forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
Modelers Lounge => Time to relax => Topic started by: aliluke on July 23, 2019, 06:16:56 PM
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Hi
Last night I finished my DFW for the Des Memorial build and immediately came upstairs with instructions from other kits to chose my next model to make. My wife said - and I'd never thought about this much before - "You don't really care about the end product do you, you only care about the process, right?" And she is completely right! I make models for the challenge and meditation of the process not because I want the end product. I would give away all of my models and not really care - that's not quite true...I also make models because of the fascinating history that they expose to me which is why WW1 aircraft really appeal - but so does anything that you model.
So I'm interested in why others make models?
Alistair
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This reminds me of a survey that Bo once conducted! I think I’m in a minority in that I actually also really enjoy looking at my models after they are complete. Miniaturisation has always Fascinated and delighted me.... obviously the creative part and problem solving is cream on the cake! Cheers Matt
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About 7 years ago I came back to model building because I had a breakdown with panic attacks, strong depressions and suicide attempt. When I finally felt a little better, I wanted something that wouldn't burden me again, something I could always clean up or leave lying around.
I got the Revell London Bus and I felt better and better. My hands stopped trembling and I could sleep again. Now I spend about 2 to 3 evenings a week in my hobby cellar, sticking something together, make things look old and listening to some audiobooks.
In my opinion model building is the best thing to get a clear head and let your creativity run free.The result is completely secondary for me and usually ends up well packed in a cardboard box in the basement.
Bye,
Manni
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Alistair,
To me it looks almost thesame. I love opening the box to see what's inside, I like to build any model as good as possible and to see if I can improve it with extra detail. I love reading and thinking about the history of the original and prefer subjects that have a history in or around my country. I very much like doing something real with my hands and actually producing a tangible result in stead of working behind a computer screen (apart from posting something here :) ).
regards,
Ivo
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A strong reason is may be to learn something. I mean we can do things better with every step and every model. And learn from others, e.g. via this forum. And as engineer I like to research and understand technical solutions, if possible to replicate it on a model.
And with a model collection you can see the improvements over the time, and see good ideas taken over to other aircrafts and companies.
The result is completely secondary for me and usually ends up well packed in a cardboard box in the basement.
Manni, this is not possible for me!
I want to be able to see my models daily in the glas cabinet and show them at exhibitions: filigree, colorful, oily.
What I also wondered about and may be strongly related to the WHY question: why is model building mostly a mens world? Ok, there are some women, and I have the impression, that with figure painting and so on some more woman start into this hobby. But in general this is a men's world. (I know a girl flying RC helicopter, also a men's world).
Cheers,
Frank
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I have been building since I was 7 or 8 years old. I Truly don't remember what got me started but what keeps Me going is the History, building Squadrons that can be traced from the First War to the present, and the Color schemes. I enjoy the painting Much More than the processes and will sometimes rush to the painting stage :-[ I do find building relaxing, at least in between curse words when things are not going as planned. As for the results, Yes, I like looking at the collection in My cases and carefully arrange them by Jasta and Squadrons 8)
RAGIII
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it's mostly about stories for me. i have a grim obsession with the dark places of history, and it doesn't get much darker than World War One.
also, i was obsessed with building models as a kid, up until about age 13.
i was a secondary school art teacher for a few years, and i structured the class so that students pitch me whatever they wanted to do, and if they could persuade me it belonged in an Art and Design class, they could do it. there were a lot of Maze Runner and Hunger Games posters, some paintings, package and product design, games in development, music videos... and a few models being built.
a couple of the kids were waaaaaaaaaaay into it, one Year 6 kid obsessed on painting Warcraft figures. he couldn't paint a picture to save his life... but when he painted Warcraft figures, (approximately 1/72) he was reeeeeaallly good. several were obsessed with Gundam stuff. one of them got really good, and progressed to some rather elaborate dioramas. another group of guys got into RC drift cars. so coaching them through this stuff must have reminded me what it was like to enjoy doing this stuff as a kid.
so building models connects rather nicely with my obsession with the dark places of history, and here i am.
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I first became fascinated with flying and becoming a pilot at the age of 5, and building model airplanes was a natural part of the dream. I assembled my first kit, a balsa and tissue rubber band powered Ryan Avion at the age of 6 or 7 and it actually flew for approximately 2 seconds before leaping into the ground and beating itself to destruction as the over wound elastic released it's energy!
