How old is everyone? (more inside)

[No Right Turn]

I'm 29, which isn't all that important to the messages...

I am glad to see a new resurgence of modelers, it seemed like there has been a real slump of modelers the past 10 years or so..

I personally could care less what the 'hot trend' of cars is that are being modeled... I'm just glad to see that not all youth is completely lost in the 'instant gratification' that is today...

When I was growing up, there were models in just about every store.. As the years have gone by, i've seen the model sections shrink and shrink, and many stores model sections have disappeared completely, replaced now by diecast isles.

I know that hobby stores stock tons of models, and always will, but having them in superstores could mean the difference between a kid getting a model for his birthday, or a new Power Ranger's Tank...

It seems like the whole thought process in the US has shifted, and it's no longer 'cool' to do something yourself... anymore it seems like it's more of a big deal if you have something done FOR you, or buy it in finished form.

It's a shame because there's a supreme gratification of doing something yourself.

All I can say is keep modeling... be it 69' novas, or Subaru WRC's. It's up to the youth of the country to insure that plastic model kits will continue to be sold, and whether or not new cottage industry companies can stay open, offering trans kits for whatever carbon fiber car that's of interest.

[TheSyndicate]

Wise words.

A "model enthusiast" shop just opened in my town, and I drove 15 minutes in hopes of finding some supplies and models, but I find out that it's a damn die-cast collectors shop.

[lotus_man]

I'm 29. In the UK we always had good shops untill about 10 years ago. Then the hobby died out and the shops closed. Now they are all in radio control, or railways and sell a few Tamiya kits on the side. We don't really get Fujimi or Aoshima unless we order them from abroad.

Still, we have Grand Prix Models for race cars and 1:43 resin!

[Camber]

I am 13 and have no Hobby Shops near me that sell Tamiya things so I have to buy everything online :flash:

[tonioseven]

33, 34 in February. I will build model cars until I can't anymore! I think I'm halfway decent at it so I shall continue until I cannot! It's a real shame about how modelling is perceived by those not in the hobby! I will do all that I can to help keep my hobby alive and kicking! That includes the hundreds of dollars I spend on models and supplies throughout the year! Modelling is friggin' :coolguy: :coolguy: :coolguy: :coolguy: :coolguy:

[COZMO6476]

i'm 26 years old... been modeling cars for about 9 months.. last model before that was a star wars model like 10 years ago or more. the biggest reason im back into modeling more now than ever is because of this forum.... its a blessing and a curse since im always finding ways to spend my extra cash on modeling stuff. but im having a great time at it and thats whats important.

[TheSyndicate]

I think I can speak for everyone here when I say, THEY'RE NOT TOYS!!!!!!!!

[fullbloodchop01]

i am 16 and have been modeling on and off for about 1 year or so. im stilll no where near as good as a modeler as most of the people on AF, but tht can be beacuse of the lack of supplies i had until recently. i have never worked with anykind of Tamiya product untill now and i know now that i will never settle for anything less:frog:

[tc3house]

i'm 15 and i built my first model when i was 7 (i think is was a 1/72 spitfire and my dad helped me the whole way) when i was 12 i built my first car (a revell nascar that i hated then and still hate now)
i didnt build any models after that untill june of this year. i saw the revell ITR in walmart and i thought it would be fun to built. i didnt use any primer or polish, just 2 thick coats of pearl purple and clear coat. i did a couple of custom things like adding a nitrous bottle (fire extinguisher from the nascar) and LCD TV screen. after that i built a tamiya R34, but i still didnt use primer, although i did apply about 8 mist coats and it looked really good to me at the time.

THEN i found AF and after reading the FAQ i realised that my models were not up to the standard. i ordered 3 models, ITR, tamiya rx7 and fugimi greddy rx7. this time i'm going to prime and take care when i built them

the reason there is a 3 year gap between the nascar and the ITR is because i got into R/C trucks (t-maxx) and racing r/c cars (tl-01 and TC3).


thats my story

[Veyron]

I am glad to see a new resurgence of modelers, it seemed like there has been a real slump of modelers the past 10 years or so..

I'm 42 and there has been an age poll on this site recently. The majority of modelers on AF that responded to it were in the 13-20 range, if I recall correctly, which I was excited to see. A combination of model companies losing touch with the youth and a massive injection of other pastime games etc. took it's toll on this hobby. As you can see here, it's alive and well as a worldwide hobby there is strength in numbers.

[hiver77]

About to be 26 ( ) in 2 weeks...

My modelling history is rather sporadic. I can remember doing Tamiya military kits in my highschool days then the computer age ushered in (meaning no modelling ).

Started modelling again 2 years ago after a brief 2-year flirtation with diecast collection. I got bored with diecast because to me it's just that, shelling out $40 - $60 to get a model than stare at it. Doing mods (which is what I love the most about modelling) is hard to do since most of diecasts are like Fort Knox and hard to diassemble.

I got to model car building thanks (or no thanks ) to my love for the RX7. To me it's the most beautiful car ever built and something that I cant logically have (a 2-seater? Naah... too impractical).

[Guido]

I'm 35 and I think I build my first model qhen I was 10 years old. A Westland Lynx helicopter from Airfix. I joined the local hobby club, thanks to my neighbour and he showed me around, got me into the hobby and 'teached' me a lot of trics. I was on and off modeling for various reasons (first school, then girls , then the house) but since the last 10 years it has been steady. Early '90s I also was president of IPMS Belgium for 2 years, so I seen a lot, been to places etc.
The thing is that kids used to jumpsa PS One and other consoles when those things appeared on the market, but the Hype about those electronic games is certainly over. Sure there is an esthablished market but I have the impression that youngster are again willing to do something with there hands. Trouble is, when they have no-one to help 'em out, to guide them, the chance that they won't continue is bigger then when they have a mentor around. So it is our responsibility to take the beginners - like my mentor did - and show 'em how it works. And most certainly AF is a cool place to learn things and share info.
I try to do my part by giving people the chance to show their work on my site. That's my humble contribution.

Once a modeler, always a modeler!

Guido

[druid_99]

Hi, I'm a new member. I just turn 26 four days ago. I have been building models since I was 16 I think. The number of model shops here are quite minimal but they are growing. The problem with the hobby shop here is they don't bring in many car models so I have to buy them on-line from HLJ.

There used to be a model shop that me and my brother (he is 27) used to hang around with other modelers to discuss tips and share ideas and teach new modelers for free on building models, but after a new management has taken over the shop, they are thinking of selling die-cast airplanes and cars!!! Now we don't have any other place to hang around anymore!!!

[daggerlee]

I'm 16. Right around now, it's been about a year since I started. Looking forward to many happy and productive years, though I don't know what will happen after I go to college. Maybe take a hiatus.

[fastlife]

Sup Guy's...I'm 29.

I agree with you 100% No Right Turn! I remember back in 1997 Toys R Us used to be loaded up with models. I checked a few locations out a few weeks ago and the models they used to have is no where to be found. They used to have a designated model section.
Like you said model sections are being replaced with Power Ranger Tanks and other similar garbage.