Mens Sheds

[Tony Kenny]

There's a new phenomenon sweeping the country, I'm sure most of you have heard, "Mens Sheds". These as supposed to be community places where older men who would otherwise be mostly alone, go to socialised in a workshop environment.

I'm wondering if something like this would work for RC modelling. Maybe it already exists and I've just not heard of them as a newbie. Would be a great place to exchange experience and maybe even to try and encourage a new generation?

[Jon Laughton]

I tried to get the local Mens Sheds to link up with our club last year but they were completely disinterested bordering on being rude so I gave up...but I agree the idea I sound.

[Phil 9]

Posted by Tony Kenny on 18/09/2017 13:28:19:

There's a new phenomenon sweeping the country, "Mens Sheds". .

I'm wondering if something like this would work for RC modelling.

I have often wondered why clubs dont have something along these lines. I guess for most it is the avaiability and cost of sutable real estate.

But clubs could easily purchase tools for use of club members such as wing building jigs, wire benders, balance machine, incidence meters ect. often quite expensive and seldom used tools that could easily be shared within a club.

but clubs always concentrate on flying activities and building seems to be a privete matter?

Edited By Phil 9 on 18/09/2017 15:34:00

[KiwiKid]

A local club has done just what you suggest having used some club funds to build a shed for storage and as a gathering place for building sessions and to act a focal point for club members to hang out. As with most clubs, they have a membership "of a certain age", but actively encourage younger members and the shed also comes in handy for this too.

[Former Member]

[This posting has been removed]

[Nigel R]

The one place I can guarantee some peace & quiet is in the shed. Just me and the spiders for company.

YMMV...

[Former Member]

[This posting has been removed]

[Martian]

I am a bit of a loner but would love that concept even if only once a week get togethers with fellow modellers it is sadly lacking in model clubs nowadays at least round me . It used to be a good driving force in clubs I belonged to years ago

[Tony Kenny]

Sounds like it exists in some places already then and it would be good if clubs did it too, though at our field, I recon the local kids would strip the place out in minutes and it's a heck of a drive for me already.

A lot of people do fly foamies, but I like building so i can get "plane" time when I can't get "flying" time and hopefully improve my flying by understanding more about the theory behind the practice.

[Paul Marsh]

I prefer building on my own in my shed. Have the internet radio on tuned to 80s 80s.de or listening to Rob Zombie.

[Former Member]

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[Tony Kenny]

I've lost count of the number of times I've broken the wings on my Phoenix 2000, which looks like it already had some repairs when I bought it at a swap meet. It just goes back together and keeps on flying, even with a break looking like I had a double dihedral ! It's going to give up at some point and I'll have to replace the wings.

You're right, building is therapeutic, I felt ill on Friday - but went to the workshop instead of bed!

[Former Member]

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[Tony Kenny]

Strangely enough, my long term plan is to design/build a glider that looks like a Grey Heron. My "plan" it to use the head for a rudder, the feet as elevator and several feather tips as ailerons, should be interesting to see if it's possible!

[john stones 1 - Moderator]

Nope never heard of it...share my shed ? Are you mad..you putting kettle on then..can i have this last biscuit...oooh you're not gonna smoke are you...worst of all...oooh you don't want to do it like that. go play in your own shed.

[Former Member]

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[Geoff S]

I think the fortnightly indoor flying sessions in a local village hall is a bit like that. For £2 there's 3 hours of flying or just chatting together with free tea/coffee and biscuits. As one member put it "It's our version of going down to the pub."

I have my own workshop and a wide selection of tools I've either bought or inherited from my late father (they're perhaps the ones I value most). I know where everything is (despite my wife's doubts!) and it's set up how I like it. I don't think a communal workshop would work all that well. I find that, whilst many would respect the facility, a few wouldn't and tools would go astray and not put away. I had a work colleague who would always pester me to borrow tools and, after I warned him, was most upset when I refused after he left them laying around on the bench (we worked in an office cum lab environment).

I'd always be happy to help and would always welcome visitors but a communal workshop - not for me.

Geoff

Edited By Geoff Sleath on 18/09/2017 21:55:13

[Nigel Dell]

Posted by Geoff Sleath on 18/09/2017 21:54:19:

I think the fortnightly indoor flying sessions in a local village hall is a bit like that. For £2 there's 3 hours of flying or just chatting together with free tea/coffee and biscuits. As one member put it "It's our version of going down to the pub."

I have my own workshop and a wide selection of tools I've either bought or inherited from my late father (they're perhaps the ones I value most). I know where everything is (despite my wife's doubts!) and it's set up how I like it. I don't think a communal workshop would work all that well. I find that, whilst many would respect the facility, a few wouldn't and tools would go astray and not put away. I had a work colleague who would always pester me to borrow tools and, after I warned him, was most upset when I refused after he left them laying around on the bench (we worked in an office cum lab environment).

I'd always be happy to help and would always welcome visitors but a communal workshop - not for me.

Geoff

Edited By Geoff Sleath on 18/09/2017 21:55:13

Have to agree Geoff, I have trouble enough not remembering where I have left something in the workshop or surrounding area, I would not have a hope in hell if others were involved!🤣😂😳😜

[Former Member]

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[Chris Freeman 3]

One of our local hobby shops has a build night every Tuesday night which my son attends on a regular basis, he said it is great fun and nice being able to help others learn to build. Only problem is when they come up with some strange ideas, one of which is a Tomboy that is built as a canard! No alcohol is allowed on these nights.