After much thought, I finally submitted my retirement letter. At the end of September I will begin a new chapter in my life. Not exactly sure what it means yet, but I am guessing there will be some more time for hobbies in there somewhere. Part of the reason for Battle Armor being closed this summer was so I could focus on some of the issues surrounding a decision like this.

It may mean that Battle Armor expands to be more of a full service shop, or it could just as easily mean I keep it a very low key operation serving the customers I have made over the years. For the first year, I think it will be more of the latter. May take some time to learn some CAD skills and dabble in 3D printing. Maybe spend some time doing "how to" videos. who knows, lots of ideas, and now a little time to indulge myself

Mother is also retiring, and we are both looking forward to providing a day home for our new granddaughter when my Daughter returns back to work. So probably not slowing down, just changing the life path focused more on family. It has been awhile since I had a lino shuffler around the house. I am very much playing the supportive role in this, with Grandma taking the lead

The kid already has camo sleepers, and you can be sure she will know how to drive a tank, before she learns how to ride a bike.

I know I will be ebaying a lot of stuff for the first year. One of my goals is to consolidate all I have acquired over the years. From N scale locomotives to Tanks, I will be paring down in an effort to bring my hobby gear back to something manageable. I have gotten carried away over the years, and the accumulation of stuff is negatively affecting my focus and enjoyment. A clean sweep is in order, with the funds reinvested more selectively in this hobby,

Cheers

Congrats to you both! I hope all works out for you in the future. Its always great to hear grandparents spending time with the youngsters. Im am still new in this Tank hobby and in a short time you have helped me out already. I hope you still continue your great support to the hobby. You will have my business! I cant wait to see your next products. I'm sure I will be bugging you again as soon as my goodies get here from you. Thanks again Dan, and good luck! Shad

All the best for the future Dan. It is never quite so simple as people think to take that step. Take that first year and relax and do your house cleaning....

Look forward to seeing more of you here and our forum...

Dean

Congrats man! another selling venue you may check out is setting up an Etsy store. Great place for selling anything custom made. I personally use it for selling custom wooden writing pens.

Good on you Dan. Retirement is great as long as you DO something. Stagnation is your enemy. My granddaughter is a wonderful thing to me also and loves to make things with me. She is learning to drive her tank around now, and I hope to take her to Danville in the near future. Congratulations to you and I will remain a customer also!

Herman

Good luck Dan! Sounds like you've got a solid plan and look forward to seeing were your hobbying exploits go! By the way you have some beautiful tanks I've long coveted so if you do thin the heard let me know

Congrats Dan! I look forward to seeing what you start working on next, it's always good to see what you're up to.

Greets from Norway and good Luck along the new way. Keep that shop open Dan.:-) you come up With some great stuff

I can't think anything more fun than trains, tanks, and grand kids.

Enjoy your time with them.

Congrats Dan! I know you told me your plans and NOW you have reached that goal!

If there's anything I can be assistance on (not that you'll need it) I'm available. Whether it's spec readings or any measurements... just let me know.






Jeff

Congratulations Dan

i look forward to more of your awesome videos and tank builds and i hope you get a bit of a chance to relax also ...lol

OK, I am having many problems with Windows 10 and this browser losing lengthy replies

So I opened up Chrome and will give it a whirl

Thanks for the kind remarks

IF I do get to my tanks during this clean sweep, I will be sure to let you know. I can think of about 6 that I will not part with.

Maybe I will find some time to jump on a Westjet flight to Hamilton and open up a Can of Benedini/Barc whoopass on those Clark Can -Am guys. LOL

Congrats on retirement brother! Best wishes for the future.

Congratulations, a few months after you have retired, you'll be asking yourself how you ever had time to work.

Boy, is that ever true!




Jeff

It's great news to hear Dan.

Time to enjoy the little things: grandkids, N guage and 1/16 tanks.

You've always been extremely reasonable when it comes to expectations from this particular hobby, I'm sure whatever your future is, it'll be well thought out. I just hope it's heavier on enjoyment than business.

Dan, I hope you enjoy your retirement! Sounds like you grand daughter will help with that quite nicely. I always find balance in your comments here on the forum and look forward to your continued contributions here. Best wishes for your continued success with Battle Armor. I need to try your sound solution with a CLARK 22 I have!!!


Rudy

Congrats to you, my friend. I'm happy to hear this great news. I am sure you will find success in future endeavors, hopefully with this hobby. You are one of the finest builders I know.

Hi Dan I Retired 7 years ago ,due to ill health my knees were shot, couldn't carry on with the job I did (aircraft fitter) . This is when I started in R.C. Tanks . To be frank its the hobby that has kept me going . Hope you have a long and happy Retirement , please keep in touch and don't give up your hobbies they can be a real benefit to your health, as well as keep you getting under the feet of the boss .

regards pete

Again thanks guys. Retiring is one of those things that is a little scary. Just needed to talk it out. I have a mind full of ideas of what I want my retirement to be, and I really am hoping I am one of those guys that wonders how I ever found time for work..
I can tell you I am not expecting to be spending less time tanking, but with Mother home too who knows what might happen!!!!!!

Cheers

Thats great Dan. My little guy is driving a tank at 16 months old.
I too have the same problem with a broad hobby spectrum taking over the garge and back room and need to do something about it.