The Joy of Scale Modeling: From the "Backlog" to the Ultimate Bliss of Late-Night Solitude
Introduction: An Opening That Reveals My Age
I first came into contact with plastic assembly models around 1999.Just saying that instantly dates me. That was 26 years ago. In the beginning, my dad taught me hand-in-hand, but eventually, I insisted on building them myself. I went from saving up my allowance to buy kits, to later joining the workforce and frantically buying airbrushes, compressors, and all sorts of precision tools. Looking back over these twenty-plus years, I’ve transformed from a little boy chasing a finished product into a middle-aged man who simply enjoys the process.
Enjoying Solitude: The Luxury of the "Build" for Adults
Nowadays, I no longer obsess over deadlines or chasing the perfect paint job. I enjoy the tranquility of the moment while building the model. This is the solitude I cherish most in my life.
When the night is quiet, the "beast" (my kid) is finally asleep, and my wife is off watching her TV dramas, I gently pull out my toolbox. I put on my headphones and spin a favorite vinyl record. Under the light of the workbench, I calmly sand every part. The noise of the outside world has nothing to do with me; work pressure is thrown to the wind. This kind of solitary happiness and well-being can only be truly understood by those who love the hobby.
Passing the Torch: Bonding Over the Workbench
Modeling isn't just my safe haven; it’s also a bridge to communicate with my child.I’ve started buying some glue-free airplanes and SD (Q-version) tanks for the little one. No complex glues or sanding required—purely to let him experience the fun of working with his hands. Watching him push the little plane across the table, making sound effects with his mouth, his face full of excitement... I feel like I’m seeing myself from twenty years ago. This simple joy is more precious than any expensive toy.
The Community: A Happiness Called "The Backlog"
Although I say modeling is my private space and I rarely waste breath explaining it to people who don't get it, it’s a different scene when I’m with fellow enthusiasts.
When I have free time on weekends, I take the kid to the familiar hobby shop. I’ll have tea with the owner, bump into a few "model bros," chat, grab a meal, and let the kids play together. Before leaving, of course, I can’t resist buying a few boxes I like—maybe even a trunk full. I take them home and stack them neatly in the corner.
I once made an Excel spreadsheet out of boredom to run the numbers: over these 26 years, I’ve bought over 500 kits, and a pile of tools.
People ask, "Can you finish all of those?"
We hobbyists just look at each other and smile: "What brother here doesn't have a backlog (stash) of a few hundred kits?"
Buying models is buying models; building models is building models. These are two different things. The backlog is the possession of a dream. Just looking at that wall of boxes makes me feel secure.
Conclusion
In this fast-paced era, I am glad I have stuck with this hobby. It doesn't need to be explained to outsiders. I just post a few photos to express my pure love for models. This is my pure land, filled with memories, friendship, and a love for life.
Inspired Creations
