Why do you model?

[AridTalons]

I model because its a serious time killer and I get a bit of a rush from constructing and painting. I just get in the zone for a couple hours and it feels like only a couple of minutes. That and the end result is always a reward.

[Madmattmodels89]

I model because it relaxes me, I can focus on little details and recreate something that existed long ago. Also because of the history of that I model. Makes me understand where we stand today.

[NorthernModeller]

I model to escape the stress of everyday life and to talk to some very good friends

[HIghAltitudeScale]

I model to maintain my sanity, with a highly stressful job and three teenagers modeling and listening to music keep me focused and my feet firmly planted on the ground. My nightly modeling sessions get me ready for the next days adventures in the real world.

[chalkyw]

Hello,

After a 30 year hiatus due to growing up, girls, cars, beer, relationships, houses, career etc, etc I found myself single again a couple of years ago and health issues forced me to give up my main hobby which was Carp Fishing. So with 2 weeks off work last xmas and really crap weather here in the UK I found myself going down to the local model shop after deciding that watching TV was not the way to spend my time. I bought a Tasca Sherman kit (M4A1), watched lots of Youtube videos and decided that I wanted to give scale modelling a proper go and not the abismal efforts I made at the age of 12. So I've spent any free time in the evenings that I've had since then trying to produce something I look at and think 'that's ok'.

Recently joined ISM and decide to share my second diorama effort (found here http://www.intscalemodeller.com/viewtop ... 46&t=18174) as I'm still working on the first and had some positive comments......so here I am, really enjoying the hobby again and realising its not just a kids thing .....not sure how long my bank balance can stand it though

[Augustus]

After nearly 40 years of using my body as an amusement park (a great quote from my psychiatrist) by abusing drugs and alcohol, and on advice of many doctors I decided to knock it on the head.

It took 3 trips to rehab over about 2 years, the last in February and I have been clean since and am on methadone maintenance therapy and go to relapse prevention meetings once a week.

Getting clean is easy but staying there is the hard bit and the shrink said to get a hobby to keep from getting bored. But what could I do? Stamp collecting? Bird watching? I chose to make models to spend time, relax, problem solve and to have something to show at the end of it.

BTW

I have just finished painting my first figures and if you think the paint doesn't seem to be within its lines remember I couldn't even bend my elbows 90 degrees without shaking so uncontrollably I couldn't even hold a pen, before I had my first fix of the day.

[digger303]

After nearly 40 years of using my body as an amusement park (a great quote from my psychiatrist) by abusing drugs and alcohol, and on advice of many doctors I decided to knock it on the head.

It took 3 trips to rehab over about 2 years, the last in February and I have been clean since and am on methadone maintenance therapy and go to relapse prevention meetings once a week.

Getting clean is easy but staying there is the hard bit and the shrink said to get a hobby to keep from getting bored. But what could I do? Stamp collecting? Bird watching? I chose to make models to spend time, relax, problem solve and to have something to show at the end of it.

BTW

I have just finished painting my first figures and if you think the paint doesn't seem to be within its lines remember I couldn't even bend my elbows 90 degrees without shaking so uncontrollably I couldn't even hold a pen, before I had my first fix of the day.

wow bones and all..... good on ya.
I shake and go over the lines without any outside influences.
Might be a bit of frustration involved , but show your work and I'm sure you will get nothing but encouragement on this forum.

[Augustus]

Cheers digger,

I'll stick a pic up when they've dried. i don't think I was doing too bad for a first go until I came to the faces!!

[digger303]

Cheers digger,

I'll stick a pic up when they've dried. i don't think I was doing too bad for a first go until I came to the faces!!

I don't like doing figures.... I'm no good.

[Augustus]

The more I look at the faces the more disappointed I am, but I think it's too late to rescue them now. I think anything else I do would make it worse.

[digger303]

As I said I am no good at figures you need more expertise than I have, but really your's don't look too bad. Probably need a filter too tone it down uniforms a little and blend it in and take the gloss off.

