Friday Questions #8 Cough it up

[Twokidsnosleep]

So a bit more serious of a topic this week, all about the thing on the world’s mind

It is all about Covid 19 the bane of the earth



1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?
2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?
3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently?
4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?
5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?
6.Feel free to monologue if you have something to say

[Garion77]

Another great series of questions...

1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?

Well it sure made my couple more tight. Because we moved in together at the first day of when lockdown happened were I'm from. And me being force to work from home and my girlfriend not working at first because of school closure and then working a bit from home. So we kind of fast forward to all the issues of moving in with someone.

2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?

Well that's one of the good thing about that situation. It permitted me to be more at the bench. Working from home full time except when I'm on work site, so less tired. Less occupied with other activities and work also gave me more time. And it still does. Working from home, I can do a bit of modeling on my lunch time. I have time to go to the bench before getting my boy at school or before dinner time.

3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently?

Well as I said, it's teleworking. At first, we were forced too with government restrictions. But my employer decided to leave that way. It thinks it's a gift but we all know it's too save more money ! Less heating, no more cafeteria services, less hand and toilet paper, less cleaning.... With the size of my company, it's millions save every year.

4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?

Hard to say... think may benefitted because I think almost everymodeller had at some point more time at hand to do his favorite hobby.

5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?

Never been to one and not a member of any club. Let's say that it's not a popular hobby were I'm from. So the only way I talk modeling is here... that's why I started during covid my first building thread and now on my second one. We'll about a third one ! Next project being my first WW I plane

[DRUMS01]

1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?

The first thing it did was have us hunker down and isolate from everything. Some of the activities we once attended in person became virtual events. I am a board member of the Human Rights Committee for handicapped adults. Previously we used to have the board meetings at the MRDD Center and they became on-line face-time discussions instead. Church followed a similar suit going to an on-line event, which lost something like fellowship and peer inclusion; even the sermon felt different. We even had call in doctors appointments in some instances. I also remember when Covid was relatively new and spreading at the drastic rate, all of our family events were cancelled (I have three children who are married with grand children). The only events we had as a family last year was Thanksgiving and Christmas. Birthdays, cook outs, and other family get togethers were all eliminated. Covid has also impacted my special needs son, Jarrod. The protocols for transportation, gathering, and acceptable activies changed drastically. On three separate occasions in the last 20 months Jarrod was exposed to people who tested positive for Covid. Luckily, he has not been infected. As far as infections, I was immunized with the Pfizer vaccine but still caught Covid just last September (that was around 7 months after the immunizations). I cannot tell you where or how I got infected as we were very careful and selective in our outings. Being over 60 and with some complications it did not go as well for me as I expected. I thought that since I was immunized that it would be minor, but I was wrong. After four weeks and a hospital stay in there I was on the road to recovery. During the time of my Covid infection I was careful to isolate from Becky (wife) and Jarrod. One other thing, we got accustom to wearing a mask which also had some benefits as we did not get colds or the flu last year. Now we are just cautious when we do stuff and think it our carefully, no more impulsive or spontaneous activities for us.

2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?

The only two areas it has impacted me was attending local club meetings and events (many were cancelled over the last 20 months). The other was going when needed to the hobby store. Now I find myself purchasing more and more of my supplies and kits on-line. One area where it improved my hobby was using the on-line forums more for questions, comments, banter, sharing builds, etc.

3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently?

As for temporarily, see above. For the second part of the question I would ask you to define permanent? Many of our meetings or events are now both in person and on-line, so we mostly choose the on-line versus in-person attendance. Here is a few things that have changed; going out to watch a movie; participating in large group gatherings, going out after Thanksgiving to attend the crazy Christmas "Black Friday" specials as we now buy most of the gifts on-line. Another thing that has changed is how we go to a doctors appointment (there is no more waiting room). Now we arrive in the parking lot, sign in on-line and want to be called to arrive to the door for our trip to the waiting room.

4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?

I think it had to benefit as the energy used for people going to clubs and hobby contests is now here, on-line in some way. I suppose there are those who do not have on-line access and are suffering without club or event happenings. I wish them the best in any situation that diminishes their ability to enjoy out hobby.

5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?

YES, but I am very glad to have the forum to augment the down time.

