Why is it so hard for young people to get into modelling?

[Ceaser_Salad]

Now I am not sure if this has been asked, or if I am even in the right spot to ask this, but I would like to know why it is so difficult for young people to be interested?

Now the way I got into modelling is tied into being a young person. I am 18 right now, I started modelling when I was 12 (I think). I got diagnosed with a chronic condition at the age of 12, which really badly affects my joints and bones. At that young of an age, that was not good. I couldn't run, do sports or any of the things all the other kids did. I would be holed up at home, not doing much of anything. So I dug out some old models that were bought for some reason for my older brothers and I started watching videos. I still actually have all 3 of the first cars I ever made (I repainted them so many times though, they have no detail left XD). I did the 3 cars, thought "hey that was fun" and started on planes. I was hellbent on becoming a pilot for the Australian Military at the time, so I did a LOT of planes. I learned so much about aircraft and cars just by doing models. Here I am only 6 years later and I do mostly sci fi and cars now.

However, I have not met a single person my age that also does models. A lot of my friends used to tell me that they were really interesting to them, but they didn't have the patience for them. Is this the reason for no young people doing models? Is the world of instant gratification to blame? Or is there something else.

Tell me your thoughts, and stories for getting into models, I would love to hear them.

Below are my 3 first kits ever. (I am really happy with the shine I got on the Dodge, it isn't up to anyones standards but it was great at the time I did it.

[Foghorn Leghorn]

Video games. They're designed to be addictive.

Playing with models can't compete.

[peteski]

There seem to be so many reasons.  Everybody constantly has their noses in smart phones for good portion of the day. SO many social media apps and games in them to occupy person for hours. Then people seem like instant gratification - nobody wants to spend time building building and painting model kits (also having to wait until pain dries).  Many people people aren't really into cars (they rather not even drive cars, much less build miniature models of them), or military models (even less if those are historical models - who is interested in learning about the past, when there are so many things now that grab their attention).

There are exceptions to that, but not many.  We have a member of our club who is about your age, he is into cars, and also loves to build models. He is beyond basic builds, he kitbashes and customizes his models, adding lots of scratchbuilt details.  Most of his models are also in H0 scale (1:87) -- tiny!  He admits that his peers see him as an oddity, but he doesn't care.  We also have few members (and excellent modelers)  who are in their late 20s or mid 30s.

There are also some young adults who are into cars, but those are the contemporary "souped-up" cars, not the old-school muscle cars.  Some of them build models of those cars, but there aren't many kits available that fit their needs.

Still, the plastic model kit hobby is alive and doing really well. Gundam is one of the really popular subjects, then all sorts of military models, then automotive.  So someone out there is buying all those kits, but I suspect that most are over 30 years old.

[Sandboarder]

Don’t forget about price and availability.

 

When I was young (1990s) I could go to my local Kmart (department store) and there was an whole isle dedicated to Revell and AMT model kits (I think there was boats and planes too) and the kits were $20 AUD

 

Now I have to drive 2-3 hours to look in a specialist Hobby shop which has a smaller range (about 1/2 - 1/4 what Kmart Hadid the 90s) and the same kits have a price tag of $60-80 AUD. 
 

Then there is points mentioned above. Today people want instant gratification. Waiting for paints and glues to dry doesn’t fit with the busy fast pace social media and life style expectations. 
 

I wouldn’t even blame video games as there are more people watching games being played on YouTube or twitch then kids actually playing themselves. Again it’s the price that not everyone can afford video games so they watch instead. 

[peteski]

While it is true that hobby shops are almost non-existent, and the mega-department stores (which killed off all the smaller ones)  barely stock any kits and supplies in the toys section, all the younger people do most of their purchases (of everything) online, on Amazon, eBay, or at zillion other online retailers. Kits and supplies are available out there on the Internet, but it is not quite the same as in the "good old days". Times have changed.

