To stash, or not to stash?

And perhaps, how to decide...

One of the plastic modellers I revere- a fine fellow with something of a following and whom many of the readers here will know, has amassed a considerable collection of kits from which he draws his projects. Like many, he acquires his kits from a variety of sources and then reviews them on his channel and then, one by one, he builds them.

Well, when I say “he builds them,” what I mean is “he builds some of them.” Nigel- he of “Nigel’s modelling bench” may have the largest stash, (let’s get the “oooh errr missus” moment out of the way now shall we?), of anyone I know. As you watch his pieces to camera, you will see his impressively sizeable collection (there we go again…) as it forms the backdrop to his monologues. Occasionally he gestures to one of them in a slightly conspiratorial way, as if inviting us to join him in his world of models. Try one of his monthly updates and you will see what I mean- it is a most endearing trait and I look forward to his broadcasts for this and many other good reasons.

Anyway, I have amassed a much more modest collection of models that I have both acquired and been given, some of which I won’t ever build, (hello 1/72 Revell Phantom snap together kit), to others, like the 1/32 Tamiya F16 which I will get around to at some stage, but will almost certainly complete.

That is the point you see- the operative term appears to be “at some stage.” I find myself in the position of having nearly completed the Focke- Wulf I spoke about during my last rumination and am some way through the Voyager probe and so I am turning my thoughts towards what is next.

However does one decide?

As a youth with limited funds the choice seemed easy- one purchased a kit, built it, looked at it for a while, perhaps added it into a diorama and then popped out to the local art shop, (no “hobby lobby” or similar rhyming shops here in Blighty I fear), and bought your next kit. There were few questions. Life was less complicated.

As you may have gathered I am not a youth any longer. I make an audible grunting noise when I get up and also now, when I sit down, (I am not certain when this began). This isn’t, by the way, a noise that wouldn’t be acceptable in polite company you understand, but a vague harrumph indicative either of relief or its exact opposite. Furthermore, I need glasses. I think that cutting the grass is somewhat satisfying. I wash the car without being paid. See? Grown up. Or at least cunningly disguised as such, because I make models too. And laugh at bodily noises. Yes, I know…

Now however, a new consideration has come into play with the thrill of model kit ownership. It works like this- one buys a kit to build. Then one has something with which to occupy one’s time. Excellent!! With increasing numbers of visits to a local internet one discovers a wealth of online model shops and a world of kits. How can one resist? The idea of another kit to do after the current one is compelling. So, you buy an Airfix TSR2 and so it begins. You have joined the ranks of the collector…

Here is where I find myself. I ought to build that Lightning that I bought from a collector about 1 1/2 years ago and on which I shelled out a considerable amount on Aires upgrades. But, there again I reviewed the Gloster Gladiator, the SR71 and the 1/32 Corsair (not to mention the F16) before I reviewed the Lightning, so surely it would be better to do this in order? Perhaps those who tune in to my random musings on YouTube might have a different opinion?

The difference you see, is between “ought to” and “want to.” The vague and undefinable factor that pushes you from the first position to the second and means you want to engage with a particular project. The feeling of commitment is fragile it seems. It comes and goes. It is easy to see why people start a kit and then put it away. Losing one’s “mojo” (Thank you Mr Plastic), is one way I have heard it described and I have come to understand that feeling. My esteemed friend Nigel captured it some while ago when he said “if you’re not bought into something, don’t start it.” I agree.

So, in conclusion, I know that the next project will be the Lightning.

Almost certainly.

Or it could be the Corsair.

On the other hand, Steve’s building his 1/72 SR71, so maybe I should start my own.

Oh dear- here we go again…