When did modeling become more than kid stuff to you?

[Bluemiles22]

I was 5 or 6 when I got my first model and it was the 56 bel air from monogram. I built probably up till I was 15 but just kinda slapped them together as quick as possible, not really caring about paint jobs, I was just happy getting some color on the car, couldn't care less about mold lines or seems lol. Last year I had some time to kill because of a knee injury and being out of work so I was clicking around online and saw the preview for the donn yost DVD. I never knew models could look that good lol. After that I've been hooked. Got some new tools, paint, and supplies and been trying to actually build a scale model of a car and not just throw a kit together as fast as possible. I'm definitely glad I found the hobby again

[eizzle]

I started building around 8 years old, I pretty much built off and on until I got my drivers license, then models got put on the back burner. I picked it up again in my mid twenties. I got laid off at work and was sitting around bored, my wife (girlfriend then) suggested that I should go get a model and work on that. I discovered the magazines and forums not long after that.

[stevepye]

I'm 14, so I'm a kid. What's this "kid's stuff?" LOL! Most of it looks very adult oriented to me, then again, I have had unusual influences. Not that they are unusual, just people not every kid gets access too.

[Shardik]

As many others here have said, I never really saw model building as kid stuff. My father was an engineer and inventor, and I remember him building scale models of his inventions: ....serious stuff.

Also, a neighborhood icon where I spent my adolescence was retired Air Force Col. E.B. Lackens. He not only built models (mostly aircraft, of course, but also classic cars), but he also developed and marketed his own line of card model aircraft:.... not kid stuff.

I also have several artists in my family. Thus, all these influences have found their expression, for me, in modelling.

I have always seen models, not as toys, but as representations of real, historic achievements, as tools for exploring the next historic achievement, or as a canvass for creativity - never as kid stuff.

[gtx6970]

  On 8/16/2012 at 7:16 AM, Tonioseven said:

I went to a toy store (Johnny's Toys in Greenhills, Ohio)

Wow, small world. I know the place well ( now closed btw)

The trains and hobbies dept asst mgr is a good friend of mine.

Me personally. I have always considered it a hobby. or more of something I like to do with free time.

I like all kinds of cars, primarily Mopar stuff ( especailly old drag carsof all makes ) and models are A LOT cheaper .

Although I can understand how some might think of it as art, I never have.

Edited September 7, 2012 by gtx6970

[Brian_B]

I was 7 or so when my friend brought over our first model kits. I learned so much about vehicles from them. I built models (didn't know what I was doing) until I was 14.

I bought my first 1:1 car at that time with my paper route money. 1970 Buick GS Stage 1. Models were put on the shelf at that point.

I did not touch another model until a week or so ago (30 years). I am in the same boat I was when I went to real cars. Don't have a clue what I am doing. Will learn through trial and error as well as reading\watching what you all are doing. I am amazed at the quality and detail that goes into most of the models around here.

Thank you,..each and every one of you.

[moparmagiclives]

I have to grow old, but I don't have to grow up.

My old age (32) has gifted me with more patience and restraints, but I have too much "grown" up stuff to deal with as it is, this doesnt need to be part of it.

Let it treat you like a kid still, enjoy it.

[Art Anderson]

  On 8/16/2012 at 1:58 AM, Jantrix said:

That I guess is a short way of saying, when did you realize, that modeling was more than just a pastime keep the kids busy when the weather is lousy. When did you realize, "Whoa, grown-ups are building these! And just LOOK at 'em!" When did you realize this was art, and that you in turn, were an artist?

We've had some good "where, when, what age were ya" discussions recently so lets keep it going.

I always loved building models and continued it straight into my late teens, but it wasn't something I told other people about. I figured it was just kid stuff and felt a little self conscious about still doing at 19 years old. Until I found my first model magazine. I was amazed and felt sooooo vindicated. Seeing those photos made me want to step up my work.

As for the art part, it wasn't until I moved next door to and art major at the local university that I understood that. A talented and unique artist himself, he was really impressed with my work. I told him that it was just a hobby, no big deal. He said, "No dude, this is ART. It might start as a kit, but what you do to that plastic is no different than a sculptor molding clay on a wire shape." He used to bring his friends over my place to see my stuff. I gotta admit, I don't know if I've ever received such a compliment before or since.

Simple! When we grew up!

Art

[southpier]

i never thought of modeling as a "kid's" passtime, but i always thought i was too young to be spending the $$$ it took to build great stuff. now that i can spend the money, i don't have as much time as i'd like to actually build.

at some point, it will even out!