Why do you model?

[Matt Bacon]

This is partly triggered by the "What use is box art?" thread. Which got me thinking... why do I make models at all? Recognizing that this is just me, and we all have our different motivations, I guess I'd say mine are, more or less in order of importance:

1) It's something to do with my hands, tools, and skills that's a complete break from the day job that is all about typing and screens (which is why I don't really fancy learning CAD and 3D printing...) which provides me an opportunity to relax and think different (as I'm sure sports do for many people).

2) It's  a problem-solving skill that lets me think around how i want to do things and how I'm going achieve this effect or that.

3) It's a nostalgia trip back to a more innocent time and the less-complex world of my youth.

4) It's about producing an accurate replica of an original 1:1 object that I find cool and interesting that I can put in my display cabinet.

I guess all of the above is why I'm currently occupied producing visual illusions of comic book covers from well before my time using relatively simple and somewhat crude kits for the craic (and to celebrate the life of someone who had a significant influence on my childhood.) It's probably also why my work is unlikely to trouble the judges at competitions, but that matters to me very little...

YMMV, very much so...

best,

M.

 

[StevenGuthmiller]

For me it’s cars, cars and cars!

I’ve been a car guy since I was old enough to push around a Matchbox car, and when I got a little older, it morphed into model cars.

Since then, it’s just been a way to stay immersed in the classic car scene without having to spend boat loads of money, and spend every waking moment working on the real thing.

That’s it.

Nothing at all having to do with looking for something......just any old thing, to keep me occupied or busy, or to exercise my brain or hands.

Nothing more than an outlet for my love of 50s and 60s American iron.

 

 

 

Steve

[Ace-Garageguy]

All the above...

PLUS...I build real cars for a living, but I'm very rarely paid to design and build an entire project MY WAY.

The simple truth is that I never pushed hard enough to get to the point where guys like Foose and Barris and Giugiaro got to.

Building models gives me that ability, in scale, and that's one of the reasons I kinda tend to sweat the technical details...like: would such-and-such work in reality?

EDIT: Modeling also lets me have 3-dimensional representations of cars I could never possibly own at this point, but could look at all day, just like I never tire of looking at a very few specific women, sunsets, the ocean, etc.

Cars like the Ford GT40, Ferrari "pontoon fendered" Testa Rosa and 330 P4, Porsche 917K, Jag XK13, Lambo Miura...you get the drift.  

Edited September 8, 2024 by Ace-Garageguy

[Falcon Ranchero]

I just do it because I like to see my colour combinations on cars, and to try out design ideas; a way to make my cars more personal instead of buying an already built and painted model.

[MeatMan]

I originally got back into it because I needed to improve my attention to detail and patience for work (I was a business analyst), but now that I don't work I do it because I love cars and like building them in different ways.

[Biggu]

Well….. all of the above….  ? I relate to all of the above comments except I am not a computer guy , heavy equipment was my thing and , like Steve, I have been a car guy as long as I can remember. Like the rest of you guys, making something I probably could never have, using the tools and my brain to see if I can actually create what I have in mind, and mostly….. take me back to a simple time in my life when I had no worries, and partly because I’m addicted….. “my name is Jeff and I’m a modelaholic…” and I have fun doing research, and investigating other builds and trying new things.  I think thats why. Oh, and its harmless, except to my wallet

[DJMar]

Because it's easier and cheaper than owning the real ones. ?

[OldNYJim]

I’m a professional designer, but I never get to design real cars.  I need a creative outlet for my frustrated design ambitions, plus I want to work on being the best craftsman I can be at SOMETHING - if model cars didn’t exist I’d maybe want to make the best tables I could make instead, or pens or SOMETHING.

I watched a Masterclass (online learning course) with the director David Lynch and he said something to the effect of “every area of artistic interest is an endlessly deep rabbit hole of creativity and discovery.  You can keep doing as deep as you like and never reach the bottom.”  I liked that - and now I want to see how deep MY rabbit hole goes (although, at my current skill level I’ve barely even fallen in the hole yet…)

Edited August 25, 2024 by CabDriver

[JollySipper]

I like having the creative outlet, but the main reason I build, like others, is my love for cars, which also like others, began at a young age. I used to make Dad drive me around the county on the rural backroads to bother people into looking at the old cars they always had in their yard or barns... I knew every old classic car in this area!

