A Civil Discourse on Enhancing the Attractiveness of Aircraft Models

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
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I would like to have an ongoing and fun discussion on the philosophy of building model aircraft. Areas of interest to me range from what any of us think is desirable in the way that manufacturers mold the plastic, to ideas on what any of us think is desirable for the finish of the model, and everything in between. Not what is right or correct, rather I think it is good to get the ideas out there and under discussion. I am not sure that conscensus is possible or even desirable, but perhaps we could define the major points of view and have some example photos posted.

I’m not connected in any way with FSM, I’m just a subscriber and a reader of the forum. I do think that if we can keep the discussion constructive, and if we do then produce any kind of understandable definition of this subject, what we come up with could be of great value to us as modellers, would be of interest to those who make what we buy, and who knows, it could even be a good basis for a magazine article.

I’ll even start with some of my views, which will probably not be the most widely held, just where I am on the spectrum. See the next post

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Before the bullets start flying again[swg], I think that when some posts some pictures they should say what they were trying to accomplish. That way we can give more helpful comments, and it is clear to others that accuracy may not have been important to the builder.

On to the topic, I would like the actual kit to be as accurate as possible. I prefer to work in plastic. The finish varies, it depends on what I want to accomplish.

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[#ditto] I primarily build for display with landing gear down, canopy closed but not glued on and try to use every part the kit came with. I will make certain enhancements if I see it needs it. I rarely bother with aftermarket items if I can scratch build those type improvements myself and as Mortar said, " it depends on what I want to accomplish".

Air Master

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My comment is related to the finished product. I would say that the
majority of aircraft models are build wheels-down, canopy open. While
models of these kind can be incredible masterpeices, I am suprised that
there aren’t more built in the flight position. Aircraft are usually designed
primarily with the flight envelope in mind, and the details such as landing
gear as after-thoughts. That is why I often think an aircraft displayed in
flight looks more striking, and can capture the spirit of the craft better.
In echo of what was said above, I don’t think this is a better that way,
just my personal taste. Besides, a well built model that looks like it’s
ready-to-roll is an awesome sight.

A couple examples from my persoanl collection:

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I like models with engraved panel lines, but I like them finely done. An example that I like is is the 1/48 Hasegawa Skyhawk. An example I don’t like is the Hasegawa 1/72 B-25. I’m the kind of modeller that will make messes with less than perfect fits, and untill I get better at filling and sanding, it is easier to deal with engraved rather than raised panel lines. I do like the results I got with the Hasegawa 1/48 F4U-4, even though it has raised detail, but I didn’t have any real disasters because it is such a nice fitting kit. I’m building a Williams Brothers C-46 right now, and with the fine raised detail, soft plastic, approximate fit, and my techniques, well,if I save this one it will be because I succeed in redoing a lot of panel lines with a sharp Exacto knife.

As to finish, I wish I could do an understated job of washes, shading, and weathering. So far my best builds are “clean” models, and they get weathered and shaded by time and dusting when they are on the shelf. If I could do it, I would weather them and wash them, but in a way that enhanced the detail but the average viewer would not realize what exactly I had done. The model would just jump out as something different and attractive, realistic in appearance to the viewer if set in a line of models, some clean builds and others more obviously weathered. The viewer’s “mind’s eye” would see the detail, but the process would not be obvious.

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I often hang my planes up to get them out of the way. Most were built landing gear up. A lot of kits were designed to only have the landing gear down and the fit of the landing gear doors usually is not that good. The last two I built were landing gear down and I hung one of them up anyway. The other I gave to a friend.

Bill

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This is true.

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I like the Ready For Flight look. I always add ordinance and external stores. Sometimes I’ll include the pilot, and sometimes I won’t. I know an aircraft is meant to fly, but they spend most of their time sitting on the flight line. An aircraft in it’s natural state most likely involves a cowling open and a mechanic armed with a wrench rather than a pilot with a helmet.

Semper Fi,

Chris

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Hello guys (and Gals)

I too like to display my models “in-flight” as well. I love the way the model instantly depicts action and I can fully appreciate the lines of the aircraft. I was inspired by FSM’s former Senior Editor Paul Boyer and pro modeler Pat Hawkey. Displaying my models this way has also facilitated interesting photography as well, it’s great! Here’s a pic of my 1/72nd scale F/A-18E. With regard to weathering and such, I generaly keep it moderate.

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Greg - that is one good looking bug. I was convinced it was an actual aircraft, but I couldnt find any jet wash ! Amazing how the lifelike background enhances the model itself. A+ !

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Maybe I’m not the best example (last kit finished: Airfix 1/72 Typhoon, enhanced with some hand-made details, in 1986!!! [:O] ), but agree in general with “jeaton01” posted.

IMHO, a trade-off btween accuracy and practicality is needed. And if the job is nicely done, sometimes even OOB kits looks great! [:D]

Old kits needs usually lots of work, and that’s good because: a- helps develop skills (and frustration ressistance!); b- most people likes challenges (vacforms anyone?). [^]

Cheers,

Diego.[8D]

PS: for displaying a plane in the ground, I prefer a small and simple base with a few accessories (mini-diorama), to put the subject in context (eg: a cart, some drums, maybe a small vehicle like a jeep or tractor). I try to avoid figures, as I was very bad working with them! [yuck]

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I completely agree!!! Not to hijack this thread,but Plasticmod can you please elaborate on your technique of photography and mounting in another forum perhaps? I would really like to see a step-by-step way to accomplish what you have done! Thanks!

