I'm with you Joel and Damian I love to fish when time and weather permits. The funniest thing is that my two daughters actually drive the whole fishing thing they really enjoy it and nag dad to take them. (Bear in mind my two are 28 and 19 and they still nag me to take them fishing!)
I also hunt as well mainly small game, I reload my own ammunition and until recently was a member of the handloaders association.
As for music it plays a large part in my life although like Richard I'm unable to carry a tune. But unlike most of you (possibly) I'm an old metal head. I grew up with the like of Kiss AC/DC Deep Purple but that doesn't define my music tastes which are quite eclectic.
Terri you and my eldest would get on well they have a burdegeoning addiction to fountain pens ..... and art supplies LOL
General Aircraft
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Other Interests- What makes modelers tick ?
c4willy
#305
Joined: February 01, 2006
KitMaker: 1,673 posts
AeroScale: 1,517 posts
Posted: Monday, November 20, 2017 - 12:22 AM UTC
rdt1953
Joined: February 06, 2015
KitMaker: 1,098 posts
AeroScale: 900 posts
Posted: Tuesday, November 28, 2017 - 02:06 AM UTC
Bump ! Any more offerings ? This is too interesting to let it wither !
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
AeroScale: 833 posts
Posted: Tuesday, November 28, 2017 - 06:52 AM UTC
Interesting it is-- I was "rear ended" on Saturday-- and my insurance appraiser came to inspect the car today-- he noticed my stash of kits I keep in the garage and my workbench-- and asked about them. He's 58 and has been collecting kits and building a few for several years and keeping this thread in mind I asked him what other hobbies he enjoyed-- he said leather tooling and Guitar playing--another musician!! I'm amazed how many folks build models. I just met a retired Marine BG who builds model tanks too!
VR, Russ
VR, Russ
drabslab
Joined: September 28, 2004
KitMaker: 2,186 posts
AeroScale: 1,587 posts
Posted: Tuesday, November 28, 2017 - 05:51 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I'm amazed how many folks build models. I just met a retired Marine BG who builds model tanks too!
VR, Russ
Yes it is amazing, and at the same time, no it is not.
It is not amazing because:
- admit it: it is a most amazing hobby, who could live without it?
- because the modelling related companies are popping up everywhere and the range of products is overwhelming: books, magazines, paint, photoetch, resin, new high quality kits ...; without many clients(modellers) this would not be the case
It is amazing because:
Individual modellers seem not aware how lage the community is and often one reads "doom and gloom the hobby is dying" comments on modelling sites.
Many people model in isolation and seem not at all interested in sharing their work and passion. I find this truly amazing (and a bit sad)
c4willy
#305
Joined: February 01, 2006
KitMaker: 1,673 posts
AeroScale: 1,517 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 29, 2017 - 08:27 AM UTC
I wonder if it's not seen as a guilty pleasure? Something we do in the privacy of our own homes but rarely admit to in public for fear of ridicule?
I know in one instance when I put it on my resume under hobbies and that when interviewed I was asked what my hobbies were after telling them the response was .... ohhhhhhhhh you're THAT guy.
It maybe also perceived as something kids do but adults grow out of. I remember being told by a family friend "don't worry you'll grow out of it" my response was god's I hope not! I myself am not forward with the information of what my major hobby is I often wonder whether I'll be judged because of it.
Whoa ..... sorry to make it all heavy and such.
I know in one instance when I put it on my resume under hobbies and that when interviewed I was asked what my hobbies were after telling them the response was .... ohhhhhhhhh you're THAT guy.
It maybe also perceived as something kids do but adults grow out of. I remember being told by a family friend "don't worry you'll grow out of it" my response was god's I hope not! I myself am not forward with the information of what my major hobby is I often wonder whether I'll be judged because of it.
Whoa ..... sorry to make it all heavy and such.
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
AeroScale: 833 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 29, 2017 - 09:33 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I wonder if it's not seen as a guilty pleasure? Something we do in the privacy of our own homes but rarely admit to in public for fear of ridicule?
