Interesting take on the hobby
https://airandspace.si.edu/air-and-space-quarterly/summer-2022/some-assembly-required
Air & Space Magazine finally does an article about modeling.
I have to say, myself, I love the modern kits - they're the kits I wanted way back then, accurate kits of the airplanes I loved. I look at the old kits and all I can see are faults.
But as the late Sl Superczynski used to say (it's a rule with his name): "Build your kit the way you want, and above all, have fun!"
My thoughts as well when I read this. And I bought a few kits from Al’s collection after he passed. I think of that quote when ever I come across the cigarette smoke scented kits now in my collection!
Right ON, TC. If gluing 'em up and painting up ain't fun, why do it.
A wonderful article, Tom!
Thanks A LOT for sharing!
Thanks for pointing out this article, Tom @tcinla
Fully agree on the saying that you should build the model as you like. You should at first have fun with modelling and enjoy watching your build once finished.
Great article. Thanks for posting this, Tom @tcinla. Monogram & Revell kits from the 60s-80s are certainly some of my favorites.
"They’re all hoarders, every model builder,” says Pentifallo. “They’ve got a closetful, a basementful, an atticful, you name it. Every customer who comes in here says: ‘I don’t know why I’m buying another model. I wouldn’t have enough glue in my lifetime to build all the models I already have.’ ”
An accurate description of some Boomers who model. Or the human condition. I can consider modelers to be like Jacobs/Joseph's coat they come in all colors and stripes. It definitely is a business nostalgia. However, the newer kits thanks to Boomers are evolving into more diverse subject matter. Movie heros, ships, trains, planes and automobiles with contemporary themes. Not everyone is stuck in the past.
Some of us got rid of the dreadful clothing of the 70s.
There enough room for Rivet Counters, The Accuracy Police and folks who love to put together models for the fun and joy of building.
All of the American companies mentioned folded or went over seas. Were out sourced to the far east too because of Boomers. Like the Phoenix rising the EU, the Japanese, the Koreans , the Chinese, Ukrainians , some Russians
and cottage industries have revitalized the hobby. Some would call it Capitalism. I hope where not stuck in the past. What is missed in the article, modeling isn't just Americana anymore. It has been on the world stage for a long time.
Great article, Tom. I enjoy both new and certain older kits. New Airfix and old Monogram are probably my favorites.
Great article. I can't count how many times I built that "MiG-19" as a kid. Not even close to the real jet, hahaha.
One of the best 'Air and Space' articles in many years. Only spotted on error in it they called Renwal "Renewal".
Thanks for posting, Tom.
I enjoy building both newer kits and the classics. I do tire of the giant parts count on some. I have been pleasantly surprised with the Tamiya 1/48 F-4B, plenty of detail without a million tiny parts. As for classic kits, for me the key to vintage kits is know your kits and buy a true "vintage" kit, at least when the price isn't crazy. The molding quality is better, therefore the fit is better. Some were just dogs, so again know your kits. Second if I am looking to build a super accurate version, I buy the best modern kit I can afford and add aftermarket if I choose to. Third I "mostly" build them as close to how Monogram or Revell or whomever intended them to be built. I say mostly because there are some, the Monogram B-29 for instance, that is the only game in town and I have collected a ton of corrections for it. Now the Monogram P-38? I have an initial release, building it SOB, might even leave it in the silver plastic depending on how the seams look when it is glued!
I am sort of in a Hi/Lo phase. I'm building the high price/fidelity kits, but pumping out a moderately priced simpler lo fidelity kit with all the skills I've learned.
Some of the older kits are just fun to build.
I started this hobby adventure in 1959 when all we had was what was in the box, some glue and brushes and the bright rainbow of Testor's basic colors. Some scratch building was sometimes done. I still have a fixation of building out of the box and being satisfied with the results- with the help of an airbrush and better tools. Consequently I enjoy the early kits. I do not get concerned with those that are a bit out of scale, or lack certain details. I am often happily surprised with what we now consider modern innovations- the recessed panel lines, modest rivets, and surprising details. I am thankful that Atlantis is so dedicated to bringing back these still-important kits at a reasonable price which may well save our hobby. Yes, I do greatly enjoy the modern kits, straight out of the box.
I have to say I have gone from the "dress 'em all up with aftermarket" to "just freakin' building my kits". I have had more fun building after lockdown (and more kits built), because the the aim now is "to build", not "to get everything right". However, I still do the odd tweak by hand, because I can.
great article!