Tim, your discussion about "the song remains the same" really hits home. I'll be retiring from my career job in a couple years and hope to open my own model shop. Not only do I intend to sell models and supplies, I'm planning to have a strong focus on kids. In addition to "regular" kits, think less expensive and simpler ones as well. I think the entry price for our beloved hobby has a negative impact for some. I also plan on having build days on the premises for young ones to come in, have a place to build their kits, but most important, have experienced modelers there to help and encourage them in their new found art form. I hope it works out, more for kids I have yet to meet than for myself.
A fascinating and very important discussion. There's creativity in everyone and the greater the variety of model kits we have to choose from, the greater appeal there will be for a wider audience. Kids can learn from their parents and grandparents as Tim describes, and this is a heart-warming ideal, but there's also a place for opening a door to anyone who wants to get creative, to join the modeling community, but who doesn't feel confident with a box of sprues and a paint brush. Whilst we are continually in awe of the talent displayed by some scale modelers with their film-set worthy dioramas, there are many who find hours of satisfaction from wielding a simple screw driver, finishing with a model they can feel proud of. This too, can shape good mental health. We must all open our arms and embrace every type of modeler if we are to take the hobby into future decades. The talent pool that exists from the traditionalists of the 1980s has much to offer and we all look forward to learning from their experience.
Congratulations to Aaron and Tim for an awsome presentation at the 2024 IPMS Nationals. I agree with everything you talked about. Even though I've never built a Gundam or any kind of Sci-Fi mech. I do watch some channels about gundam building. I've learned a number things from watching, mostly about paint types and using different paints. For example two years ago, I didn't know what color shift paint was, I do today. This is because I mostly using Matt finishes. Anyway. Good job FSM.
Like your shirt Tim! Up the Irons! Good video! Just a comment on the first point. Digital stuff is cool and often not physically real. Even what is real is easy to ignore or scroll past. For example despite predictions saying otherwise books are still popular; our small-town (pop. 5300) library is busy with people ages 9-90 and there is a B&N and Half-Price Books in a bigger city south of us. Both are quite busy when I go in and numerous young people are reading and buying books. This is why I still have hope for the hobby. My 10-year-old granddaughter often asks me what I'm working on or wants to "help." I was also encouraged by seeing a number of young people at the Nationals. So keep building!
I agree with you, hard copy is still very popular, as is the scale model industry, no matter the subject or the products. Around 2007 I bought my 1st airbrush a Badger 200 siphon feed using canned air. Cost $100 or so. Recently purchased a trigger AB with 3 different nozzles & needles, double action. For $80. It is light years more capable AB than my old Badger. This AB in 2007 easily would have cost me double or triple what I paid for it. Of course in 2007 or earlier I would have bought it at the local hobby shop versus an online purchase. I do miss not having a local hobby shop in tge neighborhood.
This was a great video about what has brought the hobby to be able to evolve. Fantastic presentation. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished.
Great presentation to the old gaurd about how the hobbie is changing. Most younger builders are into sci-fi and fantasy. Military subjects aren't nearly as prevalent these days. The old timers don't like it, but it's the way it's going. Gundam is a great way to enter the hobbie, especially for kids. They are easy to build and can lead to other interests.
Great presentation ::golf clap:: (this is my highest form of praise). I like that Fine Scale Modeler magazine covers all types of modeling. I hope you continue to cover it all.. military, civilian, vehicles, planes, space, monsters, oddities, AND Gundam. I'd love to see some coverage of tabletop gaming models. That's a whole industry in itself. Thanks for your magazine and videos!
As a followup.. there's always something in an issue, that I have no interest in. But that doesn't stop me from subscribing. Variety is the spice of life!
I probably should have taken the time at the Nationals this year to attend a seminar or two. I appreciate you posting it here! Great coverage of the changes over time for the magazine I have been subscribing to for over 30 years. I would like to get an article written and published in FSM at some point, I just need to come up with the right topic. By the way, up the Irons Tim!
Great Video Guys, Thanks. Question, WHY, Can't Model Car Co. detail a 1/24, 1/25 scale Car Model Kit like a 1/72, 1/48, 1/35, 1/32, say Plane, Tank, Ship, etc? I DON'T GET IT. Could you Please help me understand this? Oh, I Forgot, Tamiya does it with their Car kits, Excellent engineering. Thanks
This should be an open letter to All "traditional" hobby shops. I've been working for a couple mom and pop hobby shops for past 20 years. The owners of the one I currently am at refuse to adapt to change and keep doing what worked when they opened the store in the 1970's. What was a very thriving business 15 years ago is now hanging on only because the owner has no other interest in life and he keeps pumping money from what should be their retirement (they are several years past retirement age) into it.