I know in one instance when I put it on my resume under hobbies and that when interviewed I was asked what my hobbies were after telling them the response was .... ohhhhhhhhh you're THAT guy.
It maybe also percieved as something kids do but adults grow out of. I remeber being told by a family friend "don't worry you'll grow out of it" my response was god's I hope not! I myself am not forward with the information of what my major hobby is I often wonder whether I'll be judged because of it.
Whoa ..... sorry to make it all heavy and such.
I never used to make a habit of "admitting" to model building, but in the past few years I've noticed a trend where it's become a rather "respectable and mature hobby", and many more folks are admitting to it. I think that's because kits themselves have become more sophisticated, and we've become more demanding of accuracy, not to mention the incredible price increases of kits--kids can't afford them like we used to when we grew up in the 50s and 60s. I was commenting in another post that Joel Willstein started with his question about whether we need a new paint line (in reference to Tru-Color paints), and it occurred to me that whereas many decry the death of the LHS (me included), the internet has also allowed the hobby industry right into our front doors-- literally. As such it's reached folks on a worldwide basis, across all spectrum s of age, income and status-- something the LHS could never do. So there are more folks engaged in the hobby, and as a result, I think more folks are willing to share this part of their lives. I've certainly become more open about it, and have found many I "meet on the street" have expressed interest as well. My neighbor's would never pick up a kit in their lives, but come by my garage every so often when the door is open in the summer (which is where my workshop is), just to chat and see what I'm working on. As I mentioned above, my recent insurance appraiser showed up and said he was a model builder, and I had occasion to run into a retired Marine Brigadier General (I'm a retired Army Colonel-- and occasional meet up with other veterans) who shared that he built model tanks-- both in the same day! I think many Museums have also helped bring us into the open-- our local museum of flight has sponsored a growing club, and showcased our work on an ever growing basis, and even requests builds regularly to meet themes. I think we are in a new "Renaissance" of model building.
VR, Russ
KelticKnot
Joined: May 11, 2015
KitMaker: 768 posts
AeroScale: 656 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 29, 2017 - 03:37 PM UTC
Another musician here !
I'll usually have a rock radio station (Planetrock) on in the background as I'm modelling. In opposition to Joel I find silence quite a distraction and prefer some background noise.
I learned to play guitar as a young teenager and then played bass guitar for years in various rock bands. I dabble in various other stringed instruments too. Seven instruments currently reside in our cramped house and like most guitarists I'd probably have more if I was 'allowed'
I was a keen martial artist in my twenties/thirties and was very fit. That all lapsed when I changed career into animation where I found I had no spare time whatsoever with crazy workloads and looming deadlines. In the last few months however I've begun to notice the dreaded middle-age spread and have started going back to the gym and running. I'm surprised to find that basic fitness returning quite quickly!
I'll usually have a rock radio station (Planetrock) on in the background as I'm modelling. In opposition to Joel I find silence quite a distraction and prefer some background noise.
I learned to play guitar as a young teenager and then played bass guitar for years in various rock bands. I dabble in various other stringed instruments too. Seven instruments currently reside in our cramped house and like most guitarists I'd probably have more if I was 'allowed'
I was a keen martial artist in my twenties/thirties and was very fit. That all lapsed when I changed career into animation where I found I had no spare time whatsoever with crazy workloads and looming deadlines. In the last few months however I've begun to notice the dreaded middle-age spread and have started going back to the gym and running. I'm surprised to find that basic fitness returning quite quickly!
Bravo1102
Joined: December 08, 2003
KitMaker: 2,864 posts
AeroScale: 64 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 29, 2017 - 05:19 PM UTC
Doing web comics and art I find my interests blend into each other. Skills I picked up in one I apply to another. When painting a portrait I found myself using figure painting techniques.
I build sets for my web comics and compose panels based on techniques gleaned from diorama building. However, only my most recent work had models I had built from kits. Before it had only been furniture and props.
