Put it all together

Building models might be the answer to summer boredom.

By VINCENT VALENTY

© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 18, 2001

[Times photo: Scott Keeler]

John Edwards, a salesman at House of Hobbies in Clearwater, holds a plastic model called the Phantom Mustang.

Here's an idea to stop your whining: You could build a model. You know, small replicas of just about any object you're interested in, from cars and trucks to airplanes to objects from movies such as Star Wars, to name just a few.

You can find models in many stores. Models are not too expensive, until you get into the advanced level of modeling; plastic and metal models usually run from $7 to $20. Each model has a skill level from 1 to 3 on the box, 3 being the most challenging. Level 1 models are usually snap-together models. Level 2 models usually require paint and glue. Level 3 models require detail painting and more small parts to glue. Level 4 and 5 are what you can do to the model after you follow the kit's basic instructions, the add-ons.

You can work your way up. Models are not too time consuming, if you don't want them to be. If you do want a time-consuming model, you can do all sorts of extra things to it.

"If I have nothing else to do, I usually finish a model in about a week," said John Cappello, 13, of Clearwater.

Models require some special equipment, including special modeling glue and paint. There are more special tools made for models. Hobby shops such as the House of Hobbies at 1320 S Fort Harrison Ave. in Clearwater can help you find the appropriate tools for your models.

Another way to get information and tips about modeling is to visit your local library and check out some books, look at hobby magazines or go online. You can go to sites such as www.testors.com or www.revell-monogram.com to find out plenty of things about modeling.

People of all ages model. John Edwards, an employee of the House of Hobbies, said that the store gets customers from 9-year-olds to seniors who have been doing it their whole lives. According to Edwards, in the United States more than 60-million people say they build models occasionally.

You don't have to be male to enjoy building models. "It tends to be more of a male hobby, but I have female customers. We have women who build boats, airplanes or helicopters," said Edwards.

Models are not only what comes out of the box. At a hobby shop you can find all kinds of special items to upgrade your models. Going to model clubs is another way to improve your models. Members can help you with all kinds of things, considering some are championship modelers.

One such group is the Pelikan Club, which meets the first Tuesday of every month in the Minnreg Hall, 6340 126th Ave. N in Largo. At the meetings, people bring their models to show and talk about. To join the club, all you have to do is show up for one meeting; the first meeting is free to see if you like it. Then, if you do, each meeting is $2.

You can work on models almost anywhere, with anyone.

"I work on models in my room," said Victor Valenty, 11, of Clearwater.

"I work on models with my daddy," said Peter Chaplinsky, 6, of Clearwater.

To model, you must have patience, because without it, your model won't turn out the way you want it to. Even if you mess up, however, you still can fix your model (ask experienced modelers for tips). Or you can make your model into a diorama, putting three or four models together, adding buildings and other scenery to match the time period.

A sure way to avoid messing up is to follow the instructions.

"I tell anybody who's getting started there are three basic steps to finishing or doing anything," said Edwards. "It's kind of a joke: "If it don't fit, force it. If problems continue, get a bigger hammer. If all else fails, read the instructions!' If you take the time to read the instructions, you can do most of the models."

If you're doing a model and you find out you're missing a piece, it's okay. "Ninety-nine percent of your manufacturers will help you with something if you run into problems," Edwards said. Usually there is an address on the box or instructions if you find a missing piece or a mistake. If the company is one of those that won't help you, you can always go to the hobby shop and see if they have the part you're looking for. If a shop doesn't have the piece, you could always pay a visit to a model club.

When you become an expert modeler, there are local, national and international competitions.

-- Vincent Valenty, 13, will be in the eighth grade at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Clearwater.

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