Welcome Akira to the moderator team

[Sebastian Bianchi]

I would like to welcome Akira to the moderator team as co-modedator of this forum. As you guys know Akira has an excelent collection of photos, and we can look forward to many interesting posts from him.

Welcome!

[Lorenzo Brown]

Welcome aboard, Akira.

[Rick Research]

We are glad to have you among us.

Please do not be alarmed by all the Secret Moderator Stuff: only SOME of the new moderators have all their hair turn white overnight from the shock!

[Ian Jewison]

Welcome on board Akira,
You are now entitled to free meals, free travel and "specials!" at Madam Foo Foo's all at Seba's expense!......or was it Visa's expense?

Herzlichen Willkommen!

Ian

[Stijn David]

Welcome

Hi Akira,


Let me also welcome you => you are really a great collector and I hope that we can see alot more in the future and keep the info sharing up


Cordial Greetings,


ps : im still busy for you => no need to worry but it takes a little more time then expected !!

[Tommy]

Hi Akira...

I hope we see us more and you have time to show us your treasures...of Photos.

Cheers Tommy

[Ron Birch]

Congrats Akira!

[François SAEZ]

Welcome aboard, Akira, you are at the right place

[Akira Takiguchi]

Well everyone, thank you for your kind words.

As I do not post (too) frequently like the Rick and Stijn, I'd have to introduce myself. One of a few members from Japan, the country of Tamiya (ok, if you are not scale modeller this name may not mean anything... but anyway). Thanks to <i>Tamiya</i>, like many other Japanese, was intrigued into german armor as a junior high student. At the beginning there was not much photo material available in Japanese, so anyone serious must learn English and German (but my German hasn't improved much). My first german book was <i>Die Panzerkampfwagen IV und seine Abarten</i> by Spielberger, then just published. Then came <i>Tiger - die Geschichte einer Legend&auml;eren Waffe</i>, the old testament of Tigerwaffe.

During the following 20 years I just bought books and enjoyed identification of photos, but a few years ago I suddenly understood that there are many real things available in a few clicks away. I had been in the internet business since 1988 (started out as a BBS back then, the real IP business since 1994), so I should have been aware of it earlier, but it was not too late anyway . Since then I got acquainted with many friends, and have been able to build a moderate collection of photos. Knowing far larger collections I can't boast, but thanks to very good friends I am the custodian of several great stuffs.

Having been in BBS/Net business for a long time, I know the bright side and dark side of running a BBS and mailling lists. I know moderator is always a difficult position, but at this place many great collectors meet and I feel honored and happy to be able to participate more actively. I hope my command of English language is enough to perform this job, but I may not understand most current and/or very dirty words .

Anyway, I'd appreciate everyone's help to make this forum even greater... Thanks!

[ManuelR]

congratulations akira!!!!!!
gentlemen this is an excellent collector of fine photographs and knowledge!!!!
sebas good job!
regards to all! manuel

[Ralph A]

Wow!

Three new moderators, and all at once; Frank Heukemes, Ron Birch and now Akira!

Either the forum is growing very rapidly and more good men are needed, or being a moderator is like being a platoon leader in a front-line company.... high "turnover rate"....
----------------
Seriously, congratulations to you, Akira, but congrats should also go to the Association members for now getting more of your and Frank's and Ron's ability and expertise.

Welcome!

[McCulloh]

Yup, my congrats too!

Ah Tamiya! I still have a Kubelwagen kit I never opened!
Congratulations on being promoted to Moderator!
Now, lets see some great photos!
Cheers
JeMc

[Frank Heukemes]

Glad to have you and your treasures, Akira, as I peek in here from time to time! Now we are a true international bunch!

Cheers, Frank

[Rick White]

Congrats Akira! You made a good choice, Seba

Regards,

Rick

[Akira Takiguchi]

Thanks, I know that there are many more experienced collectors here, so I will just try to make this forum confortable one... I would appreciate your contribution!