Who Is Into Scale Modelling?

[smvillalon]

Yes we did a few years back. Kaya lang it ws so difficult to bring the models and the exhibits then only lasted a day or so also. These logistical nightmares led all of us to lengthen the stay of the exhibits but then the issue of security came into the picture. But we are working out the kinks in the plan and eventually we'll be able to do even travelling tours.

 

When I was with Bert Anido at what was then called IPMS Philippines, exhibits were not very common. The hobby had not blossomed into what it is today kasi. Now we have a couple of clubs in the Metro and elsewhere, we have events and tours being organized on a regular basis by two of the clubs, IPMS BA and IPMS Manila.

 

I honestly think Tata Bert would have been very happy to have seen this development...

 

Jun

[Dr_PepPeR]

Yes we did a few years back. Kaya lang it ws so difficult to bring the models and the exhibits then only lasted a day or so also. These logistical nightmares led all of us to lengthen the stay of the exhibits but then the issue of security came into the picture. But we are working out the kinks in the plan and eventually we'll be able to do even travelling tours.

 

When I was with Bert Anido at what was then called IPMS Philippines, exhibits were not very common. The hobby had not blossomed into what it is today kasi. Now we have a couple of clubs in the Metro and elsewhere, we have events and tours being organized on a regular basis by two of the clubs, IPMS BA and IPMS Manila.

 

I honestly think Tata Bert would have been very happy to have seen this development...

 

Jun

 

So would you consider this sort of a golden age for the local scale model hobbyists? I still am ashamed to admit I build scale models to acquaintances.

[steiner]

Dr. Pepper,

 

Golden age? I doubt. If you look at the people who are into modeling today, they are mostly the same old faces of 2 decades ago. Very few of the youth nowadays have the patience, let alone the inclination to get into this hobby. There are so many other more "exciting" hobbies for kids nowadays like video games and airsoft that deliver instant gratification which modeling cannot. Try watching the documentary on the "1:1 Airfix model" on youtube to find out that even in the U.K. the kids are generally disinclined towards modeling.

 

Despite the best efforts of both clubs in the Philippines to promote the hobby, there remain some forces beyond our control - and these we have to live with.

[smvillalon]

Point well taken guys...

 

But that being said, wouldn't you think it would be high time for all of us in the modeling community to act as a single unit and try to promote the hobby. Steiner is right. Despite the efforts of IPMS Manila and IPMS BA, it still seems ike a herculean task. Doing the efforts separately does not seem to be working. Don't you guys think it is time to work on this together?

 

Dr. Pepper, you keep on hiding those beautiful models of yours... show them in an exhibit! We have one coming up... why don'tyou display them for either competition or just plainly for everyone to see? How about the other guys? We at IPMS Manila would be more than happy to display your works of art for you. After all, that is what the event was made for...

 

Jun

[steiner]

Point well taken guys...

 

But that being said, wouldn't you think it would be high time for all of us in the modeling community to act as a single unit and try to promote the hobby. Steiner is right. Despite the efforts of IPMS Manila and IPMS BA, it still seems ike a herculean task. Doing the efforts separately does not seem to be working. Don't you guys think it is time to work on this together?

 

Dr. Pepper, you keep on hiding those beautiful models of yours... show them in an exhibit! We have one coming up... why don'tyou display them for either competition or just plainly for everyone to see? How about the other guys? We at IPMS Manila would be more than happy to display your works of art for you. After all, that is what the event was made for...

 

Jun

 

Jun,

 

From a social psychologist's perspective, IPMS BA and IPMS Manila will never be able to work together as a single entity-ever. I predict that with a great degree of certainty and finality.

 

The past of these two organizations has set in motion certain uncontrollable group dynamics that shall persist forever, and no one will be able to change that. Secondly, why should we want a single unit that will presumably, just lead to more social loafing (free riding, katamaran) over a competitive two club setup? Competition encourages growth and development; it enhances both groups simultaneously. So long as the competition is fair, modeling related and doesn't devolve into slapping or threatening each other in the mall, I see no reason to deviate from this state of affairs. The modeling public should have a choice, and presently they have one.