[Bullybeef]

3 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

 

EDIT: Modeling also lets me have 3-dimensional representations of cars I could never possibly own at this point, but could look at all day, just like I never tire of looking at a very few specific women, sunsets, the ocean, etc.

 

I’ll concur with your edit!

[THarrison351]

I can't afford the cost or the space to build the 1:1s

[Deathgoblin]

All of the above and then some.  It's also a means to keep my artistic skills sharp, and I don't just build cars.  I've got a couple of shelves of starships, a few shelves of anime girls, and I've got an entire Eldar (Aeldari?) Swordwind army for Warhammer 40K with the Avatar and Phoenix Lords. 

Oh, and mecha. 

Edited August 26, 2024 by Deathgoblin

[presnell]

I'm 75 years young had open heart surgery twice the last in March which I am still recovering from, been welding since I was 12 and building engines since 14, built cup engines 19 tears,street rods 3years,made glass blowing tools 9 years,hard faced cup cams,short track cars 2 years, and building models since 1958 and enjoy more than any of the other things I have done, almost forgot I had a flywheel explosion in '73 spent 17 weeks in the hospital have a 2 inch shorter left leg and get to wear a 2 inch built up boot.

[Mike 1017]

I went to Hobby Looby with my wife 17 years ago. That was the first time I went into the store. I saw all of the model kits, supplies, and it brought back memories of building stuff when I was about 10 years old. I still go to Hobby Lobby every couple of months now. Even though they are cutting back on everything modeling. For 17 years now they still selling that AMT 1968 Shelby 500 GT. 

Mike

[NOBLNG]

I got back into it to keep tabs on my dexterity and eyesight. I had a brother and an uncle who had Parkinsons…so.? Anyways, I really enjoy cars and I get to have almost any one I want.?

Edited August 26, 2024 by NOBLNG

[Rich Chernosky]

I was into models as early as 4-5yrs old. Mostly military (ships, planes,tanks) But by age 13 my attention turned to cars. The sight of , at then, a brand new XKE Jag on the street and then a Ford GT at Watkins Glen definetly turned my head. Haven't looked back since. You might say that I also build for most of the above reasons. But the main reason is when I am at the workbench, the world and all its troubles just fades away. I often call my workbench and display area my "sanctuary".  Our hobbies and pastimes are what keeps us sane. Works for me. 

[Ulf]

My answer is partly a combination of points 3 and 4  

It's a nostalgia trip back to a more innocent time and the less complex world, yes.   

The second part is partly like point 4,

I get to express my ideas but I don't have to own and with that take responsibility. 

[rattle can man]

Pretty much what everyone else has said. And it gives me a few hours of "me time" a week.  Like everything I do, it is to maintain dexterity, fitness, and brain health. 

[Gramps46]

I agree with the four points plus I get enjoyment out of researching and replication 1:1 racers.

[1972coronet]

Keeps me away from returning to the other modelling I did in me twenties 

[Modelbuilder Mark]

As others have said, It is both the nostalgia of my youth, but also I can have a slew of scale versions of cars I could never hope to own or replicate in 1:1.

Plus, there is the unquantifiable aspect where I just enjoy the time at the bench, even when things are not getting completed. There is just something about being there in that moment that I need. 

[James2]

I have no earthly idea why, I just do....

[StevenGuthmiller]

22 minutes ago, James2 said:

I have no earthly idea why, I just do....

Probably just because you like it?

As good or better than any other reason! ?

 

 

 

Steve

[TransAmMike]

4 minutes ago, StevenGuthmiller said:

Probably just because you like it?

As good or better than any other reason! ?

 

 

 

Steve

Hit the nail on the head Steve....so ditto?

[Bills72sj]

I am all of he above...

Diehard car guy since I could identify every make and model by sight in the late 60's.

I love the creative license to make it any color, any engine, and any wheels my heart desires.

Solving problems and learning new techniques.

The satisfaction of a job well done.

The ability to admire my builds long after they have been completed.

A little ego boost if my results are liked by others. (My 1:1 serves this purpose as well)