[stitchdup]

There are a lot of younger folk that build models but its not cars, planes etc. Look how many of those citadel miniatures/gundam kits that seem to be released every other week. I can see more modern cars becomming more popular with hem now though with the massive amounts of tuner engines that are now being 3d printed. In just the last couple of weeks I've received a number of fwd vw engines and body kits which even last year looked like it wasn't going to happen, and I know there a load more stuff being worked on now.

[slusher]

My big brother built models and I was bitten by the model bug. I got older I mowed grass and did odd jobs to buy models. I would go with my parents to K Mart and spend forever picking out a kit and paint. I enjoyed looking at the kit almost as much as building them.  My mother came over and seen my model room with my cars in wall cases sand stacked on my shelves in stackable cases she was in awe. She said I didn’t know you loved them so much that I wouldn’t have told you no so much. My mother had never been in my man cave before. I kept the door shut.

kids are into video games and computers 🖥 too much. Most don’t like to go outside.

Edited August 9, 2021 by slusher

[Straightliner59]

There's a particular model car club, locally that also features Gundam models in their competitions. I see a good number of young people at each show.

[Straightliner59]

2 hours ago, stitchdup said:

There are a lot of younger folk that build models but its not cars, planes etc. Look how many of those citadel miniatures/gundam kits that seem to be released every other week. I can see more modern cars becomming more popular with hem now though with the massive amounts of tuner engines that are now being 3d printed. In just the last couple of weeks I've received a number of fwd vw engines and body kits which even last year looked like it wasn't going to happen, and I know there a load more stuff being worked on now.

Exactly!

[Zippi]

Great looking models.  Times have changed.  This is the elctronic age.  Back in my day.....there were no Mall's so all the kids I knew rode bicycles or made tree houses.  It wasn't until I got my first job (thinning peach tree's at an archard) at 16 and I aquired my grandfathers car (1957 Studebaker) that I was able to venture out and see other parts of the city.  Long story short....I found a hobby shop that had a slot car track inside so that is what my brother and I would do every weekend.  I actually bought a model kit by mistake one time thinking it was a slot car.  That kinda started the ball rolling so to speak.  Since I've been on this forum I have only read about a father and son (or daughter) doing a build together.  I guess it's just not something young folks do now a days.

Edited August 9, 2021 by Zippi

[David G.]

9 hours ago, Foghorn Leghorn said:

Video games. They're designed to be addictive.

Playing with models can't compete.

Actually I do both.

I admit, I do spend more time gaming but I make it a point to spend at least an hour every day building. Many times that hour of building becomes two or three hours.

David G.

[David G.]

1 hour ago, Straightliner59 said:

There's a particular model car club, locally that also features Gundam models in their competitions. I see a good number of young people at each show.

I have seen some Gundams built out and they're quite impressive. I've often considered buying one to build but they're rather pricy and there's almost always a car that I want more. The Mech Warrior models interest me too but there again, paying twenty five to thirty dollars for a model that when finished is only 2" or 3" tall.... eeeeehh 😕. 

I believe I'd enjoy them but familiarity is comfort and comfort's a big part of the satisfaction that many derive from their hobbies.

David G.

[Dave G.]

So they're building models of things they see probably like what's in their video games. Makes sense because I honestly never saw any sense in gundam, citadel etc models. But I'm 71yo so the transistor radio was a big deal when I was yoooung, there were no electronic devises. Telephones had operators and a two party line was an upgrade. When single came along Single was amazing. I remember in school some kids took on a project in about the 5th grade maybe. It ended up being two girls and myself at one of the girls homes, once another boy showed up and we built a model of a nuclear power plant. The two girls moms kind of directed the activity. But that's about as abstract or to me imaginative a thing I ever got involved in regarding models, cause honestly nuclear power plants weren't even on my radar but the girls were starting to get bumps on their chests and stuff.. But the offer went out for anyone interested in model, to which I was. At that the girls had more enthusiasm than I ever did over it and I was a modeler but of cars, trucks, ships, airplanes.

