The World Around Us and Our Hobby

[DRUMS01]

Hi Everyone,

I hope this message finds my fellow modelers in a good position with scale modeling.

My discussion is in no way trying to identify all the great stuff happening in the modeling industry, or try to solve any of the hobbies areas of concern.

I am simply curious about what each of us see in the hobby?

For example if your a prolific builder, a spuradiac builder, a retired builder, or just a spectator; what got you to the point you are today?

Are you increasing your number of builds, your details within each build, etc.?

if you are decreasing the number of builds, why?

And for anyone who is a spectator looking in, why don't you dive in and give the hobby a chance?

More questions;

Where do you see the individual plastic, cardstock, resin, and other technologies going in the future?

Do you think we will ever see a resurgence of brick and mortar hobby shops or will it continue to migrate to on-line shops?

Have you discovered a new technique or product that you embrace and swear by? If so what is it?

If you are a modeler focusing on one type of modeling (example: WW2 Armor, or race cars) what continues to bring you back to that subject versus trying other type kits?

How is the availability of the hobby near you? Is it easy and convenient to get the models or supporting products you need? If not, what is your solution?

Do you have any limitations that restrict the type or scale of models you build? If so, what have you done to get past it?

While military aircraft, ground forces, ships, and automobiles and trucks have endured as main subjects, do you see other new themes or type coming up to join the modeling craze (example: figures, gundam, etc>?)?

I've seen discussions regarding the increasing size of models recently and several people are voicing concern over display space at modeling meets and contests. So, what do you think is the solution, larger venues?, display size on your registration form? charging the contestant more for more space?, separating the larger scales into their own competition groups? or what?

How much does you own morals or values dictate what you model, and where you purchase your models?

Do you have other hobbies? If so what are they? Do they impact your time or costs towards scale modeling?

I could keep going, but I think this is more than enough to start .... Let the discussions begin!!

[DRUMS01]

I guess I should start first..

I am simply curious about what each of us see in the hobby?

For me it is sharing with new friends and connections with a common interest, a therapy to escape from life's stresses. I know there are other means to escape or relieve stress (spiritual, yoga, and such), but I guess it is mainly the thrill to successfully create something with my hands in scale and challenge myself in the process. The gratification from all of this keeps me dedicated to this hobby. I'm sure there are more reasons than this, but they are not coming to me at this moment.

For example if your a prolific builder, a spuradiac builder, a retired builder, or just a spectator; what got you to the point you are today?

Not sure why I even added these questions, for example, what do you qualify as a prolific builder? I can say that I used to build far more kits per year than I do now. But I can also say that the difficulty and detail in my current builds far exceed those of my earlier years. At times I'm also a spectator, because I enjoy watching others build amazing models with the skills and vision they have. And as for what got me here, all I can say is I caught the bug in the late 1960's and never stopped. My build pace at times has picked up and also slowed down, only to pick-up again. I guess the phrase "life happens" is true for all of us.

Are you increasing your number of builds over a same span, your details increasing within each build, etc.?

Funny answer to this set of questions is that for each additional model I build I'm increasing the number of my builds. Seriously, I think it really depends on the scale, type of model, and desired result. That will determine if the detail increases or not. Far to many people think that the more detail the better the model. While in some cases that is true, but the important thing in modeling is that your cannot substitute quantity of "stuff" for quality of build. So for me both of those questions are directly related to the things I mentioned above.

If you are decreasing the number of builds, why?

Lately, mine have been decreasing because of the amount or modeling necessary to pull off what I personally feel as a quality product. If I have the chance to drive my next model to a higher level (whatever that means), it may take me longer. I guess I'm saying that I'm still devoting the same amount of hours towards building models, but if the subject requires more time, it will appear as though my modeling is decreasing when it's really not.

And for anyone who is a spectator looking in, why don't you dive in and give the hobby a chance? I don't have this issue.

More questions;

Where do you see the individual plastic, cardstock, resin, and other technologies going in the future?

Honestly, I don't really know. To me it seems like all of it is getting better and better, though more expensive too, but that's expected.

Do you think we will ever see a resurgence of brick and mortar hobby shops or will it continue to migrate to on-line shops?

