As a little boy of 12-13 years of age, I had $3 per month allowance. This was about 30+ years ago. My next door neighbor had an Enya 15 or 19 that he broke in on top of the roof (building structure allowed this). I was so envious of him and his Sterling Ringmaster. I wanted it so much that I decided to buy whatever I could until I had all the pieces. The first month, I bought a bell crank for a 19 size control line airplane. It was so precious to me as imagined finished ringmaster around my new hardware. My parts collection never made it past that bell crank. I knew that I could not ask any more than my pocket money allowed. No one pushed me into the hobby as a youngster. If I got all the stuff from my parents, I doubt that my memory of my first bell crank would be so dear and precious to me.
During my high school days, I worked at a local toy store. It allowed me to be close to the stuff I loved. I believe those were my happiest times. I now can afford things more readily. All the planes and helis that I get these days excite me still. However, the fondness and the satisfaction that I got during my younger days would never be matched.
I sure wish that my parents bought me the stuff I wanted so much when I was younger. I'll bet I would appreciate this hobby much less (umm maybe little less
)if that was the case. I believe it is in our human nature that we value more of things that were obtaind with most effort.