[David G.]

@Ceaser_Salad

Those are great looking first builds, everybody has to start somewhere. I especially like the rusted out wreck. The other two look solid and well constructed, which is a great place to start from.

A prime objective with most hobbyists is improvement. Quality of work only comes with improvement of skills, which only comes from experience. It's like I say: "Each model I build is really only practice for the next one."

As for your initial question, there have been many very good answers offered none of which I can honestly improve upon.

Regards,

David G.

[Fat Brian]

52 minutes ago, David G. said:

The Mech Warrior models interest me too but there again, paying twenty five to thirty dollars for a model that when finished is only 2" or 3" tall.... eeeeehh 😕. 

Check this out, these are "museum scale" Mechs that are meant for display. They're supposed to be around 6 inches tall. I'm going to pick up a couple myself.

https://ironwindmetals.com/index.php/component/hikashop/product/battletech-dl-679

[Rick L]

My generation would build what they grew up with. Our fathers were our heroes and we built military models of their tanks, airplanes and ships. Later we built models of salt flat racers, hot rods and muscle cars. And my generation is still building those today. 
   Now, I can’t get too excited over building a model of my 2015 Ford Escape.

[MrMiles]

I tried to get my 2 nephews to do it and was working with them. They didn't even get as far as cutting the pieces from the sprue. they said why don't you build it and tell us when it is done. 

 

They couldn't spend 10 minutes, yet they go on video games for an entire night. 

 

I never bothered again. Other than video games, they have no interest in anything 

 

I was probably 12 or so when Nintendo came out and I liked it a lot but i always enjoyed building models more.

Edited August 9, 2021 by MrMiles

[Dave G.]

4 minutes ago, Rick L said:

My generation would build what they grew up with. Our fathers were our heroes and we built military models of their tanks, airplanes and ships. Later we built models of salt flat racers, hot rods and muscle cars. And my generation is still building those today. 
   Now, I can’t get too excited over building a model of my 2015 Ford Escape.

Exactly, welcome to the O F club of modelers lol ! I really enjoy the classics era cars. Especially 1/24 and 1/16. 1957 down to 1911 or so but especially 30's. Modern does 0 for me. Same for other categories of models too.

[DiscoRover007]

Its a few things but I think one reason is because it really takes a lot of time and skill building to become decent at it. It's so easy to make mistakes and become dissatisfied with the results. 

[Ceaser_Salad]

6 hours ago, slusher said:

My big brother built models and I was bitten by the model bug. I got older I mowed grass and did odd jobs to buy models. I would go with my parents to K Mart and spend forever picking out a kit and paint. I enjoyed looking at the kit almost as much as building them.  My mother came over and seen my model room with my cars in wall cases sand stacked on my shelves in stackable cases she was in awe. She said I didn’t know you loved them so much that I wouldn’t have told you no so much. My mother had never been in my man cave before. I kept the door shut.

kids are into video games and computers 🖥 too much. Most don’t like to go outside.

I like video games to a degree. Eventually they just get boring, so I go build models. Outside... well I was a cadet so outside was a big part of my life.

I think also a lot of younger people have such a disconnect from their parents that any suggestion of doing what their parents used to do would seem insulting.

7 hours ago, stitchdup said:

There are a lot of younger folk that build models but its not cars, planes etc. Look how many of those citadel miniatures/gundam kits that seem to be released every other week. I can see more modern cars becomming more popular with hem now though with the massive amounts of tuner engines that are now being 3d printed. In just the last couple of weeks I've received a number of fwd vw engines and body kits which even last year looked like it wasn't going to happen, and I know there a load more stuff being worked on now.

I haven't really paid attention to Gundam or things ilke that. However it is interesting to know about the modern car models. 

10 hours ago, Sandboarder said:

Don’t forget about price and availability.