My simple answer is,NO. I think that simple marketing, economics, and internet convenience tells me so.

Have you discovered a new technique or product that you embrace and swear by? If so what is it?

Not, sure... Having modeled for nearly 60 years I'm sure I've come up with some new stuff. But most likely new products, tools, and techniques have made my, "at the time", new techniques now probably obsolete (smile). For example, I am not a 3D printer modeler, but I do appreciate the results. I've never made my own photo etch, never poured a series of duplicate parts in silicon molds, etc. If I can't buy it I normally scratch build whatever I'm after.

If you are a modeler focusing on one type of modeling (example: WW2 Armor, or race cars) what continues to bring you back to that subject versus trying other type kits?

For the longest time I was a competition race car modeler. What kept me going back to it was many reasons: actual time racing myself, the love of automobiles as something more than simple transportation. Building something in scale that you have seen or used in 1:1 scale is very interesting. But, and I say but! Once you begin branching out in areas you have never built, you will find new joys and techniques that may spill over into your main interest. I will be forever grateful for the various "group builds" I've participated in both here and in other forums. They have broadened my modeling in ways I would not have achieved if I stayed in one subject. With that said, I still admire modelers who stay in one theme and master that one type of modeling subject.

How is the availability of the hobby near you? Is it easy and convenient to get the models or supporting products you need? If not, what is your solution?

We used to have several brick and mortar shops just minutes away, in town; but they are all gone. Those that remain are the larger corporate generic hobby shops, like Hobby Lobby, or Hobby USA. My solution, thanks to the world-wide-web, is that I now have better access to more supplies, have a greater selection of models, the ability to competitively price items, and stronger relationships with certain online shops. An added benefit is that while I wait for the products to arrive, I can use that time to research my modeling subject or build to a certain step in the model, or sub-assemblies. Of the many, many, times I've purchased online, I've only been burnt once. Luck for me my purchase was with PayPal and I got it all back.

Do you have any limitations that restrict the type or scale of models you build? If so, what have you done to get past it?

Not really, regarding scales, I model in scales from 1/700 through 1/6. As for type, I have no problem with any modeling medium (plastic, resin, wood, metal, board stock, etc.). With that said, I do have a certain standard when it comes to pornography or gore. Other items related to beliefs or my moral upbringing may be areas too. For example, with the Russian and Ukraine war, I have stopped buying items from Russian vendors, but that is a personal decision, like I'm sure most everyone elses are. Another issue for me is the illegal duplication being done in China on many figures that are otherwise sold through legitimate vendors. Cutting the market of real manufactures to save a couple bucks on a so-so copy is not good business and will eventually in the long term hurt modeling.

While military aircraft, ground forces, ships, and automobiles and trucks have endured as main subjects, do you see other new themes or type coming up to join the modeling craze (example: figures, gundam, etc?)?

Depending on the forums you are active in, there already are strong followings in large masted sailing ships, figures, and Gundam sci-fi kits. I think with 3d printing and limited resin manufacturing, we will see items that we would never have thought of in the past. I think that whole future of that side of the modeling industry is going to be exciting.

I've seen discussions regarding the increasing size of models recently and several people are voicing concern over display space at modeling meets and contests. So, what do you think is the solution, larger venues?, display size on your registration form? charging the contestant more for more space?, separating the larger scales into their own competition groups? or what?

I enjoy modeling in 1/16 scale armor and figures. I've even enjoyed 1/6, 1/9, 1/12, and 1/16 automobiles / trucks/ and motorcycles, and 1/18, 1/24 and 1/32 aircraft. I did mention earlier (above) that size is not a substitute for modeling skill. In fact, because of the areas requiring detail, in many ways it can be more difficult to replicate a similar level of realism in a larger scale than the same model in a smaller scale. As for size, well if it's just for the builder then they have both the enjoyment and the burden of deciding how to display it. At modeling shows or competitions however it may be different. If it takes up 10 times the space of a similar item in smaller scale but is in the same competition theme, then that is really up to the contest organizers. I think there are ways to make it more fair, such as dividing the scales to allow similar scale competition; requiring the larger items be placed at the back of the table so as not to block other builders models; if your venue is limited in space, require a declaration during registration and limit if necessary the number of large kits (like 6 foot ships, 1/6, 1/12 and 1/16 builds, etc.) . Either that or look at a different venue and if that increases the costs of the event, perhaps the super large scale modelers would have a higher advanced registration fee.

