There is WAY too much emphasis in the modeling community to produce models to be EXACT replicas of the original in EVERY way.
Although I am proud of most of my models/dioramas, when I compare to others, I feel like I don’t belong…WHY - …I don’t model anything as the EXACT replica. I always put my own “slightly” modified creative touch…nothing too extreme.
So much modeling information online and in forums and at local clubs GREATLY emphasizes producing models EXACTLY as the real life model was down to the exact color and markings.
We may not win competitions but do others feel this way?
I generally try (TRY) to build models realistically, but not overly realistically. In other words, making it pretty much how the real thing looked, but not be checking if the distance between every bolt and rivet is correct. And I’m with you on the slightly modified touch.
itisgregory, I’m with you on making my military models “historically accurate” but not so to the last minute specification/detail. I’m not a “rivet counter” but respect those modelers who are. In fact, lately I’ve been trying to “add” my wife’s name/nickname to some of my models to “thank” her for all of her support for my modeling hobby. When you get right down to it, scale modeling is very subjective and it’s a HOBBY so let’s not take it so seriously.
I don’t match colors exactly, but close enough or get camouflage exactly right or model all the “objects” on armor correctly. But if I was being analyzed by others, they would find lots of “historic flaws”.
Mr_Tom_Schry,
Bravo on honoring your wife! That’s cool.
I too give respect to those who go to the extreme to be historically accurate AND although I CAN…I choose not to. I feel your sediment that this is a fun HOBBY. To each their own.
Not me, my models will never be in a show,I know that I settle sometimes,but for me it’s a hobby,I have to do it in way that makes me happy,others go that extra mile because it makes them happy,it’s all good.
I don’t build “historically accurate” models where everything has to be exact.
I do what are known as WHAT IF? type model subjects. I kitbash, scratch build, use different paint colors and decals, etc. By the time the model is done, a lot of people are looking at it and scratching their heads going “What is this?”
Interesting question. I really appreciate seeing models that are built to look realistic. I think it is cool to see a diorama that is so realistic, I can’t figure out if it is real or a model.
However, I’m not on that skill level. So my builds are realistic-like but you are not going to be able to hold up a photo of the real aircraft next to my model and see them as identical. There is a balance between realism and time that I try to keep.
I always add my own “touch” to my builds. I use photos as a starting place, and go from there. If there’s camouflage, I don’t follow the exact pattern. I am building for fun, not for competitions. I do compete and have won numerous awards, but that is not why I build.
I keep it “in the ballpark” but never an exact replica. I also have been adding an inside joke to all my builds. All my builds have a “tater tot” reference in them somewhere. The trick is sometimes finding it.
Let other people enjoy the hobby the way they do, and you can enjoy it the way you do. Unless those ‘exact replicators’ start coming over to your house and forcing you to build your model their way, there is no issue here.
I just thought that with weathering or doing a model or diorama that is being “used” is that you can get a little creative and it could look realistic.
Hello!
My opinion is - if anything there is too little emphasis on telling the TRUTH with models.
Almost everything about this hobby is debatable and above all it’s a hobby, so I’m the last to tell anybody he/she should build his/her model differently than they want to. I personally try to build my models to convey something that feels true. And I also enjoy looking at models that convey that vibe - by that I mean models looking like the person building them knew what they were doing, but also knew what they were building - I mean not only knowing the techniques, but also knowing the subject matter. That’s why doing research is so important to me when building. And often, after you do some research, you get to know stuff that would be hard to imagine by the “what if guys”.
Modelling is all about simplifications - in order to build a scale model we have to do a lot of them. The trick here is to do right the right ones. Even if you try to be very strict, you soon get to the limit of what’s doable, and before that you get to the limit of what’s visible without optics… But then the kits we use have a lot of errors and simplifications coming from the limits of injection molding technology - and correcting these is a cool thing to do IMO.
Then again - if you don’t thing it’s a cool thing to do, you build your model the way you want to. To quote the classic: “Suit yourself, I’m easy”. Just don’t feel bad about somebody who does a little extra with his/her model.
Rant over, thanks a lot for reading and have a nice day!
Paweł
I don’t think you ranted,you just talked about the different attitudes and approaches of the modelers that make up our hobby, theres room for all types.
If you build something that even remotely resembles the subject and you’re proud of it, then there is nothing wrong with it. Missing a doo-dad, a misaligned cammo squiggle, or a different hue in color all fall under Artistic License. We all have one, we all use one. It’s a matter of taking pride in our work - otherwise it wouldn’t be a hobby.
Very nice that your recognizing your wife. I’ve been blessed with a very supportive wife when I comes to my hobby. Both in time, and monetary areas, lol.
Yeah, she’s definitely a “Keeper.” I was so surprised that SHE suggested going to the Nationals in 2019. I always say that at least she knows where I am every night(at the workbench) instead of going out to the bars. Having a supportive wife and family makes this hobby even more enjoyable.
I like to say that my builds are a reasonable facsimile. I endeavor to get as close to the original as I can, but still, the finished product is a reasonable facsimile, not an exact copy. That’s good enough for me.
Tojo72, that sounds like a great formula for a lasting and perfect marriage. As Imelda Marcos once said,“You can NEVER have too many shoes or model kits.”
