Category: General Hobby Related

The Final Frontier

July 20, 2024 marks the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. I wasn’t old enough to fully appreciate the significance of that feat, but the occasion was memorable enough to serve as my earliest memory as a child. I was lying on the floor, asleep in front of the small black and white TV in our living room. Mom and dad woke me up to watch Neil Armstrong step off the ladder and onto the moon. While I remember being awake and watching it occur, I don’t remember what I supposedly said when it happened, but I’ve been told it was something to the tune of, “It isn’t really the moon. It’s just TV.” Cynical, even as a toddler.

As time went forward, however, I remember being very interested in astronauts and the solar system in general. Dad got me up early (or let me stay up late, depending,) to watch whatever particular meteor shower was coming, or go to the observatory for events or viewings. In school, I made a presentation on the overhead projector, using black paper and different sized pin holes to show different constellations. I even drank Tang, because the astronauts did. (Something we later learned that, while true-ish, was a bit of a misrepresentation, but that’s a topic for a different story.)

Space still holds fascination for me. I love the movie “The Right Stuff.” I still like to go out at night to catch a glimpse of the Leonid shower, or check out the lunar ellipse. I still think it’s pretty cool to look up, and pick out Venus or Mars among the other little lights.

And I still think Tang is way better than Kool-Ade.

-Toph

1902’s A Trip to the Moon

To Open, or NOT to Open?

The world of toys, model kits, and comic books have so many aspects as hobbies. I have been involved in both local – in person-groups as well as online communities. When someone finds a great item – a “Holy Grail” for their particular passion, the question often arises:

“Do I keep it pristine, or use it?

It all really depends on your particular interest. Some people have boxes upon boxes of GI Joes, numbered limited edition memorabilia, or vintage model kits. Some enjoy the feel of being in a store- surrounded by the magical things they love. Others buy them as investments, with the intent to “cash them in” at some point when the collecting market is right. There is absolutely nothing wrong with these activities. I have friends with wonderful hoards of treasure.

My approach is somewhat different. I have a motto.

Kits were created to be built, comic books to be read, and toys to be opened and played with.

I realize this isn’t everyone’s style. To each his own. But it makes it convenient when I come across something at a garage sale or thrift store. I’m way less concerned about something being “mint in box.” I’m going to open it anyway. They saved me the trouble (though busting something out of its cardboard prison is also strangely satisfying!)

I also enjoy finding toys that are used, somewhat “played with,” or missing a few parts here and there. It is sometimes my intent to alter them. I’ve spent countless hours detailing action figures. I drill out gun barrels, add details to uniforms, kit bash parts, and re-flock heads. Part of my “head cannon” (the internal, fictional back story of my stuff) is making different characters. I don’t want to see 12 identical 1972 Land Adventurers in matching camo uniforms. I want each to have a personality (even if I’m the only one who ever knows it.) That means that, in the minds of some, I’ve “ruined” them. And for their hobby, I have. It’s ok. I have a (real world) Jeep Wrangler. It’s about 20 years old, and has 210,000 miles. Many of them were BRUTAL on its appearance and overall resale value. I didn’t buy it to show it off as a classic car. I wanted something to take camping, go off-road, and get dirty. Mission accomplished!

I also have a strong appreciation of re-releases and knock-offs. The “inherent value” of the toy is already less. But to me, it’s even better. I got something great, and didn’t have to spend premium prices on an original. $35 is WAY easier to accept for a re-release than $350 for a “vintage, in box, never opened, still sealed in cellophane, and never exposed to the light of day.” I’m going to open and build it anyway!

The bottom line is – Do your hobby. It’s your money, your time, and your passion. Don’t second guess yourself. Trust me- you’re doing it right!

-Toph

Yep – An early 1970s Aurora Witch.  BUT WAIT…She’s built, and no longer pristine!  And that’s ok.  Really.