Trying to restart modeling

We all have to start somewhere - get stuck into your stash & the further you get in, the more your skills will improve. 

I started back into the hobby a few years ago after a 25 year break & thanks to the fact that I'm far more patient I've found the quality of my work far better than it was all those years ago. What with work, DIY & generally "doing stuff" I've managed to gather "skills", tricks & methods along the way that now help me overcome the pitfalls that used to stump me & often cause the job to get hashed together.

Another big advantage these days is the Internet & places just like this forum - it you get stuck or run into a problem there is a massive amount of information available out there & if you cant find it, you can always post the question - the WWW is a truly massive & useful resource for modelling. 

Welcome to the forums. I would suggest that you pick a kit of a subject that really interest you and will not be too much of a challange. e.g. don't start back with a short run kit.

If you are looking for inspirtation and support you could join one of the group builds going on.

Good luck to you on your journey back into the hobby.

Welcome!  Just came back to modeling myself after a long, long hiatus.  I'm  62 (63 next month) and in a similar life situation as you, apparently, being recently retired.  Pick a simple one and build it.  Share it with everyone, even if it doesn't look so hot, and if you think you can do better, buy another just like it, and build it again.  Share that one, too.  You will get better, and you will enjoy, guaranteed.

I've started off with some of the old Monogram kits of my youth, now all sold by Revell it seems.  I have done better than I thought I would, if not as good as I would like.  At $10-$16 a pop,  I can ruin as many as I like.  Then, after my skill level improves, I'm planning to move on to some of the great new kits they have out there these days.

Again, welcome.  You are not alone ...

Thanks for your reply and an early Happy Birthday to you.  No, not retired yet, but looking forward to that too.  I used to have a lot of fun building planes and cars.  Built the cars my family owned, painted the same way, and at least by memory they came out fine.  Now after seeing all the fantastic work in the magazines, I think "I can't do that" so they sit. My wife said the same thing you did, "so make one and see how it comes out, if you don't like it try again"  Guess I just need a kick in the butt to start, and I think the replys from the forum might be the kick I need.  Have a peaceful Memorial Day!

Welcome back to the hobby.

My advice is,,  don't think of it as a competition,,,  we are here to have fun,,,  there is always going to be someone out there that surpasses what we think is "the best".....    That should not be the focus,,, remember, it is a hobby.

Start with an easy build,,  get your glueing, painting, finishing juices tuned up.    Move on from there...   

Most important,,,    have FUN

Bill

Oh, a young guy!

“It’s the job that’s never started takes longest to finish.” — J. R. R. Tolkien

BaBill is on to something. I just recently came back to this hobby myself after about 5 years. The only competitor I have is myself. I have enough pressure at work with competition. My competition with me is own my own terms I just try to top what I did the last time I built one and have fun at it. For instance I am building a 1/24 Trumpeter Bf109 K-4 out of the 30 kits that I had to select from. The last one I built was a 1/48 Hasegawa Bf109G10. I'm putting twice the effort and time into this one and it is showing. Just take your time and have fun.