Why do we model?

By Bob Pearson.

One thought that comes up now and then is "just why do we model?" There are probably as many reasons as there are modellers, but I"ll give a few of them that I have come across recently. Perhaps you shall see yourself among them.

Starting with myself at almost middle age, I build because I love the challenge of creating something from nothing and I also have to keep busy. I have my model area set up just off the main area in the house and I can get up from this desk, walk ten feet and do a few minutes of work while a file is uploading .. or any time I need a break. I guess that is one advantage to working at home.

For the younger generation. I frequently have my friend's daughter over and she is fascinated by whatever I happen to be working on .. so much so that she feels she must help.

Whenever we go out we have to go to the waterfront to see the boats (bye bye boats), and if an aircraft or helicopter flies over us, her head is up right away and the call "ahplane" is heard

Another friend has had me find an Austin Mini as his father is fascinated by the car, and he wants to build it for his dad.

For the older generation. I had an email today from a fellow whose 81 year old father has been bored the last five years and has had no real interest in anything. His father served on HMCS Wetaskiwin during WWII and when he saw my model on the internet, he was inspired to see if his father would like to help him build it as well. The two of them are now planning on spending time together doing something that keeps one busy, and supplies many memories for the other.

Memories. . I think that is the best reason of all.