Not just for kids

MrKipling wrote:

Now, scale modelling is where model railroading was thirty years ago. There are cottage industries springing up, making wiring kits, special decals and even tires. It's getting more sophisticated.

And where is model railroading now? Simply: a rich person's hobby. 

Untrue...it isn't anymore expensive than any other hobby...you spend what you want. Are you a model railroader or a railroad modeler...I like to think towards being the latter, just as I am a modeler not an assembler.

Sure if you want all the high tech digital goodies you're gonna pay. Just as it is with plastics or RC. I didn't really appreciate the basics of either hobby until I had a chance to really reflect back on what lead me to where I am today...hobby wise that is. I started simple and basic...now I find myself reverting back and finding even more enjoyable than ever.

Rich mans hobby...it doesn't have to be...how much scenery can you make with a pint of white glue and the materials found around your yard or in the nearby vacant lot....tons! 

HawkeyeHobbies wrote:

This trend towards instand gratification is suppressing skills and talent waiting to be discovered in those who enter any hobby. Here too we pay for convenience. It also ties into that other dreaded sin vanity. Many find themselves ashamed or even unwilling to try something new so they use those premade products to enhance their projects. (I've done it too ) Vanity is both painful and expensive. In this case, aftermarket and ready made products we elect to purchase.

I actually don't view this as a bad thing for the hobby. It opens up niche markets within the hobby and brings in revenue. If you could only buy a bare bones kit (again, nothing wrong with these), it would be prohibitive to those who are not at the skill level of scratchbuilding, but who have basic modeling skills down.

I actually think for once I am a good example of this. While definately not a "pro" I have build my basic modelling up a decent level (assembling, filling gaps, painting). To make my models nicer, I started to dabble into pre-cut masks, PE, and finally resin. The latter two actually require a little skill building in themselves. It's easy to ruin PE or resin (don't ask me how I know this!)

Then I begain to challenge myself. At first it was simple masking of canopies without the masks. Then is was adding some copper wires and whatnot from my scrap bin. Someday I'd like to build pieces from sheet styrene, attempt vacu-form ,etc.

I don't think I could have jumped right into scratchbuilding without having tried AM pieces first, though. It's a learning process: you need to learn where you're going before you can decide how to get there.

While I respect your opinon, Gerald,I have to politely disagree with your "vanity" statement. I never thought of my use of PE, resin or aftermarket goodies as vanity. I was simply trying to step up the appearance of my builds a notch and in he process learned a bit more about and gained the confidence to try to take this a little further. In a way, AM is a stepping stone.

mucker wrote:

While I respect your opinon, Gerald,I have to politely disagree with your "vanity" statement. I never thought of my use of PE, resin or aftermarket goodies as vanity. I was simply trying to step up the appearance of my builds a notch and in he process learned a bit more about and gained the confidence to try to take this a little further. In a way, AM is a stepping stone.

My intention wasn't meant to offend. I used the statement nothing more than to say that when you start adding in the extras thats what compounds the cost. Does a model of a P-51 at first glance look any more like a P-51 with or without the use of PE?  No one forces us to purchase and include it in our builds, but many of us do...including me from time to time and yes I accept the price I must pay. Why do I do it? I believe there is a bit of vanity in my decision to purchase those parts...afterall if you can have the "works" why not? With or without the basic subject remains the same. But it is suppose to make it "better."

Oh no! You made me think of this well used line....Even when you put lipstick on a pig...it is still a pig.

A Mustang is a Mustang with or without the aftermarket. You're right, it is the next step of learning advanced skill sets, however, as mentioned don't rely on the use of AM alone. It does also open up niche products for our hobby markets, which is a benefit for all of us. If you are willing to take on the challenge of using aftermarket parts, why not take the challenge of scratch building? Sure those of us who first started scratchbuilding all had our disasters along the way, but we also learned from the experience as well.

Many attempts at reaching a goal using scratch building failed to net the results I wanted. However I did discover accidently on many occasions something as useful. Same for using PE and resin, through the process I have had many disasters and uttered swear words that would make a seasoned sailor blush...but I learned from those mistakes and discovered many more useful tidbits. I should write a book! 

Chapter One: Don't take on tasks which might lead you to swearing when the grandkids are within earshot. Grandma will impose serious disciplinary actions each time they repeat those words on you who initially uttered them.

Example I was trying to make my own FLIR pods...my initial attempt failed but I did find out that my failure was successful in another application...automotive. In this case tear drop headlights and spots.

All I can say is that when I went to look at a train set at a hobby shop recently, I about freaked out at the price.

