So I was looking through my models while cleaning my room earlier today, and I found my first serious model that I built about 8-9 years ago when I was 11-12. I built it initially with my dad, and I thought it was the best looking model in the world. I had so many fond memories slowly “painting” it and playing with it with my other toys.
Looking at my workmanship, it is honestly so funny to see from my perspective today! I removed all the parts by hand (like literally by hand) and did not cleanup whatsoever. I “painted” it with sharpies and when I thought I was comfortable enough, with non thinned enamels on a unprimed surface.
It’s always fun to go look back at old models for a number of reasons. Most of the times, it makes you builds now look like fine art and make you feel better. It’s fun to laugh at yourself sometimes too. I think the most productive thing about it is being able to recognize what you improved on and how you could improve your models now.
This got me thinking, do any of you guys have your earliest or first models? Any techniques that you thought would look amazing, but in retrospect look super sketchy? I would love to see your early/old models and/or your thoughts!
I have a few models left from my early, grade school builds. But nearly all of them have been at the very least repainted, if not somewhat rebuilt. I have nearly all that I’ve built since I became an adult, aside from those damaged beyond repair, and started modeling in the “grown up” style such as removing mold seam lines, etc. It is interesting to see the progression of skills and acquisition of new tools over the years.
These two are my oldest survivors, built when I was in elementary school around 1973/1974 I would guestimate…
Both were repaired & repainted around 1988 or so, with second one being an early airbrush subject, and also an early attempt at repositioning figures. The top one is my original figure painting work from way back when…
This is my oldest surviving unmodified build, built when I was in high school around 1979/1980. It was an early attempt at weathering a wear with dry brushing, as well as a (badly) scratch built search light over the main gun. The figure was pinched from another old build that did not survive….
I enjoy these kinds of threads. Thanks for sharing your early build!
This is my The sole survivor.
I think it might have been the last model I worked on before a twenty+ year hiatus. 100% Testors square bottle enamels applied with a brush. And first attempt to use thinned paint to create effects.
This is my first model built after starting the hobby again.
Had a lot of fun building, but decided I needed to learn a lot more about how to build better looking models.
And that’s why the model of the Veritech above has a place of honor on my display shelf.
And finally, here’s my first tank kit: a Tamiya Panzer II. Since it was molded in dark grey, I didn’t paint it. It looked terrible. I’ve since given it a quick paint job, smashed it, and stuck it in a diorama.
So true! Tools make a difference, but our eye to detail and patience also grow! Like with everything, it’s cool to see how repetitions can make our skills better!
I’ve never built a tank model, but to me, that panzer ii looks good haha. It’s neat to see how different modeling subjects require different skillsets!
What is left of my Lindberg LCT model. I long ago lost the tank, and several parts, so I glued together what I had left and keep it as a reminder. It was bought by my grandparents at the local drug store, and painted with fingernail polish since they didn’t have any hobby paints.
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