Ever thought of giving up modeling?

[castelnuovo]

Actually twice, during both my tours during the Vietnam war. I restarted again when I got back to the States. Since I got out in the late 80s I have thought about it a few times for reasons like lack of money and this continuing irratating problem with my eyes. As a matter of fact, if it wasn’t for there being a club here I might not be building at all now. That would only leave me watching T.V. and since I can’t fence anymore, going to the gun range.

Clubs are always a great motivators. Too bad that the nearest is quite far from me. But FSM forum is a great substitute.

[Doctor_P]

I just turned away from my work table with another frustrating modeling experience. Should have been a rather easy piece of Tamiya armor in 1/35 scale but i managed to both lose parts and not get a good order of operations. After 75 years, you would think I could get it correct. An essential termor in my right hand complicates things greatly. My next step may be Gundam which ir probably heresy to scale modelers but I had done one to completion and it was rather rewarding to see a finished model. Good luck.

[Aggieman]

Funny this thread comes up for me now, as on Sunday I literally had this thought while struggling with a paint job on a big Lancaster bomber. Even thought that I’d just sell all my unbuilt kits plus anything else that might have some value. Clean break. Yeah, I was that ticked off.

But nope, I won’t quit this hobby. Been building since age 3. With retirement on the horizon, I have to have something to do when the wife and I aren’t traveling or spoiling our grandkids rotten, or I’m not at a Texas A&M football game.

[Tojo72]

No,there have been different levels of activity,but I won’t stop unless I’m physically unable.

[Pop]

Sorry to hear about your trembling hands. I’m 71 and so far, my hands are pretty steady. There are times when I move my wrist a certain way and for a short time, I’ll get a trembling in one of my fingers, but I think I’m just hitting a nerve the wrong way. So thankfully, I have no physical limitations that would cause me to quit modeling. It doesn’t mean I haven’t thought about quitting several times. I’ve gotten rid of stashes, walked away a few times and I even went several years at one point without picking up a tool. I keep coming back though.

[GAF]

[WhatIfRebel]

I may have to give up modeling soon. I’m not going to get into a long story, but what I can say is that my eyesight took a turn for the worst in mid March. I’m going to see a specialist next week Monday. Depending on what they say and all, I may have to give up modeling very soon. It even got to the point where I had informed my local model club that there “might” be a chance I may have to get rid of all my models and model supplies and donate them to the local model club auction this summer.

[S.Hollowell]

I’m sorry about that @WhatIfRebel, I hope your eyesight doesn’t get too bad.

[mrb865]

I hate hearing this. Your models and tips are very inspirational for me. I sincerely hope that your eyesight can be corrected in a way which can maintain your standard of life and you can continue modeling. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[MisterMeester]

@Doctor_P

After 75 years

Just curious….you’re 75 years old, or have been building models for 75 years? Either way, good on you!

Cheers,
Mark

[Hearl]

I can relate to all of the comments about giving up modeling. At 89 I find it harder and harder to build models. I have been building for 80 years and do not want to stop. My eyes are good, my hands are steady, but the arteritis pain never goes away. I am on Taltz injections once a month, great stuff, keeps me going.
I build easy kits now, working on Minicraft 1/32 highway pioneers kits, simple, not too many parts, easy to assemble, my paint jobs are no longer perfect like the beautiful models I see pictured on this forum, but I am happy with them. The one most important things about modeling to me is the therapy, in my mind I am 10 years old again, not letting anyone or anything bother me, at my age your mind wanders too far. My body wants to sit in a lounge chair, and my mind wants to let it, but that is not the answer.
For you young model builders out there, I really enjoy seeing your beautiful models, keep up the great work, and if you are lucky you will be writing the same response, at the same age as I am. Dont give up, I know its hard, like Clint said, " don`t let the old man in "
Finescale modeling forum is the best, if you do have to give up modeling at some point, stay with the forum, it is great therapy also.

[Toimi_Tom]

Oof, I’m sure sorry to read this @WhatIfRebel. Sending positive vibes your way for a good result next week.

[Doctor_P]

Mark,
I am actually 78 but my aunt gave me a push fit model airplane when I was 3. I have been in and out of modeling for the past 75 years.
Paul (Dr. P)

[James_Shelton]

I’m 64 and I want to keep going as long as I can. My biggest problem is arthritis my hands. It doesn’t run in my mom’s side of my family, it strolls through, getting to know everyone personally. My eyesight is as good as I could hope for at my age. With that said I still have some kits I want to build in the future. One thing that helps is that I don’t build in the much summer so I get a brake.

[mrb865]

Welcome to the forum James. I think the majority of the community is dealing with issues of this sort, so you’re not alone. This is a great place for support, tips, tricks…just about anything. I can’t wait to see some of your builds.