I don't really know, but it seems to me the faces are good just need a some dark undertones for whiskers and such.
HELP .... I figure expert is needed....some one please step up !!

Probably needs a little shaving of the mold lines...it is showing on the boots.
I think for a first go....pretty damn good.

[Nev]

Good basic way to do faces is to give a base coat with acrylic flesh shade, Then give a wash with something like citadel reikland flesh wash. Or Vallejo do one for acrylics I believe. It's a shading tone that flows into all the nooks and crannies.

This will get into all the cracks and eye sockets. Let it dry 24 hrs then drybrush a lighter version of the base colour. Don't paint huge eyes just leave the darker wash to define the details. Good enough for long distance perusal

[Augustus]

Don't worry digger, I wasn't looking for advice on this thread, I'll put them up in the WIP but thanks as all advice welcome. I didn't worry too much about boots as they wont be seen.

Nev I like the idea of the wash.

[Graham910]

it started when I was young with airfix kits then left it when I was a teenager then after I had a bleed on the brainI returned to it to help me relax and keep them demons away

[Dropis258]

Why do I model?
Used to do models as a young teenager ...throw them together & slap the paint on before the glue had set ,then life got in the way found something else to spend pocket money on , beer.ciggies etc .... Joined the army at 17 it was that or get in trouble with the police as I was heading that way , started to dabble with models again whilst still serving, but didn't really have the time, too.busy on tours or doing my other hobbies of scuba diving or match fishing.
Cut a long story short got a model 5 years ago as a Xmas present and really enjoyed building it, up until the last 18 months when I started having a few problems with memories from my childhood & time in the Army , counselor recommended a hobby that I could focus my mind on so modeling it is , and I must say it works !!!! Friends and most Importantly my wife and family have noticed I'm a lot calmer since I started doing them as a hobby , so modeling is my new passion

[DownUnderDan]

Well I got into the hobby around 9 or so because my dad wanted me to have a hobby that taught and rewarded patience. Not sure how that worked out when my best friend at the time, boasted to my dad that I had got the small scale Matchbox and Airfix planes and tanks down to a two day build from go to completed model and how amazing it was I had pulled that off. lol

In my early twenties I had collected quite a stash, but did the models less and less frequently as other distractions and work took up more time.
Got back into it in my early fifties as a way to deal with some stress from work and in the vain hope my two sons might show an interest. One sort of did, but its hard to get him away from the computer.

For me its been invaluable as a way to relax, reconnect with history through the research I do on my modelling subject at the time and discover this amazing online community of modellers who are all sharing their experiences. The industry itself has also grown in leaps and bounds and the quality of kits and paints etc is amazing.

[FunkusMunkus]

Used to do planes as a young teenager, 30 odd years ago, think living just a few miles from Duxford was a inspiration. As I got older and discovered "new things" the modelling was left.
Jump forward 35 years and I find myself on the Liver Transplant list not being able to work and having waaayyyy too much time on my hands.
While perusing the interweb I stumbled on some youtube videos of model makers. I have a keen interest in cars now and am going to primarily concentrate on building those, because of all the years that have passed I consider myself a beginner and joined this community for ideas, advice, recommendations etc.

[kiwigav]

Like most I use to be a glue bomb modeller when I was a lad. A few years back I had the opportunity to see some of the dioramas and miniatures done by Weta for LOTR and was amazed and hooked. It sparked an interest that I have always had about The models used in the original Star Wars moves and went out and brought a couple of Sci Fi kits. YouTube has definitely accelerated my interest along with this forum. Its a great way to relax and zone out from time to time.

[dect69]

I just really used to love it as a kid. I remember my Dad making models - and funnily enough I keep looking at some of the models he made back in the 70s to make myself now. But then I got involved in making them myself. I was always okay - I tried to be patience. But I was around in my local store and spending my money on Tamiya armour or cars or bikes. After leaving home I didn't get chance to do many for a while but in the last few years I picked it up again and have been really enjoying it. I do like making bikes, finally made that Tamiya USS Enterprise I always wanted to make as a kid. I'm working on the Tamiya Mosquito at the moment as the missus rather likes the character in those old WWII warbirds more than the modern jets. Though I still need to build a good old Fat Albert as it's one of her favourites.