6.Feel free to monologue if you have something to say

Having had Covid and known people who have died form it, I would not wish its effects on ANYONE. I also challenge everyone to stay positive, keep in contact with loved ones and friends, and do not forget to live, laugh, and love. As more and more activities move from in-person to some kind of on-line or simple chat or facebook activity, I hope that everyone does not loose their ability to properly socialize. No matter the situation, do not become the reclusive hermit, instead find ways to stay active physically, mentally, and socially. It may help to find your coping mechanism whether its religion, family, hobbies, work, exercise, etc. And above all, love those that matter to you well, and DO NOT ASSUME OR TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED.

[Twokidsnosleep]

I was a bit hesitant to post this set of questions up, but really wanted to hear what our modelling community friends are going through.
It may get a bit personal, but that is how we become better friends. You can vent safely here about it too if you like
Super interesting so far guys, post away guys!

[Stokesy44]

I was a bit hesitant to post this set of questions up, but really wanted to hear what our modelling community friends are going through.
It may get a bit personal, but that is how we become better friends. You can vent safely here about it too if you like
Super interesting so far guys, post away guys!

Brilliant replies so far and well done for taking a risk mate. There's nothing wrong with depth. The rest of the internet is awash with superficial garbage. This place is a f*****g oasis.

I'll post in the morning. I'm too bloody tired right now and the wine is having its end of week effect!

[digger303]

I've got a really short answer.
Very little effect as I live in a isolated area miles from the nearest neighbour and Western Australia has been mostly covid free. I've never even needed to wear a mask.
There has been the obvious things like unable to travel which bugs the missus more than me. In running the farm there has been more issues in the shortages or parts, small engines and very long lead times in the availability of machinery, but we are still coping well.
I have a dim view of those activists who try to persuade the community not to vaccinate. I see it as not being community minded and does nothing to help those around you. That's my view, but I don't take it to the streets.

[RangerNeil]

My tuppence worth:
1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?
Directly - nothing, other than having to have the vaccine. First jab was bad - halfway up a ladder at work the world started spinning and I had to be helped down & sent home for 2 days. 2nd jab had no effect. Wife got away free on both jabs and she was one of the lucky ones who had started cancer treatment just prior to it alll kicking off. So her treatment was continued.
Worst thing for me has been the phone calls at night with my daughter - I think everyone knows she is the head of the Physio team in her hospitals Respiratory ICU/CCU - she lost 10 patients in total during the worst part of the pandemic. Spent hours talking her through and down after each one as she took them personally. I hated not being able to see her physically and comfort her. I find phone calls hard - made worse in this case by being one of those (mercifully) few with enough screws lose to pushed into the category of Psychopath - and thus I hard to empathise remotely.

2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?
It hasn't really. Although I suppose you could say it got me the job with Amazon last Nov. which has paid for a lot of things. Inc a certain 1/32 Lancaster...

3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently?
Not at all.

4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?
I think on the whole modelling may have benefitted. Where people were home during lockdown a fair few have started - or rediscovered - the hobby thus introducing fresh blood. In my eyes thats always a good thing.

5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?
No - because I never went to any of the big shows and never belonged to a club. This forum is the nearest I've ever got. You might have gathered from the answer to Q1 that I am not a "people person".
Closest I ever got was the modelling marquee at MV shows. Now those and Living History events are things I do miss.

6.Feel free to monologue if you have something to say.
Again not really. I'm not into this vax/antivax argument. Way I see it is its your body and you decide what goes into it or not. Its none of my business - live and let live.

[BigWall]

1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?
Honestly, and luckily, absolutely nothing. My wife, oldest son and I all have had jobs that were "essential" so we have not lost income or work hours. My youngest son was in high school. He had to do a lot of classes virtually. He had auditioned for and made it into one of the more "prestigious" choirs and didn't get to do many concerts. He was really disappointed with that. He was very proud of himself for making it in. We aren't super social people to begin with so nothing has changed there as well. My other hobby, 4 wheeling my Jeep, wasn't effected either. We could still get out and do things with friends because we were in separate vehicles.

2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?
Again, not at all other than I've probably placed more orders online rather than going to my LHS.

