I think there’s something to the ‘hot rod’ theory- I like building military aircraft. I know some modelers who do jumbo jets and small private planes but they bore me to death. By the same token if I build an auto it will be something like a Trans Am or Ferrari and not the Chevette or Escort.
And as someone who never served military hardware has a certain mystique to it. We have a couple of vets in our modeling club that build military subjects too. Only one as far as I know who saw combat (in Vietnam) who builds all kinds of stuff including recently a Viking longboat.
I guess for me it’s historical significance and sometimes looks.
I like the look of an F-100 or 106 so I build one. The historical significance of the Indianapolis, and Sherman, so I built one. I like the looks of the Boeing 727 and Macchi 202, so I’m going to build one. The history of the Apollo rocket or U-boat so I will build one
I wish there were more civil subjects, but I echo what was said earlier, there’s no money in it, and guys like things that go boom, as well as some women. My wife’s favorite machines are the F-14 and P-51.
I just saw a post on my facebook from a company called Reedoak out of France about new rubber composite figures. They offer figures from WWII to modern including civilian figures, they draw back: they want about $20 a figure. Which like we all have been saying about money being in the market. Maybe when they bring down their prices but until then they are just to cost prohibitive for use in dioramas or other large projects.
Ok, this is off topic, PaintsWithBrush, you mention you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you also mention George Barber, and have a quote from Kenny Roberts, was your enthusiasm directed at motorcycle racing? Just curious.
Back on topic, for me, the allure of war machines and why I’m mostly interested is due to 1 their history, and 2 their technology. But, I will say, the two LHS’s in my area carry more civilian automobile models than military models.
I started building back in the mid to late 50s when we were not so far removed from WWII and even less from Korea. The T.V. was showing shows like Combat, Gallant men, Silent service, Victory at Sea and so on. I knew my Father was in the war, although I didn’t know what he did in the Air Corps until many years later with the most amazing parts coming out just before he died. I tried to get copies of his military records but only managed to get copies of his medical records. These were the only ones that had barely managed to survive the great fire on 1973.
I would build the military kits but also cars, and the Aurora people kits. Later when I got drafted and went into the Air Force I started building mostly A.F. models of aircraft Ihat I had been around and vehicles that I drove (mostly armor). It’s a sort of family and personal history
I’ve noticed the same thing as the original poster.
In my youth I was one of those that built lots of war machines, specially WW2. Now that I’m a father and grandfather and have been around the block a few times I have no interest in machines of war. I hope my kids and grandkids never have to experience them.
Don’t get me wrong I’m not a tree hugging pacifist.
I think it has something to do with age! When you are young you want to go out and be a hero and slay the enemy. As you get older you could care less about killing the dragon and would rather peacefully enjoy those you care about and let others do the same.
Unfortunately I realize this thought is much easier said thn done.
For me at the moment, I am working on planes that I passed gas to. Maybe that will change, but everything on my bench right now is stuff I have worked with.
Escorts and Chevelles were indeed pretty boring cars. But the Golden Age of Aviation- mid 20s through 30s, saw some outstanding civil aircraft. The Beech Staggerwing, Stinson Reliant, and several classics were among the most beautiful aircraft ever. There were also civil aircraft that were as fast and high flying as anything the military had in the era.
Let’s not forget the historical aspect of these so-called “war machines” whether it’s by land, air, or sea of all eras in the history of war. By no means I’m glorifying war but this is history. History of what they flew, drove or sailed. I see nothing wrong with building a kit - allies or axis. Let us remind you there are not many surviving war machine around. So it’s nice to be able to build them in “many birds of feather.” The OP like motorcycles - I have no problem with that. I just don’t find them appealing. I will do automobiles though because I can build them in any way I want; be it stock or muscle cars. Motorcycles? Not so much.
I follow both the US S/X and M/X series, as well as the FIM MotoGP roadracing series. I participated in M/X and ATV (3 wheel, as my avatar shows) on a local level in my younger years. I’ve been a rider for over 40 of my years and in the industry for a bit over 25 years. I live about 60 miles south of Barber Motorsports Park and Museum and have a personal vehicle on permanent display in the museum (I donated it).
I get the “historical aspect” of the war machines. As I stated in the opening sentence of my original post, this genre dominates my shelves and stash. I’m just curious as to why this is so from both those who build, those who manufacture, and those who cover the hobby through publication and web sites.
I think Don’s comment about the Chevelle was a respond to my post, I did post Chevette, I had to go back and look… (Like the guy bragging: ‘Yeah I own a Vette… a CHEVette!’).
You did bring up some good points as usual Don, there were some beautiful civilian aircraft back in the '30s. And I wouldn’t call a Gee Bee boring…
Yeah, that’s a pretty cool Chevette alright! Eleven seconds! I used to think a Ford Fiesta with a 460 Ford in a tube chassis would make a cool project too.[:D]
In my mis-spent youth, we all thought the SS Chevelles, 442s, GTOs and Roadrunners were cool, along with all the other “muscle cars” of that era. But with kind of rare exceptions, my 2015 Nissan Maxima would give them a good run in the 'quarter mile and probably smoke 'em pretty badly in 0-60 times. And as far as top end, they could not keep up with that 4-door, family sedan with a 300 HP V-6. That is not a brag but just an example of how far automotive technology has come in the last 50 years! As always, ymmv.[:)]
I more i think about this the more I agree… there is a certain historical romance about a Daultless flying out to meet the Japanese fleet at Midway that a Piper Cub or Boeing 727 just doesn’t have - at least to me. Although you can make the same point about a Gee Bee screaming around the pylons in a '30s air race.
That is really cool you have a bike on display! I’ve always wanted to see the museum and get some laps on the track. Nice to know there is another motorcycle race fan on FSM.