 

Competition encourages greater motivation to perform -in Psychology this is a fact.

[bugoy2004]

Point well taken guys...

 

But that being said, wouldn't you think it would be high time for all of us in the modeling community to act as a single unit and try to promote the hobby. Steiner is right. Despite the efforts of IPMS Manila and IPMS BA, it still seems ike a herculean task. Doing the efforts separately does not seem to be working. Don't you guys think it is time to work on this together?

 

Dr. Pepper, you keep on hiding those beautiful models of yours... show them in an exhibit! We have one coming up... why don'tyou display them for either competition or just plainly for everyone to see? How about the other guys? We at IPMS Manila would be more than happy to display your works of art for you. After all, that is what the event was made for...

 

Jun

 

i have to agree! show your wares doc! i show mine even if it's not worth showing

[smvillalon]

Steiner, whatever gave you the idea that I wanted the two clubs to merge? IPMS BA is doing fine the way they are from my point of view - and so is IPMS Manila the last time I looked. The thought of a single unit never crossed my mind... and I'm sure neither did it cross their minds as well.

 

My thesis is that the job of making this hobby grow is a task too large for one club to handle. Though it may be true that both clubs are working towards the same goals, the activities and methodology are sometime in conflict with one another.

 

What I was proposing is for the different clubs to unite in this goal of making the hobby grow. How will this be accomplished? Through a COORDINATED set of activities that will provide the would-be, novice, advanced and master modelers a venue for them to showcase their skills, learn from their peers, have an opportunity to acquire good quality kits and equipment at reasonable prices. In short, band together through activities and deeds - not unify under one banner or club... THAT WOULD BE UNWISE.

 

Right now, there are people who post in this forum (also in our own IPMS Manila forums and I am sure in the IPMS BA forums) about a lot of stuff regarding the hobby. We at IPMS Manila DO NOT have a monopoly on modeling know-how and neither does IPMS BA or other modeling clubs around the Philippines. What I would like to remove (which I am glad is starting here in this forum) is the labeling of clubs as "this" or "that".

 

We are all modelers - PERIOD. We have a very small community and we should all work to making it bigger, better and more inviting to the next generation of potential modelers - who, like you said, are not interested in what we do. We cannot stand by idly and watch the hobby we love die... we have to do something...

 

My Two-cents worth...

 

Jun

[steiner]

Steiner, whatever gave you the idea that I wanted the two clubs to merge? IPMS BA is doing fine the way they are from my point of view - and so is IPMS Manila the last time I looked. The thought of a single unit never crossed my mind... and I'm sure neither did it cross their minds as well.

 

My thesis is that the job of making this hobby grow is a task too large for one club to handle. Though it may be true that both clubs are working towards the same goals, the activities and methodology are sometime in conflict with one another.

 

What I was proposing is for the different clubs to unite in this goal of making the hobby grow. How will this be accomplished? Through a COORDINATED set of activities that will provide the would-be, novice, advanced and master modelers a venue for them to showcase their skills, learn from their peers, have an opportunity to acquire good quality kits and equipment at reasonable prices. In short, band together through activities and deeds - not unify under one banner or club... THAT WOULD BE UNWISE.

 

Right now, there are people who post in this forum (also in our own IPMS Manila forums and I am sure in the IPMS BA forums) about a lot of stuff regarding the hobby. We at IPMS Manila DO NOT have a monopoly on modeling know-how and neither does IPMS BA or other modeling clubs around the Philippines. What I would like to remove (which I am glad is starting here in this forum) is the labeling of clubs as "this" or "that".

 

We are all modelers - PERIOD. We have a very small community and we should all work to making it bigger, better and more inviting to the next generation of potential modelers - who, like you said, are not interested in what we do. We cannot stand by idly and watch the hobby we love die... we have to do something...

 

My Two-cents worth...

 

Jun

 

Working together also isn't a particularly good idea either. I think that working separately remains the best setup. The status quo seems to be good for both clubs so perhaps we should be happy with what we have. Just no mudslinging and forum flaming and we'll all be just hunky dory....

