Friday, March 13, 2020

The Lure and Frustration of the Plastic Model Kit




WIP - '47 Chevy interior

When I was a teenager, I discovered model kits.  Although thought of as toys, they were intricate and detailed scale models of airplanes, movie monsters, war machines, ships, and cars.  These kits had to be assembled with paint, glue, and perseverance.  I did a few planes (remember the Flying Tigers?) and a monster or two (Frankenstein and the Werewolf,) and I vaguely recall trying to put together the Black Knight.  But what eventually grabbed me were the various hot rods and custom cars.  I couldn't afford a real cruiser, but for $2 I could own my own version of a '32 Ford or a '49 Mercury, painted however I wanted, with racing slicks or wide whitewalls, flames and pinstripes.  I wasn't very good at building the rides of my dreams, but I learned a bit about the mechanics of cars, the irrational idiosyncrasies of paint, and the frustration of glue that just won't work.

This phase lasted about two years, and then I moved on.  Fast forward almost sixty years.  I retired, got diagnosed with Parkinson's, finished a few crime fiction novels, and needed something to occupy my jaded and insecure mind and hands.  One lethargic day, I tagged along with my wife to Hobby Lobby.  I wandered the aisles of craft supplies, nick-knacks, and hobby paraphernalia, not absorbing much, drifting into ennui, until I stumbled across a row of plastic model kits.  I focused on a 1937 custom Ford convertible and, without much thought about what I might be getting into, I took home the kit and once again imagined building a model of something I knew I would never own.

Although it wasn't the main reason I returned to models, working with the details of these kits and relearning how to put them together has become a form of therapy for my PD, especially for my tremor and to keep my brain active. 

Modelling can be an expensive hobby.  The cars I tend to buy sell for $25 on up, while high end kits made by companies such as Tamiya go for hundreds.  Add paint, glue, various tools such as airbrushes, sprue cutters, tweezers, Exacto knives, polishing kits, magnifying glasses (absolutely necessary for someone my age,) and more, much more, and there goes the discretionary spending money of a retiree.  A kid on an allowance or earning money at the grocery store would have to really be into cars to take up this hobby.  That's one reason modelling is primarily a pastime of old guys like me -- guys who moan about the lack of youth in the hobby.

Naturally, I look for bargains at second-hand stores, antique shops, Goodwill, online, and at clearance sales held by Hobby Lobby or Michael's.  

In any event, I've put together a few more kits since that first hesitant purchase at Hobby Lobby.  I gravitate to customs from the 1930's,1940's and 1950's, lowriders, and weathered pick-up trucks. I'm not into muscle cars or American iron of the 70's and 80's, but eventually I'll try one. I've learned to use non-toxic paints and an airbrush, and how to make my own decals. I can see the difference between 1:24 and 1:25 scale. I understand the essential importance of patience and treating each sub-assembly as a separate kit that eventually will be part of the final whole. I've lost the smallest piece of an engine in my basement carpet.  I've spilled paint and glue, and came damn close to gluing my fingers together. I acknowledge that building a kit is as solitary as writing can be, although there are hobby clubs, swap meets, and contest shows if you're into that kind of thing.  Some kits go together better than others -- that's just the way it is. I know something will go wrong in each build -- I'll never build a perfect model, but that doesn't stop me from trying.  And when I get it right, I celebrate (in my head) with a dance and a shout. 


And that explains why I haven't finished my next book yet.




WIP - '47 Chevy




'39 Chevy Sedan Delivery


'37 Ford




Diorama - '40 Ford Coupe - "After the dust settled ..."



'49 Ford



'60 Chevy Apache - "Gus Corral's Old Smokey"

Later.


______________________________________


Manuel Ramos writes crime fiction. His latest is The Golden Havana Night (Arte Público Press.)

47 comments:

Frank S Lechuga said...

Cool...very cool article and models!

Manuel Ramos said...

Thank you, Frank

MJRAMOS49@GMAIL.COM said...

