{"id":4017,"date":"2026-04-09T07:48:45","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T06:48:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rblr.org.uk\/main\/?p=4017"},"modified":"2026-04-09T07:52:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T06:52:34","slug":"beyond-the-bike-how-model-making-is-helping-a-member-find-focus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rblr.org.uk\/main\/beyond-the-bike-how-model-making-is-helping-a-member-find-focus\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond the Bike: How Model Making is Helping a Member Find Focus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Riders Branch of the Royal British Legion has always been about more than just the hum of an engine or the open road. While our primary mission is supporting the Poppy Appeal, our membership is a community built on shared passions. You don\u2019t even need to own a motorcycle to join\u2014you just need to share our love for all things motorcycling.<\/p>\n\n\n

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However, for one of our members, Paul Lucas, known as Mumbles\u2014who serves as the Lincolnshire County Representative\u2014that passion for motorcycles has recently taken a turn in a direction that some might find surprising. It\u2019s smaller, quieter, and fits on a tabletop, but its impact has been massive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many, model making is seen as a childhood hobby, but its benefits for adults are profound. The process of assembling intricate parts requires a high level of focus and patience, effectively acting as a form of “tactile meditation.” It encourages the learning of new skills\u2014from fine-motor precision to historical research\u2014and provides a tangible sense of achievement once the final piece is placed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most importantly, model making is increasingly recognised as a powerful tool for mental health. The “flow state” achieved while building helps quiet the mind, making it an excellent resource for those managing stress, anxiety, or PTSD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mumbles hadn\u2019t touched a model kit since he was a child, back when he used to build them with his father. However, he recently rediscovered the craft through our very own Vice Chairman, Alistair Wilcox (AJ).<\/p>\n\n\n

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AJ introduced Mumbles to a charity called Models for Heroes<\/strong>,<\/a> founded by Malcolm Childs<\/strong>. The organisation is the first of its kind in the UK, specifically supporting the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Service personnel. They provide model-making kits and equipment to help promote resin-based therapy, giving veterans and first responders a creative outlet to help with recovery and mental well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After joining and receiving his first parcel from Models for Heroes (M4H), Mumbles began chatting with other members of the model making community. When he shared his lifelong passion for motorcycles, he was met with a wonderful surprise: he was gifted a Tamiya 1\/12 scale Yamaha XV1000 Virago kit.
Mumbles has since been immersed in the build, finding a new way to connect with the motorcycle culture he loves so much, even when he\u2019s off the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I haven’t felt this focused and relaxed in a long time,” says Mumbles. “Models for Heroes has helped me gain the confidence to interact with others and take things off my mind. When you\u2019re working on a kit, all you\u2019re thinking about is the progress of the build; it doesn’t matter if you have a down day because you can just go to the group for the banter, the laughs, and of course, the tea and biscuits.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Building a motorbike has been a real passion project for me. Seeing the progress from start to finish on a kit like this\u2014which isn’t exactly a starter kit\u2014has been a great experience. I think I\u2019ve done pretty well for only having started modelling again eight weeks ago!”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re a rider, a former rider, or just a fan of the machine, the Riders Branch welcomes you. And if you\u2019re looking for a new way to find some “me-time” while supporting a great cause, we highly recommend looking into the work being done by Malcolm and his team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click here to learn more about Models for Heroes and their incredible work.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n