[Dr_PepPeR]

Dr. Pepper,

 

Golden age? I doubt. If you look at the people who are into modeling today, they are mostly the same old faces of 2 decades ago. Very few of the youth nowadays have the patience, let alone the inclination to get into this hobby. There are so many other more "exciting" hobbies for kids nowadays like video games and airsoft that deliver instant gratification which modeling cannot. Try watching the documentary on the "1:1 Airfix model" on youtube to find out that even in the U.K. the kids are generally disinclined towards modeling.

 

Despite the best efforts of both clubs in the Philippines to promote the hobby, there remain some forces beyond our control - and these we have to live with.

 

Maybe it's just the golden age for us old hobbyists. I guess this is also true in most countries. Even instant gratification is not the only hurdle. I mean, let's face it, with the price of model kits and accessories, only adults with some disposable income can actually venture into this hobby. I still think that having more exhibits in malls, schools, fairs etc. will draw some new blood. What are your experiences when you have exhibits? Do you get questions from the kids or their parents? Do you assign someone to talk to the viewing public in case they show interest?

[Dr_PepPeR]

Point well taken guys...

 

But that being said, wouldn't you think it would be high time for all of us in the modeling community to act as a single unit and try to promote the hobby. Steiner is right. Despite the efforts of IPMS Manila and IPMS BA, it still seems ike a herculean task. Doing the efforts separately does not seem to be working. Don't you guys think it is time to work on this together?

 

Dr. Pepper, you keep on hiding those beautiful models of yours... show them in an exhibit! We have one coming up... why don'tyou display them for either competition or just plainly for everyone to see? How about the other guys? We at IPMS Manila would be more than happy to display your works of art for you. After all, that is what the event was made for...

 

Jun

 

The only beautiful models I have are the unbuilt ones still in their boxes. Sure, I can display them but I think you mean one that I've actually built and finished. Maybe when I'm happy with a completed kit, I can enter it in a competition, but I'm not ready yet. I have no problems posting pictures here, at least they don't look half as bad as they do in person.

[Dr_PepPeR]

i have to agree! show your wares doc! i show mine even if it's not worth showing

 

I did, I posted pictures here of my built kits and WIPs! Even if it's not worth showing.

[Dr_PepPeR]

So far I haven't seen any flaming here, and I really like interacting here with you guys, I feel like a newbie in awe of the seasoned veterans.

[smvillalon]

Dr. Pepper,

 

Everyone started at the same level. Trust me...

 

You should have seen my first model - it was an Aurora Knight of Nurnberg figure that I made with my mom when I was 10. It was built with Duco cement and it was unpainted - but I loved that kit... Sayang lang kasi nasama sa sunog (when our house burned down in '72).

 

I restarted when I was 14 and displayed models first in my room, then my office, then when I joined the then IPMS Philippines (buhay pa si Tata Bert Anido noon), I was encouraged by them to display my work. they paled in comparison to the others but I took the challenge and tried to correct the mistakes they pointed out (it's different when your models are judged in person - the details become evident and the advice, more accurate). I remember the BA members like Bong Marfori and Albert Labrador encouraging me to display - no matter what.

 

So I did... and the rest is history. It's the first step that will always get to you Doc... Take a leap of faith and trust that we will catch you so you won't fall.

 

Jun

 

PS: Oh, and don't worry about my discussion with Steiner... we always speak freely like that - even over the phone. Walang samaan nang loob... It's cool... :thumbsupsmiley:

[smvillalon]

Dr. Pepper,

 

The kids who look at the exhibits have tons of questions and are very eager to get into it - until they go to the shops and their parents see the prices of the lits and the equipment to be used. I hope we can remedy the situation soon... but it will take a concerted effort from all the modelers in the community to influence the prices of the stuff we buy.

 

Finally, I respect this forum for it's candid attitude and I respect the willingness of the people posting in it to listen. "Inflammatory remarks" are normally brought about by perceptions from the listener kasi. That is why in forums you have to keep and open mind, and a cool tongue... :thumbsupsmiley:

 

Jun

[floppydrive]

It's good to know that walang samaan ng loob between the two clubs.

