Model club

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hey everyone, I haven’t posted anything on here for a while!

Being a 17 year old pilot, I have developped quite an interest in aviation since my childhood. I am in Royal canadian Air Cadets, and I am looking at starting a model club for my squadron. This model club would be open to any project from aircraft to figurines, to dioramas, etc… but considering that most of these kids are young and impatient, it will not be anything near professional modeling! The main objective would be to introduce these kids to the world of modeling and to build interest in aviation.

My resources stand as such; I have a classroom, and a few interested members. I have a sponsoring commitee who is willing to provide me with various items such as cutting boards, drop-cloths, paint brushes, etc… I’m hoping to eventually integrate some group builds and various competitions for example; most interesting paint job, most accurate model, most detailed cockpit, etc…

Now, the important part of the message; I am asking everyone out there for as much input as you can help me with. I would like you to send me some ideas on how I can make this work (especially with a range fo age from 12 to 18 years of age!). If you have any suggestions, please participate in thsi forum and let me know.

Thank you very much, I appreciate it,

Spray the pepper

2

My advice would be to first contact IPMS (International Plastic Modelers Society)
http://www.ipmsusa.org/

You could probably start a chapter (if there isn’t one already) in your area. If there is a local chapter, maybe ask some of the older, more wiser modelers to join and assist the wee-folks. They can show them tips, tricks, etc., for building models. I know one of the biggest kicks i used to get out of this hobby, and still do today, is that when i see something someone has done, i try to figure out how they did it. And when i do figure it out, i say those magical words, “So THAT’S how they did it!!”

Secondly would be to keep encouraging them. The hobby in general is pretty easy, but they may get frustrated or lose interest if things don’t go as they should (ie, missing pieces, pieces don’t fit right, messed up the paint/glue, etc)

Thirdly and lastly, make it fun. This is the BIGGEST key to this hobby. If building a model to them is fun, they’ll want to return and do another one. If they think it’s boring, well, it’s boring. You can’t force kids into the hobby, but if you make it an entertaining experience for them, they’re liable to keep on doing it based upon their first experience alone.

Good luck with the kids!

3

Thanks a bunch,
I’ll look into finding a chapter…or making one!

Happy Modeling!