The Golden Rule.

What is the golden rule on scale modelling? Some may say to have the best build they can achieve. Other will say to actually finish their kits. There are many reasons why anyone would take up this hobby but ask yourself, what is that real reason you went into scale modelling?

I have been working on plastic kits since when I was a teenager, and for the life of me, I could only think of one reason why I did it. I enjoyed it. I have always loved building things, learning new techniques and getting amazed with the results. It helped when I have a group of friends who shared this hobby. As we grew up, it became a passion. I continued to build because I enjoyed building, especially when the kit is from a favourite topic I follow. Of course when it came to a group build, I do get intimidated when I find out a master builder is participating. But that pressure became fun later on as I push myself to improve on my skills and techniques. Ask me 35 years ago if I dared to cut up a fuselage, or butcher a perfectly molded expensive kit, and you would see real horror on my face. Today I don't even hesitate putting the saw to cut her up.

The joy I get differs today from when I was a youth. I no longer build as freely as I did before due to my career, other commitments and age. And I do get satisfaction encouraging others, helping them to get their desired kits, trying out newer techniques, being part of a team to develop this hobby. But sometimes what I also see out there really pains me. Rivet counters, people who criticizes others due to accuracy issues, and people who blatantly kill the hobby with their over zealous and arrogant comments or posts in forums, blogs and FB. They are not doing anyone any favours, and only serve to segregate themselves from everyone else. And whenever politics comes within groups, instead of working together to help grow this already shrinking tradition, they find gratification glorifying themselves or playing victims. If I was a new comer and I see these sort of behavious, it would certainly put me off participating or contributing to the hobby. I guess some people are truly blind to this as all they want is to garner support no matter what the outcome is.

I've had my share of run ins with these group of people, and every time when I get frustrated, I ask myself why do I still continue with this passion. Hence the golden rule - because I still enjoy it. There is no limit to how creative one can get to produce something one have visualized in his/her mind. It is personal, it is gratifying, it is also an escape. And I refuse to let anyone tell me otherwise, after all, it is a personal choice. I get to enjoy the fruits of my passion, not them.
























So don't get disheartened whenever something negative happens to you. Always remember your own golden rule - why did you get into this hobby. Reconcile your feelings, and look ahead. Never ever let anyone steal this passion away from you. It's your escape from reality, your chance to see your own achievements, and getting your own satisfaction. No one has the right to take that away from you.