 

I always found building kits as a solitary hobby. It's in theappreciation, comparison and advice that it becomes interactive. My concern is actually time. It's something in short supply nowadays. I just realized that the kit I got last Christmas is just 10% complete. hahaha

 

I agree that this hobby is expensive. A 1/72 scale Tamiya would set you back around P800 - P1,000. How long would it take for a kid to save this much from his allowance? Whereas a trip to Greenhills with P100 in the pocket can get the kid a new Wii or Xbox game.

 

Maybe instead of getting them interested in plastic kits, they should start with scratch-building. The materials are cheaper and makes the child creative. But then again, if they start on that path, they might not want to make plastic kits at all.

 

Would anyone know how to mix clear lavander or clear violet? I tried mixing clear Tamiya red with clear Tamiya blue, and I got something that's somewhere between clear black to clear dark blue. It seems the two clear colors don't blend well with each other. I tried thinning it out so only a light coat goes on the clear part, but it doesn't look anything close to violet - more like smoke.

 

I also tried painting it clear blue, then applying clear red, but it doesn't blend at all.

[bugoy2004]

my batchmate's son is actually very interested in the hobby eversince he saw my 1/12 scale Moto GP bike about aweek ago. add to that the kid asked his mom if i could be his ninong. so i said ok. i'm willing to help out the kid since he also had a car kit way back given to him as a gift. so i gues they kid already has an idea. i hope i get him really interested.

[smvillalon]

Scratch-building... Now that's a thought... If you have someone to mentor the kid, by all means, go ahead.

 

However, I started doing scratch-building when I was in high school (because I did not have money to spend for kits) an believe me, it was difficult! I ended up going back to building kits because it was "easier".

 

But you are right that it is a "solitary" hobby in the sense that most of the time, you build the kits alone. Building large dioramas (like the ones we did for the AFP Museum an the Philippine Ports Authority) is a little different. You really need teamwork since the project is more than one person can accomplish effectively alone.

 

Nevertheless, the one thing I can thank the hobby for is the fact that it helped me build patience in myself. The hobby gives that to you by default - otherwise you will not survive.

 

I only built four kits this year - and these are the ones you can finish in less than a day! Just remember these words...

 

"your kit... your money... your pace... your time..."

 

No one can tell you otherwise.

 

Jun

 

 

It's good to know that walang samaan ng loob between the two clubs.

 

I always found building kits as a solitary hobby. It's in theappreciation, comparison and advice that it becomes interactive. My concern is actually time. It's something in short supply nowadays. I just realized that the kit I got last Christmas is just 10% complete. hahaha

 

I agree that this hobby is expensive. A 1/72 scale Tamiya would set you back around P800 - P1,000. How long would it take for a kid to save this much from his allowance? Whereas a trip to Greenhills with P100 in the pocket can get the kid a new Wii or Xbox game.

 

Maybe instead of getting them interested in plastic kits, they should start with scratch-building. The materials are cheaper and makes the child creative. But then again, if they start on that path, they might not want to make plastic kits at all.

 

Would anyone know how to mix clear lavander or clear violet? I tried mixing clear Tamiya red with clear Tamiya blue, and I got something that's somewhere between clear black to clear dark blue. It seems the two clear colors don't blend well with each other. I tried thinning it out so only a light coat goes on the clear part, but it doesn't look anything close to violet - more like smoke.

 

I also tried painting it clear blue, then applying clear red, but it doesn't blend at all.

[Dr_PepPeR]

Dr. Pepper,

 

Everyone started at the same level. Trust me...

 

You should have seen my first model - it was an Aurora Knight of Nurnberg figure that I made with my mom when I was 10. It was built with Duco cement and it was unpainted - but I loved that kit... Sayang lang kasi nasama sa sunog (when our house burned down in '72).

 

I restarted when I was 14 and displayed models first in my room, then my office, then when I joined the then IPMS Philippines (buhay pa si Tata Bert Anido noon), I was encouraged by them to display my work. they paled in comparison to the others but I took the challenge and tried to correct the mistakes they pointed out (it's different when your models are judged in person - the details become evident and the advice, more accurate). I remember the BA members like Bong Marfori and Albert Labrador encouraging me to display - no matter what.

