on the hobby, but to commit a little more time than usual as compensation for not attending the IPMS Nats in person.

Here’s what I have planned.

As luck would have it, just today I received a small order of photoetch and canopy masks from Hannants, so that feels good; the cool thing is these were items I don't think I would've found at the Nats! And two days ago I placed an order for the new Valom F-101A and a number of decal sheets from a favorite eBay vendor, which I expect to arrive tomorrow.

Last night I spoke with one of my best friends, chatting a good deal about models, and earlier today I talked to another good friend and early mentor who always increases my enthusiasm for the hobby. I expect to talk to a few more modelers over the next two days.

I plan to spend a couple of hours at the workbench tonight and tomorrow with the intention of wrapping up two models, which ironically could have been done in time for the Nats. Alas…. With those off the bench I’m going to start two new projects on Saturday, the PzKpfw 38(t) and F-16 you see above.

My fiancée knows that I’m committed to being at the workbench all day Saturday, so she’s made plans to spend the day at the mall. We’ll have dinner together after the virtual convention Saturday night (as we would have had we gone to Columbia), and then she's taking me to see the new Star Trek movie.

I may sneak in a war movie or documentary if I get a chance, even if it's running in the background while I perform some tedious task on the tank or jet. Amazon Prime subscribers have a large number of movies they can stream, and if you’re a Netflix subscriber use these links to see a list of the military-related movies on the service.

All military action and adventure movies
Military television shows
Military documentaries

So there you have it. That’s my plan and I’m sticking to it! Don’t forget to let me know what you're up to this weekend. I hope you're able to spend time deep in the hobby, too.

P.S. I’ll be checking IPMS’s gallery from the actual IPMS Nats from time to time, and yes, wishing I were there.