I model in my spare time. - Really! You dont look like a model!

Hi, first post on the forum.  I recently decided to get back into modeling and a coworker has some model aircraft on display in his office.  I asked him if he built those and his response was, "Ya...why?", and he became very guarded and suspicious.  I told him I was interesting building models also and he let his guard down a little, but still was uncomfortable talking about it.  Something tells me he gets a lot of the "isn't that for kids" and "my nephew does that, too" responses, maybe even has taken some ribbing from other coworkers.  It is like a fraternity house around here at times...or maybe a daycare.

If people look at me funny for my hobbies, I just tell them "at least they keep at home with my family and not out drinking or doing God-knows-what wrong and getting in trouble."

Yeah that really bugs me a little bit when I get the "Oh I used to do that when I was a kid" response.  I always follow it with something about how if I didn't have a hobby then I would just go insane.  Then they usually end by saying how they wish they could get back into it.  I tell them they should!  There's no reason not to!

Also, if someone sees a model of mine and picks it up and starts making airplane sounds, I just rattle off how much all the items cost (kit: $45; aftermarket cockpit: $30; aftermarket decals: $15; SnJ metal powder: $15, etc, etc.)  Then at the end I'll say the whole works cost me about $100 all said and done not including my time.  Then I ask if they're prepared to give me a hundred bucks when they break it.  That's usually when it gets put down in the most gentle manner you've ever seen!  LOL!  Half the time I'm lying about what it all cost me but hey....they don't know that. 

Eric

Yeah I used to get that but now I say I build model airplanes. Then i get the "stuff" that goes along with that.. Also I have a great tan and when someone asks (usually female) where I got it I say.  "I ride my bike alot" You should see the expressions I get as they get all tingly. Then they ask "Harley?" AND i SAY "No, Schwinn!" Then you should see the light in their expression flicker out.  I now just say "Yes Harley" if I want to continue in a meaningless conversation.

I may not be the '40 year old virgin' but there are some scary similarities!

 

Cheers,

Max Bryant 

 

Triarius wrote:

Actually, I think we're a subspecies: Homo Geekii microconstructii.

Oh sure, just what I need - another lable

DURR wrote:

i'm into models    yes  I am especially if they are red heads or asian

i'm into models    yes  I am especially if they are red heads or asian   

crockett wrote:

So are we officially geeks or what?

Yes, and some of us have the pocket protectors to prove it…

Actually, I think we're a subspecies: Homo Geekii microconstructii. 

So are we officially geeks or what?

I don't have that problem, the dutch word for modelling is "modelbouw"

model = model (duh) and bouw = building, so it always means building models. So there's no confusion.

But I do get the "my kid brother/nephew/cousin does that to"

crazygerman wrote:

I get that too...does anyone else get the comment "Isn't that for 5 year olds?"

Oh yes… 

When they say that, I transfix them with a steely gaze (or other sharp, pointy object) and say:

"It's never too late to have a happy childhood!"

Followed, when necessary, by a quote from Voltaire:

"The greater the intellect, the greater the need for play."

Which usually stops them cold. If they still mock me, I just smile. When I die, I will have lived. When they die, they will merely have existed.

And for those who think so little of themselves that they must mock and belittle others, pity is more appropriate than anger. 

I get that too...does anyone else get the comment "Isn't that for 5 year olds?"...it used to bother me but hey, they're the ones missing out ...actually instead of just saying I'm a modeler I just go right into my current project...something like "Well right now I'm building a scale replica of a T-34" or whatever

I just tell them: "I'm a Fine Scaley Modeler," then I hit them with my long, sticky tongue.…

 

(One of my old nicknames was "The Big Blue Phrog." Ribbitt!!! )

 

(Okay! Yes! I know! Phrogs are amphibians and don't have scales. Well I do! And I have the pictures to prove it!)

That or "I build historic miniatures". You'll still get odd looks, though. Comes with the territory!

Yeah I know what you mean.  A couple of years ago when I anounced i was getting back into modeling... the wife took no time to make the comment, " Oh Yeah... like you ever had a chance to have been in it to go back to it."  She'll say it every now and then to give the kids a chuckle.

 

Try: I build scale models in my spare time.

Works for me...