What Happened????

My guitar students are always WOW'ed by my display cases, prominently placed next to my couch. At least two or three of them are model builders right now, and they're young teens. It's encouraging to see the hobby passing on to the younger generation!

However, I ust hope that they get a hold on prices. Lately, even autos are going up, and they've been pretty consistently-priced for years. 

the Baron wrote:

Thanks for that tip!  I never knew Ace stores had a hobby section.  I wonder, does the whole chain do that, or only individual franchise stores?  I'll have to look-there's an old mom-and-pop hardware store here in downtown Bethlehem called Ackroyd's, and I think they're an Ace franchisee.  I go there for the smaller odds and ends, and advice, that the large HI stores don't often have.

I believe it is supposed to be national, but it is probably up to each store's ownership as to whether they follow suit.  The idea was that a lot of small towns weren't big enough to have a dedicated LHS, but they were big enough for a Hardware store, so Ace tried to fill the gap.  But like I said, with the economy the way it is now, each store owner probably has a bigger say in what they carry.  Even if they don't have a seperate hobby section, though, they probably still have a lot of stuff you can use.  The Ace's here have a good selection of glues and adhesives, including plastic cement and applicator bottles. Plus they carry wood dowels, balsa, bass wood, and hobby sheet metal and tubing in other areas of the stores.  In their Paint section they have their own line of small jars of enamel paint also.  Stop in and browse! You never know what you might find!

tucchase wrote:

Another option many people are unaware of is Ace Hardware.  Nearly all the Ace Hardwares in Tucson have at least a couple of shelves devoted to models and supplies.  One of them (the largest) took over four stores in a small strip mall and their smallest section (about three times the size of a good barber shop) is a dedicated LHS with just about everything, from railroad to ships to auto to sci-fi and armor and aircraft.  They are basically one of the last LHS's in town now.  Them and one Hobbytown USA and a couple of specialty RC stores.  I was told by the people that work there that Ace has always prided itself on having a hobby section.  This store just took it to the extreme!

Thanks for that tip!  I never knew Ace stores had a hobby section.  I wonder, does the whole chain do that, or only individual franchise stores?  I'll have to look-there's an old mom-and-pop hardware store here in downtown Bethlehem called Ackroyd's, and I think they're an Ace franchisee.  I go there for the smaller odds and ends, and advice, that the large HI stores don't often have.

Another option many people are unaware of is Ace Hardware.  Nearly all the Ace Hardwares in Tucson have at least a couple of shelves devoted to models and supplies.  One of them (the largest) took over four stores in a small strip mall and their smallest section (about three times the size of a good barber shop) is a dedicated LHS with just about everything, from railroad to ships to auto to sci-fi and armor and aircraft.  They are basically one of the last LHS's in town now.  Them and one Hobbytown USA and a couple of specialty RC stores.  I was told by the people that work there that Ace has always prided itself on having a hobby section.  This store just took it to the extreme!

That's a great story, Rick, and a good example!

Just to provide a rare beam of sunshine in this topic...

My 8 year old kid is at a school where one of the teachers set up an afternoon Model Building Club, in the group of after-school enrichment classes that are made available, other than the Chess Club, Tumbling and other whatnot.

This teacher is not even a practicing modeler himself, he just thought it would be fun for the kids.  He has them start with a balsa or foam flying airplane, then move up through a snaptite model, then work up to a glue-type model.  He has 11 kids in the class, including two first-graders, and two girls.  Twice during the term, he will be packing them up in the school's bus and going to the LHS for models and supplies.  He set the cost of the class at $80 per kid for the three months of weekly sessions.

And for an interesting touch of irony, the LHS that the teacher took the kids to for the first time is the one that I used to work at, back in 1970 - ish.  When the original owner passed away just before my kid was born, my kid got his name for his middle name.  So my kid is tied pretty closely to that shop.  The current owner provides an "Educator's discount" for teachers and groups like this.  And as for the other sorta-closeby LHS...  When I told the manager about this class/club being spun up, the manager was interested in providing kits at a discount, and finding some old "Make & Take" kits for them to work with.

And, yes, the teacher says I can come around the class and help the kids and show them some models.

Fun!
Rick H

chef_Jaeger wrote:

However my point was more of what was said above of however are new people to get into this hobby if they have to go looking to find it.  I myself got in as a kid because of Wally world as mentained above.  But I thank every one for there opinion and just hope that we all can get at least one other person interested that might not find it otherwise.

You hit it right there.  We have to encourage the next generation of modelers.  It is far more likely that someone enters the hobby on the recommendation and under the guidance of someone who is already in, than that he happens to see it someplace and takes it up.  I started building models as a kid, because an uncle bought me one (a Lindberg Model T-pretty sure it was Lindberg-when I was 5 or 6).  I was also an avid reader, because my parents were teachers and encouraged me and my brother to read.  And I idolized my uncle, who served with the Marines in Viet Nam, and my great uncles, who served in WWII.  So I developed an interest in WWII, and read books on it, and built models.  Once someone introduced me to the hobby and the subject, the two took off.