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For me, the “perfect” kit is 1/48 scale WWII aircraft of about 50-60 parts. I like the engraved panel lines, but raised are OK too.

After having been back in the hobby now for about 10 months, with 12 kits done, I realize while I’d like to finish my kits with post-shading and weathering and chipping, getting it to look like I want has eluded and frustrated me. So the last couple have simply been “clean” just a panel wash- and I find I like that too.

Realism is kinda secondary for me personally. I mean- I want a Spitfire to look like a Spitfire, but if the camo isn’t spot on or the colors aren’t FS correct, or the little details aren’t 100%- I’m OK with that.

So I try to make what I guess you’d call a nice “Shelf model”.

I have found that simple, easy details can really make a model look good, whether I’ve chipped, weathered and shaded it or not. It surprised me how much difference seat belts add to the appearence. Or drilling out the exhausts. Having the rudder be slightly offset. These are fairly simple things that I think have given them “life” in my mind, and leave me feeling pretty satisfied- both in the joy of the build, and admiring the model on the shelf.

And though I haven’t done it yet, and it doesn’t actually have to do with the model itself- I think setting it on a simple, well done base justs makes it look complete.

Oh yeah- can’t forget the airbrush. I’ve been really happy since I started airbrushing with how the overall finish looks. I am a sloppy brush painter- try as I might not to I slab it on to thick- but I’ve been really happy with how things I’ve done with the airbrush turn out.

I guess it’s all come down to figuring out what I can do that makes it fun in finishing the aircraft. I try new stuff, but I’m starting to learn where my “style” is at.

That’s one thing I noticed about so many of the folks here- the really good ones have a style that you can see. Like an artist, you know.

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I’m so glad that someone brought up the control surfaces,
because I totally agree. Whether the aircraft is built in
the “airborne” condition or on the ground, I almost always
separate the control surfaces so that I can reposition them
with slight deflections. For grounded aircraft, I like to also
turn the tailwheel a few degrees.

It’s always such a pleasant feature of a kit when they mold
the control surfaces separate from the wing or fuselage. It
is somewhat rare in most 1/48 kits, but when a kit is cast
that way, it really save alot of work.

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The in-flight displays are striking indeed, but I like detail…the more the better, which is why I build my aircraft gear-down. Engines, gun bays, wheel wells, cockpits…very difficult for me to show these components in an ‘in-flight’ display. Sometimes I envy those armor guys, especially when it comes to being able to depict so much detail and still show their subject in its ‘natural’ environment.

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Like IL2windhawk and plasticmod992, I prefer to build aircraft models in flight. As for weathering, I agree with most folks here that a weathered model appears more lifelike, but I am not a fan of post shading or panel line highlighting. I prefer to weather in moderation, in my opinion a little weathering goes a long way. Especially in the case of a 1/72 scale model. Also, if I happen to use an old kit, instead of killing myself with scratchbuilding details such as interiors, I often just black out the transparencies. A good example of my preference is the 1/72 Matchbox B-25H I recently completed as a Marines PBJ-1H.

By the way, I am really enjoying this more "civilized"exchange of philosophies!

Tory

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Zone V Afterburner,

No sweat, I would be glad to share with others my tips and techniques on how I mount and photograpgh my models! Sorry guys if my post vered a little off topic. I’ll try to put something together in Tips and Techniques.

I like what someone above said about older kits, and how they help develope ones skills. My dad was a modeler and he always used to go for the “not-so great” kits. I didn’t understand why, when there was a far better offings right off the shelf. His skills got so good that his finished models surpassed some of the best models of those offered by say, Hasegawa and the like. I adopted this mindset and, 20 years later…my finished models share the same quality as his. For me, it’s the challenge of that kit that leaves a lot to be desired that sparks creativity and ingenuity to make it better. “That is the essence of a modeler son”, so my dad told me. I think he had something there! Happy modeling all!

PS: Thanks for the nice words about my Superbug!

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Goshawk,

I love the B-25 display! Simple, beautiful and very interesting to the eye! You may need to tie her down, looks like she’ll fly right off your desk top! [^]

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Thanks Greg, glad you liked it. I can’t take credit for this type of display though, I learned it from our mutual buddy Pat Hawkey.

I also agree that working older kits can really hone one’s skills. And some times an old kit is the only way to get something you want, for instance a 1/48 XFV-1 Pogo!

Your dad sounds like a wise man!

And by the way, very nice job on that Hornet! Excellent photography as well.

Tory

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Goshawk, brilliant idea to black out the windows. There are times when I really loathe cockpits and they hold up the rest of the project because they need to be completed before the fuselage is assembled. I might try that when I’m next faced with an uninspiring interior!

As for finishing, I’m easy either way. I’ll build clean or dirty depending on how many mistakes I have to cover up! [B)]