Manuel, you have refreshed my memories of my childhood model building foray and reaffirmed my current desire to return to the craft. I'm sort of on pause but I do have a few models just waiting to be opened. Sooner than later, I'll sift through the parts trees, get painting and gluing, and with the current state of virus fear and hyper reactions I may have some extra time on my hands! Great looking models. Keep building!

Manuel Ramos said...

Thank you, Michael. Send me photos when you have something built, or in progress. Personally, I like to photograph the models almost as much as building them. Have fun.

Richard Simon said...

Outstanding. Like you, I was into models as a kid but as I got older, both my time and my patience got short. But with the arrival of a grandson, I have rediscovered the joys of modelling. You are spot on.

Unknown said...

Wow you guys have gone through the same thing I have I started building model kits when I was 10 years old and I'm 54 now and I still do it and still get a lot of pleasure out of it yes they are expensive but at the same time a good way to save money on them is finding liquidation store like Ollie's or big lots they sell model kits for like 50% less than normal and I love being able to have the attention to do the detail and also now that I'm older I have to use glasses to do it with but I still enjoy it keep building it's a very wonderful hobby

Unknown said...

Very therapeutic.
I started very younge 8-9.
Been doing ever since.
Age 57.

Unknown said...

We build them and set them on slot car chassis and race them

Unknown said...

Ken lashmet. I also do car and truck kits 1.24 1.25 scale started young still at it at 68 I have a 70 kit collect still building here is a high five to all modelers

Unknown said...

Ken lashmet I to build 1.25 scale cars and trucks from the box and my own creations I have a 70 or so collection I to started young and still at it at 69 so thanks to all modelers

Unknown said...

Great article. I too build models and remember vividly doing them when I was a kid. Still enjoy it immensely. Thank you!

Unknown said...

At 91,still cutting,joining,gluing sanding and painting. Enjoying the challange of the build and viewing the finished product.

Cjessee said...

I build during the winter months when work slows down, Gundam models are a nice challenge if your up to it. nice paint job by the way

Unknown said...

I'm 24, and love making model cars, got my first when I was about 6, then when I was 18 and started working at Safeway I bought a bunch. Ever since then they have been getting better and better.just finished a world of outlaw sprint car

Unknown said...

Nice read! I just can't stop building and have been for many years. My grandson and I enjoy the time shared a well.

Vern said...

A very big congratulations for renewing your model making hobby. It does clear your mind of other things. I, too, got an interest when about age women an 8th grade neighbor allowed me to watch him build model airplanes. I built airplanes, some of them even flew. After 6 years of Cole, 2 years in the USAF, and many in my occupation, I am again ready to start another model. Just need to finish my model of the USS
Constitution which I started many years agp. I am now 88 years old,

Unknown said...

I enjoy building models. I'm retired and my wife of 23 years got me building again. She has bought air brushes and many tools to help in my hobby. I love it.

Unknown said...

I'm retired and enjoy building model cranes, navy ships, & trucks. Used to build cars years ago.

Unknown said...

I am 60 and disabled I put together 1/24 1/25 scale semi trucks. I custom build each one longer wheel base bigger stacks custom paint. Front bumpers with bull guards. Just to name a few. One took me over a year to build.

Unknown said...

I enjoyed your article on modeling so much. I'm sixty years old and have Rehmatoid arthritis and also Parkinson's disease as well. I have always enjoyed modeling since I was a kid. About two years ago I started to get back into the hobby. It has helped so much with my trembling. I find it relaxes me and makes me use my mind. The kits are pretty expensive, but I have found a great website in Florida that has brand new kits for very reasonable prices. If anyone would like the info just let me know. When I was young everyone in my school built models but nowadays kids don't seem interested in anything that takes time. Unfortunately all of the gaming and computer devices are all they seem to be interested in. I'm so happy to see there are so many adults that are building models, hopefully that will keep this hobby alive. It has been a blessing for me. Also there is a place called Round2 they are making a lot of the old model kits that we grew up building you might want to check them out too. Happy modeling.

