Archive for April, 2009

Whether you are a dad looking for a way to connect with your son, or a grandpa looking for a way to connect with your grandson, scale model hobbies are a wonderful way to make that connection. Scale model hobbies include everything from trains to cars, planes to ships, and houses to cities. To start, simply go to your local hobby store and ask to be directed to the scale model section. Then, go crazy!

Scale model hobbies make great gifts, whether you are giving the finished project or giving the model to a loved one. Depending on your experience level, you can get a complicated one or one that is not as complicated. Overall, it really is a great present for almost any occasion. Imagine sitting down with your model and your son or daughter to put it together as a family.

Scale model hobbies are a wonderful way to spend extra time you might have in a functional way. Some people devote their lives to recreating the city in which they reside as a scale model. Some people just want to recreate their first car to put on a display. Those who have a fascination with ships or planes also find a wonderful outlet. The greatest part about this hobby is that most model kits come with everything you need including paint and glue. Therefore, it is a hobby that is easy to get started on. Virtually all you will need is a little spare time and you’re on your way!

Photo Credit: T-33 Shooting Star by Art G. on Hawkeye’s Hobbies

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HO Scale Trains refers to the size and scale of model train that is the most popular in most of the world. The scale used is 3.5 mm to one foot or one to eighty-seven. The name comes from the fact that the scale is half that of 0 scale which in turn comes from the day when there were 0, 1, 2, and 3 scale model trains. HO scale trains have all but replaced these older scales.

HO scale trains run on a small scale railroad track powered by electricity. On most sets, the power is controlled through the use of a transformer, so that applying more or less electricity controls the speed of the train, and reversing the polarity of the current changes directions. On larger, more complicated HO scale train setups, there may be multiple power supplies which control different blocks of the track.

People can control the layout and complexity of the track used by HO scale trains by putting together the pieces of tracks, which usually snap together, in straight and curved pieces, along with intersections and switched forks. These tracks can create a simple oval table top layout, to massive, complicated designs which can fill a room. It is also traditional to decorate the scenery around the track with scale buildings, scenery, and other model pieces to create the look of a real railroad track.

HO scale trains are a great hobby for kids and adults alike, and can spark an interest that lasts a lifetime.

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Photo Credit: James_Buck on flickr

Many kids are really enthusiastic about remote control. It’s easy to see why; remotely controlled vehicles seem to almost magically fly through the air or race over the ground, and they give kids a sense of power and control that they just can’t find elsewhere. But the thing is that electrically powered vehicles, such as those found at toy stores, tend to be seen as “kids stuff” and a child who has moved on into his early to mid teens will have no interest for such cars. They are simply too slow, limited and impractical, intended more to look cool than perform well.

Luckily, for kids who are not really kids anymore but still have an interest in RC cars, there are RC gas cars. These vehicles use a special blend of gasoline instead of a battery, and their tiny motors are incredibly powerful. Some RC gas cars can go over forty miles per hour, and have parts and components similar to real cars. This means that RC gas cars are not only great toys, they are also useful learning tools for parents who want to teach their kids about automobiles.

RC gas cars are sold only from hobby stores, as is their gasoline. Their gasoline is not the kind placed into a proper automobile, as it has a much higher octane rating as well as lubricants necessary to keep the small engine running. They also require a glow plug or other starter. They are much less complicated than a full-sized car, though, and anyone can use one safely if they follow the rules and learn about the car.

Follow this link to find a local hobby shop in the USA or Canada, where you can learn more about RC gas cars.

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Image Credit: Team Associated R/C Race Cars

If you grew up playing with LEGOs® and watching Star Wars™, you probably wondered why it took so long for the two to be put together. In 1999 we finally got our wish when the Lego Group licensed Star Wars properties from Lucasfilm. The first product of this alliance was Star Wars LEGOs.

Since the original product release there has been an explosion of new products not only for the new prequel trilogy, but also for the classic Trilogy that has enthralled untold millions over the years. As one would imagine the first products were immediate runaway successes and now dozens of new Star Wars LEGOs products compete in virtually numerous markets ranging from the traditional LEGOs to modern video games running on everything from handheld gaming systems to personal computers!

An entire fan culture has grown up around this unique fusion of LEGOs and Star Wars replete with professional and fan-made Machinima movies. The movies range from comedies to interesting ‘what if…’ scenarios, but aren’t the only content to crop up to support the ever increasing fan base. Everything from Star Wars LEGOs wallpapers to comic books are available, and of course the actual products themselves.

Currently dominating the top sellers list are products based off the current hit TV series, The Clone Wars. There are still plenty of products from the original series and the prequel trilogy, and the ability to mix and match from different eras is one of the greatest appeals of the products. After all, who doesn’t want to see a squad of Republic AT-TE walkers take on an Imperial AT-AT with its AT-ST escorts?

Everyone who has seen any of the timeless Star Wars movies probably won’t have any trouble dreaming up a fantasy that can only be realized when they’re given the ability to build it themselves. Whether the fantasy is Darth Vader fighting Boba Fett or a rematch between Emperor Palpatine and Master Yoda, they’re all possible. What is your Star Wars fantasy?

Photo Credit: kevindooley on flickr

Related Pages: General Interest Hobbies

Clay sculptures have been a popular art form since prehistoric times. The popularity of this art form was historically due to the availability of the materials used to create them. Today this art form is used as a fine art form, a therapy art and as a learning art form.

