I wanted to do a poll about this but I couldn’t figure it out so here you go with the long way. It is probably for the best anyway as I will like reading the explanations.
I’m really curious if others are like me and really enjoy the assembly and weathering but not so much the sanding, filling, priming, decals etc of modeling.
Sometimes I take a break from the sanding/fixing aspect and just build things like missles, fuel tanks, landing gear etc. bucause I just get tired of the monotony.
I really love the assembly and, and this is a surprise to me, since I got back into modeling over the last year, the weathering is a close second as I enjoy the artistry of it.. Though, sometimes hink it would be fun to just build a kit with zero painting like I did as a kid.
I know some like the details of the cockpit, some like the challenge of fixing a bad seam, some like the research, others seem to like the collection of the stash.
I’m really interested in what gives you the most fulfillment, and what is the biggest drudgery (if any)?
My favorite part is definitely the decaling! On Gundam, it just ties the paint job and custom work together to feel more real. On airliners, it just really elevates the finish, especially with certain liveries.
I think my least favorite is realizing mid way through a conversion build that I did not account for one of the distinguishing details haha
What a great question! For me it’s that moment after you’ve completed initial basecoats, the decals are down and sealed, and you can start in earnest on the various contrasts and highlights that really bring the details of a model to life…
My least favourite tasks are those with time limits, or where a stop-start approach risks an inconsistent finish. Masking off existing paintwork is a good example, given the longer you leave it the more likely your paintwork is going to come with the mask…
I do enjoy how decals finish the build but too many times, they have also created problems for me right at the end. I’ve had to remove them and look for other options because they looked like crud.
I’ve also gotten at least one decal wrong on my last three aircraft due to incomplete or outright incorrect instructions which really torks me.
My favorite part of a build? When it’s done! In all seriousness, I am a predominantly automotive builder, so building and detailing the engine is actually my favorite part.
My least favorite parts would be paint and decals. It can be a real pain sometimes to get a glossy paint job to turn out correctly.
Ehhh, I wouldn’t say it’s the decals so much as what follows… Those fickle buggers are a constant source of anxiety I did rather enjoy designing and printing my own on my last build though…
Building is my favorite part. Decaling is my least favorite thing to do, but I love the look when I’m finished. I don’t mind the painting process, but weathering is another story. I am just not artistic in any way, shape or form. On top of that, I am color blind and have trouble with red, greens, and browns. My attempts at weathering in the past have resulted in pieces that just didn’t look good enough. I just couldn’t achieve the look I was trying to get, so now I don’t bother with it.
When I do airplanes,it’s decaling,it brings the blank canvas to life.
Armor,it’s the paint.Roadwheels really take long.
Ships,it’s adding all the sub-assemblies to the hull and deck and watching it grow.
I do cars and my favorite part is building and painting the engines. My least favorite part is decals and painting chrome on the bodies because that’s where I tend to botch things.
I don’t think I can pick just “one thing” I like about building a model.
A few things I like:
Unboxing the kit and looking at all the parts, instructions, etc.
Assembling the parts.
Putting on the last part, decal, etc. and calling the whole project done. Then I can breathe a sigh of relief and relax.
EDIT: And I like the research aspect of building a model too. As I’m reading books, browsing the Internet, etc., I’ll come across things that pique my interest that I may never have seen or known about.
I really really like post process. Not only weathering but tonal modulations, final details, paneling, etc. The final touches that finally tie everything together. You switch between oils, pencils, pigments, markers maybe… I like how involved and “artistic” it can become, it’s when you really tell your story.
Some might say that “tonal modulations” can be done at the painting stage and they’d be right. It’s a bit of an interchangeable step.
I have a love hate relationship with the actual painting, or rather, the mixing of the colors. At this point, I feel like I’m missing something if I just use colors straight out of the tin for the topcoat. I can spend hours researching and mixing and testing, and I will always be… disappointed with whatever I go with in the end
I love the painting process though. Masking is like a little puzzle to solve. You put down the color, that’s where it starts coming together, the first real glimpse at the final thing. Removing the masking is so satisfying.
On the other hand there’s a bit of a modeler’s block if you will, because I dread having to deal with the tool ! Airbrushes can be very frustrating to use. Correct thinning ratio, pressure, distance, cleaning, … ugh. Comes with experience I guess.
Building can be hit and miss. Really depend on the kit. Filling the seams, rescribing, fixing… Can’t it just go down nicely ?!
Priming is a bit tedious, it’s just a utilitarian pass and it needs a good handling and cleaning of the airbrush.
I don’t like decaling. Can take forever. Needs a very gentle and light touch or the decals can tear. They make bumps when they are too thick ( looking at you tamiya ). So annoying. But it’s nice to see the model come to life.
I absolutely hate with all my soul clear coating. Fortunately it can be quick with cans, but it still calls for a dedicated setup for me.
tl:dr
Favorite part is post-process, which we could call weathering - but it’s not exclusively about “aging” the model.
Second is painting.
Less liked is decaling.
Absolute worth is clear coating.
I really like the beginning of the build, opening the box after doing research, gathering the supplies I’ll need and starting construction. By the time I’m at the weathering stage, I’m worn out and want it to be done already. My need for gratification (completion) begins to affect my attention to detail and I must force myself to slow down and not take shortcuts. Then it’s back to my “high” come completion. I have a celebratory cigar and bourbon while admiring my work. So I guess my model building process resembles an upside down bell curve.
what a great discussion. i would agree with a cpl others. after the model airplane is ordered i do some homework. how many were made, how many were shot down. crew positions. all kinds of info. then trying to contain myself when the model comes in. then the instructions. a lot of excitement. it’s just all part of not changing much from when i was a kid. thank goodness i have more money now and do what i want. all young boys/ men should be shown how important modeling is to growning up.
I’m a fanatic about sanding, filling, priming and then going back and doing it again. My motto is “Death to sinkholes, joints and gaps”. Decals are so full of anxiety that I put off doing them until it’s absolutely necessary. I truly hate decals, but when they’re finally in place they make the model look so good, like Dr. Frankenstein, I want to shout, “It’s ALIVE.”
Hands down my favorite part! No matter what the skill level the kit is, it’s always been my favorite. It’s when all the creative juices start and you come up with countless ideas of what you might do during the build process.
