BOY AM I IN TROUBLE!!

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
21

Absolutely! I haven’t had cable for more than seven years, and I don’t miss it at all. My wife went through a very difficult adjustment period when she moved in with me, but now even she is looking at most of the dreck on T.V. and is glad we’re missing it.

My in-laws have digital cable, so I got excited to see the Discovery Wings channel the last time we were there – until I actually saw the programming. On Christmas day, they ran an hour-long show on fighters (not bad, at that), and one on simulators (which I didn’t see much of because my father-in-law kept channel surfing). Then, next up. . .was the same two freaking shows! They pay all that money to see the same things run back to back???

Anyway, if one month of cable equals two PE sets, or one (or more) kit(s), or paints, or more tools, or, well. . .you get the idea. My money is going to this hobby.

Regards,

-Drew

22

Hi everyone!

This is a topic near and dear to my heart. I can’t imagine anyone ever NOT going through this scenario. I feel like a pooper when I say this but it’s something I tend to think about. I’ve seen the pie charts produced by our Quicken home finance program and they were very scary. My models were making up a good piece of the pie chart. It really got me to thinking about the serious nature of finances. Now my wife and I are not hurting. We pay all our bills on time and we’ve never been strapped for cash. However, I don’t feel that gives me license to run amok with my model spending. I figure I have about 20 models kits yet to build under my workbench. Lately when there’s been a newly released model which has come out I really “search my soul” and ask myself do I really need one more model box gathering dust under my bench? Will it seriously harm me if I don’t get it? The answer to both questions is “no”. Then I’ll tell myself that when the time comes where I can get another model or two then by that time who knows what the new sweet “kit of the day” is. Maybe I’ll want that one more than the one I’m currently drooling over.

I think it also has something to do with a guilt factor. Not that my wife imposes it on me at all! That’s not the case! But rather, I feel like what kind of husband would I be if I had no qualms about dropping $60 on a kit for myself when I could be spending a fraction of that to get something thoughtful and nice for my wonderful wife. She’s the one who deserves to be showered with gifts and other lovely things. If it weren’t for her in my life I don’t know where I’d be. She’s the one who makes my life worth living, not the model kits.

Please don’t get me wrong. I love my models and there are soooo many out there that I want but then I think I try to have some sense of what is reasonable. I tend to take a serious look at my “wants” vs my “needs” and vs my “should do’s”. But in the way one might tell a spoiled child that they simply cannot have everything they see, I tell myself that I don’t need to buy every desireable kit that appears on the shelf. Would I like to? Absolutely. But do I? No. I guess I try to maintain some semblance of self-discipline.

Okay I’m done with my diatribe. Sorry if I blathered on but I think I needed a forum to express my thoughts on the matter. I know everyone is different so I’m not trying to judge anyone. Please don’t take it that way.

Eric

23

Hey Eric,

You’ve got a pretty cool attitude on the issue. It’s good to keep things in perspective.

Regards,

-Drew

24

Drew,
THAT is a big reason why I’m dropping it. I have Direct TV and every channel will have 18 hrs of the same stupid show back to back. Last night, TLC was nothing but “Trading Spaces”, History was “Infamous Murders”, Law and Order is on about 7 different channels for the whole night. They took a lot of good programs like Junkyard Wars and stuck them on channels that are not available in my program area. Now that Discovery Wings has not had a new program on in 6 months, I have decided to go back to the ol VCR and put the money towards new reference books and videos.
My wife hates TV, but she has been hooked on HGTV and “Clean Sweep”. If your spouse EVER see’s this show, beware and guard your hobby space or have some guy tell you that you can only keep three models and the rest will go the charity.
Scott

25

Thanks Drew.

I recall reading your comments on many other topics and I do agree with a whole lot of the stuff you have to say too.

Best wishes,

Eric

26

I had the models for over 50 years. I had the wife for over 30 years. I still have the models!

27

Yeah I think everyone has this problem…I like the “Turn it around on her” method. I just stack her tote full of unfinished quilts on top of my unbuilt pile, then I have a “visual aid” for my arguement. Besides if she asks me about them I just pick one up and start talking about it… her eyes quickly glaze over and she can’t wait to get out of the room!
[:D][;)]

28

Easy fix, get a bigger mortgage so your expenses look smaller.
:slight_smile:

29

Good grief! I think we all married the same woman. rangerj

30

then she shouldn’t be complaining…but seriously folks
this topic is funny b cos its true! hahahaha wah waaaa sob sob sniff sniff

31

Scottrc: that’s an interesting trade - cable for photoetch. I’d do it in a heartbeat
except I’m not sure how long I could survive without the History Channel. . .

32

I seem to be the only person who got into this hobby as a way to save money! When I was out of work last year and we were living off my wife’s earnings, I needed some way to pass my time without spending large amounts of cash. I bought some cheap Airfix kits and spent many happy hours rediscovering the joys of model making. Admittedly most of my efforts are still pretty amateurish but I got a lot of pleasure out of making them and, more importantly, didn’t break the bank.

Eric, your wife sounds like a lucky lady. I know I’m a lucky man for the way my wife supported me in every way till I found a new job. Yes, I look longingly at the kits in the local hobby shop but, like you, I ask myself how important owning them is in the bigger scheme of things. Sometimes I’d just rather buy a gift for my wife.