“March or Die” is exactly correct. This situation is EXACTLY analogous to what happen in the Radio Control Model hobby with drones ( younger ) drone flyers, and drone technology, in general. Starting back in the 90’s the AMA ( the main hobby sanctioning body in the US ) the RC ( older ) hobby flyers largely “ignored” and shunned the younger RC drone flyers. Specific technology that the older RC flyers wanted nothing to do with, included. First-person flying ( with vision goggles ) flying with smart phone apps and gps technology in general. This was classic “Gate Keeping” by hobby elitists, that alienated and turned away many younger drone flyers. What happened is that ( uneducated and untrained ) drone flyers went largely unchecked, and did foolish things with drones……that ultimately led to Government regulation that, in the end larger ruined RC flying for conventional model aircraft. The point is that “IF” the older flyers had EMBRACED drones and drone flyers, and had provided safety training and education, the RC hobby probably would not have been ruined by Government regulation. In the end “Gate Keeping” helped ruin the RC hobby. The EXACT same thing will occur with Gundams - eventually the older “Gate Keeping” elitist will eventually die-off and Gundams/Science Fiction/Fantasy figures will likely become the MAJORITY in modeling. The bottom line “Gate Keeping” need# to END. “March or Die” - is EXACTLY CORRECT
Great response to the video! I have a couple of members in my local model club that dabble in RC and are being driven out by the government ordered changes. In modelling, I see 3D printed subjects as the current big change. There is less " modelling" involved in the construction typically, but fit and finish are still the fundamental basis of the builds. From the introduction of photoetched parts in the 90`s to the 3D printed parts today, it remains a great time to be a modeller!
Well, it's the Bud Abbot and Lou Costello of modeling. (just kidding) Great discussion of the future of Modeling. Seriously, if FSM devoted half of an issue to Gundam, I would cancel my subscription. Not that I dislike Gundam, it just isn't my bag and have no interest in reading about it. I would then say that maybe I'm not your target audience. If you're really serious about more entertaining content (which I am all in favor of) instead of the usual 20 photos of "How I Built This" with one sentence captions, then go for it. I would really like to see articles of "Why I Built This" or "Why I Built This Differently Than All The Rest", although they would be more "wordy" than the usual articles. In today's medium, I don't know if pictures are overtaking words in magazines. But if you are serious in soliciting contributions from readers, I'm all in.
The question isn't about devoting half an issue to Gundam, or cars, or any single subject--it's about inclusivity and being adaptable to the changing market and tastes. We're not getting rid of military subjects, but we aren't going to turn away from Gundam or other emerging and popular subjects.
Tim, your discussion about "the song remains the same" really hits home. I'll be retiring from my career job in a couple years and hope to open my own model shop. Not only do I intend to sell models and supplies, I'm planning to have a strong focus on kids. In addition to "regular" kits, think less expensive and simpler ones as well. I think the entry price for our beloved hobby has a negative impact for some. I also plan on having build days on the premises for young ones to come in, have a place to build their kits, but most important, have experienced modelers there to help and encourage them in their new found art form. I hope it works out, more for kids I have yet to meet than for myself.
Mate, I love the idea. Do watch your cash flow. Inventory is a horrible place to tie up your cash.
Good luck, I sincerely hope it works out for you.
A fascinating and very important discussion. There's creativity in everyone and the greater the variety of model kits we have to choose from, the greater appeal there will be for a wider audience. Kids can learn from their parents and grandparents as Tim describes, and this is a heart-warming ideal, but there's also a place for opening a door to anyone who wants to get creative, to join the modeling community, but who doesn't feel confident with a box of sprues and a paint brush. Whilst we are continually in awe of the talent displayed by some scale modelers with their film-set worthy dioramas, there are many who find hours of satisfaction from wielding a simple screw driver, finishing with a model they can feel proud of. This too, can shape good mental health. We must all open our arms and embrace every type of modeler if we are to take the hobby into future decades. The talent pool that exists from the traditionalists of the 1980s has much to offer and we all look forward to learning from their experience.
Indeed thank you for Dorawings in making a Vultee Vengeance...in 1/48..... and in RAAF markings. Great video.
Congratulations to Aaron and Tim for an awsome presentation at the 2024 IPMS Nationals. I agree with everything you talked about. Even though I've never built a Gundam or any kind of Sci-Fi mech. I do watch some channels about gundam building. I've learned a number things from watching, mostly about paint types and using different paints. For example two years ago, I didn't know what color shift paint was, I do today. This is because I mostly using Matt finishes. Anyway.
Good job FSM.
Thanks, Bob.
Like your shirt Tim! Up the Irons! Good video! Just a comment on the first point. Digital stuff is cool and often not physically real. Even what is real is easy to ignore or scroll past. For example despite predictions saying otherwise books are still popular; our small-town (pop. 5300) library is busy with people ages 9-90 and there is a B&N and Half-Price Books in a bigger city south of us. Both are quite busy when I go in and numerous young people are reading and buying books. This is why I still have hope for the hobby. My 10-year-old granddaughter often asks me what I'm working on or wants to "help." I was also encouraged by seeing a number of young people at the Nationals. So keep building!
I agree with you, hard copy is still very popular, as is the scale model industry, no matter the subject or the products. Around 2007 I bought my 1st airbrush a Badger 200 siphon feed using canned air. Cost $100 or so. Recently purchased a trigger AB with 3 different nozzles & needles, double action. For $80. It is light years more capable AB than my old Badger. This AB in 2007 easily would have cost me double or triple what I paid for it. Of course in 2007 or earlier I would have bought it at the local hobby shop versus an online purchase. I do miss not having a local hobby shop in tge neighborhood.
