The Joy of Imperfect Scale Models

I build scale models. Badly. But those bad models lead to fantastic friendships.

Planes, tanks, and motorcycles are the most common, but I love Sci-fi stuff and ships too. You name it, I’ve probably glued it. I’ve painted it and cursed at it and I’ve felt that warm satisfaction of saying “lets consider this one done.” This hobby found me over 40 years ago. Like a stubborn decal that sticks to everything but the model, it’s been part of my life ever since.

A close-up photo of a detailed scale model motorcycle on a workbench. The model is a Honda, showcasing intricate components such as the wheels, engine, and handlebars, surrounded by various modeling tools and materials.
A detailed scale model of a custom Honda CB750. This was a club groupbuild, and incorporates parts from 4 kits.


Now, look, I’m not exactly winning awards for precision or realism. My models tend to lean a little more “creative interpretation” than “museum quality.” But that’s never been the point. I do it because I love it. There’s something deeply satisfying about turning a pile of plastic sprues into something that vaguely resembles a tank or jet fighter. It’s especially rewarding when the landing gear doesn’t fall off.

Close-up view of a scale model airplane with masking tape applied on the wings and cockpit area, showing the detail of the unpainted plastic parts.
A close-up of a scale model aircraft in progress, showcasing masked areas ready for painting.


More importantly, modeling has become a therapy for me. I deal with significant PTSD and some TBI-related challenges. The focus this hobby demands is more than just a distraction—it’s a lifeline. My mind quiets down when I’m sanding, painting, or deciphering instructions written in six languages, and none of them are English. It’s one of the few places where I feel fully present.


And the community? Absolute gold. Some of the best friends I’ve made since my time in the military are fellow modelers. These are folks who understand the joy of a perfectly masked canopy and the heartbreak of spilled Tamiya extra-thin. We swap tips and share builds, we roast each other’s paint jobs with affection that only hobby nerds can muster.
So yeah, I build scale models. Badly. Joyfully. Therapeutically. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I keep my flickr and IG accounts updated with my build info. I follow IndieWeb procedures. I publish here, then syndicate there. If you find anything interesting to you on this site, definitely bookmark it. You can also click the “subscribe” link or grab my RSS feed. The domain name will change soon, so if you follow the page, you’ll be good to go.

Man, it’ll be fine…