Kids and Airfix Kits

I've seen several of the "Make and Take" events that Airfix have organised over the years - the format is simple, kids get a free kit, some paints, glue and tools, and are just left to it. Sometimes their mum or dad helps them out, sometimes they just steam ahead. Kids do not make models for the sake reasons as enthusiasts, they are not aiming to make an exacting replica that will stand in a display cabinet, quite often they're not even following the paint schemes but are making up their own!

At the Yeovilton air show this year, not only was the marquee bursting with kids trying their hand at a P-40 or a Skyhawk, but after they had deposited their model in their custom cardboard aircraft-hangar they were queuing to buy more models.

I think the trick is to just let them get on with something and only offer advice when they ask for it.

Building models is fun and that's what's missing from todays modelling community. I can remember my dad making me a Lysander and painting it bright gold. That Lissie made more SOE missions than I can remember. I think it's great kids are experimenting and building kits. It's sad the hobby seems to have become an old mans hobby (I'm 42).

What I think needs to be done to get youngsters into the hobby is promote cheap kits. Don't worry too much about accuracy and detail. Just get them building and playing. When I was a kid I had a Hurricane with sprue undercarriage because I was too rough landing her on her original wheels. I had no concept of scratch building, pin washes, weathering on any of that. I just built my planes and enjoyed playing with them. The hobby has stayed with me for nearly 40 years.

Thanks for the link, will be viewing with intrest (as per my topic further down)

Andrew

Thanks ALOT for that one - I left a comment in your blog!

 

I will by next year introduce my little brother into scale modeling aswell. I can't wait!!

 

-Lasse - a very happy 17 year old teenager who have been modelling since he was VERY young.