The Little World

Worrying about not being seen as better – or being seen as worse – than you really are?

Perhaps it would be more accurate to refer to it as having a case of muddle-class modelling. However one defines it, by the time someone finds themself thinking they are in the middle of it, it is time to start thinking themselves out of it.

Models – kits, plans, or pre-builts – do come in various grades of design, finish, and detail. There is generally a correlation between the price paid and the degree of sophistication…but there may be no connection whatever between this figure and the satisfaction given. As a man who buys dollar kits and delights in them. I know this first-hand.

Ideas of superiority and inadequacy pervade every aspect of our lives; education, sex, income, appearance, etc. The command to feel good or bad is endless, and frequently it is handed to us by advertisers or strangers on the make.

What a delight it would be to fling off the whole concept of better or worse when we step into the hobby room. To just find the kits, plans, and die-cast items as a joys in themselves. To just appreciate the look and feel, the work and the reward, and not to compare ourselves to others.

It means not entering contests, and not vying for precedence – not prizing awards and not awarding prizes.

Zen modelling.