After I read some topics and looked the pixs you posted guys (ie, TA-152 cockpit), I think I’ll take a break . you overwheel people like me (novice)!!
I mean, since I have not so much time to do conversions, add resin cockpits and stuff like that ,my models are pretty basic (out-of-the-box). However, I enjoyed build them up. Altough I know I’ll never win an IPMS, I’ll keep trying harder.
[:I]
I’m convinced that while I’ll possibly never be classified as a Master modeler, with practice all of us are capable of building something that pleases us or the ones that receive the models as gifts. Just remember that the hobby is here to please you, not to wrack you with unattainable goals.
Have fun with it!
Agreed…Jon.
My kits are very basic out of the box builds and I do have alot of fun with them. I have seen fantastic models on here both with AM stuff and out of box. I am constantly amazed at the work shown here and use it as a personal goal to strive to, whether I get there or not! After all, isnt the fun in the journey…?[;)]
Regards, Dan
To answer the question of how long it takes. . .
Depends on the builder, I hae seen guys “acheive” the title in as few as three or four kits, many in the pages of FSM or on this forum.
Myself, I am still attempting to “make it” there, and I’ve been doing it for almost FORTY years.
As Dan says, the fun is in the journey!
Don
If you think you’re models look good,then that’s all that matters.In the same breath,FSM has given me goals to reach for and make my models look better to me.FSM has taught me so much about modeling,and to me, it shows in the final product. As mentioned before by some,mine are pretty muck box stock and for a little variety I get A.M. decals. Something I did that turned out to be fun was scratch building. No rules there! Shoot for the stars and keep coming back here for knowledge.
I don’t think it matters if you become a master modeller or not. If you enjoy building your models, that’s all that matters. To me, winning competitions and prizes is a bonus. The great thing about this hobby is that you’re always learning. If you keep building, and enjoy it, who knows what you’ll achieve.
Gonzalef -
It’s a hard question to answer…I’ve seen people who have been building for decades and their models are garbage, and there’s people who’ve been building for only a few years and their models are fantastic -
Better tools DO make a difference - but that’s not the be-all and end-all…it’s a mind-set, a passion to create a true scale replica - nor just a model - that makes the difference.
there are also particular individuals who have a serious passion for a particular subject - they tend to expend incredible amounts of energy on these labors of love - THAT makes a better model, too.
Find where your passions lay - then go from there. You can only have fun.
I’ve been at for many, many years & certainly wouldn’t classify as a Master Modeler. I have fun with the Hobby, build the best I can, & don’t worry about. I have a short attention span on building a model, so spending weeks or months detailing one kit would bore me silly, even if I had the talent. I’d rather build a dozen or so models OOTB in that time. I have the greatest respect for what some builders achieve, but I don’t fret over emulating their efforts.
Regards, Rick
Relax, enjoy the building, and don’t worry about it. Learn as you go, try something new on each model you build, and just enjoy what you are doing. If you are good enough it will just happen on its own. If not you can just enjoy the builds like the rest of us.
I don’t know of anyone who starts out with the goal of becoming a “Master Modeler”, I don’t even know how to define the point at which one could say that they have become a “Master Modeler”. Everyone starts pretty much equally, no experience, and just wanting to have fun. Some people discover along the way that they have a flair for making kits look more realistic than other people, and perhaps that makes them a “Master Modeler”. Others might discover that they can scratch-build things that others wouldn’t even know how to begin, and perhaps that makes them a “Master Modeler”. For the vast bulk of us it’s all about having fun, doing the best we can with what we have, and not worrying about what title someone else gives us. Just relax; it will come or it won’t.
[#ditto]
I wouldn’t call me a master modeler either, I firmly beleive that the only way you will become a master modeler is two years after your death, then you will be a master modeler. So don’t worry about becoming a master modeler, just enjoy the hobby.
Gonzalef,
One thing I noticed is how taking a picture of a model can instantly make seam lines and decal film disappear! Ha-ha-ha! I’ve posted some pics of my planes that I know have a little boo-boo here, a tiny oopsy there. But when you view the model at the computer’s 72 dpi it looks like a masterpiece! So don’t think you can’t become a “master” builder (I use that subjective term loosly). If you look closely you’ll still see a less than smooth finish and a missed seam line on everyone’s model. I like what Boybuddho said about the fun is in the journey. Hopefully the journey will never end!
Eric
PS. After giving it a little more thought, I don’t think I’d like to be a “master” modeler. Once you become that then how much higher can you go? Does that mean there is no more room for improvement? That you’ve reached the peak and you can’t achieve more? I’d rather be someone who just gets better and better (in my own eyes) over time. The journey is the fun part. Once you’ve reached the finish line then the race is over.
Yeah, what they said. [:)]
Take care,
Frank
I believe much of making models is simply down to practicing tried and tested techniques and PLANNING.
I don’t consider myself to be a master modeller by any stretch, but I don’t think I’m bad one lol . I certainly have, however, seen my own personal development and skills vastly develop in a relatively short timescale simply by following the correct techniques, and using patience and planning.
I would say the majority of projects fall short of the artists expectations simply due to lack of planning, research and employment of techniques.
Bottom line, take your time and patience, and do your homework - research every aspect of painting and detail, you will improve in no time.
John
Oh crap, so just using Model Master paints doesn’t do it? Well, [censored].
I guess I’ll have to go back to being average again. I thought I was on to something there for a while, but alas, no.
Remember…It’s a HOBBY.
You know I felt the same way before I posted my first picture of a completed project. Everyone who responded was very generous and supportive. This made me stop and really look at my project. I took pride in some of the smaller things…why try to keep up with everyone else? Do it for you, learn what you can and just have fun[:)]
I personally don’t believe the title of ‘Master Modeler’ is something that any of us deserve to call ourselves…and here’s why…
There are a few modelers out there who just blow my mind…their skills, their work, are at a level that most of us hope to achieve, but few ever do.
The late George Lee (the IPMS Nationals Best of Show is named in his honor) falls into that category, along with Shep Paine, Bob Letterman, and Derek Brown. Sure, there’s others out there who’ve won top honors, but these fellows I’ve listed above are (were) consistently at the top of their game. They’ve set the standard in excellence. They are the Master Modelers (in my opinion).
Getting there involves some talent, learned skills, lots and lots of patience, a willingness to learn, and the ability and desire to apply what you’ve learned, even at the risk of ruining a model or two. I’ve noticed the average level of quality has increased, because of the internet and the ability to get information and advice instantly, the quality of kits has improved exponentially, and of course, we gather experience and improve individually over time. Face it, we’re a graying population. In the old days, we built models constantly, because we didn’t have all the distractions we have today. So, we stuck with it, and have gotten better…
Oh well, I digress yet again…it’s nice to post to a thread that’s not controversial !
Jeff
That question was someting I was pondered on several weeks ago. I see all the detailed photos of AM products on models and it really makes models look outstanding but I can not afford to do this to my models. I enjoy looking at my finished models and find that each one looks good and is better than the last. I just enjoy building them. Be proud of your builds.
Michael John
Thank you allf or your comments. As somebody said above, it’s just a hobby. besides, how would be life without OUR hobby and fellas like you all?
I’ll try to post a pix of one of the last models I’ve built.
Francisco
Might want to include Chris Wauchop in that list [;)]
Absolute modelling God.