Anyone who has not built a plastic model kit in the past 10-years is in for a big surprise today. Open the box to newly manufactured kits and compare the level of detail and quality to that of the past. There’s quite a difference. Why?

Better Technology Yields Better Model Parts

Steel tooling for producing injection molded parts for scale model kits is now made through the use of CAD 3D computer imaging. The ability of the model-builder to create incredibly realistic looking ships, cars, planes and tanks has been greatly enhanced by the huge increase in detail included in the tooling of the modern plastic model kit. There is less flash (surplus plastic on sprues caused by worn out tooling) and more precise fit of parts.

Why should this matter to the average modeler?  The reason to purchase a model kit is to create a realistic looking replica in miniature.   The satisfaction gained by the builder of having that replica look incredibly realistic is immeasurable.

Which Photo is Real?

Check out web photos of dioramas taken at model shows. It is now nearly impossible to tell the difference between a photo of the real plane and the scaled down model kit!  Attribute this to the attention paid to detail by the various manufacturers, each of whom is determined to recreate the most realistic looking replica as can be made in miniature.

Everyone has a favorite vehicle that brings back memories of the past, whether it be Dad’s old car, or a plane or ship on which a family member served during a military conflict. Finding that kit replica is easy with a visit to a local hobby shop. And recreating that replica not only brings a level of personal pride in the result, but creates, in a sense, an escape from every day life, where one can dive into an enjoyable family project.

Model building is a great outlet for kids of all ages, young and old and in between!  Look up “Hobbies” in your yellow pages or search for hobby stores online and start your new hobby today!

Content provided by Stevens International. For more information, visit www.stevenshobby.com

Giant taffeta and bamboo kites ring in the New Year in Baguio City, Philippines. Brightly colored and measuring 22-feet long and 11-feet wide, with 45-foot long tails, these kites symbolize joy, hope and peace.

It’s a family activity, beginning with the creation of the kites right through to the kite flying.

Read more about this peaceful celebration: In Baguio, kite greets ’09.

It’s short, a bit corny, but you’ve got to admit that these dancing robots are fun to watch. Enjoy!

Astronomy is a fun topic to research, and kids need a little coaching in the research department when they’re young, say elementary to jr. high age. I like to see the reaction in the faces of this age group because the pictures are so compelling. There’s still a huge “oooh!” and “aahhh!” factor when they are either encouraged to draw what they’ve seen, or look up the visuals in an encyclopedia or online. Getting them to learn isn’t half as important as getting them to want to learn, and this a great avenue.

Many nights our family has stayed up to see some astronomical event like a comet or eclipse, even with school and work the next day. It’s fun to break out of the norm once and a while. The experience is even better when it becomes educational for kids the next day. Taking that extra step to research what you’ve seen together adds both depth and quality time.

Astronomy Topics to Look Up:

• Nebula

• Asteroids

• Milky Way

• Black holes

• Satellite

• Mars

• Venus

Once they’ve looked up the image of something, the younger ones may like to draw with color to convey it. As if your refrigerator didn’t have enough on it already! You may have better luck getting your older kids to make models with clay or paper mache. See if they can tell you why they think astronomical events happen the way they do.

You’re touching a wide variety of subjects when you do this:

• Research

• Art

• Science

• Reading

Astronomy really is one of many educational hobbies that foster deeper thought and amazement in the universe. Get involved with something educational for kids today, tomorrow depends on it.

Photo Credit: Velo Steve on flickr

Those of us residing in the great white north don’t think much about kite flying this time of year. But that may change … did you know you can fly kites indoors?

Indoor kite-flying national champion Paul De Bakker, 31, of Wilmington, N.C., demonstrates his skill.

In fact, indoor kite flying is a competitive endeavor with competitions held regionally and nationally. At the Camas Indoor Kite Festival in Washington last month, 300 people filled the gymnasium to watch fliers dance and move to keep colorful, ultra-light, high-tech kites in the air.

With tugs and pulls and twirls, each kite’s moves are carefully choreographed to music. Competitors are judged on choreography, execution and entertainment value.

Learn more about indoor kite flying here.