Encouraging the next generation of boaters

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

There was a news item on BBC Breakfast this morning about a resurgence in plastic modelling with a glimpse of the new Airfix 1/24th Spitfire being designed and manufactured. Yes, in the UK! Apparently the thinking is that Tik Toc, YouTube and the likes are encouraging kids to build things in a community.

There may be hope yet gents.

[Kevin BeallParticipant @kevinbeall91525]

Funny you mention that as my neighbour has a grandson who is also saying he wants to "make something". I told them Lidl has some cheap Airfix kits with paint etc included, ideal for wet cold afternoon, might even keep the kids amused!

Once it's built set it down the end of the garden for air rifle practice…

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

Regarding the initial posting by Kevin Beall earlier today computers are here to stay and are very useful for taking away some of the more monotonous tasks. However, at the end of the day they are only an other "tool" and at the end of the day putting someone in front of a CAD terminal is no use at all if they have no, or limited knowledge of engineering, building, electronics etc. The same applies to the person setting and running a CNC machine tool or a piece of computer aided inspection equipment. Back in the early 60s if you applied to an engineering company for a job and you had O levels you were considered drawing office material until it was realised that to design a piece of equipment you needed to know how it would be made. When I worked in a workshop manufacturing one-off pieces of test equipment, the best jobs were the one that short-circuited the DO and were made via the "customer" telling the toolmaker what he/she wanted, plus a few sketches on the back of an envelope.

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

I find it impossible to encourage anyone these days. I have received a fair amount of critiscism for describing how to do things and saying that it is fairly "easy." with a bit of practice. But if I said it was incredibly difficult, not only would it put most people off, but I would be accused of boasting.

I am self-contained with my ship-modelling these days, and have given up either encouraging or discouraging anyone. Times change, and the present generation are best left to what interests them most.

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Hi Kevin,

I'm a great fan of Lidl & Aldi's spot lines in the middle of the store like the cheap Airfix kits £6.99, It highlights the German approach to still doing things of a practical nature, there's always some bargains to be had My 12 year old grandson has just become interested in building kits.

And you never know when that 3 tonne trolley jack will come in useful

Richard,

I also saw that BBC news item about the new Airfix 1/24th Spitfire, brilliant and moulded in Sussex, just £104 on Amazon !! must get one soon

Regards Ray

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

Ray, it brings back memories of when the first one came out, I just had to have one. The latest one is stunning, the last Airfix magazine had a whole pull out section dedicated to it and the detail is simply breathtaking.

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Thanks Richard,

I do have some logistic challenges to overcome, but I'm thinking of a temporary set of boards over the window boards If I can find them

My daughter (42) thought I'd like a LEGO cat for Christmas

Regards Ray

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

NOTE.

The posts relating to Richard's conservatory design have been moved to the Tools are only as good as their users thread.

Colin

Edited By Colin Bishop on 30/12/2022 10:28:51

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Phew Colin

You had me worried at least the LEGO cat in the photo could encourage some youngsters in our direction ?

Regards Ray

[Kimosubby ShipyardsParticipant @kimosubbyshipyards]

Hi Ray,

I too got lego for Christmas, mine was the Jedi swamp set! Perhaps my daughter-in-law thinks I need a challenge. Still with 1000 parts it'll occupy some cold winter days ahead. Speaking of lego, their version of a Pirate ship is good too.

Back to topic, and to say I've started collecting origami boat samples, the actual process from paper to boat. Never realised there were so many versions from a single sheet of paper. My wife suggested it some time ago after we'd visited Dortmund Model Show for a second time.

There is a section there specially set-up for the younger ones (though adults could get involved too) to make simple effective boats of various types using elastic bands and clockwork devices as drives. Lolly sticks, paddle wheels and paper sails. Pop-pop boats also shown. She said that the Club ought to think along those lines to attract interest and to get across the message that simple builds give as much fun as buying in a finished boat.

I'm thinking to try it this year when it gets warmer. Fold up a few boats and have them ready each time we sail.

I've about 10 proper plans for origami ones, and several free download paper ones too. Even have a paper crafted rib with outboard. We have a Club member who builds in card board and paper. His biggest build so far is an over one meter rug boat named Independent, so called because of the Manx newspaper he used.

Aye, Kim

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