3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently?
I did work from home for a bit with my last job due to concerns about my immune system while I was going thru cancer treatments.

4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?
I think it's probably benefitted. Our community here has been a great place to share what I'm working on. I wouldn't have joined a local club even if covid hadn't happened.

5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?
I was about to attend my first model show just as the covid restrictions hit and it was canceled. So hopefully there will be a local show sometime soon.

6.Feel free to monologue if you have something to say
I've got nothing. Stay safe everyone!

[Pacman9a]

1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?
My daughter and I now work from home permanently, thankfully we and the rest of the family have so far avoided the virus.
2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?
It hasn’t really changed as I mostly model early on weekend mornings, although I sometimes do sneak a few minutes during my lunch break
3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently
I was made redundant from a job I’d had for 20 odd years but luckily found a new one quickly although as I said I’m now a home worker and the rest of my team are spread over the whole country. We are planning to meet up inLondon for a pre Christmas meal otherwise I might never meet them!
4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?
Benefitted I think.
5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?
I’ve just spent the day at the Telford show and it was strange to be in such a crowded place. Masks were not compulsory but you had to show proof of being double jabbed. I kept my mask on as did others but the majority didn’t. Personal choice and all that.
6.Feel free to monologue if you have something to say
Like others have said I’m not going to argue about vaccinations or masks, it’s up to the individual and whether I think someone is right or wrong is unlikely to change their mind.

[aur0ra145]

1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?

Major inconvenience for my wife's job. My parents both got it, they ended up being fine.

It also forced us to cancel our honeymoon, which was already delayed due to my work schedule. That wasn't very much fun. We spent twelve of our first fourteen months of marriage away from each other, so the honeymoon would have coincided with me getting back. Alas, COVID hit. Thankfully, we didn't lie to our selves about -"well, maybe, it will just work out"- and cancelled in an appropriate amount of time as to not have lost any money. We've rescheduled it for later next year.

2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?

Gives me a lot more model time. Also, I got into painting minis, so now I'm buying and painting those too. Then there is the 3d printer.

3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently?

Not really, we're just now getting things back to normal. My state is basically open for business requiring only non-vaccinated people to wear a mask when out and about.

Our family life is basically back to normal, we still wear masks when in public though we're vaccinated. That's about the only different thing.

4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?

Benefitted in that more people got back into the hobby and are posting things. Suffered in that there seems to be a lot more bickering on the facebook based groups (not ISM, but some other ones I used to follow.)

The miniature modelling community has skyrocketed. It's pretty amazing to see.

5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?

I liked going to the regional IPMS competition. Lots of good vendors, cool models, all sorts of neat things. Though, the other people that attended that meet are the definition of high-risk potential COVID cases. I'm content with not going to shows for a bit as to not risk their health.

I do really miss my local hobby stores quarterly competitions. Those were always fun to see what other local people are building. I don't know if they'll ever turn them back on. The most recent competition is purely online and nationwide. It just seems lazy that they're defaulting to that. However, there were some gunpla modelers that made a scene at the last one. So that may have contributed too.

6. Feel free to monologue if you have something to say

A monologue you say?!. I wish my local hobby store had some Wingnut Wings kits. (I know they are out of business.)

I'd like if museums didn't have any COVID restrictions on the exhibits. (like not being allowed to sit in a jet's cockpit, when normally you could.)

My grocery store doesn't know the difference between ribeye and New York strips. It makes buying meat a bit upsetting that stuff is priced wrong. Up until they had ribeye for 5.99 a pound (for reference, it's usually 18.99-ish) and they had no idea.

Do European keyboards have you local currency on the number 4 button, or is it "$" like mine? Is the "$" button a money sign, or is it for programming?

I'm excited to see if we get Death Korps of Krieg in plastic this year, and if I'll ever actually learn how to play Warhammer 40k.

Today I bought a model and probably won't build it for a long time. I told myself the purchase was to support local business. Unless I can convince everyone to do a Seaplane SIG, which would be sick. After I finish this post, I'm going to make seaplane propaganda for the GB thread.

I want to build a diorama this year. I don't really know of what, though I think my figure painting skills have increased to where I could try having figures in a setting.

Collecting militaria could be a neat hobby to try out. Though YouTube channels like MilitariaReview make me super nervous about getting ripped off.

