Guys: Maybe it’s just that I miss Manstein’s thought provoking questions (actually has anybody heard from him?) but for some reason, after I complete a model I get philosophical. So here goes…
I have been sending, and receiving posts (thanks again) from you guys for about 6 months now and I am continually impressed by everyone’s builds[#toast], so when I saw the completed pic’s on my “Jimmy” thread and noticed the glaring errors of un-filed seams I was somewhat embarrassed[:I]. I was even tempted to “pull” those pics where it was evident so you guys wouldn’t “notice”…then I thought, “why?..I’ve settled in here, I call it home, these guys know my work”…I guess what I’m saying is that I’ve changed somewhat…“comfortable in my shoes” if you will. I get my most satisfaction from this hobby, after the kit is built, so for now, I’m…
“SMJmodeler…the guy who may be good at weathering, but won’t file a seam to save his life and would rather add mud to an ejector mark than fill it with putty…”-I can live with that…
Which leads me to the question: Since you became a serious modeler, have you changed, and how would you see/classify yourself?
I find that completing a build to the best of my ability is quite satisfying. I build for me, no one else, but I enjoy tips and constructive feed back. Naturally I like praise, doesn’t everyone?
I always attempt to “push the envelope” with every new project. That’s my nature and probably why I jump around from cars, to figures, to sci-fi, to armor. It seems I learn a new tip every time I log on and I’m tempted to try it. I am comfortable here also, having finally been able to post some of my figs for the world to enjoy. That’s me, I enjoy when folks enjoy my stuff. I like to help with tips and tricks of the trade so to speak.
In short I am a SERIOUS modeler, but only for me, LOL.
In the late 80s-early 90s when I became a “serious” modeler, I started using Verlinden resin and PE update sets, AEF Designs’ conversions, On The Mark PE, kitbashing two or more models to create a version I wanted to build. Throughout the 1990s into the 21st century, I kept trying all the latest modeling AM bits and pieces to improve my builds.
Today, I’ve gone away from all that. We have such a great assortment of terrific kits, most of them can be built into showstoppers without the use of aftermarket products. While I still like to use AM grills (if available) or aluminum barrels (if the plastic one is not quite right), I tend to build my kits right out of the box.
I think I’m still in the transition into “serious modeling” after a long interruption. I never was that serious before, having only completed a couple of kits (A/C, & a figure I think). With the completion of my Sherman not long ago, I think that I’m realizing the importance of finishing, and being satisfied with my effort. I don’t know that I’ll ever look at a completed kit and not think, “Man, I should have (fill any assortment of modeling tasks into this blank).”
But, I am learning to finish, and press on to the next build…a great stride for myriad reasons in my life.
I have something to add to this I think. When I started to take modeling seriously I found that it has hurt me in someways. I get so worried that Im not going to have all the Ku-der-ments in the right place or the right shade of brown,green,blue and red that I find a reason to put the kit away. I didnt seem to care about that when I just wanted the car on my shelf.
However Im now working on and Abrams and Ive told myself that when Im done and put some pictures up that Im not going to care when someone comes along and picks it apart…I hope.
Rob: Couldn’t have said it better myself…you and I are quite alike sir! Are you aware of Eduard’s “zoom” PE stuff?..pretty much just grills for about $10 a-pop! Oh yeah, and aluminum barrels eliminate the need for sanding seams too[;)]
Which leads me to the question: Since you became a serious modeler, have you changed, and how would you see/classify yourself?
Well, I would have to say that I’m in a constant state of change as I learn new skills/techniques/ideas. Ever since I got back into the hobby I’ve wanted to be a “serious” modeler, and have been steadily evolving in that general direction, and hopefully am nearing that state. [;)] Compared to how I built things when I was in high school and before I could certainly be considered “serious” if only in my attitude toward accuracy - which was mostly nonexistent before - not to mention the “serious” level of cash output to equip myself with the proper tools (and stash!) to do some serious modeling! [:D] Hmmm. I would have to say I’m…
“Dupes, he of halfway decent skills who is still gleaning great volumes of knowledge from every possible source until one day he is able to (perhaps) come up with an original idea of his own”. Or something like that. [(-D]
I take it seriously as anyone else who has a passion for a hobby would, but there are limits that I won’t let myself cross, as hobbies are supposed to be relaxing and fun…I take the historical context and accuracy probably more seriousuly than “rivet counting”…
I make a LOT less kits…I used to crank one out on the average of every two weeks from start to finish, consistently.
Now I take my time and make sure it’s accurate “within reason” and do all of the “little things”–make sure all of my seams are gone, fill in all the other seams that need it, scrape away ALL the mold lines, and don’t “let things slide”–which takes a lot more patience and knowing when to walk away from the model when I feel myself wanting to rush any aspect of it.
