Community Forum

Part of the fun of scale modelling is the chance to attend a model show. You will find many others who share an interest with you, and this is an opportunity to develop new contacts.

When you attend a local or national model show, here are some points to consider that allow you to get more enjoyment out of the event.

Read up on the event ahead of time. If you learn in advance what activities are scheduled, you won't miss something that might interest you.

By making a checklist of things you want to do and noting the times of banquets, seminars, and swap meets (along with other events that are not time specific), you can prioritize your schedule.

Prepare a list of models and accessories that you intend to purchase. Much like grocery shopping on an empty stomach, if you are not careful, you can get caught up in the excitement and buy far too much stuff.

Don't take more money than you are willing to spend, and don't change your mind once you get there.

Hold off on making your purchases too early. Some dealers offer show specials, and prices can vary widely between vendors. Take the time to view all the displays before making any purchases. Don't wait too long, though, as items you wish to purchase can disappear rapidly.

Some events are more family oriented than others. If you do take your family, remember that they may not share your enthusiasm, and plan some time in the trip to be able to do something that they will enjoy as well.

If you go to any seminars or demonstrations, take notes. You are there to learn, write it down, and you will remember it better.

Take a camera. The pictures you take will really help you remember the show later.

Most importantly—relax and have fun.

One of the reasons that scale modelling is so popular now is that you get a lot of creative expression and enjoyment for the money you spend. Ours is a relatively inexpensive hobby. If you wished, you could do a respectable model for as little as $­50, counting the cost of basic tools. There's a lot of value returned for the investment.

Now, scale modelling is where model railroading was thirty years ago. There are cottage industries springing up, making wiring kits, special decals and even tires. It's getting more sophisticated.

Having lots of fun and building great models go together. It's a great hobby if we'll just let it be so, and not allow ourselves to be side-tracked.

The modelling club scene is not as bad as some might make it out to be. There are many activities which can bring members together: activities such as building clinics for disadvantaged kids, club projects, club theme nights, and full blown club-sponsored contests. Some other ways to make your club better:

- volunteer to do a demonstration for your fellow club members on a technique you have mastered.

- bring your kids and do a snap kit building demonstration for them.

- conduct a clinic for girl or boy scouts in your area.

- try building in a style that interests other members of your club (you might like it!)

- set up a challenge contest between your club and another in your general geographic area.

- do join as many clubs as you can (but do it to experience various interests, not to be involved with smaller cliques).

- be open minded to the interests of others in your club (if a fellow club member's model car is not a Chevy or a Ford, that does not mean it is a bad model).

This is one of the most frequently asked questions concerning contests. While the parameters can differ from one contest to another, there are some points which remain consistent.

The basic definition of a box stock model is one that is painted and assembled solely from the kit inventory with no alterations and using no other parts either from the aftermarket, another kit or by scratch building. All the fundamental aspects of building are allowed and encouraged… This includes sanding moulding seams, eliminating flash, removing and filling ejector pin marks and correcting sprue flaws. Any alterations beyond the fundamentals, however, are not allowed. You may not remove features like chrome trim and drip rails. You may not add such items, either. Certain organizations like the I.P.M.S. (International Plastic Modelers Society) allow exhaust pipes to be drilled out, but that is the only alteration that is allowed.

Products not included in the kit such as those used for assembling and finishing the model are allowed. Of course paint, putty and glue are the most obvious here, but most contests allow the use of metal foil on chrome trim and aftermarket decals or dry transfers. Some contest guidelines, such as those set forth by the I.P.M.S. allow simple masking tape seat belts and wire antennas. Photoetched scripts, trim, or hardware on any part of the vehicle, however, will get you booted out-of-the-Box Stock class. This goes for other aftermarket products as well, including resin and metal cast replacement parts. All it takes is one non-kit part—no matter how small or innocent—to kick the model into another category where it will compete with others that have a wealth of aftermarket goodies. Kit bashed and scratch built parts are absolutely, positively not allowed.

Can a box stock vehicle be weathered? Certainly, but only with cosmetic mediums like paints and pastels. You cannot remove any plastic to make features like dents or rust outs, as these are alterations to the kit parts. Can a high gloss paint job be rubbed out using a polishing kit? Certainly, since this is considered a fundamental of good modelling and is rewarded.

Box Stock classes were created to test a modeller's fundamental skills. Since Box Stock rules can vary from contest to contest, there may be grey areas that could affect your entry. Get a copy of a club or organization's Box Stock guidelines well in advance of the show, so you can be sure your model is correct. Call the contest chairman if you are in doubt. Most contests require the kit's instruction sheet to be displayed with the model to aid in judging. Be sure to bring these along.

Personally speaking, I could never begin to repay the hobby for the thousands of hours of enjoyment it has given me over the years. When you think about it, there are very few ways to say 'thanks' to the hobby for providing such a wide array of pleasure.

Model building is largely a solitary hobby. Most of us spend hours in our basements or workrooms at the bench with no social interaction. It's nice to get away for a while. Building models can be a very relaxing experience.

However, it's not always good to hole yourself up. Modellers can get out to shows, attend club meetings, or hang out at the local hobby shop to meet people with similar tastes and talk to them about their favourite hobby. These are all good ways to share our hobby with others.

Building a good drag race car model involves more than a kit and some glue. Proper research and planning can take up close to half the building time. Photos, magazine articles, TV coverage, and trips to the local speed shops are some ways to gather information. Each piece of information eliminates some guesswork and makes a more accurate model.

Photos taken at the track are the best way to get the necessary information. Unlike most forms of racing, fans can visit the pits at drag races, so close inspection of the cars is easy. Most racers will let you take pictures of any part of their car, just don't get in the way during a between-rounds thrash. Try to get your pictures early when the racers are more at ease and the cars are unbuttoned for tech inspection.

Magazine articles are the easiest way to gather information. Convenience stores, drug stores and supermarkets all carry a variety of publications. Check all the magazines; you never know where something good might turn up.

Speed shops also offer a wealth of information. Most have large wall displays and built engines on stands right on the floor. A photo or drawing will help you remember what you saw. These shops usually also have catalogues and pamphlets from many of the equipment manufacturers.

I have no doubts that my skills have improved in direct proportion to the level of knowledge and experience I have encountered. I always come away from any event with a few new friends and a ton of inspiration for future projects. All in all, not a bad deal. It has been my experience that most, if not all, scale modellers are eager to share ideas and experience. Look, listen, learn and share should be a basic tenet of any participant in modelling events.