Why Build Models?

Puts me in mind of a story from my ancient history!

When I first went to college to study aeronautical engineering, our tutor had the entire class each build a model aircraft, for the purpose of learning the correct names and location for each part of the flying control system.

He only gave us a week, but did gave us a free choice on subject!

Personally I went for a P40 Kittyhawk in an RAF desert scheme with a sharks mouth.

The results were mixed, but as far as I recall, it was just about the only time that everyone in that class handed in their 'homework'.

Cheers,

Rob M.

ps. I still have nightmares about an Airfix F-14 unpainted, decaled (VF-1) and held together with an entire tube of cement, that one of my colleagues presented.

With so few of the old warbirds left modeling is a good way to keep these memories alive. We can have drawings or pictures of them but there is nothing better then a 3 dimensional object. So as long as there are people wanting to keep the past alive then there will always be modelers

For me and the most of my memebers in our modelclub its enjoyment, and especially its to let history life, e.g. just now i am sittin over 2 F-100 D from the Tuy Son Nhut AB, a good buddy is building a Junkers 88 during the Africa campaign. So modelling can be a little mirror of history.

greetz from sunny Germany

Thomas

No,
Modeling will never die. There's so many different aspects that you never think about. Have a look at your telephone, or your keyboard, or the plastic box that holds your computer screen - an industrial modeller made a scale replica (or a full size replica) of the item for assessment prior to tooling being made for it's manufacture.
Think of the 3D digital designs made for the automotive or aerospace industry using UNIX or CATIA - they're models too, just in cyberspace.
Scale models are made for architectural, statuary, art, just about anything you can imagine. It's too prevalent in our scociety and manufacturing industry for modelling to ever die. Besides - look at some of the newer kits that have come out lately - there's some crap, but there's a lot of simply fantastic kits out there that have a quality of tooling that would never have been dreamed of 15 years ago.
I've been building for over 35 years - I find it absolutely fascinating; re-creating a little piece of history, obtaining a better understanding of how something goes together or functions; trying something new; testing the limits of my abilities and trying to always improve.......then there's the miniature engineering I also enjoy - actually creating a REAL steam engine (only tiny) that actually works just like the full size item - it's a challenge, mental stimulation.
And after it's done, I can just sit and look at it and admire (or critisize).
I've been bitten by the bug and I'm afraid there's no cure.........I'll probably peg out with a 0000 paintbrush in my hand.
Cheers
LeeTree

I don't know what the USA. Model building is never going to die in Japan.

HEY,
I am what you would call one of the novice modelers of today. A family friend introduced me into it and at first it wasnt't that great, and ironicly neither was i. :-) But once i "finished" my first model i couldnt stop. That was about two years ago and i am just becoming a serious modeler but i have enjoyed every bit of it along the way. Im still not that great but thanks to all of you, i am that much wiser and more able to spread the word. Thank you so much.

Randy

Dale,

I would personally like to thank you for being so passionate in your beliefs and in your modeling philosophy. It's refreshing to see someone that is totally devoted to the hobby, not the business that goes with it. I'm not saying that others here are not as passionate, but your desire to express that love goes beyond alot of what I've read on these forums.

Keep spreading the joy to those young minds. Plant the seed, and the hobby will grow.

demono69

As many have said before, it's theraputic, enjoyable and fun. I personally enjoy watching history come to life and at the same time learning about my subject through research. Being an avid armor builder it's a pleasure to build something that we are fascinated in, since most of us will never see the real deal in person. Of course, building, as well as the painting aspect of it, is an art in itself. Many of us aren't Picassos with a canvas, but are with a canvas of plastic. After reading these forums, it's quite obvious that building models isn't dying, but thriving. Technology is paving the way for old-school builders like myself, to the new novice builders of today. This forum has inspired me to better myself as a builder.