On that note, RL Wilson was a terrible person. The firearms in the Colt collection that he defrauded were literally priceless. Forgotten Weapons video link. Link of story. Second link.

Steak should be cooked to medium rare.

I'm off my soap box now. Cheers everyone!

[Twokidsnosleep]

Hilarious
I am in for a seaplane sig
I like my steak medium rare
You are dead on about losing numerous things b/c of covid…restaurants, social clubs, bars, stores
@aur0ra145

[Stokesy44]

1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?

I got furloughed for 2 weeks until my idiot boss realised he needed me so I worked from home after that until I got a new job. Continued to work from home with occasional office visits until Spring of this year. Since then I've been back full time and its all good. Family is all local so we were able to get together on Christmas Day (we have been one person over the limit but we got away with it). That was the first time I saw my nieces and their boyfriends / husbands since the summer.

2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?

Only so far as not going to my local hobby store for a year as he shut down during the worst part of it all

3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently?

Temporarily yes, travel restrictions have meant I didnt see many friends during the worst of it but thankfully I have interests and hobbies to fill my time. Permanently, not that I can think of. No one I know has been seriously ill with Covid. Quite a few have had it but no one I know has been hospitalised.

4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?

Given the uptick in modelling it must have. That, along with the temporary closure of many stores, must have led to more demand online. Problem is the modelling community has massively expanded right at the time of a supply chain crisis! Happy shopping guys!!

5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?

Yes, I like the shows because they're great for bargains and supplies. I'm not a club member.

6.Feel free to monologue if you have something to say

I know a lot of people have said live and let live as far as the vaccine goes. Personally, I don't believe there is an argument against getting the vaccine, purely from a stats position. This is a recent shot of admittance stats from an NHS hospital.



While this is happening there are literally thousands of procedures not being done, thousands of diagnosis getting delayed.

We also seem to have forgotten the concept of trusting experts. Why is it that when the smartest minds in their respective fields say something we disagree with, we seek to undermine them? Recently, when the Chief Medical Officer said we need booster jabs for the over 50s. the BBC News response was - is this a good use of millions of vaccine doses? Maybe it was because I'd had a shitty day but my response to the BBC was, yes it is, you idiot stupid talking hair doo. Since when did years of experience, qualifications and expertise in your field count for so little?

[digger303]

1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?

I got furloughed for 2 weeks until my idiot boss realised he needed me so I worked from home after that until I got a new job. Continued to work from home with occasional office visits until Spring of this year. Since then I've been back full time and its all good. Family is all local so we were able to get together on Christmas Day (we have been one person over the limit but we got away with it). That was the first time I saw my nieces and their boyfriends / husbands since the summer.

2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?

Only so far as not going to my local hobby store for a year as he shut down during the worst part of it all

3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently?

Temporarily yes, travel restrictions have meant I didnt see many friends during the worst of it but thankfully I have interests and hobbies to fill my time. Permanently, not that I can think of. No one I know has been seriously ill with Covid. Quite a few have had it but no one I know has been hospitalised.

4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?

Given the uptick in modelling it must have. That, along with the temporary closure of many stores, must have led to more demand online. Problem is the modelling community has massively expanded right at the time of a supply chain crisis! Happy shopping guys!!

5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?

Yes, I like the shows because they're great for bargains and supplies. I'm not a club member.

6.Feel free to monologue if you have something to say

I know a lot of people have said live and let live as far as the vaccine goes. Personally, I don't believe there is an argument against getting the vaccine, purely from a stats position. This is a recent shot of admittance stats from an NHS hospital.



While this is happening there are literally thousands of procedures not being done, thousands of diagnosis getting delayed.

We also seem to have forgotten the concept of trusting experts. Why is it that when the smartest minds in their respective fields say something we disagree with, we seek to undermine them? Recently, when the Chief Medical Officer said we need booster jabs for the over 50s. the BBC News response was - is this a good use of millions of vaccine doses? Maybe it was because I'd had a shitty day but my response to the BBC was, yes it is, you idiot stupid talking hair doo. Since when did years of experience, qualifications and expertise in your field count for so little?

Exactly.

[BigWall]

This is a recent shot of admittance stats from an NHS hospital.