[Johnj]

I was given the airfix golden hind (i think) for my sixth birthday and from that day on as a child i would spend every penny i was given on plastic kit's, alway's airfix. I can remember being around 11 or 12yrs old and having my nosed pressed up against the window of the model shop under central station in glasgow, looking at all the stunning tamiya kit's especially the R/C car's, that were way way out of my price range. I think maybe that's why i have such an obsession with the tamiya stuff to this day.
A natural progression for me was to R/C flying although i alway's kept building plastic kit's along side, usually more so in winter or when the weather was bad.
It's strange because i prefer aircraft with the R/C but with the plastic kit's it's car's and bike's by a mile. I also have a few R/C car's including four unbuilt kit's that will most likely never be built. It's the enginering and mechanic's that has the appeal for me in any type of modeling. The process of starting out with dozen's of part's coming together to form an exact miniature replica is extremely rewarding

This is as close to scale detail i have come with a flying model. The undercarrage 'was' a piece of art.

Image0126.jpg

It was just too heavy, almost 30lb with full tanks

[chief5437]

That looks damn fine!! Which is a bit like why I model, for the chicks and beer, lol!

[Johnj]

That looks damn fine!! Which is a bit like why I model, for the chicks and beer, lol!

Lol, things you'll never hear - not just now ladies i'm busy

[EvilCarrot]

Hmmm tough one, I like to build things but I'm too old for Lego? Not entirely valid, cause I still like Lego on occasion. :p I guess the answer is "because I like it", simple as that.

[Avgas]

There's something very satisfying about getting a box full of bits and turning them into something. I usually work the other way round, start off with a something and finish with a box full of bits...

[Johnj]

Hmmm tough one, I like to build things but I'm too old for Lego? Not entirely valid, cause I still like Lego on occasion. :p I guess the answer is "because I like it", simple as that.

Still enjoy the odd lego set if something catches my eye

[Lysus]

There's something very satisfying about getting a box full of bits and turning them into something. I usually work the other way round, start off with a something and finish with a box full of bits...

I feel ya.

Hmmm tough one, I like to build things but I'm too old for Lego? Not entirely valid, cause I still like Lego on occasion. :p I guess the answer is "because I like it", simple as that.

Still enjoy the odd lego set if something catches my eye

I'm pretty happy right now, my oldest is coming round to that age when we pass from Duplo to real LEGO and I'm excited to buy new ones for myself.

Her. I mean, for her...

[Stokesy44]

Am I the only one or do others get a real THRILL when we slice open the clear plastic bags and feel the plastic in our hands for the first time?

The crinkly sound of the bag, the surgical strike with the scalpel and then that moment when we hold the sprue up to our eyes and see the detail on our lovely new Tiger's sprockets?

PHWOAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Johnj]

Am I the only one or do others get a real THRILL when we slice open the clear plastic bags and feel the plastic in our hands for the first time?

The crinkly sound of the bag, the surgical strike with the scalpel and then that moment when we hold the sprue up to our eyes and see the detail on our lovely new Tiger's sprockets?

PHWOAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm right there with you
Does anyone else put the sprue's back in the 'correct' bag after cutting the needed part's ?

[Lysus]

Am I the only one or do others get a real THRILL when we slice open the clear plastic bags and feel the plastic in our hands for the first time?

The crinkly sound of the bag, the surgical strike with the scalpel and then that moment when we hold the sprue up to our eyes and see the detail on our lovely new Tiger's sprockets?

PHWOAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm right there with you
Does anyone else put the sprue's back in the 'correct' bag after cutting the needed part's ?

Bags are into the trash right away for me, but yeah...cutting a bag is a special bliss.

[Johnj]

After reading that back, i think i may have a touch of OCD !
It's only really tamiya kit's i do so it seems i may be missing a trick only having to pick out the staples !

[Avgas]

I get a buzz out of opening the box for the first time and looking at all those pristine bits. The sprue bag bit doesn't do it for me, it's opening the box. Bit like Christmas I suppose.

