Scale modeling. Some get into the hobby just to try it out. Some do it to create a collection of their favorite models. Others do it for self-improvement and most of the people I know that does it are in it for competition and recognition. But what does one get from scale modeling exactly? How is it different or similar from any other hobbies out there?
I’ve talked to some of my fellow modelers and came up with a consensus for the reasons of you getting into scale modeling.
A natural stress reliever
There will always be a point in our life that we will encounter stress. It is inevitable. Whether it be at work or family matters to quarrels among peers, as human beings we always turn to something that can relieve us of this condition. An outlet so to speak.
“As you continue to build every single piece of your scale model you begin to form a sense of clarity in your mind. You become clear-headed and more focused.”
This is perfect if you want to have some alone time or you need to collect yourself after a long stressful day. You sit there on your work table and start your project slowly. As you continue to build every single piece of your scale model you begin to form a sense of clarity in your mind. You become more focused.
Progression and Excitement
How someone builds their models depends on each individual. Some do it faster than others. Some do it nice and slow enjoying every bit of assembling it. You get to see what you create. Accomplishing a finished kit gives you a strong sense of self-fulfillment satisfaction. You are proud because you created something with your own hands. As you continue to build more scale models you gradually improve and make better creations each time.
Accuracy and Artistic license
“As soon as you master building scale models you find yourself exploring other options to adding a personal touch to your masterpieces.”
With the more real-life scale models like cars and military vehicles, your aim is to build these kits with accuracy. Diving into accuracy makes you learn more techniques you can use. Whats more is that there is a bit of science involved. Like for instance how rust accumulates in certain parts of a vehicle to paint being chipped when they get scratched and how to emulate them in their scale model counterparts. For Science-fiction or “sci-fi” kits like gunpla, you can do whatever you want with it. From custom paint jobs to parts modifications, anything goes. As soon as you master building scale models you find yourself exploring other options to adding a personal touch to your masterpieces.
Collection
What better way to show off your stuff than putting them on display? As a scale modeler, you can always be proud of your personal achievements. Show off to your peers and entice them to try the hobby as well.
The Scale Modeling Community
It is always fun to immerse with people who are into the same hobby as you are. The best part is sharing and teaching tips and tricks and techniques to improve your skills further. People organize clubs and groups dedicated to the hobby all aiming for the same reason. For everyone’s self-improvement and more exposure.
These are some of the reasons I have gathered so far and I am sure there are many more. Everyone who has contributed to this has more to add but I have only written the general stuff. If you are curious about scale modeling I highly recommend that you give it a try and see for yourself if this is the hobby for you.
