Building model trains and planes: An autoethnographic investigation of a human occupation

ABSTRACT

This research utilised an autoethnographic method, termed collective autobiography, to explore the nature and meaning of the amateur hobby of building models from childhood to adulthood. Hobbies and leisure activities are areas of human occupation of increasing interest to a variety of disciplines. Although model making may concern the miniature representation of any subject, this paper focuses on the construction of model aircraft kits, trains and their layouts. As a complex, specific human occupation, modelling is found to contribute to personal well-being and, while the occupation may start in childhood, its associated motivations and required skills develop over a life time. The findings also reveal aspects of the nature of the relationship between the modeller, the process of modelling, and the final product. In addition elements of the gendered nature of modelling, its role within father-son relationships, and the accommodation of modelling within shared domestic spaces are brought to light. The modeller is seen to be a creative individual and a consumer. The specific modelling occupations described are recognised as having their origins within the culture of post-war baby boomer Britain, and the socioeconomic and technological environment of that period.

这项研究使用被称为集体自传的民族志法，探索从童年到成年制作模型这一业余爱好的性质和意义。爱好和休闲活动成为多种学科越来越感兴趣的领域。虽然模型制作可涉及任何主题的细微成分，本文重点研究飞机套件、火车的模型和它们的布局。作为一种复杂而具体的人类休闲活动，我们发现模型制作有助于个人福祉并培养与之相关的兴趣和一生中所需要的技能，因为休闲可以从小就开始。该结果还揭示了模型制作者、模型制作过程和最终产品之间关系的各方面性质。另外，模型制作的性别特征因素，它在父子关系中的作用，以及在共有生活空间内进行模型制作都得以探讨。模型制作者被看作是一个有创造性的个体和消费者。所描述的具体的模型制作活动被认为起源于战后婴儿潮英国文化和那个时期的社会经济和技术环境。

KEYWORDS:

• human occupation
• model building
• modelling
• hobbies
• leisure

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the reviewers for their suggestions in developing this paper.