Well…all the parts are here. I just need to get the Big E done and off the workbench. [:)] Hopefully I’ll be able to start it this weekend.
that Fletcher is small! I didn’t realize the difference in size. I have never seen a CVN or a DD in real life, so it was a bit of a shocker. Now I know why the PE pieces are so small. [:O]
I might be a bit disappointed with my previous three builds. Has anyone gone back and added PE to an already built model???
Can’t wait to get started. [:)]
Stretchie,
I’m finishing up the 1/350 Tamiya Fletcher class (my first surface ship) without any PE parts, and like you I have been disappointed at the small size (someone referred to them as “cracker-jack” size) of these models. I decided I’d like to work on something larger next time so I bought the 1/350 Tamiya USS New Jersey (which definately took a bite out of my bank account). I’ve been reading Mike Ashey’s Basics of Ship Modeling and he flat out states that PE detail sets are a must, so I was intending to buy a detail set for the New Jersey (another costly item). After reading the responses to your post, however, I’m now rather intimidated by the whole idea and feel stuck between attempting the New Jersey with PE parts (which it seems I am likely to screw up or never finish), or just building it out of the box without the aftermarket detail parts. Does anyone ever build an expensive kit like the New Jersey out of the box? Does it end up looking like crap? Am I in over my head…(I guess that’s a given).
TomB
smacks TB6088 around
Take a deep breath and repeat after me: I am not building this model for the entire world to criticize. I am building it for ME, for the enjoyment that I get out of the assembly and painting and detail work, and for the feeling of satisfaction and quiet accomplishment I get when I finish it.
Everything else, including other’s opinions, is secondary to what you get out of the hobby. If, when you complete a project, you look at it and say, I like it - then it’s a good model. Do what you want to do at the speed you want to do it at, and remember, we’re doing this because it’s fun!
mfsob,
You’re absolutely right. And at the risk of re-opening old wounds on a dead horse from last month regarding Pat Hawkey’s editorial, the message I got from him was “don’t get paralyzed by trying to be too perfect”. In this case, I think I had been thinking like Stretchie which was attempting my first PE project on a model with a lot of it. Probably not the right approach (start small), so I’ll try a simpler PE project first (maybe a tank). But if it makes me crazy, is no FUN, and/or keeps me from FINISHING, I’ll do without— even on the New Jersey. Heck, what do real sailors need with all those hand rails anyway!
TomB
P.S. Despite your handle, you don’t sound like such a MFSOB*** to me. Keep up the good work and straight talk. Thanks.
TB
Yeah…its a bit intimidating.
I have already built the Bismarck and King George V without PE and I’m finishing the Enterprise (all Tamiya 1/350) without PE. I still have the Hood and Missouri (1/350) to go…as well as the Fletcher. Unless things go horribly wrong, I think I will still try PE on Missouri. If I still can’t get it straight, Hood will be OOB. [:)]
I’m on my seventh ship using PE. Started with the Dragon Churchill, pretty much massacred it. Moved to the Tam Fletcher, did better but still pretty awful. Started getting the hang of it with a Trump POW. Scattered a couple of DDs, DEs and a Forrest Sherman in there and they were ok. Did the North Carolina and it was pretty nice. Now I’m working on the Trump Hood, looking good as well.
PE is the difference between a plain model, and one that stands out. You have to have patience while you get the hang of it, but it is worthwhile.
Steve
Well…the Big E is off the bench while the liquid mask dries. Just couldn’t let the space be empty for long. [:)]
I started the Fletcher. Already I’ve discarded the PE propeller gaurds. 1. They are hard as -eh-hem- to get to look right. 2. They don’t look right [X-)]
I’ve got major parts assembled. Ready for base coat and then deck colors. I seem to like to punish myself with masking [banghead]
Still trying to decide if I want to go with the “camo” from the kit, or a straight forward grey. i’m leaning grey due to the other boats being grey. i guess i’ll figure that out when the time comes. 
one thing i’ve discovered, there are some serious limitations to what PE can do. From my perspective, I’ve seen a couple places where PE would be better left out. I know for sure I’ll use the railing. The rest…[?]