My first all plastic injected Kit was an Aurora Hellcat with approximately 12 parts at the age of 10 or so when the model was first released in their Famous Fighters series. I've been an aircraft modeller ever since through a 37 year career in the RCAF first as a Navigator and then as a pilot flying Fighters. About 40 years back I realized my greatest interest was in the aircraft and aircrew of the Great War and the Aviation History of that period, so like many here it is the history aspect that ultimately draws me to the model bench. I greatly admire and dwell on the bravery and dedication of the men of all nations who served in the air in that conflict, they were indeed a unique and admirable generation.
Now that I'm retired and in the "Golden Years" (there's a false concept if ever there was one!) the building, research, and casual reading related to the hobby is among the few activities I still enjoy. Like Frank I too enjoy viewing my results behind glass and also competing in the odd model show where I can meet others of similar interests. As Rick has said, I find building the models relaxing and it's already brought me a lifetime of benefits and pleasure. Great topic Alistair, and I am sure it will generate a lot of good replies.
In closing the interest certainly doesn't fade, there's an in progress model on my bench but already two kits sitting on the side board with notes, reference books, and lists of ideas ready to start, I just need to decide which one!
Cheers,
Lance
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Alistair
You have asked what I regard as the single most important question in our hobby - why do we make models? and it's a wonderful reminder to all of us of why we devote so much of our lives to creating small replicas of old aircraft.
Your wife has a marvellous insight in what makes many modellers tick with her comment that it's the process rather than the end result that engages us. So true. I am always eagerly looking forward to the next build and sometimes lose interest in the current project if it does not progress at a good pace.
I've been modelling since the mid 1950s and love the fact that this hobby has stayed with me all my life. Despite various health issues including hand nerve damage and eyesight issues, I have never lost the buzz for challenging myself to make a scale replica of a subject that appeals- be it aircraft, tank, ship or figure.
I had eye surgery this week and the very next day was sitting at my bench practising some close up work with my nifty refurbished eye. I love models for the challenge in replicating the original in miniature or achieving complicated finishes while enjoying the fact that the whole process has nothing to do with work .
I cant think of a better hobby to enjoy and the steady release of exciting new kits means there's still a lifetime of new challenges waiting to delight us in the years ahead.
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
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Agree with all that’s been said..
I have very little interest in the models once they’re done - frankly I could chuck them in the bin! But always start the next full of enthusiasm and excitement. For me it’s definitely the process.
Totally agree with your sentiments Manni.. Modelling seems to be the only thing I do that completely disengages me from the world and I get 100% lost in the process. It’s a great thing to do for your mental health. I reckon they ought to dish out Airfix kits at mental health clinics...
Although, re finished models, I do have a hankering to one day build up a collection of small WW1 1/72 models.. I’d never end up displaying anything bigger.
Good topic!
Guy
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I want to chime in here with my story....will do so in the near future but for now I just want to congratulate you, Dave, on the excellent news on your surgery...what a glorious thing, eh...I can only imagine. -M
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I am pleased that this topic resonants amongst us. Another little observation for me was when I brought up my finished DFW up from our downstairs studio - where I make - and showed it to my 18 year old daughter she glanced at it for all of 2 seconds and said "That's cool." Another reminder for me...
Manni - it is great that model making has helped your demons go away - all power to you man!!! It was the same for me. When I was made redundant from a high level work position seven years ago I sent my despondent and depressed self into serious, full time, model making. All I thought about all day was the next detail and then I made it. I also made it out of some very dark times by the process. That is one model that I display with pride and it only brings a happy recall of the intensity of the making not the darkness under which it was made. This was that model https://modelshipworld.com/topic/392-armed-virginia-sloop-by-aliluke-finished-model-shipways-148/?tab=comments#comment-3937
I'm in a happier space now but model making still is the best way of meditation for me and that is a daily need.
Best wishes all - keep on posting!
Alistair
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aliluke that's a massive endorsement from an 18 year old daughter. Steven Tyler once commented that he--an ACTUAL ROCK STAR--was nowhere near cool enough for his teenage daughter. so you're ahead of the curve...
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For me the building process is just a small part of the fun. I can spend long time watching the completed models, comparing the types or the colours on the same type aircraft. Yes, the final product is more important for me than building. And when staring at my cabinet filled with models I also like to imagine the stories behind the aircraft, the pilots, their efforts in the Great War but also the technology started over 100 years ago and how rapidly it developed in the years 1903-1920, say. Yes, there is a lot of to think about in front of the model display. ;)
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Because my wife told me to.
Cheers,
Bud
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I really don't remember why. ;)
I started to make models around September 1960. ;D
Here is my first diploma from completing the course of building models from June 1961.