[Johnj]

I get a buzz out of opening the box for the first time and looking at all those pristine bits. The sprue bag bit doesn't do it for me, it's opening the box. Bit like Christmas I suppose.

The opening of a new kit is a big buzz. This was delivered three weeks ago today and i'm holding off so that it's something to look forward too.

20160728_215356_zps28mticfa.jpg

i did cut a bit out of the corner to make sure it was the correct kit.

[Lysus]

Did you shake it, too? Like a kid at Christmas?

You've more willpower than I.

[Johnj]

Did you shake it, too? Like a kid at Christmas?

You've more willpower than I.

Lol, i didn't shake it. Terrified in scratching the clear part's. Willpower ? I'm having a battle in my own head telling myself i'll open it when i get to a certain point with the phantom build (getting very close)
It's a 1/32 mustang, or at least the box is

[digger303]

Did you shake it, too? Like a kid at Christmas?

You've more willpower than I.

Lol, i didn't shake it. Terrified in scratching the clear part's. Willpower ? I'm having a battle in my own head telling myself i'll open it when i get to a certain point with the phantom build (getting very close)
It's a 1/32 mustang, or at least the box is

That's just crazy.....masochistic even, repent now and open that SUCKER !!

[Johnj]

Lol. I might open one end !

[Primus1]

I got into modelling after falling in love ..... with the Colonial Viper mkII lmfao. Was watching the revised Battlestar Galactica and found the Moebius kit on ebay ...
I learnt so much building that thing and wanted more ...

[DikDolan]

I made some models as a young sprog in the 60's, and they were terrible: inch thick enamel to cover up the glue mountains, but I and my twin brother John had fun.

....Skipping all the boring stuff in the middle....

John died 2 years ago, and I was bereft, and lost. We'd lived together (well he had the flat below mine) for the last 30 or so years, and I felt like half of me had died too. Bad nerves and other mental health probs that I'd always had got worse.

John and I shared many hobbies over the years, but we never really got back into model making. We did love sim racing. After he died, I could no longer race, although I do still take part in the much less stressful practice sessions, mainly for the company and friendship with the guys we'd both raced with for years.

Fast forward to around Christmas last year and someone online mentioned model kits and it was like a lightbulb went off in my head. I threw myself into it way more than is sane or financially sustainable. You all know how that goes, right=).

So now I'm spending every penny I have on more kits, more paints, tools, tapes, liquids and potions. I'm learning a lot, and slowly getting better at building and painting the bikes and few cars kits that I love. Mostly the stuff that I'd dream of as that young child...

I'm a slow, still not very good noob builder, but when I'm at my worktop modelling, there's a weird peacefulness and for periods I can forget the pain and fear of the world.
The new friends I'm making here and in the live video feeds are another big part of why I love this new found world.
This is why I model.

[BMoore]

began modeling in the early 70's. I must have been about 6. I wanted realistic aircraft to have my pretend battles. The only way to get them was to build models of them back then. 109's spifires..zeros..wildcats..midway...the battle of britain etc. mostly monogram 1/48 scale. Then I discovered armor and shepard paines dio sheets began to be introduced in the monogram models. I was hooked.

[onemac]

For me I've always been into aviation in some way or other. Flew hang gliders for many years and then about ten years ago I fell off my mountain bike and broke my neck. Long story short as part of my recovery I attempted a few kits but my co-ordination was abysmal. Then the section at work was put under threat so I opted for early retirement. As RAF Lossiemouth is on my doorstep I went digital with my photography and, not being able to walk far or carry heavy camera equipment, I looked for another outlet. A few of the chaps were modellers (one very, very good) so I took the plunge. I'm about 80% finished my first complete build in over 38 years but have a lot of repair work to do before the decals go on.

I am happy.