I build sets for my web comics and compose panels based on techniques gleaned from diorama building. However, only my most recent work had models I had built from kits. Before it had only been furniture and props.
drabslab
Joined: September 28, 2004
KitMaker: 2,186 posts
AeroScale: 1,587 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 29, 2017 - 08:13 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Doing web comics and art I find my interests blend into each other. Skills I picked up in one I apply to another. When painting a portrait I found myself using figure painting techniques.
I build sets for my web comics and compose panels based on techniques gleaned from diorama building. However, only my most recent work had models I had built from kits. Before it had only been furniture and props.
Hoi Stephen,
Are these web comics visible somewhere? I am getting really curious how that looks now
Bravo1102
Joined: December 08, 2003
KitMaker: 2,864 posts
AeroScale: 64 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 29, 2017 - 08:52 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextDoing web comics and art I find my interests blend into each other. Skills I picked up in one I apply to another. When painting a portrait I found myself using figure painting techniques.
I build sets for my web comics and compose panels based on techniques gleaned from diorama building. However, only my most recent work had models I had built from kits. Before it had only been furniture and props.
Hoi Stephen,
Are these web comics visible somewhere? I am getting really curious how that looks now
http://www.theduckwebcomics.com My user name is bravo1102 so you search that and my titles will come up.
You can also Google "robofemoid " for a couple of them. The word is my invention so it'll all be related to my work.
rdt1953
Joined: February 06, 2015
KitMaker: 1,098 posts
AeroScale: 900 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 30, 2017 - 01:08 AM UTC
Thanks to all for the new round of responses .
I can certainly empathize with Chris' and Russ' sentiments on the fear of how others may perceive our hobby. I can recall " keeping it in the closet " as an adolescent. I suppose nature takes care of things to a degree because about the time I " discovered " girls it didn't much matter because I lost interest in everything but girls ! I also suppose I am fortunate that when courting the young woman that became my wife nearly forty years ago ( what a lucky woman ! ) I was delighted to find that her younger brother was an avid military modeler- an ice breaker of sorts .
Except for a few tiny events put on by our LHS many years ago I never did the contest thing but my brother in law convinced me to attend the IPMS Nats in South Carolina the summer before last . I was fascinated and delighted by the diversity of people - at least appearance wise - seemingly from all walks of life . Mostly midlife and later though that may be due to the economic constraints of traveling great distances.
Bravo to Stephen ( no pun intended - well - maybe a little ) for taking it one step further and including a link to showcase his diverse talent - very entertaining !
I hope all are enjoying this as much as I am. I think it provides a nice landscape portrait of who we are .
Keep it coming ! Richard
I can certainly empathize with Chris' and Russ' sentiments on the fear of how others may perceive our hobby. I can recall " keeping it in the closet " as an adolescent. I suppose nature takes care of things to a degree because about the time I " discovered " girls it didn't much matter because I lost interest in everything but girls !
I also suppose I am fortunate that when courting the young woman that became my wife nearly forty years ago ( what a lucky woman ! ) I was delighted to find that her younger brother was an avid military modeler- an ice breaker of sorts .Except for a few tiny events put on by our LHS many years ago I never did the contest thing but my brother in law convinced me to attend the IPMS Nats in South Carolina the summer before last . I was fascinated and delighted by the diversity of people - at least appearance wise - seemingly from all walks of life . Mostly midlife and later though that may be due to the economic constraints of traveling great distances.
Bravo to Stephen ( no pun intended - well - maybe a little ) for taking it one step further and including a link to showcase his diverse talent - very entertaining !
I hope all are enjoying this as much as I am. I think it provides a nice landscape portrait of who we are .
Keep it coming ! Richard
phantom_phanatic309
#372
Joined: March 10, 2010
KitMaker: 2,568 posts
AeroScale: 1,619 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 30, 2017 - 01:48 AM UTC
It's interesting to hear what other things we all get up to especially those who play music. Maybe there's a connection with playing and modelling, I don't know?
Although I love music, I've never gotten around to learning myself but I've always wanted to have a go at keyboard.
