Apathy

[Germanjim]

hello fellow modellers haven't posted anything for a long time or built /painted anything either, I'm struggling to find enthusiasm to do anything model related and last week it finally erupted. I am a member of a model railway club and over the last 4-5 years have been building a layout in oo(1/76) scale only to be told that the club needed the space it was 24' by 12' I have until then had spent in excess of £4000 building and buy stock for it.
So last week I set about dismantling it I was gutted and a few of the members didn't know why I gave the following reasons
1...... It was built at a time when the club couldn't afford to build one
2......I bought everything for it from baseboards up
3......I asked on countless occasions was it wanted answer YES
4......it would represent the club at MR exhibitions

Now I find myself with a fortune in track buildings stock etc. So since this all transpired I feel sick when I look at my kit stash and have absolutely no enthusiasm for any sort of modelling and I can't see it returning anytime soon. Jim

[Thorbrand]

Where is it stored? at the club or with you? maybe they can find a way for it to be represented since you put so much time and effort in it. It seems a shame they can't incorporate your work somehow, sorry i'm not all too familiar with modelling clubs or how they operate

[Germanjim]

Well Alex it's politics and jealousy when it was conceived the club couldn't afford to build anything because of finance and member numbers but recently we've had a few new members and everthing is done to lmpress them and because this layout was entirely paid for its created a jealous streak in some so net result is I no longer go in to the lub as often. Jim

[Thorbrand]

Well Alex it's politics and jealousy when it was conceived the club couldn't afford to build anything because of finance and member numbers but recently we've had a few new members and everthing is done to lmpress them and because this layout was entirely paid for its created a jealous streak in some so net result is I no longer go in to the lub as often. Jim

It's a shame that often jealousy gets in the way of progress. Try not to let it dampen your inspiration, I'm sure you will find your modelling mojo again. I took a break from modelling for a good 20 years (i was busy being an unruly teenager and messing about) and now I realise it's still one of my passions. I think in life when you have a skill or a talent it will always be a part of you, because it's part of what makes us who we are. Primarily I make models for myself for the sense of achievement and it's nice to be able to share it with other people.

[col68]

Well Alex it's politics and jealousy when it was conceived the club couldn't afford to build anything because of finance and member numbers but recently we've had a few new members and everthing is done to lmpress them and because this layout was entirely paid for its created a jealous streak in some so net result is I no longer go in to the lub as often. Jim

I understand how you feel Jim I stopped going to my local model club for the same reason ran by a few for a select few it was like a dictatorship.

[grumpa]

I get your drift Jim, though I live in a remote area there is or should I say there WAS a model shop in Albany NY. Though it was a rather long drive (about 4 hrs.) from our mountain top abode, I wanted like heck to be a part of their modeling contest. The Missus was very cooperative (bless her heart) and put up with my rather sophomoric request and we made the journey with several projects that were complete at the time (about five years ago). Though we were rather early what rankled me a bit was that they asked if I was a member of their "modeling club" though I'm sure they knew I was not. My work was relegated to a table way in the back of the shop while much merry making and friendly banter was going on between what I later found out were the owners and "club members" who would come in and work on their projects at the shop.
There were some folks from IPMS ...is that right? They fawned over my work and took many photos though we were required to remain anonymous and not speak to any of the judges. Fine.
What happened next was something very short of a row between the IPMS folks and the shop owners. Though no one could decipher what it was all about it seemed there was some sort of disagreement over awards to be given
I brought three projects in and won 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize medals and certificates in the military models and dioramas category. When the awards were handed out, while others were asked to comment on their builds and take a few questions, I was quite unceremoniously handed my awards and given what seemed to me the "bums rush"
While speaking to some of the IPMS folks in the parking lot afterwards I was told that the owners of the shop weren't going to give me any awards at all.
Only by the threat of IPMS non-participation in any of there future events did they relent.
Politics and favoritism are a big part of the modeling world and in a fine mood I was ready to go back in and hurl my awards to the floor and tell them just what I thought of them but the IPMS folks told me that my awards were well deserved and that I should cherish them.
As far as lost mojo, just sit at the bench and get your hands going and soon the imagination kicks in and off you go! It seems the hardest part is to get going again, just don't over think it and put your a## in the hot seat and get to work, you know we are all here and would love to see your work and enthusiasm return....Jim

[PaulTRose]

one reason ive always resisted joining the IPMS

funny thing is, i am planning on doing it soon!............but purely for selfish reasons

i seem to have hit a bit of a plateau in my modelmaking, i dont seem to try any thing new any more.........i figure if i join a club it will give me incentive to up my game.................and the fact they meet next door to a pub is a bonus lol

[Guest]

I don't belong to any clubs, for most of the reasons given here. I tried with my only local one and are greeted with a certain amout of suspicion, because I only build cars/trucks/bikes! Why don't I build Military as most if not all of the members love building killing machines!
I took along some of my builds and there was absolutely no interest, my one visit was enough! That was a number of years ago. We have one new club open since, railways or Radio Control, nothing else!
I'm happy posting them on a few websites, although some like to tell me how to paint, others 'that's not how to do so and so', some just view and make no comments, those I'm gradually stopping posting on. If you view and don't comment that's just lazy or you don't like what I build.
It's the same with contests, most are 90% military, only friends of friends go and they know the judges and they always win!

[eddiesolo]

I kept getting asked to join IPMS, not bothered. I have shown a few models at events and some have had backlash due to not being a member but an 'invite'. I can't be bothered now.

I feel for you mate, that is an awful amount of work and outlay from a club that doesn't seem to respect you or the work involved. I hope you get your mojo back for modelling and build for you, not anybody else.

[Germanjim]

Thanks for the moral boost along with other things going on in my life I'm considering going back home (Elkhart Indiana) which is rich I came here 35yr ago I've never been back in that time, hoping that might kick start things again every time I think about my layout I get this sick feeling but I'm determined it's not going to ruin my enjoyment of modelling it'll just take a little time to get over
Jim