discussion we are killing our hobbie

[Guest]

I have to say i will support the little guy on the high street. although i have bought kits on line it does not compare to the quality service i get at my local shop. Also if he does not have what i want, i will give him the kit number and type and 95% of the time he is able to get it for me.

Scott

 

[Guest]

Since I have been modelling I have seen in my home town of Nottingham several shops close down and disappear, these being Skills and Beatties.

It is sad to see, but unfortunately that seems to be a sign of the times, personally I only go to my lms for paints or glue.

I cannot remember the last time I bought a kit from either Model Zone or Geedees, as the majority of the time they either haven't got the kits I want, or they are just to expensive.

I buy all my kits from evil bay or from other modelling forums(for sale sections) because of the vast selections on offer and the price.

It is sad to see these shops disappear, but there are always going to be people selling kits etc.

 

[PaulTRose]

Since I have been modelling I have seen in my home town of Nottingham several shops close down and disappear, these being Skills and Beatties.

used to love going in Beatties opposite the old ABC Cinema,......great shop to lose a few hours in

 

[mossiepilot]

Don't know if it's just me but I love the thrill of finding an unexpected kit in a car boot sale over the looking for a kit in my LMS. I've bought kits at a bootie, I'm actually building one now, that I would never consider if I had seen it on a shelf at MZ.

Are we killing the hobby, no I don't think so, but the way we buy may be changing it for the better. I hope.

Tony.

 

[tanktrack]

in norn Ireland we are lucky to have about 6/7 model shops which includes a wholesaler in Larne in the whole country , I support my local shop the "modeller's nook " Joe the owner is a great chap and I buy bits and bobs and the odd model he must find it hard to compete with the internet ,you just cant beat face to face contact and a good talk with fellow modeller's. the truth is that you can make big savings on fleabay compared to a shop . I buy a lot from on here at scale models and hope to well into the future so keep going John.

 

[Guest]

used to love going in Beatties opposite the old ABC Cinema,......great shop to lose a few hours in

I miss those days, would spend hours looking around in Skills and Beatties, then over the road to the Co-op and upstairs to see what they had in then of to Geedees.

 

[stona]

I think that Steve (tanktrack) makes a very good point about the face to face service and just the chance to have a chat with a fellow modeller about a potential purchase or bit of advice. That aspect of the hobby is I think, sadly, going to die. The future will be online purchasing and that face to face contact will be replaced by forums like this. There are always the various model shows to attend too.

As for the demographic, I think Laurie hit the nail on the head. I'd be willing to bet that a large majority of the members here originally did a bit of plastic modelling in their younger days before life in general got in the way, the hobby falling by the way side. They will have returned to the hobby a little later in life. Of course there are some young modellers about, but a walk around any show will demonstrate an average age the wrong side of forty.

Cheers

Steve

 

[PaulTRose]

I miss those days, would spend hours looking around in Skills and Beatties, then over the road to the Co-op and upstairs to see what they had in then of to Geedees.

eeee...those were t'days :clap_1:

do you remember when GeeDees had a little second shop in the old market next to the bus station that is now Vicky Centre?.........can just remember peering in the window looking at the displays of painted airfix figures

 

[Guest]

In my early days there was just the balsa wood spitfire. About 8 inches long & all slotting together. Manipulated into the air first by hand & then along came the deluxe model launched with an elastic band. There would be an number of us who would play for hours until the balsa broke & out came the balsa cement. A number of us bought balsa & cut out our own-- larger of course.

We also made our own kites in those days. Thin bamboo strung together as a frame & then thin cooking paper glued on to the abmboo. The glue made from flour & water. The tail made from newspaper twisted into tails & tied to the string. They did not last long but then you made a bigger & better one. Fly yes they flew provided there was a good wind but not to strong as the glue did not make it. Mother thre tantrams as I used to raid her sewing box. But it was a great up bringing & a great young life partly in the war & then after. We had to make things rather than buy them.

Rather like model making which it was of course. Great memories.

Laurie

 

[Guest]

It's good to here everyone's views and points, reference age, I'm 26, and yes, before you all say it, I know I look old, I had a hard paper round haha..... I modelled when I was a kid after my dad bought me a 1/72 phantom and was hook, and only got back in to it 4 1/2 years ago when I got married and got my army quarter as one of my neighbours was a keen modeller... And I got my brother in to modelling and he is only 17 so there are some young'uns out and about.

some one should start a poll to see the average age.

 

[takeslousyphotos]

I buy all my stuff online .......... It's cheaper, easier, they have exactly what I want and the postman brings it to me ....... I don't have to drive into town, find someplace to park, and when I do I have to pay close to the defence budget of Equador........... Then walk is a mile from the car park to a model shop that has a half empty rack of paints....... and absolutely no Matt Black ????? and that is exactly what happened the last time I bothered to do it............. and as for browsing on shelves???? I know some people enjoy it. But that one isn't for me either.

Peter

 

[Guest]

some one should start a poll to see the average age.

Apologies deadman do not know you christian name. Yes good idea & one which I also thought of. Then dismissed it as the last pole was an abyss of apathy as of all the members here I think only a couple of handfuls voted.

I think you look 26 & I wish I was as well.

Laurie

 

[stona]

It's good to here everyone's views and points, reference age, I'm 26, and yes, before you all say it, I know I look old, I had a hard paper round haha..... I modelled when I was a kid after my dad bought me a 1/72 phantom and was hook, and only got back in to it 4 1/2 years ago when I got married and got my army quarter as one of my neighbours was a keen modeller... And I got my brother in to modelling and he is only 17 so there are some young'uns out and about.some one should start a poll to see the average age.

Aaaah! but would everyone tell the truth? :muha:

It doesn't really matter. I'm at an age when I can remember what year I was born (1957.....honest) but not exactly how old that makes me

I'd dare to suggest that at 26 you'd be amongst the younger members......relatively speaking. You made an early return to the hobby, so good on ya!

 

[Guest]

eeee...those were t'days :clap_1:do you remember when GeeDees had a little second shop in the old market next to the bus station that is now Vicky Centre?.........can just remember peering in the window looking at the displays of painted airfix figures[/quote

Yep those were the days, I can't say I remember that particular shop....must have been some time ago.

Just how old do you think I am, Im only a young 49(well nearly) lol.

 

[PaulTRose]

eeee...those were t'days :clap_1:do you remember when GeeDees had a little second shop in the old market next to the bus station that is now Vicky Centre?.........can just remember peering in the window looking at the displays of painted airfix figures[/quote

Yep those were the days, I can't say I remember that particular shop....must have been some time ago.

Just how old do you think I am, Im only a young 49(well nearly) lol.

:rofl:...im only 2 years older

 

[Guest]

Apologies deadman do not know you christiim a an name. Yes good idea & one which I also thought of. Then dismissed it as the last pole was an abyss of apathy as of all the members here I think only a couple of handfuls voted.I think you look 26 & I wish I was as well.

Laurie

Haha cheers. Well I would start a poll but I may be young but I was a farmers boy so dont have a clue about computers so dont know where to start get the poll started, im curious!!

And my first name is Lewis

 

[flyjoe180]

I'd say at a guess the average age would be in the mid forties here. Possibly a little older.

 

[takeslousyphotos]

Sadly I'm 51

Peter

 

[Guest]

Lucky Peter I am pre war & 75 well will be in November.

And that has pushed the average age here well up.

Laurie

 

[tanktrack]

im gonna be 54 in 3 weeks ----were has the time gone !!!!!!!!!!