 

When I was young (1990s) I could go to my local Kmart (department store) and there was an whole isle dedicated to Revell and AMT model kits (I think there was boats and planes too) and the kits were $20 AUD

 

Now I have to drive 2-3 hours to look in a specialist Hobby shop which has a smaller range (about 1/2 - 1/4 what Kmart Hadid the 90s) and the same kits have a price tag of $60-80 AUD. 
 

Then there is points mentioned above. Today people want instant gratification. Waiting for paints and glues to dry doesn’t fit with the busy fast pace social media and life style expectations. 
 

I wouldn’t even blame video games as there are more people watching games being played on YouTube or twitch then kids actually playing themselves. Again it’s the price that not everyone can afford video games so they watch instead. 

The costs of models is quite the deterrent. I hate how much I spend on them, just to get one done is... a decent part of my minimum wage paycheck.

As for fast paced, the world is getting faster and faster everyday. I used to hate hanging out with friends because they would just want to keep going places, couldn't sit still or even watch a movie. My family (while the majority of us were born in this century) is a traditional family. I like to say that I grew up in the 80s because that is basically the style of household we have. I learned patience and appreciation for a lot of things that my counterparts of my age just sorely lack.

12 hours ago, peteski said:

There seem to be so many reasons.  Everybody constantly has their noses in smart phones for good portion of the day. SO many social media apps and games in them to occupy person for hours. Then people seem like instant gratification - nobody wants to spend time building building and painting model kits (also having to wait until pain dries).  Many people people aren't really into cars (they rather not even drive cars, much less build miniature models of them), or military models (even less if those are historical models - who is interested in learning about the past, when there are so many things now that grab their attention).

There are exceptions to that, but not many.  We have a member of our club who is about your age, he is into cars, and also loves to build models. He is beyond basic builds, he kitbashes and customizes his models, adding lots of scratchbuilt details.  Most of his models are also in H0 scale (1:87) -- tiny!  He admits that his peers see him as an oddity, but he doesn't care.  We also have few members (and excellent modelers)  who are in their late 20s or mid 30s.

There are also some young adults who are into cars, but those are the contemporary "souped-up" cars, not the old-school muscle cars.  Some of them build models of those cars, but there aren't many kits available that fit their needs.

Still, the plastic model kit hobby is alive and doing really well. Gundam is one of the really popular subjects, then all sorts of military models, then automotive.  So someone out there is buying all those kits, but I suspect that most are over 30 years old.

Smart phones ruin a lot. I still use a flip phone, and I love it XD. Not a distraction at all.

The modern cars are so... underwhelming. You could make models of them, but they would all look the same.

I loved learning the history of the planes I would make, especially WW2 and WW1 aircraft. So much rich education can be found just when looking for info to make a cool model.

1 hour ago, Rick L said:

My generation would build what they grew up with. Our fathers were our heroes and we built military models of their tanks, airplanes and ships. Later we built models of salt flat racers, hot rods and muscle cars. And my generation is still building those today. 
   Now, I can’t get too excited over building a model of my 2015 Ford Escape.

The lack of emotional attachment to modern cars is probably due to the planned obsolescence that modern car makers use. People don't get attached to their car because it will just break, cost a lot then be replaced. I wrote a whole article about this for a school project, wish I could find it.

I love muscle cars of the 60s-80s. My life goal is to at least touch a 1971 Plymouth GTX or Roadrunner. Driving one... well I would just be complete now wouldn't I?

[mark 23]

The Hobby Town in my are got rid of all their models car kits (except for a very small area of car kits) & replaced the car kits with a whole wall of gundum kits.

Edited August 9, 2021 by mark 23
added to post

[Beans]

We grew up with the ability to buy (cheaply) and fix up the muscle cars that most kits represent.  Today that is nearly impossible.  A lot on my interest in building is based on a love of the subject matter that I can relate to.  I honestly don't have a clue what the young adults of today have the interest and ability to do automotively any more.

