Why do we model?

[knightyo]

For a first-grade class project, I built a car out of a toothpaste box with an engine mounted in the front of the box (I think from an old hot wheels car) which gave the appearance of a funny car.  I can’t recall all of the detail of the model, but what I DO remember is the amount of praise I received from my teacher.

  

I grew up with two sisters who were both a decade older than I; my parents didn’t really have the desire/energy to bring up another child, so I was always left to my own devices and rarely received any type of encouragement.  Getting direct praise from that 1^st grade teacher was like a drug (now I understand, literally :D), and I think still plays a part in why I create.  The scratchbuilding bug had hit me early, all due to a random comment from a schoolteacher.  Reminiscing about this is making me want to see if she’s still around; it would be fun to let her know what an impact she had on a little kid back in the 70’s.

[Wawona59]

23 hours ago, Rik Thistle said:

Another aspect to modelling, which is a very absorbing hobby, is the ability to discuss/share projects with others 

Well said Richard.  I neglected to mention the camaraderie in the modeling community in my previous response to Jackson's query.  When I was a kid in the 60's, the modeling camaraderie was maybe 1-2 like-minded kids in the neighborhood and perhaps the hobby shop owner where I bought my model kits.  

 

Now, thanks to the internet and groups like MSW, the modeling community is now world-wide.

 

[mtdoramike]

On 11/1/2024 at 12:27 PM, Michael Mash said:

Your question triggered some thoughts.

 

Why do I model?

 

It shows me that despite my age, I am really still a kid.

There is a thrill in inventing new ways of doing things.

It is gratifying to know, my current project is better than the last, but not as good as the next.

The struggle for perfection is motivating, though I will never get there.

 

Regards,

Mike

 

I tell myself that same thing every morning when I crawl out of bed "I'm really still a kid". But then as the day grows older, so do I, to the point I believe that being young and feeling like a kid is a figment of my imagination especially when my mind is saying go and my body is saying hell no.

[GrandpaPhil]

You and me both!

[TOM G]

I made a model back in my 30's.......... But she dump'd me for a rich guy. 😟

[SiriusVoyager]

I model because it allows me to create something both artistic and technical.  I have never been good at anything artistic nor at creating things with my own hands.  I enjoy the personal challenge, as it allows me to work on and improve on something that I find very difficult.  I choose ships because of their majestic appearance and the history and exploration that they represent.  It also gives me a mental escape from stresses and responsibilities of the "real world."

[JacksonMcG]

Hi all: thanks for your answers! I really appreciate it! I'm looking forward to joining you all in MSW.