Mostly because of my parents I've always been a big fan of rock music from the 70's through to the 80's. Anything from Bowie, Peter Gabriel Genesis to Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. Marillion is a band I have gotten really into and I've started to collect their 12" singles and albums on vinyl.
Also like to read a lot, when it's not history or some reference book for a model, it's usually one of the Star Wars novels. Finding them to be much better than the sequels so far. And also anything that Carl Sagan wrote. Sagan has become a real hero of mine. A smart man and the world poorer place without him.
Although I love music, I've never gotten around to learning myself but I've always wanted to have a go at keyboard.
Mostly because of my parents I've always been a big fan of rock music from the 70's through to the 80's. Anything from Bowie, Peter Gabriel Genesis to Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. Marillion is a band I have gotten really into and I've started to collect their 12" singles and albums on vinyl.
Also like to read a lot, when it's not history or some reference book for a model, it's usually one of the Star Wars novels. Finding them to be much better than the sequels so far. And also anything that Carl Sagan wrote. Sagan has become a real hero of mine. A smart man and the world poorer place without him.
CReading
#001
Joined: February 09, 2002
KitMaker: 1,726 posts
AeroScale: 89 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 30, 2017 - 03:44 AM UTC
After my father died I found a great deal of comfort in researching his time, squadron and group in the USAAF. That led to meeting (in person and on line)many interesting people. That also led to a renewed interest in model building. One thing led to another and I found myself building not only A/C but armor and dioramas. After a period of about 12 years I burned out and took several years away from modeling and found a new interest in music (in which I had dallied in my youth) dusted off the old guitars and bought a couple new ones. Cranked up the old amp and bought a couple new ones. Actually built a couple guitars. Now I am close to retirement and have been feeling the urge to start modeling seriously once again. So here we go....all those kits that have been staring me down from the workroom shelves are now fair game.
Cheers,
C.
Cheers,
C.
Merlin
Senior Editor#017
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
AeroScale: 12,795 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 30, 2017 - 04:53 AM UTC
Hi Charles
You built a couple of guitars? Now, that's something I'm on the cusp of myself.
I'm not at all surprised by the number of modellers who are also musicians. It all reflects the urge to create something - and there's the manual dexterity angle too. When I realised I was faced with serious carpal tunnel problems, I made a conscious effort to get back into playing guitar regularly to force my fingers to start moving again.
All the best
Rowan
You built a couple of guitars? Now, that's something I'm on the cusp of myself.
I'm not at all surprised by the number of modellers who are also musicians. It all reflects the urge to create something - and there's the manual dexterity angle too. When I realised I was faced with serious carpal tunnel problems, I made a conscious effort to get back into playing guitar regularly to force my fingers to start moving again.
All the best
Rowan
Joel_W
Associate EditorJoined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
AeroScale: 7,410 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 30, 2017 - 07:50 PM UTC
I never realized that so many here play an instrument. I'm tone deaf so I can't sing period, I've taken piano and Clarinet lessens as a child and teenager only to fail repeatedly as the fingers never could get the hang of where they should be going and what they should be doing when they got there. Of course when I did manage to string together a few notes, the tune wasn't close to what it was supposed to be.
Perhaps the gift of playing an instrument and or singing is so attractive to the rest of us is simply because it's something we can't do no matter how hard we try.
I should be the poster boy for modelers with no other special skills.
Joel
Perhaps the gift of playing an instrument and or singing is so attractive to the rest of us is simply because it's something we can't do no matter how hard we try.
I should be the poster boy for modelers with no other special skills.
