Gents....A thought on 'Whats Best' Questions

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Hi guys…all well I trust

After seeing a few of posts recently…(please No More Snow questions in the Dio Forum :)) asking the ‘Whats Best for this or that?’…
I am time left wondering a couple of things…

First it is great and OK to recomend what you use…NP there.
But when you do can you please make a note of what else you have tried prior to geting to your opinion…

I feel this is important as it is YOUR expearance of the various techniques and materials that I for one value. So I would like to see breif reason when we offer (and I say we :)) such thoughts…its an important thing to choose right…lots of bucks under that paint !!

…At times there seems to develop a a long collection of posts under such a question, a ‘surporters club’ in a way, that just says it is the best but without saying why they think it is better than some other product out there…why/how long they have used this technique/material rather than some other…or even if they have ONLY ever used that product…a pic if you can manage, it wolud also help me understand.

Just saying…'Use abcd type product cus it rocks (and that is not a quote, I do not wish to single anybody…we are a group ;)) and adding that to a list of similar but contrasting opionions makes the thread a little teadious at times…and I do not get information from that type of reply.
As much info as possible is valuible…an opinion without reason…well sometimes it even puts me off :slight_smile:

It follows that even the most dedicated full time model maker cannot use ALL the worlds products…so there might be a better one out there…the Holy Grail Product …well we all look for that :)…

Guys…I know it is not a big problem mostly…just wondered if we could tighten up a bit…

Said with the best of intentions and NO direction whatsoever guys…and as guilty at times as well

Ali1kj

PS…as posted …this is greatI-beam Posted: Today, 21:00:21 Quote
Box-stock

Posts: 89
Joined: 10 Jul 2004
Location: Jax, FL
Hey Wolf-leader,
Welcome to the FSM forum and all that good stuff. Check out this review from modeling madness:

http://www.modelingmadness.com/reviews/misc/kruegert54.htm

He reviews the PST T-54 but they also make a T-55 in 1/72 scale. Tankergeoff is doing a Russian Group Build and I’m probably going to build the T-54. I don’t have the kit yet and never built anything from this company but it looks like its worth a try.

The other chioce is ACE models but I don’t know anything about them either.

2

I can sense a little frustration in your post. It’s understandable, but I think the most important point is one that you touched on yourself in your post.

There is no perfect material. Some may be better than others in general, but I guarantee there is a modeler somewhere in the world making dio snow with mushed up chicken livers and it looks great. If I got some good results from painted celu-clay but had a hard time with baking powder or vice versa, that doesn’t mean that someone else couldn’t take the baking soda and make a masterpiece.

I have made my living making models (not building kits) for 15 years. I have hired and fired model makers and we all have one thing in common; We all know everything about the best way to do something. In general we are nerds and can spend an hour discussing the best mold release and still walk away thinking the other guy is full of crap and doesn’t know what he is talking about.

Model making is a personel battle against yourself to “make it work”. I had a client that I used to do alot of museum work for and when I would ask him about details on a project, he would say “I don’t know, just make it look like something.”

I used to think that that sounded like he didn’t care, but really those are words to live by. Take a material that you have on hand, and just make it look like something.

The best thing about this forum is that it is free and annonymous for the most part. I want some know-it-all guy to answer my post. I want as much info as I can get if I ask a question.

I had a situation where I needed research info on a subject and someone on these boards answered the call. There is more valuable info on this forum in one night than in the monthly publication of FSM.

3

Oh man, I feel like that kid in class that the teacher read his paper out loud. [:0]

On “What is the best” threads: I love em. It’s what forums are all about. Everyone says their way and you usually mix and match from all the input to get a method/materials for yourself. There is some really good input in the mold making thread right now.

4

I like what y’all said cus it ROCKS…[8D]
HEHE smile.

5

Man, I don,t know.If I answer a post asking opinions on one thing or another I don,t think I should have to give a complete bio. on how I got to the conclusion.It’s just information on the varied techniques and products that we,as modelers have tried.It’s up to the individual whether they want to try it or disregard it.No way would I just run out and spend my hard earned $$ just because so & so recommended it.But at least it may be something I haven’t heard of and it gives me a chance to investigate. I personally value any input from anyone.

