Hi
I'm Eric Bergerud and hang out in St. Paul Minnesota or Berkeley CA depending upon the time of year. I confuse college students that are required to learn something about history or political science. I taught mid-career US officers about war at a branch of the Naval War College in Monterey CA for several years - the only place students called me "sir." I've written four books about America's 20th century wars in Asia and know military history pretty well. It does me no good when modeling.
Been trying to make big metal (or fabric) things into small plastic items for about four years ago or so and I do like the hobby. (Goes really well with music: you don't always need 100% of your brain when building road wheels and that's just the time to have a Bach Cantata or a Beethoven sonata going.) Guess I'm can't claim to be a novice but I've only done one biplane - the 1/32 Academy Sopwith Camel. I build a plane-tank-ship cycle and considering the War's 100th anniversary it's time to to dedicate one to the 20th century's second biggest catastrophe. Just scored the Tamiya Brit MK IV, and Trumpie's 1/700 Queen Elizabeth 1918. My biplane stash is minute: only an Academy Nieuport, a WNW Pfalz III and a Roden Morane Saulnier - all in 1/32. Even though every Eastern European kit has brought some very bad moments, there's something about the Saulnier that simply demands to be built. I think we'll give it a try and no doubt I'll need advice from wiser heads.
I first stumbled on this site when it was pretty new. Des gave me priceless advice and encouragement. It's wonderful to see it more robust - obviously I wasn't the only fan. I can't think of a modelling site that surpasses this one for beautifully presented invaluable modelling tips and information of all kinds. I really look forward to listening to and learning from other modelers that build biplanes. I think I'm probably in the right place.
Best
Eric
