I am very sad to hear about Des. I first logged on to this site about eight or nine years ago. It was not as elaborate as it is now, but Des had already posted some of his brilliant tutorial pieces. I had an Academy 1/32 Camel and contacted him about some basic matters. He was tremendously helpful - even told me that I had stumbled onto a pretty decent introductory biplane. I finished the kit - had a fine time - and got very good result considering my lack of skill. Des thought my model was great, or showed promise, or looked like a Camel: he always managed to comment with a smile. For what it's worth, I consider this one of the great modeling boards on the planet. It's a little bit like Model Warship - which attracts superior modelers (maybe rigging acts to keep the impatient away?) - but with a bigger smile.
Never built more bipes. I think I got a little errant by taking up both ships and armor. But wouldn't you know, I've got two WNW kits, an Academy Nieuport, a Special Hobby Morane, a Roden "Lawrence" armored car, and a couple of tanks and do have an itch. I hope to join the good people here soon.
Eric Bergerud, Berkeley CA
