What If and Never Were model subjects: What's the point?

[seadude]

Seems the "hatred" of what if and never were models is getting slightly heated on Facebook.
About a week or two ago, I had mentioned that Trumpeter (I think?) was planning to come out with a 1/350 scale German H39 battleship next year. To my dismay, the what if haters immediately dissed it and said they prefered to see a new 1/350 HMS Rodney instead.
Then yesterday, almost, but not quite, the same thing happened. A different modeler asked in a FB group if it was ok to show/discuss what if/never were ships. And again, people "complained" about the lack of more TRADITIONAL ships not being made.
Yesterdays complaints were the final straw that broke the camel's back so to speak.    I finally had enough and wrote the following.

Modeling rant ahead. You've been warned.

I've seen lately in the last few months an uptick in some modelers "whining and complaining" about how more model companies are making What if or Never Were model kit subjects and/or how younger modelers are embracing these kinds of kits instead of the "traditional" Patton tanks, Fletcher class destroyers, Formula 1 race cars, etc., etc.  Also is the constant whining of modelers wanting more "traditional" kits to be made, like a new 1/350 scale HMS Rodney for example.
This negativity or hatred of what if and never were model kit subjects needs to stop. Look, I get it. A lot of modelers like the more traditional stuff for the following sample reasons:
a) Served in the military during a particular time with a certain vehicle, weapon system, etc.,
b) Modeling the traditional stuff is their way of preserving and showing a piece of history,
c) They like building the traditional model subjects and want the younger generation of folks to get into them more so the younger generation learns about various historical people, places, and things and doesn't forget about certain periods of history.

Trying to get the younger generation interested in history and more traditional modeling subjects may be an uphill battle. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it may be a bit difficult. Sure, there may be some of the younger generation who will take an interest in the Battle of the Bulge, Pearl Harbor, World War 1, or other real historical events and things. But a lot of "traditional modelers" are going to have to face the fact that we are in the 21st century. Kids today are less focused on history and are more interested instead on video games, social media, and fancy electronics just to name a few things. And of course, they are more likely to want to build a kit that doesn't require a lot of instructions and effort to complete it. In other words, instant gratification.

If kids today are interested in model kit building, their interest in subjects is going to gravitate toward things such as, but not limited to: Gundam robots, Star Trek, Star Wars, Marvel & DC superheroes, Japanese & American cartoons/anime, Sci-fi, Fantasy, and Horror movies, Action & Adventure movies, and other more modern pop culture icons, events, and things. And this list can even include the what if and never were subjects that some modelers so detest. Things like the P1000 Ratte Landkreuzer heavy tank, German H39 battleship, or even the American WWII T28 super heavy tank for example.

I have always heard in the past how some modelers say that the modeling hobby is dying because younger people are not getting into it. It's only dying if a) The older modelers aren't encouraging the younger generation to get into it, and b) New kit subjects aren't being produced to attract and get the younger generation into modeling. There are plenty more reasons too, but I only mentioned 2 for now. So if the introduction of more what if, never were, or other non-traditional kit subjects by model companies helps to get the younger generation into model kit building, then isn't that a good thing? I mean, I'd count it as a blessing, not a curse.

And I know the traditional model builders will still want their HMS Rodney or Spitfire Mk.VI or USS Pennsylvania ship too. But patience is a virtue. Maybe model companies will still make what they want. But for now, some model companies are looking at what the newer younger generation is interested in and they are making what will grab their attention and sell. The world is changing. People's interests are changing. Maybe building a Korean war era Skyraider was all the rage back in the 80's or 90's. But now, not so much if at all. The interest just isn't there.

I like traditional model subjects just as much as the next person. I have no problems if someone wants to build an Arizona battleship, Tiger tank, or P-38 Lightning aircraft. But for me, I get tired of seeing the "same old, same old" stuff in magazines, at model contests, website photo galleries, etc.  I mean, if you see three F-16 fighters all in regular gray camouflage and unit markings, then that is going to bore me.   But make one of them with some special Tiger Meet markings or change the wing shape or something else, then it will pique my interest.

I like building stuff that challenges me. I like reading and learning about stuff that never was. That could have been, might have been, or should have been. If I can find a way to change the shape of something or add new decals or use a different paint scheme on something, then I'll do it. Modeling to me is about creativity and imagination. My philosophy is: Don't build what everybody else has done. Build what nobody has seen or done before.
If you want to get noticed in the modeling community, then be creative and unique. Be different. Being "traditional" is fine for some people if they want to go that route. There's nothing wrong with that. But for others such as myself, I want the what if and never were stuff.
And last, but not least, some modelers can "hate" what if and never were model subjects all they want. But you know what? Almost all tanks, cars, aircraft, ships, etc. started out as a what if. They all started out as a concept sketch, preliminary blueprint, or mockup vehicle prototype before any FINAL design was done and the item mass produced. Think about that.

[jcf]

"And of course, they are more likely to want to build a kit that doesn't require a lot of instructions and effort to
complete it. In other words, instant gratification."

That's a tired assertion I've heard far too many times and I've never seen anybody back it up with actual facts.
It's also a statement that's been made since the Boomers were kids, back then it was blamed on television and
Rock n' Roll.


It was bollocks then and it's bollocks now. 

[Old Wombat]

All kids are likely to want to build a kit that doesn't require a lot of instructions and effort to complete it, they'll want a kit that is appropriate to their age & skill level which, in all likelihood, will be a simple & easily built kit, to start with.

Once they have mastered them, if we're lucky (as a modelling community), then they'll move on to the more challenging & intricate kits.


Well done, seadude, a good, generally well articulated dissertation!

[Dizzyfugu]

"And of course, they are more likely to want to build a kit that doesn't require a lot of instructions and effort to
complete it. In other words, instant gratification."

That's a tired assertion I've heard far too many times and I've never seen anybody back it up with actual facts.
It's also a statement that's been made since the Boomers were kids, back then it was blamed on television and
Rock n' Roll.


It was bollocks then and it's bollocks now. 

Totally agree. When I take a look at today's children, their tolerance for long-term activities and their patience have eroded massively over the past years, together with their parents. Simple stick-it-together kits won't convince anyone into picking model building up as a hobby. You need intrinsic motivation and fascination for the matter, but since anything military or even cars have become politically unacceptable these days, I do not have much hope for our hobby (and similar things).

[NARSES2]

Lets just be a little careful where this goes please gents.

Chris