6

Stug69 and I-Beam

Sorry that was not my intent…I just asked if people would add a little somthing to their answers to make a little bit more … err informative and reasoned…

I love that type of post as well so please don’t get me wrong …but please add a small comment thats all,no great works of Shakespear or Hardy needed…just dont fill up the threads with pointless posts…inform your friends why you like the technique or product…that is what forums are for, and yes…lets be lighthearted and have fun as well…

I say it again…it is not always this way as you saw in my post…so not a ‘big’ problem, just my question in light of a bit more of this type of post than normal…

I am sorry you seem offended…please see thru the ‘School Mam’ image you have of me and just look at the points I made…anyway…I do not look good in those type of outfits …even at weekends [:0]-Matron

Just trying man…

Ali1kj

7

I am with Stug61.

I also believe in trial and error, if something new comes up I will see if i want to try it or not.
In many cases I tried “new and improved” stuff recommended by X or Y and still went back to doing it my old way.

Example:
I see lots of people here mention that they got probs with acrylics, wonder how many of those have tried using an extender/retarder with those colours.
Took me some time to figure that one out, after adding that stuff i can brush or airbrush them without problems.
No brands mentioned as a lot of the stuff I use is pretty local and might not be available worldwide.

Which leads me to another pet-peeve of mine, often people will recommend product x as the bees knees completely forgetting that the reader might not have access to the very same product.

8

Model Museum

Then I am with you as well…which is great

I regard advice…which IS what I am after !..as the point…‘It Rocks’ or such like is not informative and to be honest does not tell me a lot :slight_smile:

As to your peeve,yep thats a ‘getter’ as well my wish is the the poster says puts a ‘I get it here’ link or at least a name…You would be surprised how much time that could of saved me over the years :frowning:

Ali1kj…the ‘Grumpy Old School Mam’

9

No biggie! Just think it’s great anytime anyone pipes up about modeling stuff. Sorry if my reply was taken wrong. If I see a post on something I don’t want to try or don’t think is for me I just disregard, but still love the input! I’d just hate to not have some one not participate on the basis of their experience!![2c]

10

I’ll play “Devil’s Advocate” a little bit here, so please don’t take this the wrong way.

Part of the problem, as I see it, is that asking a question like, “What’s the best filler?” is akin to asking, “What’s the best car?”, “What’s the best dog?”, or “What’s the best beer?”. The correct answer to all these questions is, “None.”

Every time that I see a question like, “What’s the best filler?”, I tend to roll my eyes and think, “Here we go again.” Why do I say this? Because the person asking the question has set themselves up for failure by asking a question that is way too broad and completely based on personal opinion.

A far better question would be, “What is your favorite filler for narrow wing root seams on 1/72 scale aircraft and why?” or “What filler do you suggest for large gaps in armor constuction and why?” These are far more specific questions that allow the person responding to have a complete understanding of the answer being sought.

“What’s the best armor kit available?” [Eyes roll and I don’t bother answering]

“What are the easiest 1/35 armor models of modern tanks that a new modeler could tackle and why?” [Much better question]

Anyway, that’s my “Devil’s Advocate” position…ask a better question, get a better answer.

11

Absolutely, without a doubt : kasteelbier, served at exactely 6° C [:D]

Now… seriously, I agree with the original post that it would be better to mention WHY someone find product X the best for the job.
But I can understand that it sometimes difficult to put a “feeling” under words and I mean a feeling because that is all there is sometimes when comparing products.
A lot of people find “Future” for instance a gods gift to modeling, and yet I still haven’t read a satisfying reason why it would be some much better than any other clear coat (except for the price tag than).

12

Foster7155

Great post.