Joel
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
AeroScale: 833 posts
Posted: Friday, December 01, 2017 - 12:25 AM UTC
I don't know if Joel alone should be the "poster boy" for no additional skills-- I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket if Mozart had poured it in! I took two years of Cello lessons as a kid, but I was so bad at it that my teacher told my parents not to let me play in public! And I don't have any other special skills either, other than I read a lot, if that's a skill ( I do occasional woodworking and gardening once in a while, but I don't think these are really skills I'm particularly good at). I think there are lots of modelers out there who are just like us, who do it as a relaxing hobby and don't have any others. I do appreciate music greatly though, and I'm surprised at how many modelers are musicians of some degree or another. As I stated above, I remember a distant article in Scale Modeler many years ago that reported many model builders were musicians. As I recall the article postulated this might be because music, like model building, follows a logical pattern of steps to accomplish a finished product. I suppose that makes sense because musicians put together combinations of notes to finish a piece of music, and modelers assemble kits from individual pieces to finish a build? Wether this is true or not I don't know. I suppose some psychologist could figure it out! Always knew I'd need my head examined for building models. And my wife scoots away from me in church when we start to sing a hymn-- she plays the piano, taught music as a public school teacher, and sang with some well known choirs-- she tells me my singing hurts her ears-- I'm a better appreciator than I am a practitioner!
VR, Russ
VR, Russ
dhines
Joined: November 17, 2015
KitMaker: 407 posts
AeroScale: 3 posts
Posted: Friday, December 01, 2017 - 05:29 PM UTC
I had to retire due to an injury at work 13 years ago and modelling is a big part of my daily routine. I have also been collecting military artifacts for 45 years and I have at least 1500 plus items in my collection of mostly WW2 items including a few rifles and pistols. When not doing models I also read and watch documentaries, usually have one on when modelling.I have always had a great love of WW2 history, my wife says an obsession with it.
CReading
#001
Joined: February 09, 2002
KitMaker: 1,726 posts
AeroScale: 89 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 05, 2017 - 03:02 AM UTC
Hi Rowan,
Sorry for the late reply. Wife and I were out of town visiting friends. I haven't attempted any acoustic guitars, only electric (less chance to mess up)
Here is a couple photos. They are both Telecaster clones......
Cheers,
C.
Sorry for the late reply. Wife and I were out of town visiting friends. I haven't attempted any acoustic guitars, only electric (less chance to mess up)
Here is a couple photos. They are both Telecaster clones......
Cheers,
C.
rdt1953
Joined: February 06, 2015
KitMaker: 1,098 posts
AeroScale: 900 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 05, 2017 - 06:19 AM UTC
Nice work Charles ! Thanks for sharing it with us - did you make the necks as well ? I played for several years - had a garage band in the mid to late sixties .
We covered all the Ventures surf guitar instrumentals - one borrowed amp for two guitarists and we used to fight over who got the reverb channel !
Here is one of my works beyond model building - total nut and bolt restoration over four years. Did everything myself except the paint and the large chrome pieces .
1950 Norton " Garden Gate " ES 2
Hope others will share their pics as well - Keep them coming !
Richard
We covered all the Ventures surf guitar instrumentals - one borrowed amp for two guitarists and we used to fight over who got the reverb channel !
Here is one of my works beyond model building - total nut and bolt restoration over four years. Did everything myself except the paint and the large chrome pieces .
1950 Norton " Garden Gate " ES 2
Hope others will share their pics as well - Keep them coming !
Richard
AussieReg
Associate Editor#007
Joined: June 09, 2009
KitMaker: 8,156 posts
AeroScale: 3,756 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 05, 2017 - 06:39 PM UTC
Charles, I love your Telecasters mate, they look great! The pastel blue with pearl scratchplate is really cool. Solid maple neck and fretboard is a winner.
Next one you build you need to go all Steve Morse and throw a couple more pickups into the mix.
My Strat is a Lone Star, two single coils and a Texas Special humbucker on the bridge. I love the extra depth of tone I can get with that combo.
Richard, great resto on the Norton, it looks superb.
Cheers, D
Next one you build you need to go all Steve Morse and throw a couple more pickups into the mix.
My Strat is a Lone Star, two single coils and a Texas Special humbucker on the bridge. I love the extra depth of tone I can get with that combo.
Richard, great resto on the Norton, it looks superb.
Cheers, D
Joel_W
Associate EditorJoined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
AeroScale: 7,410 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 05, 2017 - 09:15 PM UTC
I'm not really into instrument restorations, but those guitars look brand new.