Unknown said...

I just love the comments about putting models together! I am 72 and when i was young I wanted to get them but I was told they were for boys!! So, did not get to have those memories. But I have grandsons who love to put them together. So I enjoy buying them, so they will enjoy. Love all the comments...

Unknown said...

My eldest brother who raised me got me in models when I was a kid ! He was in the Navy and he,my sister in law and I were stationed in Japan and most of the time when his ship came back in to port he brought me a new kit from some other country he went to it was very cool ! When he finally got out of the Navy and we moved back to the state's I had lost most of my collection in transit , I was not a happy kid at that point but I started again . When I turned 17 I enlisted in the military and did not really build anything for a few year's but then I ran a cross a very cool kit and have been building them ever since ! My problem is I do extreme detail so it takes me a while to complete 1 lol . All I can say is keep building bro as it is kinda therapeutic .

Unknown said...

I,as you were was into building models also (cars,trucks& planes) but my big passion was doing monster models (king Kong,wolfman & frankenstein).I want to get back into models again but I am on Social Security and everywhere I look they want want from $30-$100 for them.If you would be so kind as to inform me of where to get them again (without mortgaging my house).Your help will be more than appreciated.

Unknown said...

Wow
we are all loving it..

Builders all over the globe..

enjoying a great passion for craitivity .

Enjoy..

Unknown said...

Thanks for getting my model building juices going ,been building since 1962, moved to Las Vegas and sold all models I had alot not even opened may say you did a excellent job building yours.

waterdog596 said...

Wonderful story & great looking builds!!! Keep it up !!!!

Unknown said...

Manuel, I enjoyed reading and viewing your creations. I also have followed the love of model building. My father was a modeler and started my interest. Dad and I would go to the Autorama in Detroit and Toledo and made a point of viewing the modelers contest. Some of the best work I had ever seen. The cost I recall was $1.25 each and was printed on the box. At one point in my youth had a collection of over 40+ displayed in my room. Some survived others are gone. The cost today is a definite deterant for new interest and those retired. I found Hobby Lobby had a recent 40% off kits purchased 12 to build my stock up. The close out stores, and flea markets as mentioned are a great source as well. Glue on!

Unknown said...

Nice article, think it's time to get back into model building

Unknown said...

Ironic coming across this article. I was jusr talking with my wife about doing some models with my boys(4). It was something i did when i was younger and moved from that to RC models then real cars and trucks. It helped solidify my love of anything with wheels or combustion/electric motor. It was a great introduction to all of the parts and order of operations....i am now 52, but i feel 10 years old looking at what i am going to put together with my young proteges.

Unknown said...

Adapt,improvise and invision!Try building models from left over household junk.

Unknown said...

Been trying to find a model Bell 47 Helicopter, In about 1/32 scale , just about impossible. Not the Mash one.

Unknown said...

Very cool article, since the quarantine I have also pick back up with modeling kits. I work at JoAnns so its easy for me to see the new models coming out. I had about 40-50 as a young teen me & my brothers (4 all together) would sit at the table & put models together for what seemed like hours. I kinda took mine to another level & added underglow & dome lights inside the cars. Im finding a new found love for modeling & intend just as you to continue this even in retirement. Thanks for the article it assures me that guys like us keep this art (as a co-worker said) alive in hopes that the next generation will maybe slow down a little & understand the best things in life passes buy when your moving to fast.

Unknown said...

Has been building since 1962 cheapest route to and other companies must keep the cars rang way they are because their tooling cost

Unknown said...

Keep keep building have fun enjoy yourself don't let anyone else dictate what you do

Unknown said...

I'm 71 years old and I have picked up the modeling craze over the last 10 years or so. I built models as a kid but the hobby is so much more advanced today. Our local model club ( KC slammers ) has an annual contest coming up this June. I currently have 11 entries ready. I've only won one time over the last year's but it's just fun to go.