How much does you own morals or values dictate what you model, and where you purchase your models?

I've covered this under other previous comments.

Do you have other hobbies? If so what are they? Do they impact your time or costs towards scale modeling?

Yes, I have several other hobbies. I am very much into music composition. I started playing percussion instruments around 7 years old and still play today. During my music career, I played in several pop / rock / and contemporary bands. I've taught musicians how to play percussion instruments and have obtained a secondary military occupation skill (MOS) of percussionist. Another hobby I have is shooting. I have many long rifles and handguns that I've used over the years in competition and just for pleasure. I still enjoy trap and skeet as well as bench rest, pintop shooting with handguns, and steel targets out to 100 meters. In my job I had for the U.S. Government I carried a sidearm for many years not including my military service until retirement. I've also always enjoyed motorcycling and currently have two. One has a sidecar so Jarrod can enjoy riding with me. And of course, all of them impact my time and funding applied to scale modeling, I believe that is why they call it a budget....

NOW LET'S HEAR FROM EVERYONE ELSE!

[Twokidsnosleep]

Ok I will play

I am simply curious about what each of us see in the hobby?

Escape. Escape from stress and complaints and life. Return to my childhood and carefree times. Control and learning new stuff and applying new skills. Forever learning.

what got you to the point you are today?
Spending time with my son got me back into modelling
Then Paul and ISM showed me more with the internet and forums and live shows
Then I got a spray booth and an airbrush and all hell broke loose. Deep dives into projects with research and modifications
Now modelling is a part of who I am

Are you increasing your number of builds over a same span, your details increasing within each build, etc.?

I am trying to increase my builds per year but that is a joke. Too much detail to add and limited time plus a bit of shitty health has slowed me down. My purchasing of models seems to be going ok though, almost at 250 kits
I am trying to build down my stash numbers

If you are decreasing the number of builds, why?

Time.Health. Other Commitments. Not purposefully trying though


Where do you see the individual plastic, cardstock, resin, and other technologies going in the future?

Technology will continue to increase speed and detail. Hopefully price will not follow up too high…I speak of 3D printing
It will help expand the hobby with current popular items being made from movies etc

Do you think we will ever see a resurgence of brick and mortar hobby shops or will it continue to migrate to on-line shops?

Nope. Maybe some specialty stores and big box kinda hobby stores might survive but we are moving to online ordering for most things it seems

Have you discovered a new technique or product that you embrace and swear by? If so what is it?
Just got some Revell chrome spray and it is awesome
Decanting paints and spraying them in the airbrush is one of my favourite newer techniques.

If you are a modeler focusing on one type of modeling (example: WW2 Armor, or race cars) what continues to bring you back to that subject versus trying other type kits?
I am all over the place with subjects, makers and topics. I seem to like to do a lot of movie based topics lately.

How is the availability of the hobby near you? Is it easy and convenient to get the models or supporting products you need? If not, what is your solution?

I have a local hobby shop near me I visit maybe thrice a year. I try to go but not that convenient hours

Do you have any limitations that restrict the type or scale of models you build? If so, what have you done to get past it?

Space is a big issue for me. I have big plans for a lot of things, but time and space seem to limit me

While military aircraft, ground forces, ships, and automobiles and trucks have endured as main subjects, do you see other new themes or type coming up to join the modeling craze (example: figures, gundam, etc?)?

Popular culture items will always pop up and be popular. Look at the Star Wars universe for example.

How much does you own morals or values dictate what you model, and where you purchase your models?
I do what I do and what I like
I have a strong personal moral compass and am not too worried about it.
The world is otherwise so immoral on so many levels, it isn’t even funny right now

Do you have other hobbies? If so what are they? Do they impact your time or costs towards scale modeling?
I have many other hobbies, mostly stuff with my hands…leatherwork, woodwork, painting, drawing, metal lathe, golf, skiing
I am injured RN with bad knee and some developing heart issues apparently. So modelling is an easy outlet with minimal physical effort

I combine many of my hobbies in modelling

As for the world round us, I am cheering on the resurgence of patriotism in the UK and Australia and the flag proud peaceful protestors who are standing up to politicians and their agendas.
Hoping Canada will see this too.

