I used to love building models

[dettrucker]

whe I was younger I used to really enjoy building car and semi truck models buy now I can't really build them now because I have alot of pain and loss of dextatitary from arthritus. how ever I do truelly enjoy looking at photos of the amazing work that other people are doing.

[Harry P.]

Sorry to hear that you can't build much anymore, but you can still be a part of the hobby by being an active forum member! There's more than one way to participate in this hobby.

[Ramfins59]

Yeah Dean, you can participate by continuing to look in on us and hopefully enjoy all the great work that is exhibited here. Please feel free to comment on whatever you see and like.... even what you don't like too.

[BOSWELL891]

Glad to here you enjoy the forum!

[JunkPile]

Whoever would have thought the model car hobby could be a spectator sport? Physical limitations don't seem to stop the passion. Arthritis is interfering with with my building enjoyment lately too. Some days seem to be better than others. Oh well. Take care.

[Mercman]

Just think of Dave Shulkis. Look at what he accomplished.

[uncle potts]

Dean I feel your pain, literally. It may have slowed me down, but it will not stop me. I certainly hope that you can at least Make it to the workbench even if its only its a little now and then. And like Chuck said, some days are better than others.

[GeeBee]

I know what your going through ...

I suffer from Muscular Dystrophy and nerve damage in both hands, plus the failing eyesight, I'm on painkillers (Tramadol) and anti inflammatories, someday I can't even pick up my tools without dropping them, but I will never give in, I may have a rest from going in the hobby room for a few days, but I won't let it beat me ....

[mr moto]

This is a very inspiring thread. I have no physical disabilities but I am getting older (if you figure out a way around that one please let me know) and beginning to realize just how lucky I am to still be able to do the many things I love.

I hope that there are model clubs or at least individual modelers living near these guys who can see that they get to participate in modeling activities on a personal basis.

[sjordan2]

While I have been a member of this forum and others for many years, I am finally making progress in doing my first finished build since 1974. When I decided to return to the hobby in 2007 to decompress from the world, I spent my time doing research on the kits I wanted to build. And that's most of what I've done, because life and my job got in the way (or so I tell myself).

During that time, I have been able to share my research on certain cars, provide links, using Google for members who needed help, and doing lots of things that I think have helped my fellow modelers with their builds. There's a lot you can do to move ahead with the hobby, even if you don't actually build something. But you don't have to. You can watch what's going on and participate by sharing your opinions - all of it is valuable to you and to us.

[gtx6970]

Next time your at a model show.swap meet. Look around . It seems the majority of the crowd has grey +/or thinning hair. It's the same thing happening at the 1/1 shows.

I closed my hobby bench nearly 10 years ago to take time off ( life, with 2 very active daughters and starting my own business just got in the way ) and after just coming back to it in the last 12 months, I figured out real quick I can't see the small things like I used to ( drilling holes in dist caps is a thing of the past for me now) So doing super detailed projects with lots of little photo-etched pieces is no longer for me.

We all have to enjoy it anyway we can ,,,,while we can .........

[Guest]

You may not be able to build like you want anymore Dean,but you still have a valuable asset and that's knowledge. This is the perfect place to pass that on to the younger builders. I have problems with my hands shaking at times for an unknown reason. I have to pick and choose the days that I'm able to do detail work. Sometimes, I build curbside models to avoid attempting the details completely. There are still ways to enjoy the hobby. Just do what works for you.

[Green Duster]

I hear ya Dean. I'm 58 and my arthritus gives me fits also. Small parts are a real pain. Think I have them, then

I see them go flying across the room. Starting to have as much time on the floor looking for parts as putting them

together. My quality of builds is going down also. But I only build for me. Still having fun.

[deja-view]

More prednisone and tylenol, Dean. Then, just build on "pain-free" days.

[Erik Smith]

Most of us just buy kits and look at what others build anyway

[disabled modeler]

Dean... I deal with those same problems myself due to nerve damage from a car accident....but I still wont let it keep me from my love of building--just have to find ways to get around the problems. Start with something really easy and work your way back up.

[Guest G Holding]

Agreed....My arthritic old back is shot...I still try to get a few hours a week, some weeks are better than others. But as long as I can sniff tenax, I am a modeler.

[diymirage]

i dread the day when i have to make the switch from 1/25 to 1/18

[impcon]

At age 61 ( heading for 62 just as hard as I can go! ) and after suffering a mild stroke and melt down at the same time, I find that the age related things ( eyesight, etc> ) has slowed me to a dead crawl. I have projects sitting here in front of me and I am working on them, but I have yet to complete one. Still, I collect and often buy nice built ups on Ebay just because I love automobiles and I have always loved the hobby - both in styrene and real 1:1, Yeah, age is a bugger. But it's once around the park and then it's all over here on this old planet, so I try to make the best of it. Compared with what many of you guys are going through, I'm still pretty fortunate and in good shape. I just want to say thank you to those who hang in there and encourage others and share their wisdom and experience even if they are having challenges building. Thank you..