Unknown said...

I'm like you, i will never have a perfect model but that doesn't stop me from trying. There are times i had to buy the same model 3 or 4 times because something went wrong.when i build a model i will experience difficult situations but that is all about learning maybe one day i will try for that perfect model all i can do or anyone can do is keep trying

Unknown said...

I LOVED MODEL BUILDING AS A KID. WHEN I GOT TO BE AROUND 12 OR SO I DISCOVERED GIRLS ANDKINDA LOST INTEREST. BUT IN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS I REDISCOVERED MY OLD HOBBY.I 'M INTO AMERICAN MUSCLE AND HAVE A MOPAR OBSESSION. I CURRENTLY HAVE AROUND 50 OR SO COMPLETED HALF OF THAT ARE MOPAR MUSCLE. YOU ARE RIGHT ABOUT THE COST THOUGH, TO DO IT RIGHT IS QUITE THE INVESTMENT. THANKS. BUILD ON.

Unknown said...

I just got back into this hobby about 3 yrs ago after abot 40+ years and I love it because I have 4 sons to share it with and they love it as much if not more than I do . I now have a collection of over 200 built cars and trucks and over 1400 unbuilt kits

Steve Kemble said...

Hi Good to hear there are others out there.
I have been promising myself a train set for years but being in the Army for 22 years and moving every 3 or 4 years did not help.
This was followed by the house extension. Next was persuading the long haired General that I would be out of the way if I had a shed and she could have her dining table back. So the shed is on order but it’s taking forever to arrive. So to fill in time I start to look at the models on eBay and then I buy a few and then it all seems to blossom on the table which is now covered in models which I am hoping to finish before the shed arrives. Oh by the way I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about 5 years ago. Boy does it make those small bits difficult. All the best Steve.

Unknown said...

I just turned 55 years old and I have been building models since 1972 and have nearly 800 in my basement and some diecast cars. My collection has grown into a world wide collection of all kinds of cars and trucks and even some boats, ships and some airplanes and eve science fiction and Star Trek, etc.

Unknown said...

My husband has done models for yrs and still doing them he has about 200 or more he has built

Mike Stickler said...

It is sad that the hobby really has become too expensive for children. Sure there are some cheap kits that lack the complexity and detail to make but the true beginner happy. But, as soon as a child graduates from that, it becomes a very expensive hobby very fast.

As people my age (50s) have their kids move out, I'm seeing more kits on the market at the upper end of the price and complexity scale. I don't see this as a sustainable as it relies on the disposable income of those approaching retirement and the nostalgia of building models in their youth... I don't see the industry marketing to today's youth so the generations after mine is not going to have that same sense of nostalgia that I have.

Unknown said...

I Love Your design of colours,Very True for the decade,being in Australia,some of the kits that You get in The U.S,We hardly ever see,but in saying that lve found a couple of Jem's, Thankyou for sharing your experience

Unknown said...

God bless you may you always smell faintly of glue and paint.
My thing is mostlymilitary aircraft, russian, ww2 german jets... Therapeutic? Indeed theres times ida killed people without achildish ole toy or two...keep it simple:have fun.

Anlushac11 said...

Model on Brother. I'm 59 and got back into the hobby after about 25 years. I build mostly 1/35 armor and some 1/48 scale aircraft and dabble in Scifi.

Unknown said...

I'm 72,been building since 1958.have to many models to get a good count.i build mostly factor stick.keep building. Tom

Anonymous said...

I just turned 80 and started back into my hobby when l retired at around 64 and I am finally starting to get the details that I want (slow study I guess) I am currently building WWII aircraft which because of my father and uncle being p-38 pilots and father inlaw aB24 Pilot this era is my forte l guess. Which now has expanded to diorama construction. Love the hobby and maybe car of my youth are in the future (hope my SO doesn’t read this🤞😋)
Any way great reads and thanks for sharing.