Flown clear out of sight

Monogram Model Planes and Boats, 1951

Kids today play different than they used to. There was a time when boys would be expected to build scale models, and many of them appeared to enjoy the process. Now, outside of a few cub scouts, I don’t think very many boys have the patience to deal with the shear physicality of the process — all the fiddly little parts. (Girls in the 1950s weren’t permitted to have hobbies – I think there were laws.)

Of course, back then every neighborhood seemed to have a local hobby show, a quality scale model plane could be bought for $4.95, and you could ask your Father to help with the piecing together and the cutting and the gluing and the doping and perhaps some flying lessons. It was a bonding experience.

These days, the prices and the complexity of the planes have risen astronomically (ever priced a DJI Phantom quadcopter with video camera?) and the few hobby shops left cater more to “mature” adult males.

Meanwhile, their children just watch YouTube videos of the flying models on their iPhones.