[RangerNeil]

Hi Everyone,

I hope this message finds my fellow modelers in a good position with scale modeling.

My discussion is in no way trying to identify all the great stuff happening in the modeling industry, or try to solve any of the hobbies areas of concern.

I am simply curious about what each of us see in the hobby?

For example if your a prolific builder, a spuradiac builder, a retired builder, or just a spectator; what got you to the point you are today?

Not sure what I'd class as. Some might say prolific but in truth I'm not so sure. Building comes and goes in fits and starts.

Are you increasing your number of builds, your details within each build, etc.?

Trying to become a more detailed builder - not sure I'm succeeding though.

if you are decreasing the number of builds, why?

And for anyone who is a spectator looking in, why don't you dive in and give the hobby a chance?

More questions;

Where do you see the individual plastic, cardstock, resin, and other technologies going in the future?

I don't think we'll see much change in the traditional materials but I do think we will see the costs of 3 D printers dropping substantially followed by manufacturers selling STL file bundles for their models, all you physically get are the decals amd instructions.

Do you think we will ever see a resurgence of brick and mortar hobby shops or will it continue to migrate to on-line shops?

As much as I hate saying it I think we'll see the bricks ans mortar shops fading - for a variety of reasons: taxation, legislation, energy costs etc.

Have you discovered a new technique or product that you embrace and swear by? If so what is it?

For me I guess Hataka's Blue Line range of acrylic paints. They let me use a hairy stick or an airbrush without having to worry about thinner ratios. I just use straight from the bottle.

If you are a modeler focusing on one type of modeling (example: WW2 Armor, or race cars) what continues to bring you back to that subject versus trying other type kits?

How is the availability of the hobby near you? Is it easy and convenient to get the models or supporting products you need? If not, what is your solution?[/quote]
Abysmal. My nearest physical shop is about an hours drive away. I don't get much choice but to use on-line shops due to the circumstances at home.

Do you have any limitations that restrict the type or scale of models you build? If so, what have you done to get past it?

Space to display basically. I' still looking for suitable display cabinets since Ikea discontinued their "Detolf" range.

While military aircraft, ground forces, ships, and automobiles and trucks have endured as main subjects, do you see other new themes or type coming up to join the modeling craze (example: figures, gundam, etc>?)?

Perhaps Sci-Fi or Film/TV tie-ins? We already have Gerry Andersons creations, Star Wars, Star Trek etc. Who knows what Hollywood has in store for the future?

I've seen discussions regarding the increasing size of models recently and several people are voicing concern over display space at modeling meets and contests. So, what do you think is the solution, larger venues?, display size on your registration form? charging the contestant more for more space?, separating the larger scales into their own competition groups? or what?

Can't answer this as I've never exhibited a model at a meet or a show.

How much does you own morals or values dictate what you model, and where you purchase your models?

Morals???After 7 years in UKSF thats a highly flexible term so I guess the answer is not a lot really.

Do you have other hobbies? If so what are they? Do they impact your time or costs towards scale modeling?

My other hobbies are HEMA and Living History. Given a sword for HEMA is around the £500 mark and a set of Maille for mediaeval Living History is around the same whilst deactivated weapons for the Cold War era can be upwards of £1,0000 I'd say yes, these other hobbies can and do impact modelling!

I could keep going, but I think this is more than enough to start .... Let the discussions begin!!
[/quote]

[Stokesy44]

Fantastic set of questions and answers so far.

I'll get into this after work tonight.

[Gary30]

Nice thread by the way, I like this long form format, whether people will have the time to read all my waffle who knows

I am simply curious about what each of us see in the hobby?

I'm a 40 something busy father, now with a tiny bit of expendable income, I get to re-live my early teen years by modelling again, that sweet feeling of nostalgia hits hard! TIME is the biggest detractor, so when all the stars align and I get a few hours to myself, and the mojo feels right, it's bliss. And the job satisfaction putting a finished model in the cabinet is hard to beat. It's a good stress reliever too.

