Chapter 1 - Introduction

The theme of this little book is essentially Hobbyism. I have used model ship building as an example because it has brought me personally a great deal of contentment and many rewards. Other types of modelling are equally satisfying as long as they involve hand work-There is also an element of complete control to modelling; only the urge within governs the working hours. It does not interfere with social activities or restrict our lawful occasions. Time has no tide except the workman's own moods.

Modelling is probably the most satisfying of all hobbies, whether we fashion ships, aeroplanes, motor cars or motor boats. All are within the orbit of hobbyism. To fashion something from the mind's vision into wood, stone or metal is mankind's oldest and most expressive art. In these hectic days of inward turmoil an interesting hobby is the best of all tranquilizers. All our welfare leaders are preaching the gospel of hobbyism for those with idle hands.

Timidity from fear of inexperience and impatience keep many people from hobbyism; both are mistaken theories; neither are inherited and both are illusive. Absorption in an interesting hobby unconsciously provides both experience and patience.

Modelers, sculptors, craftsmen and artists possess an instinct to know when they have done something wrong, and the willingness to undo the wrong and make things right provides the necessary patience and experience to do so. All the precious objets d'art and artifacts that we treasure today were fashioned with unconscious patience. The Skull of Doom found in the Mayan City of Lubaantun took 150 years in the making. The artists who made this beautiful object must have been unconscious of impatience. Prince Ambo once said "To be ignorant is tragedy; to be unwilling to learn is a disaster; to be impatient is a catastrophy."

My feeling is that we who possess experience in modelling have done little to help the beginner. We have been too apt to preach sermons on technicalities and intricacies, or to propound our own particular methods, which confuse and bewilder the novice. Beginners need guidance and encouragement to get started on something of their own choice. We could render far better service if we emphasized the excitement and pleasure that hobbyism induces.
It would be unjust not to pay tribute to the model engineers, draftsmen and supply houses who have simplified the beginner's task during the past few years. As a result of providing package kits and easy to read instructions, thousands of reluctant men and boys have been recruited into the ranks of beginners. Some of them have found delight and excitement in the primary phase of assembly; others have discovered the satisfaction of becoming capable modelers; a few have graduated into craftsmen and research workers; all have found the contentment that comes from a rewarding hobby.

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