My generation

I like millions of others grew up in the sixties when there were less things to occupy our time. We still played outside and were allowed to roam far and free on our bikes and on foot. We built camps in the woods, which by the way weren't inhabited by hoards of ramblers or schools of mountain bikes. Sometimes the only things to see were deer,squirrels, foxes and birds. We played football till it was dark and then switched to other games like 'kerbie' and 'lampie'. Like many other lads we had dads and grandparents who had played a part in WWII. The model kits available often resonated with their memories and kindled our imaginations. We also had lads comics like The Victor and Commando to keep us fired up. I think it was last year that a hardback book was released with some of the favourite commando stories. I wonder what the average age of the reader was ? It wasn't until the late seventies that anything approaching electronic toys became available. My kiids have never known a time when the playstation, gameboy, xbox, laptops and complex mobile phones weren't part of their lives. I suppose a box of plastic bits, a few pots of paint, some glue and instructions, about a vehicle that they know nothing about and a period of time that is no longer taught for the majority of their school lives, would generate much interest. Computer generated games are far more instant and gratifying. 

So what is to become of the hobby, will it dwindle and fade away with the children of the sixties, or will it make a revival. There are still many suppliers still out there, although I did lose my most local supplier, due to lack of demand, and now use Wonderland models which is only a few miles further in the opposite direction. The internet is fantastic for sourcing models paint and other bits and bobs. I ask the question again, what is the future of this hobbby ?

The large 1:35 scale boats demonstrate the detail you can show at this scale. It would be a real shame if it faded away from a popular pastime.