Have any of you ever had your models that you’ve spent hours of time on called a TOY [?] I mean sheesh!!!After all that research on detail and paint your masterpiece is reduced to a mere plaything,How do you respond ? Do you say “well yah i get down on the floor and push my tank around until the wheels and treads go flying off and then spend $45 and build another”.How do we deal with the ‘TOY’ question ?
[:(!] yes i get told that all the time by friends,they just dont see how much work we put into the kits we build.[:(!]
Oh yes. I hear that all the time from coworkers and family members. It gets worse when I try to explain the effort, time and money spent on any given kit. Then it goes from being just a “toy” to “why do you spend all that money on toy model kits?” When I hear that, I just sniff some resin dust and go back to my workbench [:P] Some people will never understand.
well actually i DO play with my models and ironically i’ve never had anyone call any of my stuff toys [:D]
Well, people see things differently and from different perspectives. As long as they are not touching the model, they can pretty much say anything about it.
Besides, I do consider myself a kid and my models as my toys…so as for me…they can say anything they want about my toys but only me can play with them…[:D]
Personally,I just flip 'em the bird!
You know, I don’t think I get too many “toy” comments, sure my wife calls it a silly hobby, but then I say the same about her scrap books, just to keep things fair and balanced. You just can’t let it bother you.
Ya, some of my friends say there toys, but I don’t care, I build them for the detail and how realistic they can look. When they say ‘why do you build?’ I just say 'the same reasion you do Whatever sport they play. But overall my friends don’t bug me about it a lot.
Sorry to hear that this wonderful hobby of yours and ours called a toy. I have never had that problem with my fiancee calling any of my models a toy. She knows that I love history and love building models. She knows that it is a great way for me to relax (depending on what I am building) and enjoy what I do.
Bryan
As much as I love this hobby, I’ve had to come to terms with one important facet indicative of my interest: I’m a geek. Maybe not 100% geek, but I’ve definitely got a good streak of it. Plus a good chunk of perfectionism is in all of us as well. Come on, we’re the folks who never completely grew up, and in many ways, that’s a good thing. Too many folks take themselves far too seriously. Live a little and enjoy yourself. And if that involves building what some people call “toys”, then so be it. They have no idea what it takes to replicate something in miniature. It’s about research, attention to detail, and innovation. Any moron who takes the time to study one of our kits and compare it to a toy off the shelf will see the difference.
Okieboy
It happens in every hobby…as people’s perceptions of what we do for entertainment is unique. I can’t find any excitement in collecting coins or stamps, or old records (other than to listen to them). I have on occasion, commented on others’ hobbies as being nuts or even ridiculous (like the guy who collects empty beer bottles), but I build models, so who am I to judge?? 
I just dropped $130 on a single 1/35 kit last weekend.
Jeff
Yes, they call them toys right up to the point they want one built for themselves, a friend, or family member. Then they go from toys to “amazing”. [:D]
I get that alot “WOW look at all the toys” but if I am in a good mood I take them out in the forest to see the 4,000 plus models. Nothing like the sight of 200 Abrams and Bradleys to blow their minds.
Yes I play with mine in a rather large outdoor war game and yes I build them carefully.
Go to this url there are 400 odd pictures of my “toys” in the woods. Vehicles 1/35 aircraft 1/48.
http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/east/1201/index.htm
or put Peter Shulman’s War in google to find the site.
If your enjoying modeling then it really doesn’t matter what other people call your models (smile).
So what? Secretly, all model builders at some time, regardless of age, will make engine noises or gun noises as they are building… revel in imagination and the ability to fantasize, its what separates us from the dead.
Kid who visit at out house always think, “Wow! Toys!” and I always have to eye anyone in my room. As far a comments on my models I get a little annoyed with, “I don’t have the patience to build that kind of stuff.”
Haven’t heard it yet, but then again, I don’t tend to share my hobby with practically anyone. My models ARE my toys, and they’re something that brings enjoyment to me, so I see no reason to open myself to ridicule from others. It all comes from a lack of understanding, just as many of us have a total lack of understanding towards certain activities/hobbies of our friends/relatives.
And on another note, you guys should check out the link by mountain_m. I gotta say, that’s one of the most spectacular things I’ve seen with models involved. Are they all yours??? What do you do when you play? Truck them all out? [:D]
I have a stamp collection that is nearly fifty years old! I have coins that are older then my parents, I’ve had and built old cars that are worth a fortune today. I’ve been so lucky to be able to do all these things in my life, but nothing has given me greater enjoyment, peace of mind, and compliment, then sitting here and assembling, painting, and learning a little history from building the models in my collection. It is so rewarding to have people look at my efforts and comment. I have a retired Navy Captain who lives across the street from me who is always asking what my latest project is. I have an elementary school teacher who lives two doors down from me who has asked me to bring some of my work to his class and talk about modelling. I have actually had friends ask if it was ok if they brought someone to see my work. I’m very honored to have some of my work in the homes of people who were just so taken and complimentery that I insisted they take the work with them. The greatest feeling is having give my once young nephew a couple of cheap bi-planes I built many years ago, and as a young man today, he still has them and remembers the joy of his uncle giving them to him as a youngster. These wonderful moments and memories far outweigh any neagative remarks I’ve ever had with regard to my toy collection as some would put it. I know you’ve all heard it said before! “one mans junk is anothers treasure” I love my junk. Interesting topic, I’ve really enjoyed each of your perspectives. Semper Fi, mike
I guess this is where being short and ugly has paid off for me,I don’t care what people say. I would get the same stuff about my hunting when I worked in the city, I just don’t care.I missed building for so many years because of work or other restraints, but the whole time I’d grab a FSM and oogle the work. My love for the hobby never waivered.As a recovering AA, getting back into this great hobby has been a godsend. So I just look at anyone who says something like that like I do when I hear a short ugly joke, just smile and sigh!
I think they’re toys. If it’s not related to family, work, or real life in general, I tend to think of the subject as a toy. But then, I tend not to take my hobbies as serious as some of you guys. All big boys have toys. The only things that change from when you were a kid is the price. My boat is a big, expensive Toy. No real use in life other than to play, much like my models.
It ain’t nothin but a thing. Most of us will never make a living off of this, most of us are in this for a form of escape and relaxation, most of us know what we do is for ourselves and not for public consumption, most of us know in the end, this hobby is just that, a hobby. Rewarding, relaxing, fun, but just a hobby.
Please note, I said “most”[:D].
Have fun and don’t let people get under your skin.
you can call anything a toy. Porch is a toy to a rich man.
when I tell my neighbor any one of my rc tanks is more expensive than his car. He does not call my tanks toys anymore. instead, he calls me crazy:)