why?

HEY,
While i was in one of the other rooms i heard blackwolf “say” that he built models for him and him only. This got me thinkin’. I was wondering why everyone else builds models. I build them because it calms me down and it is really fun to see each model get better as i progress. Please share your answers. Thanks alot.

Randy[:p]

I build for several reasons:

  1. Relaxation
  2. Get away from the kids
  3. Interesting subject
  4. That “New Model Smell”

Mainly, I build because I can.

demono69

3 basic reasons:

  1. My interest in the subject (I only build models I’m interested in).
  2. It also calms me down, and helps me relax (when I start getting fustrated with a model I’ll put it up and either walk away or switch to a another one).
  3. I enjoy seeing my skills progress and the model come together.
    I doubt I’ll ever be good enough to enter a contest, so I build just for me.

I thought everyone did!

I build to make ME happy. If someone else like my work, that’s cool. Ultimately, it’s me that has to be pleased. I build because I like the kit, the subject matter, and I like myself. I’m my best customer. I also build to show my kids that you can turn a pile of plastic parts into something recognizable. All three of mine build models now. The two girls build cars and sci-fi and my son likes tanks and jet fighters. My skills have improved over the last 38 years and I’m comfortable with that. I always learn from others more skilled and use that info in my next kits.
Bottom line is that I have to be happy doing this or it’s not worth the time, energy and money.

I find my Zen(happy place) when I build.
I am able to focus on only only one thing and theirs no deadlines,budgets or quality problems to worry about.
I am one with the model.
(Wow that sounds a little earthy does’nt it)

I build subjects that I’m interested in and ones that I can add a little bit of “me” into. In turn I always learn something new about the subject I’ve built. I also love to open a new kit and look over the pieces and think of what it will look like when it’s done and that gives me the chance to go through my spare parts box and after market pieces to find things to make the kit uniquely mine.

I enjoy the research as much as I enjoy the building aspect of it. I think of it as art and its enjoyable to see it coming together just like it was being built at the factory. As a history buff, what’s better then seeing the tools of war in miniature come to life right in front of you. Of course its a great excuse to getting out of chores around the house. Seriously, its a relaxing, enjoyable hobby that you can do into your Golden Years. I hope to pass my love of modeling onto my grandkids someday.

Tigerman said it all…

As Hanibal from the A TEAM said " I love it when a PLANE comes together " feeble jokes aside i build for my own enjoyment and relaxation, to get away from everyday life and work and to experience the buzz that creating something gives. My other hobby is vehicle resoration and that gives me just the same feeling but it is much more long term. one of my current projects is a 1957 landrover that i have been working on for two and a half years and it will be at least another two to three years before it is complete so modeling is a sort of "quick fix " for me . as i said on another thread its “whatever rows your boat”. Have fun and never mix up your eye drops and your superglue![:D]…Greg

I like to build WWII aircraft because I like WWII aircraft. Since there’s not a whole lot around these days (and I can’t always make a pilgrimage to an air museum) I built models to bring me closer to them. This article written by Lee Kolosna at www.modelingmadness.com says it best for me:

http://modelingmadness.com/musings.htm

I like to build cause it relaxes me from a pain in the arse day of being a soldier!
jk, it relaxes me and gives me something to do with my hands, I love building things so it goes along great with my lifestyle.
Also I enjoy trying to get as realistic with the kits as the vehickles I’ve driven:M109A-5, M-109A6, M-113, M-577, M-1074/1075 PLS’s ( if someone ever makes a kit of one!!!) etc etc etc… or been on, I know that almost all the kits aren’t 100% authentic so when I find the differences from the real ones learning how to build that section or item is a great learning experiance for me.

May St. Barbara watch over us all!

I’ve got bad eyesight, so models are probably as close to any sort of military equipment as I’ll ever get [:)]

Me, i’m a self confessed control freak! When I close my hobby room door, open the window and turn on the tunes I’m in control of what I’m doing! If it turns out the way I wanted it then great, on to the next step; if it didn’t, so what, tear it down and start again. to me its the process I like, I’m not as interested in the end product!

Simply - I like airplanes - and since I can’t fly by myself, I build models ! Aleksander

I feel the same way as you, Piers. I build models because it’s something that I am in complete control of. I don’t have to worry about whether someone else is doing their job or whether I am doing a good enough job for someone else. I set my own standards and like Piers said, if it doesn’t meet my standards I can redo it until it does.

Ray

I build mostly for the same reasons everyone else has mentioned. For me, it’s also an outlet for creativity, expressing yourself and promoting all around “wellness”. As a WW II buff myself, it’s awesome to see your favorite ships and planes come to life by your own hand. But, building also brings me back to a time in my life as a youngster when there were no pressures, deadlines, or other things that we have to deal with as adults. With every project, a little bit of the kid in me comes back. And that is good. [:)]

Hi All.

I build kits because I enjoy it. It takes me away from my job and helps me chill out and relax. I do it because I love it.[:D]

Regards,

Darren.

I agree with oz1998 no pressure you can just focus on what your doing and let the little kid in you come out. Plus its cool when your friends see a finished model and say things like “wow i wish i could do that” ! Now if i can just keep my friends from trying to pick a model YIKES!!! DONT TOUCH THAT!

As suspected, every one posted pretty much the same response. But, there are several out there who build for others. I know of several who are exceptional builders that will build custom models for clients. Why not, if you are that talented, make a few bucks, or a bunch. They also build for themselves. Me, I am not talented this is my “creative” outlet, and when one of the pros says my stuff is really good, well that’s likethe proverbial gold star award.