One of my favorite movies kind of fits into this thread. If one watches Empire of the Sun, we may learn more about a time in world history and much about ourselves, especially us big kid modelers.

The story of Jim and what appears to be just a love for airplanes goes much further. It is obvious from the start that Jim is an airplane fanatic, the Japanese have arrived in China and have brought their cutting edge fighters with them. Jim is thrilled and threatens to join the Japanese Air Force. Of course this does not happen and he is interned.

So where am I going with this.

Yes Jim loves airplanes but the fact that he gives honour and respect to the Japanese as well as the Allied forces throughout the movie is the key. In fact he receives more respect from the Japanese at times then the American ' Bassie ' . Jim has no real clue who is right or wrong in this battle, only that there are brave combatants risking their lives for their beliefs. Chivalry I suppose ?

"You're British Jim" and his response "I know, I've never been there"

I tend to look at modeling like this, It's not the country or it's ways that I see. It's the beauty of the aircraft, the personal human factor and the stories that go with them. In Empire you see the common bond we all have, the love of flight and the respect for bravery regardless of the cause.

When at the field, I always hope that someone ask about my planes. It gives me a chance to share what history I know on the subject and to tell the story that relates the bravery and hounor as well as the tragedy of sacrifice. It kind of brings home the fact that in the end war is a terrible thing.

S1