I Enjoy Models, My Den, And The Websites But....

[Robert Myers]

I still enjoy building models, looking at models and collecting for the stash. During the week I daydream a little about what I would like to do with a particular kit. We have two model contests within 170 miles of my home this year, I plan to go look at both! My den is a place I can relax, look at the kits I've built and snoop thru the kits waiting to be built. The websites are great because I can connect with others who share my interests.

Now the crossroads. On the weekends when I can actually build, my hands hurt when I sand or shake when I try to make or glue small parts. In short my skills are going downhill and instead of relaxing with the Exacto knife in hand it gets frustrating. Age is catching up with me, I can retire next year. I always thought that when I retire I can hideout in the den and happily build the years away.

So I have found an answer for me, at least. I will build what I can at my own pace, enjoy what I have built, relax surrounded by good memories of when I could still wire a 1/24 distributer, lurk on a few good websites and collect a few more unbuilt kits with the dreams to build them. A few seams won't matter.

My point...accept our hobby for what it gives to you and enjoy it. Go your own way and do what you can. We do it for ourselves not others, they don't feel the joy, excitment and pleasure that each of us gets from a new kit or building it the way we want it. Share what you can and appreciate what others share with you. Above all be kind in your remarks!

[FORDSVTPARTS]

Absolutely, Build for your own pleasure. Theres really no other reason.

I do enjoy the forums as it's my only real way of sharing my work and getting feedback. Everyone builds at their own level and there is never a good reason to put someone down if their work isn't as good as your own. Theres ALWAYS someone better.

[m408]

Robert,

I'm an old guy. 75 in fact. My eyes are bad, my hands shake, and it is a chore just to get up and down the stairs in my town house. But, the real beauty of building model cars, is that each one I finish is just a little better than the last one. Sure, it may take me a month to get where most folks can get in a couple of days, but I still get there. No, I can't wire a distributer properly, but I can put a little dab of silver paint where the wires would come out. Close enough for me.

Enjoy our hobby, do what you can when you can. Look around you an see others that can't even do what you do, and be thankfull.,

I know that I do.

[j_nigrelli]

bump up the scale!

sure the final product takes up more space, but every component on an 1/8 scale model can be as simple or elaborate as you choose.

i've done this with my model railroading; gone from HO - 1/87 scale to O - 1/48 scale. now i'm thinking of 1/35-1/32 scale because there's a ton of military models i'd like to "civilianize".

whatever you do, thanks for the positive and reinforcing message. i'm sure many of us are in this hobby for life!

[jeffb]

hi robert. i feel your pain, literally. dont know if youve seen a doctor about your hand pain, but a few years ago mine hurt so bad i could only build a few miniutes at a time. saw a doc, turns out it was carpal tunnel syndrome. had to have surgery on both hands, wound up losing my job from being off work,( which was the best thing that could have happened), but now im back to about 95% strength in both hands. its well worth checking out.

[Robert Myers]

Interesting replies and thank you for the support! I enjoy the hobby and I will continue to enjoy it at my pace! I am hoping that others that may have road blocks crop up for them will read this, (with all of your great support and comments), and realize the enjoyment we get is from within and can be reshaped to fit our circumstances.

My hand pain is early arthritis. Don't want to treat it yet, because when it gets bad in later years, my body will be to used to the drugs and the dosages will have to go way up. The doctor thinks I am a little strange, but he says ok, besides, I know I am a little strange.

As for the bigger scale, great idea! The 1/24 scale cars are my bigger scale, I also build 1/72 scale aircraft!!!

Y'all are great!