I picked up a bulk lot on e-bay this week. About a dozen unbuilt kits and about the same number built. Wife was selling them on behalf of her husband who now has advanced stage of Parkinsons disease. Got talking to her when I picked up the items, he is now in need of full time care and that occupies most of her time.
When I got the built kits home, you could really chart his gradual decline. The early kits were lovingly built, with nice paintjobs, flawless decals, interior detail. Then things started to slip. He would not bother to paint the undersides of aircraft, the interior detailing dropped off and in the end, he was just slapping decals on unpainted glue bombs. He just shook so much, his wife said he could no longer hold an AB or a brush. I’m going to try and resurrect them and hopefully show them to him. A very insidious disease. And this guy isnt even 60 yet.
We are fragile creatures, venerable to a variety of illnesses that will eventually rob us of the very essence of “us”. Having already experienced death once, I hope when it wins, it is as quick as the first time and not a slow, lingering decline.
Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s claimed my great grandfather. Both very hard diseases to experience. Wirraway, your mission is a noble one. I’m sure the gentleman that you bought the kits from would be absolutely thrilled to see some of his old builds redone. I hope you can keep in contact with him.
Very nice idea, Wirraway. That’s very kind of you and one of the reason’s you are a very respected person on these forums (outside of being a darned fine model builder).
My step father, who passed away at easter, used to build balsa remote control aircraft. He got Parkinsons and Altzeihmers which eventually put an end to his building but he still bought the kits and parts. Like this guys wife my mum is makeing sre they all go to good homes.
While your intention is certainly noble, I’d suggest that you might want to discuss it with his wife first.
If he had become frustrated or depressed due the deterioration of his modeling skills, then your refurbishing of his built-up kits might have the unintended consequence of reminding him of what he has lost or be interpreted as criticism of his work.
A good point, certainly do ask the wife for her opinion. On the other hand, I think most modellers would be pleased to see someone pickup the pieces when they cannot.
Very nice gesture Wirrawy,nobel indeed. One of my greatest pleasures is building and collecting, been at it for the best part of 40 years, if I was in that position it would crush me to see my stash and tools go because if illness.
Don’t forget about Michael J Fox, he has had this disease for years…it knows no age limits.
His inability to continue on with a hobby he loved may be a source of frustration and depression. Chat with the wife or stop in to chat with him, ask his “secrets of modeling” and make him feel useful again.