To be honest for me there is no “best” that’s why I use a selection of putties, glues, etc. [:D]

13

Good points by all.
Here’s another angle:
Even if no information at all (besides the answer) is given in a post, we can still learn something.
Example:
Q: “What’s the best putty?”
A: “Tamiya Polyester Putty” (or whatever)

Super simple answer, to be sure, but now we at least know that someone thinks Tamiya Polyester Putty is “the best.” This information gives us at least a starting point to do a little of our OWN research, instead of just following the crowd and doing what they’re doing.
Then again, a less motivated individual might just run out and buy Tamiya Polyester Putty based on that simple answer…

Granted, the more info in ANY post, the better. But even simple, one-word answers can point you in the right direction, if you have sufficient motivation.

14

LOL!!! I know what you meant, no problem.

[Laurel & Hardy routine]
Were you offended?
No, No I wasn’t offended. Did I offend you?
No of coarse not, other than the fact that your offensive.
Oh Im sorry but I didn’nt mean to offend.
No, No really I’m not offended. Are you offended?
Who’s on first? …
[/Laurel & Hardy routine]

15

But you must remember- if I say I use this product because I tried a,b and c, it is only my opinion. Maybe I misused the other product, or didn’t give it a proper chance. If everyone always gives that type of info, it may become difficult to sort through what product just isn’t for ta specific individual and what product is truly junk. Personally, I only tell what methods I used and failed at if I REALLY think it is the product and not just me not liking something. I would rather just hear what people personally use and sort it out myself. And as for using products that may or may not be available for others, that becomes difficult as well. A large percentage of people don’t list where they are from in their bio, so how can I tell if they are near me or halfway across the world. For that matter, how am I supposed to know where a product is available and where it isn’t? Just trying to show the “other side” of the argument.

16

I think we all agree that the suggestions,and advise that is shared on the forums, is most likely someones best effort at trying too give their experince with a techinque or product, they have tryed or used. There are many topics here that really capture my interest, and would like too respond, but simply see no value in my input. That does not mean I should not try, and be a part of the forum discussion. Everyone has something to contribute, and I appreicate your point of being more clear, and concise about questions, and answers, but we must also understand that for some (including myself) that expressing a point can be challenging. Semper Fi, mike

17

I’m with you on this one. To expect every post to be a complete listing of all steps taken is just asking for too much. The idea of a forum is to get as many people as possible to throw in what they wish, and that is where the multitude of suggestions and ideas come from, not three or four people retelling their whole modelling life. If so they chose, even better, but the idea is to get some participation, some lead to follow in your quest, and use that as a guide in your own experimentation. Ultimately, this is much better for you, as you will be forced to deal with a problem, and actually practice different skills and techniques. This is much better, as it will increase the amount of knowledge and experience you have, allowing you to build better models.

In the best of intentions, no, I don’t think I can [:)]

18

To expect every post to be a complete listing of all steps taken is just asking for too much.
Read my post…did not say that at all

The idea of a forum is to get as many people as possible to throw in what they wish, and that is where the multitude of suggestions and ideas come from, not three or four people retelling their whole modelling life.

Well that’s a way of qualifying you earlier inaccurate statement feel again you miss read my point…just not ‘It Rocks’…I asked people to chip in as mush as poss…please do not misunderstand me…the MORE THE BETTER…

Ultimately, this is much better for you, as you will be forced to deal with a problem, and actually practice different skills and techniques. This is much better, as it will increase the amount of knowledge and experience you have, allowing you to build better models.

Great…but if I know why you do not like A over B then at first I will not make the mistake you did…If I still cannot get the same results then I will try another method…NP…but your help would help…Would you buy a car on the basis of a friend who has one and can only summon up ‘It Rocks’ form his vocabulary ?

Ali1kj

19

I can understand the desire to have more information on certain things. My suggestion would be a simple one. If you see someone respond in an overly simplified way either 1) ask them directly in the same thread for more informtion regarding the choice or 2) gather more information on your own from other sources and/or posters in the same thread. Often times #1 will get great results as a general call for responses will only get you so far…whereas a direct post aimed at a certain individual is more likely to elicit the response you want…more information. Just my [2c]

20

wbill summed that up nicely.