Few things like boxes of vintage model car kits can take a Dad back down Memory Lane. For others, it may have been plastic airplane models. Whatever the subject, scale model kits were a prized possession for generations of kids going back to the 1930s.
Of course, while targeted primarily to older children, model car hobbyists and others know that building plastic model kits knows no age boundaries.
The Almost Obsessive Fascination with Scale Miniatures and Models
There is something particularly appealing about scaled-down versions of man-made machines and structures. We have always been enamored with scale replicas of real-life objects, from doll houses to model trains, from toy soldiers to ships in a bottle.
And that is a large part of the appeal of model kits for many hobbyists.
Perhaps the most common association of this hobby for most people is the venerable model car kits that allowed builders to create detailed scale model cars.
According to information on Wikipedia, the first plastic models were manufactured in the mid-1930s by a British firm by the name of Frog, with an offering of 1/72nd scale model kits called ‘Penguin.’ By the late 1940s, several American companies such as Hawk, Varney, Empire, Renewal, and Lindberg began to produce plastic models.
Today, model car hobbyists and others are still plying their skills with model kits of all types and sizes.
Autos, Ships, Aircraft, and Armor: Model Kits for Every Interest
It is possible to find kits for cars, battleships, aircraft carriers, and pirate ships, as well as for WWI-era biplanes, modern fighter jets, and even tanks and half-tracks. There’s an entire miniature and expertly detailed scale world on the shelves of the Model Foundry here at Fundemonium.
The sad truth is, however, that the realm of building plastic model kits of all kinds has lost some of its once indomitable allure. Sales of model kits have been diminishing gradually over recent years until about 2021.
Of course, that was the onset of the hated COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent “house arrest” so many found themselves enduring. And not surprisingly, a marked resurgence in the sales of plastic model kits occurred during this time and is, according to some, an indication of a new-found boom in popularity for the hobby.
How significant was this revival of model building? As one August 2021 article reported,
“Chicago-headquartered Revell USA, emerging from bankruptcy in 2018 and one of the industry’s largest model kit manufacturers, reported it sold more than one million kits averaging $24 US each in 2019, representing about $30 million US in total revenue. But by March 2020, sales were almost 100 percent higher than one year previous. With the pandemic continuing, it’s safe to say those sales continued to climb.
Manufacturers have struggled to meet the worldwide demand for plastic models. For example, Airfix – the UK’s oldest manufacturer of scale plastic models – recently saw its stocks run dry for the first time in the company’s 71-year history, prompting one seller to airfreight 10,000 Spitfire airplane kits from a factory in India.”
From Modeling Glue to Snap Together – Model Kits Once Again Rule!
And today, you can find hundreds of engaging and enticing model car kits and other types of models at Fundemonium, your Rohnert Park Hobby Store, and Mecca for model car hobbyists and other model builders.
In addition to one of, if not THE, largest selections of model kits in the region, you can also discover like-minded individuals who meet once a month as part of the International Plastic Modeler’s Society (IPMS). And for more hands-on participation with other model-building hobbyists, consider taking part in the IPMS Model Building Night hosted by Fundemonium.
Also, be sure to check out our annual Scale Model Show at Fundemonium on May 20, 2023.
Fundemonium’s Model Foundry is Your Model Kit Location in Rohnert Park
From classic cars to military aircraft to tanks, ships, and assorted other creations, when it comes to plastic scale model kits, you’ll find plenty to build and display here at Fundemonium.
In addition to the traditional cars and planes, you’ll also find a wide selection of snap-together model kits, including the latest and most popular Gundam kits in many sizes. Of course, there is so much more to be found here at Rohnert Park’s favorite hobby, game, and toy store. Fundemonium is Sonoma County’s premier headquarters for fun!
Not only will you find the area’s largest selection of quality toys, games, model kits, and hobby supplies, but you will also discover that there are many fun things for you and your family to do here!
The fun starts when you walk inside and discover that Fundemonium is more than simply a toy store or hobby shop.
What we are is a fun, safe, and friendly place where adults and children of all ages can meet to enjoy creative fun and participate in various events and activities. And for those special occasions in everyone’s lives, we offer a dazzling selection of themed party packages for your entire family.
And you can be sure that our friendly and knowledgeable staff makes it their priority to help you have fun because our mission has always been to put the “Fun” in Fundemonium!
We always do our best to quickly respond to website inquiries about card games (and more!), or you can also find answers to your questions by calling us at (707) 540-0701.
If you’d like to speak directly with one of our Fundemoniacs, just give us a call during our business hours.
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