[Ceaser_Salad]

5 minutes ago, Beans said:

We grew up with the ability to buy (cheaply) and fix up the muscle cars that most kits represent.  Today that is nearly impossible.  A lot on my interest in building is based on a love of the subject matter that I can relate to.  I honestly don't have a clue what the young adults of today have the interest and ability to do automotively any more.

Ah well let me answer that.

We have no ability to do anything in terms of automotive. Cars these days are all computer, no mechanics. That is the reason I love old cars, is because I can use my hands on them. But it is so hard to find a car that is from the early 80s and before for a good price that a young person can afford. My first car was one of those rare instances that I could afford it AND work on it myself.  Young people nowadays just expect someone else to do that work for them, and they should because no one without 3 years of mechanic education can figure out what the heck is wrong with a modern car.

[SSNJim]

5 hours ago, Ceaser_Salad said:

The lack of emotional attachment to modern cars is probably due to the planned obsolescence that modern car makers use.

You mean the way carmakers would update trim and such every year, and totally redesign cars every 3 years in the 50s/60s/70s? Or the way carmakers make cars identically for 6-10 years nowadays with few, if any, changes? Our 2017 Escape was totalled after less than a year. We replaced it with an identical 2018 Escape - same equipment, same trim, same color. The 2018 is indistinguishable from the 2017. The only thing that changed was the year digit and sequential serial number in the VIN. Couldn't have done that in 1957, 1967 or probably even 1977.

Of course, if you're talking about being able to take the distributor cap off your 1957 Chevy V-8 and slap it on your 1976 Chevy V-8, that's a different matter. Unllke now, engines rarely changed then. You were able to walk in to K-Mart and pick up points, condensers, spark plugs and wires, distributor cap, air filter, oil filter and oil to do the way too often tune-up on your 65 Chevy and 69 Ford. That was actually kind of nice.

I guess planned obsolescence is where you find it.

[peteski]

On 8/9/2021 at 10:44 AM, Ceaser_Salad said:

Smart phones ruin a lot. I still use a flip phone, and I love it XD. Not a distraction at all.

The modern cars are so... underwhelming. You could make models of them, but they would all look the same.

I loved learning the history of the planes I would make, especially WW2 and WW1 aircraft. So much rich education can be found just when looking for info to make a cool model.

Flip phone?  interested in history? This just reaffirms that you are not like the average person in your age group.  Not that there is anything wrong with that.  While simplified, there is your answer why it is so hard to get younger people into building models.  There are few that will, but the rest have no interest.

While the way most new  cars look is underwhelming (compared to the cars from mid-20th Century for example, few unusual (and slick or eye-pleasing) do show up here and there. The modern sports/exotic cars also look quite interesting (but some are way crazy and outrageous). 

 

On 8/9/2021 at 10:44 AM, Ceaser_Salad said:

The lack of emotional attachment to modern cars is probably due to the planned obsolescence that modern car makers use.

I have to totally disagree here. While today's cars are full of computers (making working on them close to impossible), they are also *MUCH* more reliable and rust-resistant than anything built in the 20th Century.  Back then you had to get a new car every few years because the mechanical parts wouldn't last, or rust would be eating the metalwork.  Remember, odometers in all those cars only went to 99,999 miles. Nobody was expecting them to go more than 100k miles.  Back then you would also see more broken down cars on the streets or highways.  Nowadays you almost never see a broken down car on the side of the highway.  The engines are also much more efficient.

Today's cars can easily last over 10 years, or even 20 years (of maintained properly), and they remain almost rust-free (even in areas with harsh winters, where lots of road salt is used). Odometers also have an extra digit, so the cars are expected to regularly go over 100k miles.  I don't think today's cars have any "planned obsolescence" built into them.  Quality of their assembly is also better than anything from mid-20th Century.

So while contemporary average cars are not very exciting (to build up some emotion attachment), they are much better than the the older cars. They are more like appliances that get you from point A to point B in relative comfort.

Edited August 10, 2021 by peteski