If you're in a club, try to get the members interested in holding a take-away build day for young modelers.  We did, for example, with a local AC Moore store that opened in our area.  They donated some inexpensive kits and supplies, and we supplied the hands.  The store got publicity, and we may have sparked interest in some kids who might otherwise not have thought of building a model.  And that kind of debunked the idea that all kids today everywhere are so engrossed in video games that they'd never take up modeling.  These kids really enjoyed working with their hands, and yeah, they probably went home and played Playstation for a while, too.  But the seeds are planted.

If you're not in a club, but have kids, get them involved.  Get a snap-together kit, or even die-cast models.  Show them how much you enjoy it, and don't worry about glue blobs or paint smears, either.  Remember how we all thought about it when we were their age.

And if you don't have kids, go out and make some, and when they're old enough, follow the steps above

Brad

Wow guys thanks for all of the replies. 

I personally try to always shop at my local LHS and little more expensive but I like to shop locally if I can.  However when I can find what I need or the price difference is just way to big I go online.

However my point was more of what was said above of however are new people to get into this hobby if they have to go looking to find it.  I myself got in as a kid because of Wally world as mentained above.  But I thank every one for there opinion and just hope that we all can get at least one other person interested that might not find it otherwise.

Wal Mart didn't kill the mom and pop hobby stores, TV and video games have done that job on American youth.  Kids want instant gratification that gaming brings, instead of the time consuming process of building a model.  Thinking back to when I started in the hobby, you could buy a plastic model kit at K-Mart, Kresges, Woolworth, Walgreens, Sears, the grocery store or any drug store and there were still hobby shops.  Back then, you could get just about every model of all the new cars, now, what 12 year old kid cares about a '40 Ford Sedan?

 

The Internet is convenient, but is also a culprit in the demise of the LHS.  It costs money for a brick and mortar store, inventory and staffing, all with a limited population base, so any lost to the 'net takes away from their profits.  Granted, many shop owners haven't been very forward thinking (and some are downright rude!) so you can't blame it all on the Net Monster.  The reality is, everything changes, so you have to change too.  Even some of the big internet model companies have scaled back what they carry as the economy has gotten tighter.  My best advice, share your interest with the next generation, they really are the future of this hobby.

 

Its really not that simple. I live in Memphis, TN and there isnt much around here that isnt a "box store". And whatever Mom and Pop store is left, isnt open at 9pm when I have some free time. It would be diffrent if I could drive all over town looking for what I need, but I have a 3 year old and my family only has one car. That dosent leave me with alot of options or time to get the things my family needs, and even less when it come to the things I just want.

the doog wrote:

You'll never hear me express sorrow for you not being able to find something at WalMart--the more you DON'T shop there, the better the US --and your town's--economy will be. Support your local LHS, or other stores that help your local economy.

As the doog says, If more Americans stayed out of BOX stores the more our econony would grow. Unfortunatly to many Americans buy into the BOX store hype of "Good for America". The only ones it is good for are the 1% who are making millions of off those suckers that do shop thier.

I saw what Walmart did to our Main Street back in the early 90's when they moved. All the stores went out of business over time.

I refuse to shop at Large Box Stores. It's simple economics!

 

...........The problem is many of use don't live near a local hobby shop.  In the part Upper Michigan ,where I live, the closest place that carries hobby supplies, a Michaels craft store, is located a hundred miles away. There is also a near by hobby shop, run as a side business by a auto body repair place, with a rather eclectic assortments selection of kits and some hobby supplies, but that's about it. Wal Mart had a somewhat basic selection, but they where located a half mile away and if I needed a basic paint color, glue or a AMT display case I could get it even on a snowy January afternoon. Also those five, later six dollar, Wal Mart wonder budget kits kept some classic AMT models available.............One thing we're not thinking about is how did we get started, building model? In most cases, if were old enough, it was when our parents saw us looking a the models on the edge of the toy department, when we were six or seven, at Woolworth (remember those) or some other five and ten and decide bring a kit home. Over the last thirty years five and dime type stores were replaced big box stores. Now that the big box stores no longer carry models the question is how are new people get interested in the hobby?

You'll never hear me express sorrow for you not being able to find something at WalMart--the more you DON'T shop there, the better the US --and your town's--economy will be.

Support your local LHS, or other stores that help your local economy.

I have a combination of sources, determined by what I like to build, which is mostly new copies of kits I built as a kid (Monogram).  I buy on eBay, but I check manufacturers' sites online to see what's currently in production (eg, the Monogram/Revell P-39, which is being re-issued), and then I don't bid, if it can bought in the store, unless the opening bid is really, really low.  Then I check Michael's or Hobbytown.

Someone mentioned getting kits through a club, and that's a good way, too.  I belong to the local IPMS club (Delaware Valley Scale Modelers, out of Philly), and at every meeting we have a raffle for kits that members have donated to the club's stash, and also, there's usually at least a couple of guys who bring along things from their stashes and sell them at reasonable prices.  I recommend joining a club, anyway, for the networking and fellowship (and getting out of the house ), but that's another way to acquire kits.

Going to shows, too-most modeling expos/competitions have dealer areas.

And online, of course-direct from the manufacturer or from online mail order.

