junior modelers

Well, I'm 15 and I swear, if I quit modelling, the apocalypse is upon us! I guess that Sherman of mine... hmmm... FSM, look for an envelope! I saw an old magazine, "1001 things to do with modelling" or something, and they had a 10 page special on junior models. Granted, they wern't superb, but also consider the fact that they were late 70's stuff! Some kids my age got some great finishes out of some horrible kits...

I can tell you that anytime we get anything from a "junior" modeler we run it, whether it's in Reader Gallery or a gallery of pictures shot at a show. Not every modeler is a master, and not every model has to be a masterpiece to run in the magazine -- take it from me, because I've built my share of 4-footers (when you stand 4 feet off and squint it doesn't look too bad). We always preach that, with basic techniques and a good kit, even beginning modelers can build something that looks fine.

Sad to say, the pool of teenage modelers is much smaller than when I was building my third or fourth B-17. So, a "juniors only" feature would be a pretty small gathering. On the other hand -- and here's a sneak preview -- we do have a story about a college course using plastic scale models as an introduction to aeronautics history.

We are always on the lookout for youthful modelers, and we will continue to encourage them whenever we have the chance.

oddmanrush wrote:

I know when I was a young modeler (still am I suppose), I always got more inspiration from what the veteran (older) modelers could produce than what those who were the same age as me could build. But that's just me. I look at modeling the same way as playing a sport. The only way to improve is through practice and playing with or against those who are better than you. Thats why I started reading the magazine and participating in this forum, to strive for the quality that most of you are capable of. By seeing what makes your models look so great, I can improve my own, and in turn, pass that on to some one else.......like my daughter, when she's out of diapers...... Jon

I'm with you. I was afraid  for a minute I'd be the only one. I don't want to open FSM and see little kids models, unless they are really amazing. Somthing that makes you say WOW, a kid did that! I mean, space seems to be at a premium,and alot of articles that only get 1 or 2 pages could stand to get more space. I'm all for bringing the content quality UP. More modelers will likely draw inspiration from that, young & old.

I know when I was a young modeler (still am I suppose), I always got more inspiration from what the veteran (older) modelers could produce than what those who were the same age as me could build. But that's just me.

I look at modeling the same way as playing a sport. The only way to improve is through practice and playing with or against those who are better than you. Thats why I started reading the magazine and participating in this forum, to strive for the quality that most of you are capable of. By seeing what makes your models look so great, I can improve my own, and in turn, pass that on to some one else.......like my daughter, when she's out of diapers......

Jon

I am sure FSM would print pictures IF they were supplied some. . .

Oh wait that puts it back on your shoulders. . . 

It's a really good idea, but I've seen the kids who can "break the curve" and build contest winners that beat out many adults. My daughter used to go to club meetings with me and entered into a show with a dozen or so kits. She took home 3 awards, although one was 2nd out of 2 entries and 3rd out of 3 entries. Her kits were decent builds for her age (11 at the time of the competition, but 10 when she built them).

She had a lot of fun, and that's what mattered.

Thanks camo!


Thanks, Jim

as an adult modeler, i think you have a good idea there. its easy to forget as adults that there are younger interests other than our own. maybe fsm will oblige and give ya what you want!

i know that would be cool for me to see i like to see other kids' models

I like that story! and an article like that would be cool IMHO....

 

     Thanks, Jim

I like your idea, I am the greatest modeler and your screen name shows you've no shortage of confidence.  I started getting serious when I was around 12.  At 15 I had upgraded to a Paasche H-3 airbrush and my best friend Kenny and I would use it as we built kits at his house.  So one day he shows me an issue of Military modeler w/ Hasa's 1/48 Bf 110 C on the cover, the one w/ the (wespe) wasp motif painted on the nose, "I'm gonna get this kit" he says.   Well he gets it and the decals include only the wasps body, so he inlists me to hand paint the head.  Now he's just fifteen and this is only the second time he's used an airbrush. The 110 comes out very nicely.  Flash foward 5 years, I'm 20 and hanging out at Valley plaza hobbies, over in the window display I spy that 110, not Kenny's but the one from the magazine.  So I take a good hard look, I smile,... Kenny's was better,just by a little bit, but Kenny's was better.

      I think that would be an excellent idea. I started at a young age and now my 9 yr old girl and 5 year old boy are getting into doing some models, but they get frustrated even when i tell them that it's good. They get frustrated when it doen't look like a pictures. "You must walk before you run" I say Maybe seeing other kid's work will give them some inspiration and some confidence. 

 

Great idea

Darren