33

I feel for you guys, I am still a batchelor, so there is no drama about spending. The only problems are the voices in my head telling me I do need that kit and accesssories!!! As I am still in between homes, waiting for my new place to be completed, I doubt if I can sneak more stuff past my mum!!! Also, I am into electric mice (model rail) so I do have expensive tastes!!!
Traveller

34

hmmmmm…i must be one of the lucky few…the wife builds too, so as long as the bills get paid, there is food on the table, and the kids have all there kids junk…im pretty well left alone. But i do this smartly, i only have two or three going at once, so she cant complain case she has thatmany in the closet beeing worked on too…if you read this love…i love you :slight_smile:

jim

35

traveller hi[:)],
“…electric mice…”??

36

Traveller I know what you mean about the ‘electric mice’!

After all you’re not talking one model, your talking a whole train of them, running on a very large diorama. I’d hate to think haw much I’ve spent on my mice!

Karl[:)]

37

Cable for hobbies? I made that trade a long tyime ago. In fact I my internet connection and phone is from the cable company and supposedly I get free basic cable but I dont have my TV hooked up to it, the antena, rabbit ears or anything I dont even know if I get any channels at all. Its been this way for atleast 5 years. In fact we just bought the TV so when people come over they dont have a heart attack because theres no TV. Just the sight of the turned off TV some how prevents their coranaries. But I sadly do need the cable internet besides modeling, I do have a dark secret (looks around nervously) I play Everquest and sometimes have…GULP LAN parties! But really turn off the TV and all of a sudden you have time for the wife, kids, golf, work, modeling and everquest. Trust me after 30 days you wont miss it and when you are forced into watching it like a friends or relatives house the shows seem funnier.

38

Sometimes it is great to be single. Sometimes it sucks. But at least my space is MY Space.

Sorry Guys. Couldn’r resist.

LOL. HA HA.

39

Hey, guys! I may have the solution to all your problems!! I saw it on a British modeling page. Now if you could just get the wife to sign it… [:D]
My apologies in advance for the lengthy post. [:)]

The Modeller’s Charter

1, The Modeller shall not admit to having too many kits. Further more The Non-Modeller shall not complain if access to any room is blocked by The Modeller’s existing Collection.

2, Chocolate may be purchased by any member of the family, however the foil wrapper and possibly also the contents shall belong to The Modeller.

3, A copy of The Charter shall not be kept by anyone who is not The Modeller, as any or all rules can be suspended, changed or enforced at The Modeller’s whim.

4, All visits to The Hobby Shop will cost a minimum of £40 irrespective of the intention of The Modeller to ‘just pop in for a tin of paint’.

5, Everything is suitable for modelling, therefore The Non-Modeller will present any broken or interesting item to The Modeller before disposal. The Modeller reserves the right to ‘rag-pick’ any dustbins belonging to any local Non Modellers.

6, Under no circumstances shall The Modeller be under any obligation to consult the instructions before commencing or re-commencing work on The Model.

7, Any item purchased by The Modeller (The Model) must be subjected to immediate and concentrated scrutiny - up to and including employment of craft knives and glue - to the exclusion of any household chores waiting to be completed.

8, The Modeller hereby declares that The Hobby is inexpensive when compared to other hobbies such as radio controlled aeroplanes, restoring vintage cars, football season tickets, etc. Therefore any expenditure concerned with The Hobby is deemed to also be inexpensive, and further to be ‘Good Value’ This is also understood by The Non-Modeller.

9, The Modeller shall be at liberty to purchase as many tools, reference materials and aids to modelling as his whim dictates. However, The Modeller shall retain the rights to use The Non-Modeller’s nice sharp scissors whenever required for Decal trimming.

10, Whenever a New Model is released The Modeller shall require three more than the maximum required ‘Just in Case’. In the event that two or more manufacturers release the same model at the same time this quantity may be doubled.

11, The iron is for making ‘weighted and bulged’ aircraft and vehicle tyres. The Modeller has first call on this essential modelling tool. The Non-Modeller shall not require any other use while it is employed for Modelling.

12, The Modeller must purchase appropriate storage containers, tackle boxes and tool boxes etc. for all modelling related items. The Modeller has the right to discard all previously purchased storage systems in order to purchase a new, more appropriate system at any time.

13, Buying expensive imported kits from Russia and Ukraine actually stimulates the economies of developing nations and is therefore ‘A Good Thing’.

14, The Modeller must subscribe to every modeller’s magazine whether or not he actually has time to read any of them. The pictures are always nice to look at and give ideas for more model purchases that just have to be made.

15, The Modeller reserves the right to use The Computer to go online and order essential items for The Hobby from The Supplier.

16, The Modeller shall attend a number of Model Shows during the year for the purpose of extending The Collection. Although the dates of these Model Shows will not be released in advance, The Modeller shall have precedent in the use of The Car, and The Non-Modeller shall be responsible for any re-planning of holidays or other outings required.

17, The Modeller has the right to prowl the streets of unfamiliar towns. This process is called ‘Looking for a Model Shop’ and is a vital part of The Hobby.

Signed…The Modeller

Signed…The Non-Modeller

40

Good one.

Haven’t seen that one before.
[:D]