good question
guess im the typical built kits as a kid, gave it all up in late teens due to school/exams/first job/motor bikes/girls/beer becoming more important at the time.........fast forward 25 year and im frehly divorced, moving into my own place, whilst unpacking came across a long forgotton
tamiya lotus 7 kit someone had bought me years before......thought it would keep me occupied for a few nights....bought some paint and glue.............and the bug bit me again!
that was 12ish years ago and i get hell of a lot out of the hobby..........not just the sense of accomplishment when i build something but its also the friendship or comradeship or whatever you want to call it.........not just on forums like this but also from being a member of an IPMS club and going to shows....i also find it a great way to de-stress from what the real world throws at me....that hour in the evening at the bench with the radio on is great
once had someone at work as me what my hobby was
'im a modelmaker'
'hahaha....thats really useful' in sarcastic voice
'well actually it helps me with my job (i work in quality assurance in engineering/manufacturing......used to be automotive, currently rail).........it helps my hand/eye coordination, improves tool dexterity, constantly striving for improvement, looking for new methods and kaizen, problem solving and countermeasure, increases ability to think laterally....................whats your hobby?'
'football'
'ok, at least it keeps you fit'
oh i dont play............just watch it on the telly...............in the pub sometimes'
'hmmm.......thats really useful' in a sacastic voice
oh, and i still have that lotus 7 ,,,,,,shows how far ive come.........and i love that kit, one of my faves (along with the sas jeep .....still have the one of that i did in the 70s!)......built another 3 of the 7's since and really want to do a couple more if i could get them at a sensible price