I, too, purchased the Alan Model and was immediately impressed that it would probably not go together as easily or pleasantly as I had hoped. In fact, after looking at the quality of the sprues, I was impressed that they had used molds at all to obtain the quality of the molding achieved. In actuality, it was easier and less time consuming for me to build a full sized model of the gun out of match sticks than construct the Alan kit. Here is the result:
I think you will agree that it looks remarkably realistic...
Where to go from here? It is probably time to take a refreshing break from the hobby for a while to reassess, after this experience, why build at all? Maybe it would help to get another diversion for a while to clear the Alan memory from your mind and let things settle. I might suggest becoming involved in a personal philanthropy. Find a need in the world and fill it. There are a lot of people out there who are less fortunate than we, who might use a little help, or just a little caring and attention. We have been admonished to feed the hungry, help the sick, find home for the homeless...I bet right in your own area you could find someone to help...then, later, return to modelling a new and refreshed person, once again with goals and dreams. For example take a look at this poor creature. It appears that this poor girl could barely afford good clothing, wearing tattered and torn, suffering from the indignities of trying to just get by in a world full of such wealth and greed...help those like her!! It will do you good and provide relief from the angst and sorrow of the B4 Alan kit...reach out: you won't be disappointed...
I can't wait for the Trumpeter kit...have fun,
Matt