I've always been a motor head, so I can really appreciate the time, work, and effort it took to restore that Norton. Looks as professional as anything I've ever seen.
Joel
I've always been a motor head, so I can really appreciate the time, work, and effort it took to restore that Norton. Looks as professional as anything I've ever seen.
Joel
CReading
#001
Joined: February 09, 2002
KitMaker: 1,726 posts
AeroScale: 89 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 06, 2017 - 01:31 AM UTC
Holy Cripes Richard! Great Norton. Trade you the guitars for it?
Thanks for the kind words Damian. So far I've just tried Telecasters but I'd love to have a Strat (I am coming up to retirement age soon so perhaps as a gift to myself)
Joel, when the pictures were taken the guitars were brand new. I gave the one with the pearl guard to my sister and have kept the one with the tortoise shell guard.
Cheers all,
C.
Thanks for the kind words Damian. So far I've just tried Telecasters but I'd love to have a Strat (I am coming up to retirement age soon so perhaps as a gift to myself)
Joel, when the pictures were taken the guitars were brand new. I gave the one with the pearl guard to my sister and have kept the one with the tortoise shell guard.
Cheers all,
C.
heavyjagdpanzer
Joined: February 17, 2013
KitMaker: 173 posts
AeroScale: 108 posts
Posted: Friday, December 08, 2017 - 08:41 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Hi Rowan,
Sorry for the late reply. Wife and I were out of town visiting friends. I haven't attempted any acoustic guitars, only electric (less chance to mess up)
Here is a couple photos. They are both Telecaster clones......
Cheers,
C.
I love Telecasters. I had a California Fat Tele.
heavyjagdpanzer
Joined: February 17, 2013
KitMaker: 173 posts
AeroScale: 108 posts
Posted: Friday, December 08, 2017 - 08:42 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Nice work Charles ! Thanks for sharing it with us - did you make the necks as well ? I played for several years - had a garage band in the mid to late sixties .
We covered all the Ventures surf guitar instrumentals - one borrowed amp for two guitarists and we used to fight over who got the reverb channel !
Here is one of my works beyond model building - total nut and bolt restoration over four years. Did everything myself except the paint and the large chrome pieces .
1950 Norton " Garden Gate " ES 2
Hope others will share their pics as well - Keep them coming !
Richard
Richard, beautiful bike!
heavyjagdpanzer
Joined: February 17, 2013
KitMaker: 173 posts
AeroScale: 108 posts
Posted: Friday, December 08, 2017 - 09:09 AM UTC
My father and uncles were big influences on me. My father was a machinist, musician and hot-rodder. Both of my uncles were in the Air Force. My Uncle Buddy was a gunner in a B-24 during WW II, so I became interested in the military, particularly aircraft. From the second grade I read everything on air warfare that I could. This led to an interest in, ships, tanks, and warplanes and I started building models of them. As a kid I thought I had become a good model builder, until I picked up my first issue of “Fine Scale Modeler” that changed everything. I was in love with airplanes when I was a kid but that began to change when I got into my teen years. Two things happened, my brother took me to see the movie “Lemans” and I went to my first drag race. The sound and fury of nitro funny cars blew my mind. Then my dad’s interests in performance cars begin to rub off on me. I bought my first Mustang and I was hooked. About this time, I bought my first guitar, a Gibson Flying V, I thought I was going to be a rock star, instead I became a machinist like my father. Later, I got into model trains and what I liked was, I could go out and photograph trains and use the pictures to build models, instead of just researching my subject in a book. I enjoyed combining photography with my other hobbies and now I carry my Cannon to car shows, air ports and railfanning. A couple of years ago I decided to get back into aircraft modeling. I built exactly one kit but now I must have a hundred unbuilt kits on the shelves. I also got another old car since the Mustang had been totaled by an old man turning in front of me. I showed it for two years but in the last year I have been working on it and that is what takes up most of my time now. It is also the reason I have not built another model!
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