What they should be doing is developing model making skills so they become the next generation of railway/boat modellers. Someone to take over when the old guard have slipped off into their dotage.
But how ?
Well, they could do worse than be pointed at the nearest ModelZone shop. They are running events over the half term. I quite fancy being taught how to build Airfix kits but am probably far too old now. I know you are probably bemoaning the loss of the eccentric local model shop and the appearance of a Tesco for model makers, but you didn't buy your big ticket items from the old shop did you ? You just hung around talking and drinking tea purchasing the odd packet of track pins so shut up. Or move to Leamington, where we have an excellent shop !
Oh, and the photo shows someone taking part in the Stormtroppers event., I don't think that's what the staff wear to teach da Kidz. It might be a good idea though.
*Note: Obviously I wouldn't know what constitutes "cool" but I'm pretty certain that it isn't loitering in the only employment opportunity you're likely to get in your lifetime while too young to work there. Even a nerd like me wouldn't hang at the local council, or a credit card company, or a quango yet I've since worked at all three.
Oh yes. You're really going to get under 16's to build plastic kits in a public place where all their mates can see them take the piss and broadcast it to the world on twit-book. Does anybody actually think these things through?
ReplyDeleteI don't think they are doing it in the shop window - in Birmingham I guess they will be on the shop floor which is difficult to see from the street. Since you are dealing with under 16's a very public place is sadly the best place to work anyway in case Mum or Dad is on the phone to a lawyer to complain that some nasty person gave thier little darling some glue or a sharp knife.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, what's the alternative ? As far as I can see it's this or nothing. Can't see anyone else encouraging and helping new modellers along.