Modeling Spoken Here
By Bob Hunt
I've recently had several separate conversations about how modeling should be taught to the masses. Most of these talks and E-mail-message exchanges centered on discussing various "programs" that could be implemented or on the success or failure of those that have already been tried.
Youth beginner programs abound, but, sadly, most of them net few new lifelong modelers or even short-time enthusiasts. Kids today are faced with myriad activities to fill their spare time, and modeling may not be as attractive to them as other options that are easier to become involved in.
There are some notable exceptions to this rule, such as the Wright Stuff portion of the Science Olympiad program, but most national youth programs just don't seem to be able to get going to any great degree. This is, of course, a topic that would take many column inches to properly discuss, and I will address it in a future editorial.
Today I want to put forward the concept that if we are to see traditional modeling survive in the long term, there is really only one sure method to embrace. Instead of trying to start new programs that put the responsibility on "someone else," let's consider the opposite.
Let's all take it upon ourselves to pass on what we know about modeling to just one other person. This "each one teach one" approach can teach an art/craft or start an individual on their own and then oversee daily to ensure that it reaches fruition.
I wrote a similar editorial on this subject when I was just starting out with Flying Models magazine. I was young and new to publishing, then, and I was enthusiastic and idealistic. I had no fear about writing what I thought.
I soon learned that you have to be careful not to step on the toes of others who are equally enthusiastic about their own ideas. I also learned that many felt the same way I did on many subjects and that they were glad to see those ideas brought into the open for discussion.
To my delight, the legendary Carl Goldberg sought me out at a trade show after that editorial appeared in print, and he praised me highly for the thoughts I had promoted. That is still one of my most treasured remembrances.
Perhaps it's time to say again what we strongly believe without fear of what others might think. I'll serve the first volley here.
The hobby of modeling is close to being in need of life support. Notice I didn't write "the sport" of modeling, that is doing quite well these days. It's the hobby side that concerns me, and I believe that the decline of the hobby side will eventually have negative effects on the sport side.
My definition of the hobby of modeling is to be involved with the entire process of bringing a model to completion and flying it. Building a model airplane is where at least half the fun exists and where the lion's share of the available knowledge can be gained. But that's my opinion, of course.
I have no problem with those who choose to assemble ARF models, or even those who prefer RTFs. I'm genuinely happy that they are enjoying flying model airplanes. I just think many of them are missing out on a great deal of the fun and value that the hobby has to offer.
I also believe that many of those people would opt to build an occasional model or two if they had the knowledge and skills to do so. The natural progression of disseminating building knowledge has been altered in recent years by the influx and acceptance of ARFs and RTFs.
I won't even argue the reasons behind the preference for ARF and RTF models. People today have far less free time than ever before; it seems, to invest in casual pastimes and hobbies. When they do have a few spare moments, their leisure-time equipment of choice needs to be ready to go (RTG?).
Casual gliders have their golf bags in the corner of the garage, ready at a moment's notice to head out for a round when the opportunity presents itself. Similarly, ARFs and RTFs allow the casual modeling enthusiast to head to the field and fly without the need to have spent countless hours building.
For these reasons, and many others I'm sure, the ARF and RTF market is secure for the foreseeable future and beyond.
Modeling Spoken Here continued on page 205
Modeling Spoken Here
By Bob Hunt
For those of you who are still with me, let's think for a moment about how we can retrieve the hobby and bring in new model builders. Again, the concept of "each one teach one" is the obvious, albeit most difficult, course.
That responsibility lies only with you and the one with whom you choose to work. You both have to make a commitment to getting together regularly and making progress in the form of wood chips and sanding dust.
I have just begun this process with a young man who has moved to my area. He is enthusiastic, polite, energetic, and capable. He needs and wants knowledge. He has proven to be a sponge and absorbs everything he is told or shown at an impressive rate. I quickly learned that he does not want me to do things for him; he wants to know how to do something and then do the work himself.
Teachers, be advised that the students who sign on for this type of program are of a new age. If they want to learn, they will learn quickly, and they will think for themselves — a lot. Don't be surprised if you become the student more often than not! The combination of two thinking minds usually results in exponential knowledge gain and growth.
The last step of the process is to know when your student is no longer a student but a new teacher. Charge him or her with finding another who is seeking to learn, and to pass the knowledge along once again. This is the only program I know of that will yield a perpetuation of the hobby. Are there enough of us willing to try?
I can be reached for comment or questions at <REDACTED>. I can also be reached via telephone at <REDACTED>. My mailing address is <REDACTED>.
BH
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
