Ever thought of giving up modeling?

ikar01

Actually twice, during both my tours during the Vietnam war.  I restarted again when I got back to the States.  Since I got out in the late 80s I have thought about it a few times for reasons like lack of money and this continuing irratating problem with my eyes.  As a matter of fact, if it wasn't for there being a club here I might not be building at all now.  That would only leave me watching T.V. and since I can't fence anymore, going to the gun range.

 

Clubs are always a great motivators. Too bad that the nearest is quite far from me. But FSM forum is a great substitute.

patrick206

Hi, Castel -

I know how it makes you feel about model building, I'm 79, neuropathy in legs and hands, general clumsiness and pretty severe shakiness. But I've made changes to accomodate for continuing the hobby.

One, I use a small weighted shot bag on the bench, when holding something for such as gluing parts or airbrushing, I lay the back my holding hand on the bag, it conforms instantly to the shape of my hand. That nearly completely removes the shakiness, and I can hold the position as long as needed.

Free hand airbrushing is not easy now, but I took an idea from artists, they will sometimes use a small wooden stick for holding their hands steady when working in an awkward hand/arm position. Mine is sturdy enough to not bend under the weight of my hand and arm, plus I used some rtv on the end for traction at the base, so it can't slip on the bench surface.

It sounds a bit like a rough jury rig, but with some practice and familiarity it provides significant help. I hope you're able to find ways to assist you, it would be really difficult for me to quit the hobby, I'll bet for you as well.

Patrick

 

The shot bag sounds like a good idea. Will give it a try

fox

I too have the shakey hands to go along with failing eyesight and other problems. But, to quit building after doing it for 73 of my 79 years NOT FOR ANY REASON. They'll have to cut me loose from the bench and pry my Exacto from my cold stiff hands.

Jim  

Stay Safe.

 

Tanker-Builder

Hi Castelnouvo !

        I have to say, It's hard to model and shake. I am starting down the same path. Modeling to me is like a fine whisky to a connesiuer. But I refuse to stop! Why? I am the stubbornest person I know. Don't tell me I can't do it. The doctors said by 60 I would be in a motorized Chair. Ain't happened yet!!

      Now that said.Your situation is different as is Toshi's and mine. You do what you feel right for you!

 

Thanks TB. Will take a break and see what happenes. Baking with kids is on the list 

Rob Gronovius

I would adjust fire on the types of models you build. Instead of more complex models with thousands of tiny pieces, assemble more substantial kits with fewer parts.

I was getting wrapped into building such complex models that it felt like I never truly finished a kit. I hate painting so I would have kits awaiting their day in the paint booth. Eventually, I started building pre-decoated Star Wars kits and Tamiya 1/48 scale armor.

Simpler kits that went together quickly and needed minimal work. I still got the enjoyment of building a kit, but without all the items many modelers "think" are needed like high end photo etch, weathering pastels, etc.

 

Greg

I really like Toshi's positive commentary on your question.

 

 

castelnuovo

It sucks big time. Its a weird feeling between not enjoying it but at the same time loving it, don't know if it makes sense.

 

Complete sense, yes. I think you need to figure out if the fun outweighs the frustration. If it does not, it might be time to take a break for a while. I think those decisions are easy for some, they've never been easy for me.

 

Yes, a break will be good. Back to baking with kids. Banana bread with wallnuts and cranberries was yesterday. Next is my world famous foccaccia bread 

Thank you Toshi, always good to hear from you 

Actually twice, during both my tours during the Vietnam war.  I restarted again when I got back to the States.  Since I got out in the late 80s I have thought about it a few times for reasons like lack of money and this continuing irratating problem with my eyes.  As a matter of fact, if it wasn't for there being a club here I might not be building at all now.  That would only leave me watching T.V. and since I can't fence anymore, going to the gun range.

I hope it never gets to that point where I can't physically do it,but I guess if you live long enough,problems will crop up.I just hope its many years because the the stash is still pretty large.

Er...............No!

Hi, Castel -

I know how it makes you feel about model building, I'm 79, neuropathy in legs and hands, general clumsiness and pretty severe shakiness. But I've made changes to accomodate for continuing the hobby.