 

So I did... and the rest is history. It's the first step that will always get to you Doc... Take a leap of faith and trust that we will catch you so you won't fall.

 

Jun

 

PS: Oh, and don't worry about my discussion with Steiner... we always speak freely like that - even over the phone. Walang samaan nang loob... It's cool... :thumbsupsmiley:

 

When I went back into the hobby sometime in the early nineties, I started to paint my Tamiya PzKf IVJ with Tamiya enamel dark yellow. I decided I wanted a browner version, so I mixed it with Tamiya acrylic brown and painted the whole model with it. When I was 10 years old there were only enamel paints for hobbyists.... The rest is history......

 

Oh and BTW, I was never worried about you and steiner, it was always a healthy discussion that never got down to name calling. I was more worried about bringing up a subject that has long been settled and accepted. Again, my apologies.

Edited December 5, 2009 by Dr_PepPeR

[smvillalon]

Ah yes... Pactra, right? Miss ko na yung amoy nun... Bango!!!

 

Jun

 

When I went back into the hobby sometime in the early nineties, I started to paint my Tamiya PzKf IVJ with Tamiya enamel dark yellow. I decided I wanted a browner version, so I mixed it with Tamiya acrylic brown and painted the whole model with it. When I was 10 years old there were only enamel paints for hobbyists.... The rest is history......

 

Oh and BTW, I was never worried about you and steiner, it was always a healthy discussion that never got down to name calling. I was more worried about bringing up a subject that has long been settled and accepted. Again, my apologies.

[Dr_PepPeR]

Dr. Pepper,

 

The kids who look at the exhibits have tons of questions and are very eager to get into it - until they go to the shops and their parents see the prices of the lits and the equipment to be used. I hope we can remedy the situation soon... but it will take a concerted effort from all the modelers in the community to influence the prices of the stuff we buy.

 

Finally, I respect this forum for it's candid attitude and I respect the willingness of the people posting in it to listen. "Inflammatory remarks" are normally brought about by perceptions from the listener kasi. That is why in forums you have to keep and open mind, and a cool tongue... :thumbsupsmiley:

 

Jun

 

There have been so many times at Lil's that I see kids look at the Tamiya and Dragon kits and ask their parents to buy it for them. I always stifle the urge to steer them to the old 1/72 Academy plane kits, because I don't want to be accused of putting my nose in someone else's business. I expected Josie to do that but on second thought, she's better off if she was asked first.

 

Maybe the clubs/shops/manufacturers can sponsor a 'build it and take it home' activity for the kids, where they will be provided with tools such as clippers, sanding sticks and cement and they choose from the available kits one which they want to build right there and then take it home with them. Just a thought.

 

Ah yes... Pactra, right? Miss ko na yung amoy nun... Bango!!!

 

Jun

 

That's right, Pactra, and when I could get it from the US, Testors. Actually I love the smell of Tamiya acrylics... reminds me of something.

Edited December 5, 2009 by Dr_PepPeR

[Dr_PepPeR]

It's good to know that walang samaan ng loob between the two clubs.

 

I always found building kits as a solitary hobby. It's in theappreciation, comparison and advice that it becomes interactive. My concern is actually time. It's something in short supply nowadays. I just realized that the kit I got last Christmas is just 10% complete. hahaha

 

I agree that this hobby is expensive. A 1/72 scale Tamiya would set you back around P800 - P1,000. How long would it take for a kid to save this much from his allowance? Whereas a trip to Greenhills with P100 in the pocket can get the kid a new Wii or Xbox game.

 

Maybe instead of getting them interested in plastic kits, they should start with scratch-building. The materials are cheaper and makes the child creative. But then again, if they start on that path, they might not want to make plastic kits at all.

 

Would anyone know how to mix clear lavander or clear violet? I tried mixing clear Tamiya red with clear Tamiya blue, and I got something that's somewhere between clear black to clear dark blue. It seems the two clear colors don't blend well with each other. I tried thinning it out so only a light coat goes on the clear part, but it doesn't look anything close to violet - more like smoke.