I finish less kits, but I’m generally more satisfied with the ones that I do.
As far as learning new tricks and ideas, well the oly time you stop learning is when you are 6 feet under, I am constantly learning.
I’m a one at a time, sand fill and contemplate modeler. From that aspect, I dont crank out a model a week but rather 3 - 4 a year (Hmmmm…the stash will last for ever)
As far as AM stuff, on some items I will use them religously like barrels, but PE I tend to pick and choose what I add.
As far as historically correct vs bolt counting, withing my modeling (US artillery and support), I may not bolt counter but will do the research to get the model as close as possible without going nuts. The painting and weathering I try to match the period.
Some people like Doog and Manny are more diorama and telling a story, where I try to make a base that is not plain wood but not draw any attention from the model.
My changes since I started seriously is more time on fit, seams ect. More time on little details like crates, chains hoses ect. Less reliance on AM and more reliance on ME, tring to make stuff from scratch.
The only thing that’s really changed that I have really noticed is my paychecks don’t last as long!
EDIT: and the fact that everytime a show comes on t.v. that has to do with tanks there is usually a puddle of drool on the floor by the time it’s done!
Nowadays I definately take way more time to complete a kit.I try to squeeze out every detail.I’m also attempting to ‘grow a pair’ and try new techniques.I must admit I have been very satisfied with the last 3 or 4 builds I’ve completed.
For myself, the process has become a lot more wholistic. I pay attention more to each stage of the build as an equal and vital component towards the finished product. I watch for seams and mold lines like a hawk and examine kit instructions in more detail to determine “look ahead” problems or potential problems. I also find myself increasingly examining the work of others and their techniques to see what I can incorporate or adapt into my own repertoire as a continuous ongoing learning process. It’s a journey and not a destination. [;)]
I’ve always been a one-at-a-time builder and that helps retain focus and joy on the project at hand all the way through to completion. I employ more AM items (resin, photo-etch, tracks, barrels, etc.) where it’s needed but not on every build as a default. I also find myself collecting more print reference materials for the subjects that interest me in general and/or for future projects. I will usually attempt at least 1-2 “big” all-out projects per year depending on how I feel in terms of readiness to tackle something or inspiration.
Yes, I try to be more accurate and clean up everything. This is the main thing in slowing down my builds to a crawl. I used to bang them out when I was younger, but I’m lucky to get 3-4 done a year. I’ve slowly tried newer things, though I’m still a novice weatherer and tend to stay with a used, but not abused look. I need to take more chances and try even more things, but I feel I’m on the right path. I mean we’re supposed to build for ourselves, but I forget that rule sometimes. Imagine if we all used the same methods and materials, all our builds would look eerily alike. You couldn’t tell Joe from Bill’s build. Fortunately we all have our own unique styles that seperate us from one another and I appreciate that. [:)]
Since I became a “serious” modeler, I need a map on the dashboard to get home from work…
Actually, I finish fewer kits than before but the ones I do finish (or get to 90%, my norm these days) tend to be much more satisfying. I do have a tendency to look at some of the builds from a few years ago and hide them of give them to the neighbor kids…
I still do a lot of OOB, but the kit bashes and adds are a little more complex now, and look better than I think they will as they near completion. I use very little PE but quite a few AM track sets. That’s a definite change from before the descent into seriousness.
I’m not quite sure of what level of serious I’ve achieved, but I do enjoy taking the time to do a job right, whether it be a model or real-life work. In some things I strive for perfection, like the photography work that pays for the models, but in others I am little less exacting in the details, like models. The major differences between now and my younger days are that I have far less time each day to spend at the work bench so I don’t rush projects as I once did, I have more funds to build the kits I want and that I seem to enjoy the various challenges more.
I could not have said it better. When I stated back modeling I concentrated on the “destination”. Now that I concentrate on the “journey”, the destination is appreciated much more.
Yes, ive become a sad bas**** and dont go out anymore. I havnt even got any use for the anorack anymore.
On a modelling point of view, i cant seem to finnish much these days but i have no problem in starting loads of different kits.My problem is i have to many kits and want to build them all at the same time or i start something get bored and start something else,I envy people that work on one project at a time.It was my birthday last week and i had so many kits bought for me that its only made the matter worse.I never had that problem when i started modelling.I think i have become a bit lazier as well or it might be some of the kits are to mind boggling nowadays.I liked the simpler more fun builds and put all the effort in the finnishing. Or rather i try, Cheers, Andy.
I’ve always modeled seriously… it just makes my day.