This was a great video about what has brought the hobby to be able to evolve. Fantastic presentation. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished.
Great presentation to the old gaurd about how the hobbie is changing. Most younger builders are into sci-fi and fantasy. Military subjects aren't nearly as prevalent these days. The old timers don't like it, but it's the way it's going. Gundam is a great way to enter the hobbie, especially for kids. They are easy to build and can lead to other interests.
Thank you! Gundam continue to be a great part of the hobby, and we'll definitely be showing more of them.
Very good video giving a great overview of the hobby.
Excellent talk - I wish I could have been in the audience!
Great presentation ::golf clap:: (this is my highest form of praise). I like that Fine Scale Modeler magazine covers all types of modeling. I hope you continue to cover it all.. military, civilian, vehicles, planes, space, monsters, oddities, AND Gundam. I'd love to see some coverage of tabletop gaming models. That's a whole industry in itself.
Thanks for your magazine and videos!
As a followup.. there's always something in an issue, that I have no interest in. But that doesn't stop me from subscribing. Variety is the spice of life!
And I'm no spring chicken.. been modeling since 1964
Thank you for watching, reading, and subscribing!
I probably should have taken the time at the Nationals this year to attend a seminar or two. I appreciate you posting it here! Great coverage of the changes over time for the magazine I have been subscribing to for over 30 years. I would like to get an article written and published in FSM at some point, I just need to come up with the right topic. By the way, up the Irons Tim!
We would have loved to have seen you. Up the irons!
Hi from Jersey!
Hello from Wisconsin!
Great Video Guys, Thanks. Question, WHY, Can't Model Car Co. detail a 1/24, 1/25 scale Car Model Kit like a 1/72, 1/48, 1/35, 1/32, say Plane, Tank, Ship, etc? I DON'T GET IT. Could you Please help me understand this? Oh, I Forgot, Tamiya does it with their Car kits, Excellent engineering. Thanks
Just a comment for the old algorithm.
This should be an open letter to All "traditional" hobby shops. I've been working for a couple mom and pop hobby shops for past 20 years. The owners of the one I currently am at refuse to adapt to change and keep doing what worked when they opened the store in the 1970's. What was a very thriving business 15 years ago is now hanging on only because the owner has no other interest in life and he keeps pumping money from what should be their retirement (they are several years past retirement age) into it.
“March or Die” is exactly correct. This situation is EXACTLY analogous to what happen in the Radio Control Model hobby with drones ( younger ) drone flyers, and drone technology, in general. Starting back in the 90’s the AMA ( the main hobby sanctioning body in the US ) the RC ( older ) hobby flyers largely “ignored” and shunned the younger RC drone flyers. Specific technology that the older RC flyers wanted nothing to do with, included. First-person flying ( with vision goggles ) flying with smart phone apps and gps technology in general. This was classic “Gate Keeping” by hobby elitists, that alienated and turned away many younger drone flyers. What happened is that ( uneducated and untrained ) drone flyers went largely unchecked, and did foolish things with drones……that ultimately led to Government regulation that, in the end larger ruined RC flying for conventional model aircraft. The point is that “IF” the older flyers had EMBRACED drones and drone flyers, and had provided safety training and education, the RC hobby probably would not have been ruined by Government regulation. In the end “Gate Keeping” helped ruin the RC hobby.
The EXACT same thing will occur with Gundams - eventually the older “Gate Keeping” elitist will eventually die-off and Gundams/Science Fiction/Fantasy figures will likely become the MAJORITY in modeling.
The bottom line “Gate Keeping” need# to END. “March or Die” - is EXACTLY CORRECT
Great response to the video! I have a couple of members in my local model club that dabble in RC and are being driven out by the government ordered changes. In modelling, I see 3D printed subjects as the current big change. There is less " modelling" involved in the construction typically, but fit and finish are still the fundamental basis of the builds. From the introduction of photoetched parts in the 90`s to the 3D printed parts today, it remains a great time to be a modeller!
Well, it's the Bud Abbot and Lou Costello of modeling. (just kidding)
Great discussion of the future of Modeling.
Seriously, if FSM devoted half of an issue to Gundam, I would cancel my subscription. Not that I dislike Gundam, it just isn't my bag and have no interest in reading about it. I would then say that maybe I'm not your target audience.
If you're really serious about more entertaining content (which I am all in favor of) instead of the usual 20 photos of "How I Built This" with one sentence captions, then go for it. I would really like to see articles of "Why I Built This" or "Why I Built This Differently Than All The Rest", although they would be more "wordy" than the usual articles. In today's medium, I don't know if pictures are overtaking words in magazines. But if you are serious in soliciting contributions from readers, I'm all in.
The question isn't about devoting half an issue to Gundam, or cars, or any single subject--it's about inclusivity and being adaptable to the changing market and tastes. We're not getting rid of military subjects, but we aren't going to turn away from Gundam or other emerging and popular subjects.
Not into Gundum kits - they look cool but to me its not modelling. Feels like cheating.
How isn't it modeling? Are you saying that because they are snap fit?