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MODELLING
HOBBY
MODELS, NOT TOYS
Tam and other modellers are some-
times called ‘big kids’ because people
think they are playing with toys. How-
ever, he and his fellow modellers reject
this. Due to the delicate skill involved,
they say that modelling is not simply
a case of sticking the pieces together.
“To master modelling, besides
precision and patience, people should
have certain techniques, creativity and
some basic knowledge about fine art,”
says Pham Minh Tuan.
Tuan also says the hardest part of
making a model is painting: “Painting is
the last step, and the hardest one. We
have to use many techniques to paint
the product and make it looks old, rusty
and corroded by time,” he says. “Most
of the special paint and powder can be
bought, but we usually create our own
from scratch to get as close as
possible to the original.”
Modelling helps people train their
patience and release stress. Nguyen Duc
Huy says he is at his happiest when he
creates a rare or beautiful model: “From
the moment I open the material box, it
feels like I’m full of energy to start a jour-
ney that will end with taking pictures of
my model to share with people.”
Meanwhile, Tam says some of his
friends have suggested he collect high-
tech products such as laptops or smart
phones instead: “I told them these
things can be easily bought, provided
that you have money. But models are
different. It is a true challenge to begin
a new model – every one is unique.”
For Vu Anh, the best thing about
modelling is that it reminds him of his
childhood. “Once, when I finished a
tank, my father told me that it looked
exactly like the tank that we saw when
we evacuated Saigon several years
ago,” says Anh. “After that, my memory
came alive with images - it was like trav-
elling back time.”
Those who are interested in model-
ling should pay a visit to the following
places: 48 Le Hong Phong street, 162
Cao Thang street, and Nhat Tao market.
“To master
modelling,
besides precision
and patience, people
should have certain
techniques, creativity
and some basic
knowledge about
fine art”.
17
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