Al

[jelliott]

I was introduced to modeling as a kid, probably 35 years ago. My dad and a few of his brothers (6 total) were building models when I was growing up. Our family was big into racing cars and that was primarily what was being built. One of my uncles was big into airplanes and often he would give me the kits after he put them together. My dad was into scratchbuilding and would often have scale drawings that he did of his own racecar and attempted several times to build a replica out of styrene tubing and sheets. Unfortunately, none of these exist today.

After I started building, I found that I liked building aircraft as well. In my area, about all that was available when I was a kid were Revell, Monogram, Matchbox, AMT/Ertl, and the occasional Lindberg kit. I still have a few of the kits that I built as a teen, hanging in my garage. Back then all were built using tube glue and hand painted with enamels.

After I got out of high school, I started a job and a family and found I didnt have time to "play with models" as my ex- would say. I then bought a few kits that I would work on at the fire station while I was on-duty. This was just a time filler mostly, nothing that ever went anywhere.

Fast forward a few years and I had a son, I then decided to start building again and here I am. I've been back at the bench now for about 4 years and am having more fun than I can ever remember. My son is starting to build a few as well, he is now 10. He seems to like armor kits more than planes (crazy kid!) But the fact that he and I can spend moments together working on a project and enjoy spending time together away from video games and TV. For the most part it is relaxing, unless I'm dealing with PE, then I make sure that my son has something else to do, because I know there is going to be cursing and possible throwing of anything within reach!

I definitely need to get a mini=fridge up there to store my CA in as well.

[BrianI]

I started modelling back in 2010 to take my mind of various employment issues and mental health issues. First kit was the airfix 1:32 Aston Martin starter kit!

Found the hobby very relaxing and helped take my mind off my job issues at the time (ended up off work for almost a year due to work related stress. Suffice to say im no longer in that line of work)

Prior to plastic model making i used to dabble with 3D model making on the computer. Much more satisfying building a kit with your hands rather than watching a 3d model render on the computer.

Anyway, six years on from starting model making,i can't see myself giving up! Too big a stash to get through!

[pitbuilder]

I dabbled a bit back in the sixties but then turned to Scuba diving, drinking and indoor sports. now I'm retired i needed a hobby and a reason to hide in my man cave. When I got into it I was surprised by how much the quality of the models had improved along with the paints and tools that are available plus now with the internet all the tips you can pick up on youtube. Now all I have to do is to get half good at it but still every model i do I learn something and get a little better.

[Lysus]

I dabbled a bit back in the sixties but then turned to Scuba diving, drinking and indoor sports. now I'm retired i needed a hobby and a reason to hide in my man cave. When I got into it I was surprised by how much the quality of the models had improved along with the paints and tools that are available plus now with the internet all the tips you can pick up on youtube. Now all I have to do is to get half good at it but still every model i do I learn something and get a little better.

I came back in January after a 20 year gap; the amount of products and techniques available now is staggering. Add to that the ease of access to information like you mentioned (YouTube) and it's like a whole new world. A giant sandbox of subjects and styles to play in.

And yeah, the kits are mind-blowing now.

[Davethepitch]

I started again to help with my concentration as i suffer severe anxiety and depression and am going through a not wanting do anything time and although i have mental health problems i try get by day by day best i can.

Dave

[kruno59]

My uncle bought me a galleon - I think it was the Victory - probably Airfix.

I did my best with it but the thing that spawned me smashed it up when it was half done - he was a total scumbag but that's another story and not for here

[BlueNSX]

Wow, it's so nice to see that a lot of people are in the same boat as me, built models when we were kids, then life took over. Now after 20, 30 years we're back at it to relive our childhood.

I am utterly enjoying my re found hobby so far, but one thing I noticed, I am paying a lot more attention to detail when I'm building a model (mostly aircraft) now. And as much as the finished product is important while I'm building it, after a while it sits on my shelf collecting dust. I feel that I crave for the "process" of building, not the finished product.

I guess that makes sense.... But it's a little in contrast with other things I've done in life, where the finished product is what we're after and it's the result of our hard work that satisfies. But in scale modeling, it's the process of building that you crave.

Anyone else feel this way?

[Lysus]

Wow, it's so nice to see that a lot of people are in the same boat as me, built models when we were kids, then life took over. Now after 20, 30 years we're back at it to relive our childhood.

