There's hope after all...

I recently had my son (8 years old) want to start building some models.  The first one we did together was the M3-Lee, I think it was the Revell Easy-Kit.  Then we did the Revell M1-Abrams, the same one that Hogfanfs posted.  We are currently working on the Trumpeter K1-A1 tank, it is a little bit more challenging with the gluing and painting.  I have him follow the directions and let him remove the parts from the trees.  He has told me that he wants to do a ship model next.

Unfortunately we don't get to work on models a whole lot together due to my work schedule and now that school is getting ready to start again.  But, I will say, that the time that we do spend siting together and spending that time together is something that I now I will always remember and I hope that it sticks with him too.

tankerbuilder

Hmmm.

   This brings back a poignant memory .When he was 12 ( three months before he died ) My son was building a model in his room  .If I came in he would cover it up .Now , fast forward to the day he came to me and kit in hand said " Dad , the hood is warped so bad I can't use it "  .He only handed me the hood . Oh , I have to say it was bad  .I broke it trying to straighten it  .So I showed him how to make a new one  .I knew then he was doing a truck kit .

   Well , three days before he died he brought me the finished truck  .It was an eighties FORD step side P/U Snap Kit ( the black one , by REVELL ,  with those nice panel decals , not stickers ! ) it was amazing .He even did a good job with paint detailing and other stuff  .I told him I was proud and " how did he do it ".

   His answer ? " Dad , all I did was be patient and take my time , Like you told me , and did the things  I've seen you do on cars . "  Three days later he was with the Angels   .I still find myself , unconsciously looking for that kit . to build one in his memory .. This though is one of the best modeling memories I have .

So sorry about your loss. What happened, if I may ask?

BlackSheepTwoOneFour, you are correct, there is hope after all!

I haven't finished a model in a very long time, but in the last month I have pulled several from my stash and started doing some work. Apparently, this has caught the eye of my youngest son (9yo) and youngest daughter (6yo), to my great pleasure!

Anyway, a couple days ago, my son came down to our basement and was watching me work on a model. Then he decided to pull out his Aurora Godzilla model I got for him for Christmas, and proceeded to start working on it. Then my daughter comes down and says she wants a model to work on!

Well, who am I to stop her! So, the next day, we head to Hobby Lobby where she decides she wants to be a tank commander:

And this is where she left off for today on her build:

I have her tell me what parts she needs, then I remove them from the sprues and clean them for her. She then attaches the parts to the model. I couldn't be more proud!

I allow him to remove the part from the sprues, but I will clean them for him. In my opinion he is doing a good job, but he kind of rushes at times. I believe it's because he has this waiting for him once Godzilla is complete:

It was the best moment I have had in a long time; the three of us building models. I look forward to more time spent in the basement building models with my kids. I look forward to when they get to paint a model on there own; then paint a model with an airbrush; then weather a model, and so on... But, if that never happens, I will always cherish this day!

Reading this gave me just a great feeling. I hope this is the start of many more projects for you and your son.  

Shaun

My goodness, Tanker. Thank you for sharing such a tender memory with us. I am so very sad for your loss, but I'm delighted you have that very special memory. Many fathers whose sons have been with them many decades do not have a moment like that with their sons. Bless you.

Doog . Go to my message board and I will tell you why there no pictures of this .    Tanker - Builder

You guys are fortunate .  I tried to get my grandson interested in a snap model.. after 10 minutes he was done with it and ended up chasing his dog around the house.   He has many other interests and talents, but modeling is not one of them.

Where's the pics! Give him his time in the spotlight!!!!

Hi TOM :

   Hey , I found the F-4 kit by REVELL to be a fair one  .I bought a bunch to give as prizes for neighbor's kids who did a good job on whatever model . I think I've given away about ten .Yes , I snap em together first !

No argument there Tankbuilder. In fact my son just told me the other day he wants to do a jet model. Good enough for me. Time to scout out a cool snap kit jet for him to choose from. LOL!

Hi TOM ;

    You know that his memory is what Kept me in the " Build Models for Hire " genre .  A poignant story to be sure .The thing is we all must cherish even five minutes with one who would try to emulate us  .

   Be he or she a child or adult .This is why I get so darned serious sometimes  . I love what I do and want to share it with as many folks as I can afore that day comes .

    When I see a " Student " beam with pride in a job well done ,and I did nothing but run my mouth about technique or material I feel so good I almost want to jump up and shout , Yes ! I better not though , Old bones break easier and take longer to heal .Hmm , Kinda like bringing a glue bomb back to life .  Take care Y'all !         Tanker Builder

Wow - tankbuilder what a heartfelt touching story.

Hmmm.

   This brings back a poignant memory .When he was 12 ( three months before he died ) My son was building a model in his room  .If I came in he would cover it up .Now , fast forward to the day he came to me and kit in hand said " Dad , the hood is warped so bad I can't use it "  .He only handed me the hood . Oh , I have to say it was bad  .I broke it trying to straighten it  .So I showed him how to make a new one  .I knew then he was doing a truck kit .

   Well , three days before he died he brought me the finished truck  .It was an eighties FORD step side P/U Snap Kit ( the black one , by REVELL ,  with those nice panel decals , not stickers ! ) it was amazing .He even did a good job with paint detailing and other stuff  .I told him I was proud and " how did he do it ".

   His answer ? " Dad , all I did was be patient and take my time , Like you told me , and did the things  I've seen you do on cars . "  Three days later he was with the Angels   .I still find myself , unconsciously looking for that kit . to build one in his memory .. This though is one of the best modeling memories I have .

excellent story, those are the times your son will remember you by when he is older. Congrats on being a great father.

it going back away but i think that gt40 was by ipc long long out of bus.

my dad helped me build too. our last build was in 1968  after his 2nd heart attack. it was a ford gt-40, i can't remember the company, but it had a clear body so you could see the interior.. i was also building a revell PEDRO NUNES. after he died that year i finished her and an ALABAMA before going off to college.

i ahven't found the car model but i do have another ALABAMA and a KEARSARGE and a friend gave me a PEDRO NUNES. he doesn't know how much that kit means to me.

Great to hear. Always more enjoyable when a hobby is shared between family members.

good stuff for sure

Sounds like a wonderful time. Memories in the making, for sure.