One, I use a small weighted shot bag on the bench, when holding something for such as gluing parts or airbrushing, I lay the back my holding hand on the bag, it conforms instantly to the shape of my hand. That nearly completely removes the shakiness, and I can hold the position as long as needed.

Free hand airbrushing is not easy now, but I took an idea from artists, they will sometimes use a small wooden stick for holding their hands steady when working in an awkward hand/arm position. Mine is sturdy enough to not bend under the weight of my hand and arm, plus I used some rtv on the end for traction at the base, so it can't slip on the bench surface.

It sounds a bit like a rough jury rig, but with some practice and familiarity it provides significant help. I hope you're able to find ways to assist you, it would be really difficult for me to quit the hobby, I'll bet for you as well.

Patrick

 Hey Fox-DITTO ! ! 

I have to do dialysis every night.  I still have steady hands and my eyes are still working well.  My doctors tell me model building is great therapy.  My balance is not so good, but I don't need it for this.  I don't build as much as I used a to, only one a month now, and I don't do all the other things I used to worry about.  I haven't entered a contest in years.  Now its all for recreation.  I guess like others, I've been doing for too long to do something else.

I too have the shakey hands to go along with failing eyesight and other problems. But, to quit building after doing it for 73 of my 79 years NOT FOR ANY REASON. They'll have to cut me loose from the bench and pry my Exacto from my cold stiff hands.

Jim  

Stay Safe.

I frequently think of giving up the hobby, same reasoning: degenerating hand and arm strength.  I can't use an airbrush anymore, and really brush painting isn't as easy as it once was because my hands get tired after a couple minutes.  

But then there is some kit that pulls me back in, or a book that features some vehicle, and I somehow adapt and overcome.  Now I just build subjects that are a single color and usually have someone use a rattle can to base coat it, and I weather it with a brush.  (albeit very slowly)

The other thing is a lack of space to display the completed kits, that me wanting to stop.   Given all the above, when I can finish something it hacks me off when someone in my family shoves the kit in a corner and snaps an antennae off.  I feel like I am wasting these kits, and my time, if they are just going to be trashed afterwards.

There has been a lot of discussion on this issue lately- is something in the environment causing our hands to shake?  I think some of the discussion was in the Tools, Techniques and Reference Materials.  There was a long thread about how to overcome shakey hands.  I think it might have been in the Techniques area, but checking the Tools too would not be hard.

Hi Castelnouvo !

        I have to say, It's hard to model and shake. I am starting down the same path. Modeling to me is like a fine whisky to a connesiuer. But I refuse to stop! Why? I am the stubbornest person I know. Don't tell me I can't do it. The doctors said by 60 I would be in a motorized Chair. Ain't happened yet!!

      Now that said.Your situation is different as is Toshi's and mine. You do what you feel right for you!

I would adjust fire on the types of models you build. Instead of more complex models with thousands of tiny pieces, assemble more substantial kits with fewer parts.

I was getting wrapped into building such complex models that it felt like I never truly finished a kit. I hate painting so I would have kits awaiting their day in the paint booth. Eventually, I started building pre-decoated Star Wars kits and Tamiya 1/48 scale armor.

Simpler kits that went together quickly and needed minimal work. I still got the enjoyment of building a kit, but without all the items many modelers "think" are needed like high end photo etch, weathering pastels, etc.

I really like Toshi's positive commentary on your question.

castelnuovo

It sucks big time. Its a weird feeling between not enjoying it but at the same time loving it, don't know if it makes sense.

Complete sense, yes. I think you need to figure out if the fun outweighs the frustration. If it does not, it might be time to take a break for a while. I think those decisions are easy for some, they've never been easy for me.

Dear sir, I too tremble due to my work related accident.  I find a multi one a day vitamin, turmeric ginger, and ginseng helps a great deal so too does spring wine.  Of course a daily regimen of exercise will bring in balance especially Yoga.  Most importantly modeling helps me to cope with my disabilities.  When my back is against the wall, Ezra steps up and makes the next move.

Your friend,

Toshi

P.S. I'm currently recovering from a seizure and am steering clear from model building.  But check out my stamp collection share.  It's once again something Ezra and I enjoy greatly together!