(https://i.imgur.com/XpKRXjc.jpg)
Adam.
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About 7 years ago I came back to model building because I had a breakdown with panic attacks, strong depressions and suicide attempt. When I finally felt a little better, I wanted something that wouldn't burden me again, something I could always clean up or leave lying around.
I got the Revell London Bus and I felt better and better. My hands stopped trembling and I could sleep again. Now I spend about 2 to 3 evenings a week in my hobby cellar, sticking something together, make things look old and listening to some audiobooks.
In my opinion model building is the best thing to get a clear head and let your creativity run free.The result is completely secondary for me and usually ends up well packed in a cardboard box in the basement.
Bye,
Manni
THAT's a tough story Manni, really. Good to see what healing forces modelling can set free!
For me, I simply cannot tell why I make models. Really, I am not kidding here, when i was a child I sometimes got caught by models and dioramas (tin soldiers) and that fascination didn't stop until that day. I am a pacifist and despise war – and I never was a soldier and so I educate my children. Anyway I build war machines and do dioramas depicting war. If somebody has an explanation for that, I'd be grateful.
Andreas
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This is an interesting topic and the sort of thing I like to think about in my spare time!
When I was a kid, I made models very much so that I could obtain the finished, end result. I wasn't going to run out and buy a real Spitfire (I'm still not!) but I could possess that miniature Spitfire in my hand and admire its shape and form.
As time has gone on, this has changed. I still do appreciate the end result, and very much enjoy glancing at my finished pieces from time to time. But the emphasis is much more so now on the process.
I find the act of building to be very relaxing (for the most part), meditative, and it's a wonderful creative outlet. I enjoy working with my hands and making something out of nothing, and modeling supports that very well.
Also, nothing forces you study a subject matter you are really interested in like building a miniature replica of it! You will see and understand aspects of the subject you did not and would not have understood, but for the act of building the model.
And then there is the research. The historical research but also the model making research. Does anyone make a kit of X in a given scale? Which one is the best? What the problems with it? Who sells it at the best price? What paint colors will I need? What's available in aftermarket?
I have often said I enjoy the act of planning for a project more than the actual building. I think it's about even in reality, but I really do enjoy the planning stage.
Lastly, modeling allows me to explore objects which I find aesthetically pleasing. I don't think I could build a model of something I find ugly.
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Because my wife told me to.
Cheers,
Bud
(http://www.smilie-harvester.de/smilies/ROFL/bodenlach.gif)
Bud, you made my day!
Frank
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... I am a pacifist and despise war – and I never was a soldier and so I educate my children. Anyway I build war machines and do dioramas depicting war. If somebody has an explanation for that, I'd be grateful.
Andreas
i know what you mean. i'm proud of my relatives who served but i never was a soldier or sailor. i majored in art not war!
it is a mystery to me why i find this stuff fascinating, aside from the fact that i build models as a kid. but i'm also very obsessed with the Great War. it's probably the darkest part of history. near as i can figure i'm obsessed with the tragedy of it, but also, these guys were able to do what they did in the bleakest, most terrifying circumstances. these crates look scary to even go up in! yet they went to war in them. it's the best and the worst of the human species on display in one epic multi year tragedy.
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it is a mystery to me why i find this stuff fascinating, aside from the fact that i build models as a kid. but i'm also very obsessed with the Great War. it's probably the darkest part of history. near as i can figure i'm obsessed with the tragedy of it, but also, these guys were able to do what they did in the bleakest, most terrifying circumstances. these crates look scary to even go up in! yet they went to war in them. it's the best and the worst of the human species on display in one epic multi year tragedy.
I absolutely agree.
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Well I guess being the only female here , or who post . Should ghime in and say way I build model planes and the odd auto once and bluemoon .
I love aircraft since the beginning of time , well ... my time at least . The history part isn't to much of my cup of tea ,but I do read up on some subject matter if it interest me . It is more of the machine which catches my eye . There are some beautiful shapes in designs .
I like the building process and the challenges of improving my skills with painting and weathering . Got the detailing down not to bad , but I don't do this with every project that hits the bench . Half of my stash is sided for OOB builds . Need a break from the detailing .
I can say that it has been challenge fitting into a mans hobby per say . There are other female modellers out there but they really don't post .
Only had issues with a few folks who though this isn't a hobby for ladies . However though I can say that the best group of folks are all of you guys here . And that has been the best gift of all ! :) ;) 8)
Terri , who just likes airplanes
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What an interesting and quite lovely thread! I've read every post and enjoyed them all.. There are some really good motives... Terri, Great to have a lady along!