The numbers are very similar here as well.
Pt-vaccination-dashboard-horizontal-11.11 by Big Wall, on Flickr

[RangerNeil]

I rather like the idea of a seaplane SIG.... Got a soft spot for Sunderlands...

[Twokidsnosleep]

I rather like the idea of a seaplane SIG.... Got a soft spot for Sunderlands...

I have flown shotgun in a Grumman’s Goose…have a kit of her too

[chops1sc]

1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?
When the pandemic hit it really hit my wife hard (she is a nurse). For the first 2 months she basically shut down and she was very scared that she would bring it home to us (we have 2 kids, 13 & 3 at the time). Once they started to realize not everyone who gets it dies she let her guard down. We are still cautious. As for me, nothing really changed. I am considered an "essential" worker so my employer did not have to change much (other than mask wearing).

2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?
Where I live the mandates weren't too severe so there was really no effect on any of my hobbies with one exception; ammunition.
One hobby that I picked up during 2020 was firearms. The riots, or "protesting" if you will, sparked concern so I decided it was time to exercise my 2nd Amendment right as an American. Well, freedom seeds were hard to come by.

3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently?
Nothing has changed for me.

4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?
I believe it definitely benefited up until now. With the shortages and supply chain delays going on now we might be in for a rough ride.

5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?
I have never gone to a model show and I quit going to my local club even before Covid hit. They meet on the second Sunday of each month and we are usually spending time with family so it just doesn't fit the schedule.

6.Feel free to monologue if you have something to say
I really thought the pandemic would bring us together. It seems there is always something going on that keeps dividing us! I cant help to think that is what the powers that be want. If we are fighting amongst ourselves and staying distracted we cannot see what is really going on in the world. I am not much on conspiracy theories, but sometimes all the dots just connect too easily....

[ForeverPlasticKits]

1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?
Nothing, happily everyone has escaped from this disease. But mentaly it was very hard, specially all the health duress.

2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?
Nothing or so few, i only lost a purchased from China.

3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently?
I found a job due to this crisis, as an unemployed yes it's an opportunity.

4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?
Not so much, Covid didn't seem to be very agressive against modelers.

5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?
Yes, the shows and clubs were shut down, so no videos on YT were available or news from brands.

6.Feel free to monologue if you have something to say
Happily our hobby saved many people from boredom and depression but it was very hard.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Been waiting for a less hectic time at work to post out my thoughts. Really glad you guys opened up on this, it has been very interesting reading

1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?
Office full shut for three months. Government helped staff out a bit financially. Nobody sick, We got early vaccination due to job kids had to wait. Covid killed son's hockey but he went to work full time early and did well with two jobs through the summer. Daughter graduated high school under covid and was fine without all the parties and such. Office reopened June and it was crazy busy for emergencies and is still busier than normal with more work to do on people than we have seen, likely from stress, home stays, isolation and changes in habits.

2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?
Three months of free time, though stressed about money. I got a few model projects done while forced closure. Did some woodwork stuff too. Also was a lazy slob and didn't work out and gained some weight I am working off now. Nice to have a big stash to draw on for modelling projects.

3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently?
Not really to be honest.

4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?
Both IMHO. Lots of new people and busy posting. Then it seemed a bit more online fighting and drama more so with FB.
Shipping was messed up so ordering stuff was interesting.

5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?
No not at all. I do all my social stuff online for modelling and honestly dislike the clicks of clubs and shows.

6.Feel free to monologue if you have something to say
Been crazy times and still seems to keep going. You notice people behave differently and many of us have become less social..and some downright anti-social.
We could not have had worse 'leaders' in power for this to hit...you know and I won't say more.
BC has had record heat in the summer and now huge floods in autumn that has drastically affected people's lives too.
Been watching a good English MD who has been doing all research based info on this whole thing. He is a good watch: Dr John Campbell on youtube.
But honestly been minding my own business, patients, family and hobbies as it is far too easy to get wrapped up in all the politics, BS and outright stupidity of covid and people. Now hockey is on TV, we put that on and only a sliver of news.