 

I also tried painting it clear blue, then applying clear red, but it doesn't blend at all.

 

Time is also my concern, and I consider it quite an achievement if I finish one kit per year. So you guys have to wait till I roll over and die if you want to buy my stash at bargain prices.

 

I agree scratchbuilding materials can be inexpensive, but it may be frustrating to make it turn out into what you had in mind. Kids need something easy and simple to build that will turn out pretty decently, like snap-tite kits. But even simple snap-tite kits are expensive, just look at the Gundam kits.

 

I actually tried to tint a clear part dark green for the overhead windows of a Huey. I got some future and tried to mix dark green from food coloring and dipped the window in it. It didn't work, the only part of the window that had a tinge of dark green were the edges. I wonder what if I tried to spray it? You want to try mixing food coloring with future to get clear lavender? Lavender eh, what's it for?

[Dr_PepPeR]

Scratch-building... Now that's a thought... If you have someone to mentor the kid, by all means, go ahead.

 

However, I started doing scratch-building when I was in high school (because I did not have money to spend for kits) an believe me, it was difficult! I ended up going back to building kits because it was "easier".

 

But you are right that it is a "solitary" hobby in the sense that most of the time, you build the kits alone. Building large dioramas (like the ones we did for the AFP Museum an the Philippine Ports Authority) is a little different. You really need teamwork since the project is more than one person can accomplish effectively alone.

 

Nevertheless, the one thing I can thank the hobby for is the fact that it helped me build patience in myself. The hobby gives that to you by default - otherwise you will not survive.

 

I only built four kits this year - and these are the ones you can finish in less than a day! Just remember these words...

 

"your kit... your money... your pace... your time..."

 

No one can tell you otherwise.

 

Jun

 

I buy a kit for about a thousand pesos. How long will it keep me happily occupied? About a year if I rush it. This hobby is still cheap! I spend three times that much in a certain place and it only keeps me happily occupied for an hour and a half!

Edited December 5, 2009 by Dr_PepPeR

[steiner]

Maybe it's just the golden age for us old hobbyists. I guess this is also true in most countries. Even instant gratification is not the only hurdle. I mean, let's face it, with the price of model kits and accessories, only adults with some disposable income can actually venture into this hobby. I still think that having more exhibits in malls, schools, fairs etc. will draw some new blood. What are your experiences when you have exhibits? Do you get questions from the kids or their parents? Do you assign someone to talk to the viewing public in case they show interest?

 

In principle we should be assigning member to do "PR" work but this isnt always done. Hobby clubs are imperfect organizations and many times important concerns like this aren't always addressed. During exhibits, many people ask about the hobby, but the lack of displays that depict the journey of the in-the-box kit to finished product really prevents the majority of exhibit goers to fully understand that these are not toys and it does take some skill to build them.

 

Unfortunately both clubs haven't addressed this issue yet which provides an opportunity for such improvement in the future.

[smvillalon]

Ooh yes... models of the 1:1 kind... Very nice ones but extremely expensive...

 

Especially if they're the so-called actin figures - yung palakpak nang palakpak!

 

Jun

 

I buy a kit for about a thousand pesos. How long will it keep me happily occupied? About a year if I rush it. This hobby is still cheap! I spend three times that much in a certain place and it only keeps me happily occupied for an hour and a half!

[smvillalon]

I totally agree with you on that issue pre... They think our "replicas" are merely "toys". Well, it's difficult talaga to educate the public. We just have to take it one "deliberately crafted" step at a time so that we end up with the goal we want...

 

Jun

 

In principle we should be assigning member to do "PR" work but this isnt always done. Hobby clubs are imperfect organizations and many times important concerns like this aren't always addressed. During exhibits, many people ask about the hobby, but the lack of displays that depict the journey of the in-the-box kit to finished product really prevents the majority of exhibit goers to fully understand that these are not toys and it does take some skill to build them.

 

Unfortunately both clubs haven't addressed this issue yet which provides an opportunity for such improvement in the future.