I dont remember trains being so expensive.

Mike

HawkeyeHobbies wrote:

mucker wrote: While I respect your opinon, Gerald,I have to politely disagree with your "vanity" statement. I never thought of my use of PE, resin or aftermarket goodies as vanity. I was simply trying to step up the appearance of my builds a notch and in he process learned a bit more about and gained the confidence to try to take this a little further. In a way, AM is a stepping stone.   My intention wasn't meant to offend. I used the statement nothing more than to say that when you start adding in the extras thats what compounds the cost. Does a model of a P-51 at first glance look any more like a P-51 with or without the use of PE?  No one forces us to purchase and include it in our builds, but many of us do...including me from time to time and yes I accept the price I must pay. Why do I do it? I believe there is a bit of vanity in my decision to purchase those parts...afterall if you can have the "works" why not? With or without the basic subject remains the same. But it is suppose to make it "better." Oh no! You made me think of this well used line....Even when you put lipstick on a pig...it is still a pig. A Mustang is a Mustang with or without the aftermarket. You're right, it is the next step of learning advanced skill sets, however, as mentioned don't rely on the use of AM alone. It does also open up niche products for our hobby markets, which is a benefit for all of us. If you are willing to take on the challenge of using aftermarket parts, why not take the challenge of scratch building? Sure those of us who first started scratchbuilding all had our disasters along the way, but we also learned from the experience as well. Many attempts at reaching a goal using scratch building failed to net the results I wanted. However I did discover accidently on many occasions something as useful. Same for using PE and resin, through the process I have had many disasters and uttered swear words that would make a seasoned sailor blush...but I learned from those mistakes and discovered many more useful tidbits. I should write a book!  Chapter One: Don't take on tasks which might lead you to swearing when the grandkids are within earshot. Grandma will impose serious disciplinary actions each time they repeat those words on you who initially uttered them. Example I was trying to make my own FLIR pods...my initial attempt failed but I did find out that my failure was successful in another application...automotive. In this case tear drop headlights and spots.

Gerald:

No offense taken. I've learned long ago that people have differences in opinion sometimes, and it's a good thing. I guess a good bottom line is "to each his own". And I agree, if you like the looks of the Mustang without the added expense, it's a darn good Mustang!

I like the Scratchbuilding fourm they've added. That, in combination with long time builders like yourself, provide not just the inspiration, but the know how and experience that encourages those who would like to spread their wings a little and delve into scratchbuilding.

Neat idea with the Lite-Brite!

Charles

HawkeyeHobbies wrote:

I'm trying to understand how a pickup truck that once cost $12,000, today costs $50,000 and the actual cost to produce has deviated little. Corporate greed? CEOs & Excutive Bonuses? Of course they say it is because of demand...maybe now that they aren't in such high demand the prices might drop to a more resonable level...like gasoline has this week...$3.19/gal today!

That's simple, inflation. 12,000/50,000=0.24, 24%. 

And, of course, corporate greed, avarice, and a complete lack of real morality, ethics, or humanity. These are the people your congresscritters and senile-ators really represent—hence the current situation. Now, let's get back to styrene!

Ross,

Loved your descriptions for those who supposedly represent us in the orgional Disneyland East.  Fits in with a definition I first heard years ago - "Honest Politician, one who stays bought no matter what happens".

Quincy,

, it hurts less than screaming! Glad you liked my description of weevils...

Hey Triarius, did you make a mistake on the inflation equation or is that "Bail-out Methodology"?

12k going to 50k sounds like 400% inflation to me! :)

Jack

Triarius wrote:

MrKipling wrote: Now, scale modelling is where model railroading was thirty years ago. There are cottage industries springing up, making wiring kits, special decals and even tires. It's getting more sophisticated. And where is model railroading now? Simply: a rich person's hobby.

Model Railroading is not only expensive but it takes up a ton of room!

When I was in college I worked part time at a Model RR shop. We built custom displays for people to use in their homes or offices. Our most popular item was the LGB "G" scale trains, set up to run on the "Wall Track" system. The train was a suspended overhead on a track that ran around the room near the ceiling. We sold one to a Dentist's office who paid several thousand dollars, for the 4 car train to run from room to room around the office. Of course this included cutting several holes in the walls, so the train could pass through!

The train had to run at a rather low speed. Otherwise, it could jump off the track! This happened a few times and we were called in to repair the wrecked train. It never did manage to land on anybody though.

I never understood why someone would drop that kind of cash on a train set, but at least the patients had someting to look at while lying flat on their backs!