[Tomcat64]

1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?
I've mainly worked from home for over ten years now and since my company reduced non-essential travel back in 2019 nothing much changed for me; the daily commute across the landing avoiding the cat was unchanged and it felt like the world was slowly going mad outside my window. My wife does go out to work and interacts with the public and throughout the worst of the lockdown she was part of the reduced team that kept working - so we've been lucky from that point of view, although obviously cautious about her mixing with the public at work. We both got vaccinated as soon as we could (two doses of Oxford/AZ in our case) and are booked in for a booster jab next week.

We both tested positive for Covid in October of this year (about five weeks ago now); basically tracked back to one of my wife's colleagues whose kid brought it home from school and shared... We were both off work for a week, in my case I spent most of the week sleeping and glad that's all it was - I'd hate to think what would have happened without the vaccine.

With regards to the wider family my mum & brother live about 30 minutes away and we'd normally get to see them once or twice a month so that went away during the isolation & caution periods as mum is now into her 80s and although fit for her age we didn't want to take any chances. We have seen them more often as the lock downs have eased but still not back to the usual frequency. As a result I've been checking in with mum more or less daily by phone.

2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?
This has been interesting; at the start it was great as I had plenty of time and motivation at the weekends to work on stuff in the den, but that gradually fizzled out especially this year and I've slowed right down and in some cases had to push myself back to the bench. I think this is due to not being able to go out and do the other stuff we'd normally do at weekends so eventually stagnated to some degree. Being ill obviously didn't help either and we spent more than one weekend just vegging out either reading or watching TV. Having been able to get away last week was great, and I'm now feeling more inclined to get back to the bench again.

3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently?
Permanently - I don't think so (at least I hope not).

Temporarily - yes, we enjoy going to sport (Hockey & Rugby for the most part) and while we've cautiously gone back to attending hockey which in our case is a small crowd of probably less than a thousand at the moment we still don't feel comfortable going back to a rugby crowd of 14,000 or so (and the associated travel that's also involved). We'll keep an eye on infection rates over the Christmas & New Year periods and then see how the land lies next year. We will go back as we enjoy the match day experience, it's just a case of deciding when it's right for us.

4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?
I don't really know, this is the only community I belong to and whilst I've got a FB account I generally avoided modelling groups even prior to the pandemic due to the muppetry and outright antisocial behaviour that always seemed to descend upon any group over there.

5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?
Nope - I'm not a member of a club and the only show I attended in recent memory was with a couple of other forum members back in 2019 which was great to meet up and put faces to avatars. I'd like to do the same again when the situation permits but it's not something I've missed.

6.Feel free to monologue if you have something to say
Although I think vaccination should be personal choice I would still encourage everyone to take it unless there's a medical reason why not; for your own sake and for the sake of people you come into contact with that may be more vulnerable let alone those healthcare workers that are stretched to breaking just about everywhere around the world.

[Kevthemodeller]

1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?
Directly not much at all, indirectly we've lost a few good people.

2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?
Made bench time even harder for me, too many hours spent on bloody zoom, Skype and teams I just found it very hard to sit and concentrate.

3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently?
Yes, well it will in the New Year, I'll no longer be doing what I was doing, on to things new

4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?
Probably a bit of both, at first big uptake and then a slow tailing off as hours of sitting on media platforms have taken their toll.

5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?
Not really didn't visit that many pre Covid and not a member of any clubs, too much politics these days.

6.Feel free to monologue if you have something to say
I just hope we can all hold our nerve long enough, to see this through as it's not over yet a good few months, sadly possibly worse than we've already gone through.

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1. What has the Covid pandemic done to you and your family?

Nothing really we have been basically isolated from the rest of the world.....not even mask wearing. Inconvenience of signing in at every destination is the most challenging so far and I know that's nothing.

2. How has isolation or Covid mandates affected your hobby?
Supplies have been a bit hit and miss and the damn postal service has been out to lunch.

3. Has anything changed for you temporarily? Permanently?
No

4. Has the online modelling community benefitted or suffered in Covid times?
More people coming back to the hobby so that must be a plus as it over flows to the online community.

5. Do you miss being at big model shows or have you missed monthly model club b/c of Covid?
No never been to one as I live to far away.

6.Feel free to monologue if you have something to say
Nothing that would make a scrap of difference anyway and hasn't been said before.