I don't use one method over another, but I'll use one or any combination, to track something down.  Same for supplies and tools.

Regards,

Brad

Same here! On line just seems to be more convenient; however, I admit that I do miss the feeling of just going to a hobby shop and just lurking around! I do have a hobby shop a few miles away, but most of it's inventory has been changed over to R/C stuff. They have a small but fairly complete variety of kit choices; but their paints and supplies have been diminished. They've also raised their prices to where it's more practical for me to buy online. I do belong to a scale model club and one of the members does a small order business; so I try to get what i can off him first. You should check with and join a local club because they may often have resources you don't know about!

Yep. 99.9% of my model related purchases are on-line.  There isn't one single store around here that carries anything at all.  None of the stores mentioned in previous posts exist here, nor are there any hobby stores in this town.  Closest one is a Hobby Lobby about 30-some miles away in a town I rarely get to.  The odd times I do get down that way are always on Sundays and they aren't open.  Better selection and prices on the internet anyway.

Modeling sure has changed since I started out back in '64, but what hasn't in this world?

personally, I have just found it a waste of time to go to hobbyshops anymore.  What I do is I search online stores for kits that look good then I go here http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/ click on military or whatever it may be, search for the kit and it gives pics of the box, the finished kit, the instructions, the sprues, everything included.  Thats my hobby shop.

Gotta love the internet. If you don't live in a big metro area with a good LHS, the internet is the way to go. Tons of online shops out there with decent prices.

I get most of my supplies and many of my kits from Tower Hobbies

http://www.towerhobbies.com/

 

Model Round up is another good place to get car kits, but is mostly Revell, AMT, Lindberg, not too many imports Tamiya etc. Good selection otherwise and great service.

http://www.modelroundup.com/

 

I live in the boonies now and have much better availability due to the internet that I ever had living in a city. I have had to change some habits though, instead of going to the LHS for 1 bottle of paint, I have to stock up and make fewer large orders instead of many small purchases because of the shipping factor.

Hobby Lobby is another excellent "big box" hobby store, they carry both kinds of models, automotive AND military, as well as, all the weathering type supplies and tons of paints.  They run a coupon about every other week that gets you 40% off, check their website for those.  Beware, they are closed on Sunday, so you gotts plan ahead, kind of like the old days.

Hi chef_Jaeger.

The Baron gave you some great advice. AC Moore has a great supply of acrylic paints. There are many brands that have many, many colors each. They have sales of 3 or 4 for $1:00 (full 2 oz. bottles). Usually the sell for $.75 to $1 each. Some name brand hobby paints are about $2:50 for 1/2 oz. bottles. Then take into the fact that you thin it down for spraying (I thin it for brushing), you get one heck of a deal. The last time I was there, at a 3 for $1 sale, I got 30 bottles for $10. They don't have a large supply of models, but they have a fair amount. The one near me has planes,cars, and helos. Didn't see any armour. Haven't been to Michaels yet. Don't get over that way too often. Just walk around the aisles and you see all kinds of goodies that you could use for one thing or another.

Jim

chef_Jaeger wrote:

Frist not sure if I have post here before, so a big hello to everyone! The wealth on knowledge here is great.    And Now...   I ran to Wal-mart yesterday to get some model paint,  Don't like the place but it was 3 am.  They don't carry any models any more nor does Target.  How sad is that you can get any video game crap you want  but no models.  I find this very dissapointing.   How are people to get into the hobby if they can find the stuff.  I know of only two places now that carry models and supplies.  Especally kids it is one thing for me to go to a a new place to explore but a kid has to convince their parents to take them there.  It is just sad in my mind...   Sorry if this is completely irrelevent just some thoughts.

I found out the same thing a few days ago! I went to wally-world to get a tube of glue and couldnt find a thing. Me and my friend were both really confused. We both grew up doing cheap models from WW, and couldnt belive they stopped selling them. At least I can still get my hotwheels there.

chef_Jaeger wrote:

Frist not sure if I have post here before, so a big hello to everyone! The wealth on knowledge here is great.    And Now...   I ran to Wal-mart yesterday to get some model paint,  Don't like the place but it was 3 am.  They don't carry any models any more nor does Target.  How sad is that you can get any video game crap you want  but no models.  I find this very dissapointing.   How are people to get into the hobby if they can find the stuff.  I know of only two places now that carry models and supplies.  Especally kids it is one thing for me to go to a a new place to explore but a kid has to convince their parents to take them there.  It is just sad in my mind...   Sorry if this is completely irrelevent just some thoughts.

Hi, chef_Jaeger, if you have them nearby, try the arts & crafts stores, like Michael's or AC Moore.  They carry models and paints, basically the same kind of selection that Wal-Mart used to.  Ours here in Eastern PA carry a selection of Revell-Monogram kits and Testor's kits, and Testor's paints, including the basic glass square-bottle sets of basic colors, X-Acto tools.  And there's a lot of stuff in the a/c stores that can be used for modeling, or scratchbuilding and dioramas, plus art supplies, like brushes, acrylic paints (cheap!), oils, sculpting materials, etc.

That is, of course, if you don't have a dedicated hobby store nearby.

Hope that helps!

Brad