A bit strange to talk about why I do it... I've done it since the age of 10 or so, can't even remember the first model, but many, many WW1 subjects, mostly Airfix and Revell... I've never really stopped, just carried along with the increasing (beautiful) technology and enjoyed it all. I do love the research and stories about WW! too... I regret the need for war, but realize the greatest technological advancements are made in war-time...
Regards,
Marc
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Thanks Marc ! :)
Terri
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I do it to relax?!? but I also do it because I am a professionally trained historian. I enjoy learning about how the planes were used and how the men lived. My wife and daughter encourage me and praise my work constantly. I have modelled for 30 years on and off and still enjoy it as much as I did as a young kid.
Frank
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For me it's the problem solving and the subject matter.
I have loved aviation for as long as I can remember. My brother and I were making Airfix and Matchbox kits way before our rebellious stage and that (apart from a long break to fail at relationships) passion has carried on to this day, but now my love (back then it was Spitfires, FW190's, 109's and 4 engined bombers) is nailed to all things WW1. Air, Land and Sea.
Plus, the internet has brought us all together and that is a huge plus for our community. Happy days!
vB ;)
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Good evening to all!
Great question....I remember that my father put in my hands when I was 11 a little plastic bag with the Airfix 1/72 CA.12 Boomerang inside and get me a try. He was a great modeller, he worked for some modelling shops. So I started to put toghether those bluish white plastic pieces, he trained me only to use glue first...the Boomerang came out as a bubble of plastic and glue! But I was fascinating from that moment about modelling...
I had many stops, you know that at 15/16/17 years old it's impossible to stay in house for modelling... Around 20 years old I started to playing drums in a rock band and I never stop until now, less time for modelling... Around 40 (now I'm 52) my passion for World War One aircrafts really exploded in me. Not only models, but also history researches.
So, I think that for me modelling time is a sort of "happy island" where I find recovery from the life everyday problems. Is a place where I find peace and joy. Drumming is the same "between people", modelling is only for me. I'm happy too to go to Modelling event and to share dinners with modelling friends, but at least is a "private hobby".
Manni, I was touched by your history. Here in Italy some of my modelling friends collected kits to send them to an Association that using modelling to help people with your same problems. Happy that you are out from these!
Roberto
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Because my wife told me to.
Cheers,
Bud
I missed this earlier and all but lost my lunch laughing Bud! ;D We have a fellow in our local IPMS Club who refers to the price of everything related to the Hobby using the term "wife price"; apparently there's a sticker price and once brought home a "wife price" to quote if the subject is raised! He tells us it makes for a happier relationship............
Cheers,
Lance
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Lance, a friend of mine always states:
"If I die, I hope my wife does not sell the kits at the prices that I told her"
;)
Cheers,
Frank
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;D ;D ;D
Cheers,
Lance
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For me it satisfies a creative urge and all my hobbies have had a competitive aspect - I raced mtn bikes, competed in RC sailplane contests, and I have always enjoyed model contests. Most of all I am compelled to do the best at whatever I do. My wife has tolerated my hobbies and I love her for that, but she was very impressed when we went to the IPMS Nationals a couple of weeks ago and I think she has a new appreciation for my modeling work (I still don't tell her how much I spend on the hobby ;) ).
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I make models for a few reasons. First I like working with my hands. If I'm not building models I'm messing with model trains, slot cars, etc. Second, it's a way to do a "deep dive" into a particular subject. Lastly, building models gives me an excuse to buy reference material, DVD's, etc. because I can say I'm doing research. "Honey, I'm making this Fokker DVII model so I just HAVE to buy these two books."
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I'm glad this thread still has some legs. Having taking a month off modeling due to work pressure and other stuff, I now sense a terrible itch to get back to it. Why? For me it is just the immersion that takes away all of the other focus in my life and makes me think about what next in the process of making? And how am I going to do that? I live in my plane for a moment but, as in the past it could be a ship as well. For WW! planes I think of the pilot and the absurdity of their condition and I relish the extraordinary level of development that occured in such a short space of time - Wright to WW1. I also love the simple elegance of these WW1 aircraft married with their relative primitiveness.
I also bought the coolest little streaming speaker for my studio - an Audiopro C10 - so can stream radio or music to my hearts content and the rest of the world (and work) can just go away for a while while I think and make! Bliss - got to get back to it...tomorrow!
A