For many modelers, the hobby begins in childhood, fades for a while, and then returns with renewed purpose.
For Mark Suniga, that arc feels familiar. He built kits when he was young, stepped away for a time, and then – about twelve years ago – found himself drawn back in. Since then, the bench has been a steady companion.
Mark has been part of High Plains Modelers for roughly eight years, serving as club Vice President in 2025 and contributing his experience, curiosity, and easygoing enthusiasm to the club. His interests are broad, but like many who grew up during the golden age of scale kits, his first love was cars. That passion still shows in his work today.
Mark splits his time between cars and aircraft, enjoying the contrast between sleek automotive lines and the rugged geometry of military aviation. He doesn’t recall the very first kit he ever built, but he does remember finishing it in a single day – a pace most of us can only dream about now.
His most recent project was an A‑10 Thunderbolt, a subject that demands attention to detail and rewards patience. As for his “most memorable build,” Mark takes a philosophical view: every model leaves an impression, and each one teaches something new.
The Stash and the Pace
Mark estimates he still has around 150 kits waiting their turn – an impressive stash by any measure. He builds at a steady pace of two models per year, taking the time to enjoy the process rather than rushing to the finish line.
Among the many kits he has completed – about 35 builds over his lifetime – one stands out: the Tamiya 1/12 Honda F‑1 Formula 1 race car. The engineering, the detail, and the subject matter all combined to make it a standout experience. If you ask Mark which kit he wishes he could find or redo, and he’ll tell you there are too many to list. Like most of us, Mark has a mental catalog of “someday” projects and “I’d do that differently now” builds.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Beginners
If he could go back and give his younger self one piece of modeling wisdom, it would be simple: learn airbrushing early. It’s also the advice he gives newcomers today – get an airbrush and practice a lot. Mastering that tool opens doors to cleaner finishes, smoother gradients, and more ambitious projects.
Like all hobbyists, Mark has had his share of frustrations. His most common culprit? An airbrush that refuses to spray properly – a universal experience that unites modelers everywhere.
Mark still wants to refine his skills in masking canopies and painting with Alclad, both techniques that reward precision and patience. One of the biggest surprises in his modeling journey has been discovering how effective de‑chroming sprues and stripping paint can be. Those tricks opened up new possibilities for restoring or reworking parts.
Beyond the Bench
Mark enjoys building a little bit of everything, with one exception: spacecraft just don’t capture his interest. Cars, planes, and the variety within those subjects keep him engaged and always looking forward to the next project.