To create clay sculptures you first need the right tools and materials. First of all you will need the right type of clay. Sculpting clay, also referred to as potter’s clay, has been cleaned of impurities and it has a fairly homogeneous consistency. Potter’s clay comes in a variety of volumes from 5 pound blocks to 100 pound blocks. After you have bought your potter’s clay you will next need shaping and cutting tools. You can use just about anything for a shaping tool. Some common items used for shaping clay include knives, forks and texture tools. You will also want to get a wire for cutting the clay. In order to stabilize your clay sculpture you will need a kiln to fire your sculpture. These high temperature ovens come in a variety of sizes from small table top models to extra large corner units. The final items that you will need are glazes.

After you have all of the supplies and materials needed for your clay sculptures you will be ready to start. The first step is to figure out what you want to sculpt. You may want to sketch out your ideas so that you have a visual reference to refer to when working with the clay. Next you will want to use your wire to cut off a piece of clay to work with. To start with the clay will be hard to manipulate, however, as you work with the clay it will soften and become more pliable. Work your clay into the shape that you want using your hands, fingers and shaping tools. Common shaping techniques for clay include rolling, balling and pinching. After you complete your sculpture you will want to fire it in the kiln and allow it to cool. You can then glaze the item and re-fire it. This will cure the glaze and finish your sculpture.

Learn about the culture and art of the Philippines including Filipino clay sculptures, antique carvings and pottery – Philippine Sculptures is your source for information on Filipino art, music and traditional culture. Art lovers who travel to the Philippines can find both traditional and contemporary pieces that will compliment just about any decor. For more on cultural and historical art of the world also check out masks of Africa.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Photo Credit: CLBcreations on flickr

With so many different technologies emerging in the world, most parents find that their children are not developing the creative and imaginative tools that children have in the past. Technology has taken the work out many of life’s problem solving experiences leaving humanity less capable of reasoning and understanding new concepts. That is why it is important for children to rediscover the magic of kids puzzles. Puzzles actively engage the learning mind, creating synapses and brain growth that are crucial for creating the thinkers of tomorrow.

There are many styles of kids puzzles available, many of which include technological mediums. Old fashion jigsaw puzzles are still rich in color association and the learning of how shapes connect. Young children can benefit from building hand-eye coordination skills and eye movement which can later translate into reading skills. Using these style of puzzles help stimulate the brain making young children more focused, eventually increasing their ability to learn.

Besides the traditional style of the jigsaw puzzle, there are an abundance of different kids puzzles that will entice and stimulate the thinking and learning of children. Many handheld games incorporate the usage of puzzles. Sudoku puzzles have become quite popular in recent years, and are available for all levels of learners in both print and technological forms. Games that incorporate puzzles are also an invaluable tool to promote the healthy growing brain of the child. Children will be drawn to the fun that the games promote, but they will benefit from the learning and skill building that is taking place.

Throughout our lives, we are in a constant state of learning. We make sense of our environment through our previous experiences and then solve our problems based on this knowledge. Without prior learning strategies in problem solving, we cannot find the solutions to even the simplest problems. The process of building good problem solving skills needs to start early. Learning can be fun, yet it can be beneficial to promoting lifelong skills. Do you want your children to be dependent on technology for answers or to have the skills to do it themselves?

Image Credit: spekulator on stock.xchng

Toy cars have been around since the advent of horseless carriage. What started out as big cast iron wagons and carriages, grew to include cars, trucks, buses and nearly every other wheeled vehicle found on the road.

Of course, cast iron has since been replaced by various alloys, composites and plastics to produce the diecast cars that we collect today. This trend toward producing miniatures of vehicles we see every day has grown into a huge industry that makes almost anything one can imagine, from garbage trucks and farm tractors, to racing cars, to the latest super car from your favorite marque. Scales range generally from 1:87 (HO) to 1:12 and in some cases even larger. The most popular scales today are 1:64, 1:43, 1:24 and 1:18.

Dad Sparked Interest in Diecast Cars

I guess I could blame my parents, specifically my dad, for my diecast (and plastic) model car collection. It all started in the summer of 1970 when my dad bought his brand new 1969 Pontiac Tempest and received a plastic promotional scale model of a 1970 GTO from the dealer. He gave me the GTO and that started a lifelong love of all things automotive. Over the years, I received many more models, Hot Wheels, Matchboxes and other various toy trucks, cars etc.

Unfortunately, I was a very destructive child and wrecked most all of my toys and especially my Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars using things like a hammer, the vise on the garage workbench, and even putting them under the leg of my bed. This continued until my pre-adolescent years, when I finally matured enough to realize the value of my toys and that they were worth more to me intact than in pieces. I’m sure my parents wondered if they should ever buy me another toy again! Once I was old enough to have some money of my own I started buying toys and models for myself and have continued to do so to this day.

A Sizable Scale Model Collection

I collect plastic model kits, diecasts in several scales, including 1:64 and 1:18, as well as various other automotive memorabilia. At present, I have over 80 1:18 diecasts plus a few hundred 1:64 cars plus well over 600-700 models.

Why do I collect all this stuff and in such relatively high numbers, you may ask? Well, my problem is this: I like nearly anything with four and even two wheels and would love to have a bunch of real cars and a couple of motorcycles. Since this would be impossible from a financial and logistical standpoint, I try to fuel my fantasy with models of the real thing! A scale model collection allows me the freedom to own my dream machines without an insanely huge amount of capital investment. Heck, one can still find Hot Wheels, etc. at around a buck and oftentimes one can acquire 1:18 diecasts for much less than the $30-$40 that many of them are going for these days. I used to pick up a lot of the Ertl diecast musclecars at Toys ‘R’ Us years ago but the market has changed, making diecasts a bit more challenging to find. Still, many good deals can be found at your local hobby shop.

Article provided by Bob Kremer, Member of IPMS-Steve Wittman Model Club, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.