For example if your a prolific builder, a spuradiac builder, a retired builder, or just a spectator; what got you to the point you are today?

Must have been my parents that bought me my first ever model kit, maybe 10 years old, and I was (and still am) crazy about all things on wheels, so that has just continued through my life. Largely gave up modelling when I was mid teens, in favour of all the usual stuff, and I'm obviously now back to it. I'm a prolific stash accumulator, but more of a sporadic builder, maybe finish 5 kits in a year?

Are you increasing your number of builds over a same span, your details increasing within each build, etc.?

Yeah trying to improve the quality of my builds rather than increasing overall quanitity. But then sometimes I think to myself, just build the bloody things and stick them in the cabinet, literally no one is ever going to see some of the detail once it's all buttoned up. So I do take some short cuts here and there, I'm an Engineer by profession, so it's our job to find short cuts

Where do you see the individual plastic, cardstock, resin, and other technologies going in the future?

3D printing is already blowing up, I guess once everyone has a printer in their houses, kits will be 100% printed? It's always nice to have an actual cardboard box kit though, maybe thats just an age thing and as the next generation come through, that won't be as important to them. Or whether the next generation will 'build' models on their screen and just hit 'print' when they're done?

Do you think we will ever see a resurgence of brick and mortar hobby shops or will it continue to migrate to on-line shops?

Sadly, I can't see it, I think the decline will continue in terms of bricks and mortar hobby shops. My mum used to take me shopping on a Saturday morning, and they had a hobby shop in my local town, and being allowed to go in and have a good look round was magical to a 10 year old, even more so that the plastic kits and Tamiya stuff was downstairs in a big basement, felt like a secret grotto. I'm probably a hypocrite as everything in my stash has come from an online purchase, so I'm obviously not helping in that regard.

Have you discovered a new technique or product that you embrace and swear by? If so what is it?

I never had an airbrush when I was a kid, bought one once I'd 'grown up' and started modelling again, couldn't believe the difference. So out of all my stuff, I love my airbrush(es) the most!

If you are a modeler focusing on one type of modeling (example: WW2 Armor, or race cars) what continues to bring you back to that subject versus trying other type kits?

I build race cars and bikes 99% of the time as motorsport has always been my #1 passion. I did have a bunch of tanks in the stash, but sold them all as I needed to thin the stash for a house move. Again, it's just time, I love WW2 tanks, so would build more if I had the time. I do have a lone 1/48 Corsair in the stash though, as I just love them.

How is the availability of the hobby near you? Is it easy and convenient to get the models or supporting products you need? If not, what is your solution?

In the UK, everything is easy to get. We get access to the new releases way behind the far east, but at my rate of build that's never been an issue. Anything I want is usually a few clicks away and delivered the next day or so.

Do you have any limitations that restrict the type or scale of models you build? If so, what have you done to get past it?

I build mainly 1/24 cars and 1/12 bikes. I do have a small stash of 1/12 cars that I'm going to try to start soon, but my shelf space is limited! 1/12 scale really suits me and my 'skills' as it's much kinder on the eyes and shaky hands than trying to achieve the same in 1/24!

While military aircraft, ground forces, ships, and automobiles and trucks have endured as main subjects, do you see other new themes or type coming up to join the modeling craze (example: figures, gundam, etc?)?

Great question, but I'm not the one to ask, do young kids actually build models these days? My nephews are well into Lego, but letting them play around with scalpels and hazardous paints doesn't seem to hold much appeal to their parents! I think we're forever drawn to whatever fascinated us in our formative years, I don't know what 12 years old like at the moment?! My daughter is 6 and she likes Unicorns and Haribo

How much does you own morals or values dictate what you model, and where you purchase your models?

I will build anything, if it actually existed at one point in time, I have no qualms about building it.

I do try to support British companies when buying stock, so I'm hoping I'm helping to keep some companies in business.

Do you have other hobbies? If so what are they? Do they impact your time or costs towards scale modeling?

Family, children, gym, mountain biking, walking, running, movies, DIY, all that on top of a demanding job doesn't leave much time for modelling. The cost isn't a limiting factor, it's TIME I need!

