The Little World

I mean in the scale modelling world. The rest of the planet is largely out of our control, but we should have some power to manage our minds in the Little World.

The idea of fear in scale modelling might seem strange – after all, we pursue the hobby for pleasure and relaxation, don’t we? Well, don’t we? You gonna say anything or not…? Or shall I say it for you:

a. We fear the contempt of people who are not scale modellers or devotees of any other miniature hobby. We would never be laughed at by model railroaders or doll house ladies, nor would we do it to them. We know the good and dedication involved with these pursuits.

But the slob public contains many who jeer at us for the sake of their own braying voices. Deep inside, we fear that noise.

b. We fear the complaints of time and money wasted on what others see as valueless. Friends, family, and employers can demand our time and money, and if some of this is siphoned off to the hobby shop or the modelling bench they resent it. This leads us to disguise our purchases and hide our involvement.

c. We fear officialdom deciding it can control our hobby. This doesn’t happen all that much with state laws interfering with scale modelling or toy trains or doll houses – but when you start to take those toy trains or doll houses out of your spare room someone on some council will have you under their let or hindrance.

Even worse if you try to fly a model airplane or sail a radio-controlled boat. There are overlapping levels of government that will be used to stop you from doing so.

d. We fear judgement.

Whether that comes from the organisers of a contest, or curators of a display, or just the other members of our general hobby…we fear presenting our results for their scrutiny. Some judges can be extremely official, if not officious. Curators and display owners can be dictatorial to an incredible degree. Other modellers can be cutting and snide and judgemental too, and get away with it scot-free.

What to do about fear? Well, you’ll have to read the next chapter to see. In the meantime sit there and feel frightened – I know I am.