Well, I finally was able to eke out a few minutes–let's see if I can put something coherent together…
I was reading one of the online modeling forums today, and after reading and responding to some questions of a "How do I…" nature, I was reminded yet again that this generation of modelers doesn't remember when you didn't have answers to your questions immediately. Now, don't get me wrong, the Internet is a wonderful thing, and I only wish that I had something like this when I was coming up. But the flip side of that coin is that today's modelers can't know how it feels to try something that works after several tries.
When I first started modeling, I had nothing to guide me except what my father told me and what I as able to figure out on my own or with the help of the other neighborhood kids. I managed to do a creditable job in spite of myself. Then, we were enrolled in the Young Model Builder's club, where I learned a bit more. When I finally discovered Challenge Publications Scale Modeler magazine in 1978, I realized I didn't know what I didn't know. Through reading that magazine, I started to develop better skills and build better models. Granted, there was still a lot of trial and error going on…
In 1980 or thereabouts, Kalmbach Publications did two things–publish Sheperd Paine's first book, "How to Build Dioramas" (I had already collected all of the aircraft diorama brochures he did for Monogram Models) and began quarterly publication of FineScale Modeler magazine, which stood head and shoulders above the other magazines available in the States. There was still a lot of cut-and-try going on, but here were two guides telling me how to best do something.
Then, came my association with IPMS/USA and their Flight 19 Chapter in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Some of my fondest modeling moments came while I was associated with that club, and I met some of my best friends while a member. Believe me, friends, if you think modeling is a lone-wolf type of activity, get out to the local club meeting. I speak from experience, as there was a ten year gap from the time I left Florida (and the club) until I started attending the IPMS/Mid-Carolina Swamp Fox club meetings up here–I forgot just how much I missed the monthly gatherings to talk plastic. If you think you're a good modeler now, the club will help you become a better modeler, and that goes for everyone from the babe-in-the-woods noob to the guy who has a display case full of beautiful models and trophies to his credit. And don't limit yourself to IPMS clubs, either–there are car clubs, ship clubs, and armor clubs (AMPS, and in my case the Central South Carolina Wildcats Chapter) that are every bit as good as IPMS. Think of IPMS as an MD who is the local family doctor, and the others as the specialists.
I guess the Internet has become to this generation what Paine and FineScale Modeler was to me–a guide through the darkness. What today's modelers might not understand is that while you can now ask a question and get a dozen equally correct answers within minutes rather than months, weeks, or hours, the results still come through experimentation. That takes time. And who says you have to rush a model?
Thanks for reading. Be good to one another, and I bid you Peace.