Although I do wince at the cost of some new 1/24 car kits, and I've put off buying some stuff I've had my eye on, if it were cheaper, I'd have pulled the trigger, but as most of it is pure luxury it's hard to justify it to myself.

[bfrd]

I am simply curious about what each of us sees in the hobby

My initial draw to the hobby was to reconnect with something I enjoyed as a kid. After that, it was about having something over which I had complete control. Real life has a nasty habit of throwing all sorts of curves at you. Modelling allows us to manage pretty much all aspects of a model.

If you are a prolific builder, a sporadic builder, a retired builder, or just a spectator- what got you to the point you are today

Like many of us, when I decided to get back to the hobby, I had a lot of catching up to do. As a kid, the only things I had access to were the strings-in-tube Testors cement, enamel paints, and plastic paintbrushes. I jumped in with both feet, got a paint booth, and watched as many videos as I could. Some of the videos led me here. After that, it was all trial and error (a LOT of errors).

Are you increasing your number of builds, your details within each build

I have been in quite a rut lately, so I'm definitely reducing the number of builds. I vacillate between wanting to get really detailed and simply finishing a kit.

if you are decreasing the number of builds, why

For me, I need to be in the right headspace to model. It has been quite a while since I felt that I could concentrate on builds. I let my shelf-of-doom get out of hand, so I feel awkward about starting anything new when I have several kits on life support. My focus and attention have been significantly reduced due to some changes in medication. I know I needed to stop the meds I was on, but I sure do miss the benefits.

Where do you see the individual plastic, cardstock, resin, and other technologies going in the future

I think 3D printing is going to overtake modelling. I believe it is already dominating the aftermarket arena. I recently discovered that Industria Mechanika has ceased production of resin models to focus on print-at-home 3D models. From a profit margin standpoint, it makes a ton of sense.

Do you think we will ever see a resurgence of brick and mortar hobby shops, or will it continue to migrate to online shops

I think it is unlikely, which is unfortunate. I am just as guilty as anyone. I'll see a cool kit at the shop, but I would order it online because it was cheaper. But scrolling through a webpage has nothing on walking down aisles and being able to pick up a box.

Have you discovered a new technique or product that you embrace and swear by

Not really, I'll try just about anything.

If you are a modeler focusing on one type of modeling, what continues to bring you back to that subject, versus trying other types of kits

I enjoy a wide variety of subjects. I think that part of the appeal of modelling is that I can build a tank, or a car, or a plane with the same set of skills. I don't want to knock those who stay in their corner of the hobby, but I think variety is a huge benefit of the hobby. If I could only force myself to build a floaty thing.

How is the availability of the hobby near you

I think I am fortunate in that regard. Even though the Squadron warehouse is no longer down the street from me, I still have a hobby shop close by. There is another one on my way home from work. Living in a large metroplex, I can get most anything delivered quickly as well.

Do you have any limitations that restrict the type or scale of models you build

I have a fairly large space to model in, but I don't have much display space left. I am trying to build smaller models, and I give away quite a few.

Do you see other new themes or types coming up to join the modeling craze

Gundam isn't exactly my thing, but it is a big deal at my LHS. They host build nights every week and a massive assortment of those types of models. The shop near my work specializes in miniature painting, and it also features a build space.

How much do you own morals or values dictate what you model, and where you purchase your models

I have no moral reservations about any historical subject. As for where I buy, I need to watch my budget just like everyone else. I do try to pick up some things from the LHS when I can.

Do you have other hobbies

Including, but not limited to: photography, electronics (think soldering irons and resistors), target shooting, gaming, music, and serving the whims of our two dogs.

Do they impact your time or costs towards scale modeling

Yes, space plays a significant role. I can't really work on electronics projects at the same time as modelling due to the amount of space that it takes up. Time is also a big part; I only have so much free time. You might think that having one's child out of the house would help, but it has not!

P.S. I had to modify some of the questions to make the tags work out.

[NoelSmith]

Interesting reading from all those who took quite a lot of time to reply.
Our hobby is a broad church with many different ideas, approaches and different priorities in many modeller's minds.
A thread like this one throws up a lot of personal observations, many agreeing and many conflicting but all sharing a single passion as model makers world wide.