I am utterly enjoying my re found hobby so far, but one thing I noticed, I am paying a lot more attention to detail when I'm building a model (mostly aircraft) now. And as much as the finished product is important while I'm building it, after a while it sits on my shelf collecting dust. I feel that I crave for the "process" of building, not the finished product.

I guess that makes sense.... But it's a little in contrast with other things I've done in life, where the finished product is what we're after and it's the result of our hard work that satisfies. But in scale modeling, it's the process of building that you crave.

Anyone else feel this way?

Yep, it's absolutely the joy of doing that clicks for me. When it's done, it's done. But the problem solving, the process, that's what I look forward to.

[SMAddict66]

Wow, it's so nice to see that a lot of people are in the same boat as me, built models when we were kids, then life took over. Now after 20, 30 years we're back at it to relive our childhood.

I am utterly enjoying my re found hobby so far, but one thing I noticed, I am paying a lot more attention to detail when I'm building a model (mostly aircraft) now. And as much as the finished product is important while I'm building it, after a while it sits on my shelf collecting dust. I feel that I crave for the "process" of building, not the finished product.

I guess that makes sense.... But it's a little in contrast with other things I've done in life, where the finished product is what we're after and it's the result of our hard work that satisfies. But in scale modeling, it's the process of building that you crave.

Anyone else feel this way?

Yep, it's absolutely the joy of doing that clicks for me. When it's done, it's done. But the problem solving, the process, that's what I look forward to.

Exactly the same with me. Almost everything in my private and professional life is about the end result with the exception of modelling which is ALL about the journey and the enjoyment that it alone brings. When the models are complete I give them away and onto the next

Different strokes for different folks

[CraigPetterson]

As a kid growing up in the late sixties and early seventies my life revolved around playing at soldiers, watching The Battle of Britain and all the other WWII movies of the time. My dad was a truck driver in the war and we would watch 'The World at War' together he never spoke of his experiences but told me that it was important to watch this programme. I can't remember when I bought my first model ( probably Airfix Spitfire ) but at the time model shops were everywhere in town. I can remember buying paint tinlets, brushes, glue and just building anything and everything, motorbikes, trikes, the moon landing diorama, funny cars,1/48 Jumbo jet, 1/32 Spitfire, dinosaurs? Waterloo diorama, battle ships and all the usual Airfix and Revell suspects of the time. If I didn't have the correct paints I just made the colours up by mixing them or just using them as was. House was full of Airfix 1/72 small soldiers all types. I had the dioramas for coastal defence all grassed up and the full pontoon set. Once one was finished I would wait until the next weeks pocket money and get down town sharpish on Saturday morning to buy another and start again always trying to make it better than the last one. Great days fondly remembered showing my Dad what I had built when he came in from work 'Thats great son!'. Dad died when I was 14.
Girls! Girls! Girls and rock music stopped my model making in tracks!
After that it was life. Once our kids came along I bought some Tamiya kits from the local 'Beatties' toy shop and all the correct paints and tried to get my boy interested, it was obvious that model making was not as exciting to him as 'micro machines'! Spitfires, Hurricanes,Ford Mutt, SAS Jeep, Airfix 1/72 Challenger & 1/72 Scimitar which led FW's 109's, Spit's etc, hanging from our bedroom ceiling! Strangely it was my daughter who got me back into the hobby again last Christmas, she bought the Battle Of Britain 75th Anniversary set. This led to much spending on Amazon and eBay as I tried to get the glues,paints, tools, etc to start up in the hobby again. My god! model making has gone global my first thoughts were. Once I started I was hooked again. The question was 'Why do you model?' not such easy answer for me, don't get me wrong I love it and I enjoy it immensely, working out what goes where, how to get rid of that gap, does that look authentic, trial and error, the odd short cut, finding new ways of doing things (in particular from this forum and youtube page) looking at the finished model and feeling the pride of a job well done that no one can take away from me. It is grand feeling indeed.
I just miss showing them to my Dad.