Kit instructions often lack vital information, especially where things like filling seams, sanding, and the proper order for applying paint and decals.
As a result, I come up with a set of meta-instructions for completing projects. For example, here’s what’s left on my Glencoe Martin MB-2 build:
Steps for completing the MB-2:
Repair right side cabane strut.
Coat fuselage, wings, and tail w/ Future.
Finish painting the small pieces.
Finish engine exausts & radiators.
Apply decals.
Drill holes for rigging.
Paint figures and install the one in the cockpit.
Final assembly.
Rigging.
Final installation of small bits.
Base creation and assembly.
This list is necessary because the kit instructions consist of four exploded view instrutions and a paint and decal guide.
Do any of you guys and gals make similar checklists? I can hardly imagine working without something like it.
I find myself writing a list of stuff to do on each build just about every night before I go to bed. I do that to keep me rolling. But your idea is pretty good. I will have to start making side notes in the instructions!
I sort of keep a mental tally that looks just like what you’ve written on the paper there Drew. It never seems to go away, and so serves me pretty well. I’m something of an information junky, and things seem to stick in my head for some reason. After I finish every step, I re-assess the my work and how the model is coming and see if there is anything I need to add or change. It seems to work for me quite a bit better than writing stuff down. I’d loose that stuff immediately if I wrote it somewhere other than the instructions, and if I wrote it there, I’d never be able to read my own handwriting. I can always read my own mind however. Well, mostly always.
I do like maddafinga does. Take mental notes and mental pictures to associate with the notes.
I work on a rotating list of kits (about 6 right now) all in various stages of builders distress.
I basically don’t follow the numbered steps per se in the instructions, but will jump around on various sub-assemblies, depending on what I feel like doing and how much time I have.
A couple of years ago I found myself writing out battle strategies (which were pretty much glorified to-do lists) for scenarios in Harpoon II, during my college classes.
I sometimes write extra notes on the kit instructions, especially in regards to where aftermarket parts or scratchbuilt details are going to go and when would be the best time to put them in. I even use different colored pens for these notes–black is for general construction notes, blue is for painting notes, and red means “Be careful!” or “Pay extra attention here!”
On a similar vein, does anybody keep a modeling diary of what they’ve done? Each time I model, I write down what I’ve done as I go along and date each session. There have been times when I’ve sat down at the workbench, picked up a part I painted last week and asked myself, “Was this the first or second coat of paint?” A quick check of my diary answers the question.
Aside from extra notes on the instruction sheets and/or diaries, a good set of references with lots of photos (you can never have too many pictures!) are essential, especially if you do a lot of conversions or kitbashing.
I kind of do the same thing. I’ve been posting progress notes on my latest build in the group build topic related to it. I’ve been saving the text of my posts in a Word document. I’ve got some photos to go with it, so I can keep track of my progress.
Lufbery,
To answer your 1st question, I use little sticky notes. One note, one idea. Just keep sorting, rearranging, etc, till they all get done. Second level is notes on instruction sheet; usually more detail than what is on the sticky note (depends on size of instruction sheet of course).
And I try to record both pictures & text as to how the build went, as mentioned above. Problem is if I either get on a roill, or get way behind, my “build record” falls behind & I have to recreate from memory. If I can just get pix taken, then I can go back & fill in what I was doing.
I always end up making pages of instructions for my models, mainly detail steps and sanding, filing, etc… i also try to have drawings of what im going to need to do, that always helps
I had a hell of a time with Harpoon2. I still wish that I could play Harpoon. I was an excellant air marshall and my friend excelled with Naval Formations. We were unstoppable from either side.
I’d make a photocopy of the instructions first. Then write all sorts of notes on the copy. Maybe write down the paints to use and where (usually the manual’s paint list is on another page, and I like to be able to read the paint to use quickly), some notes on what the parts names are too. I will also jot down to remember to put in the nose weight!
If I don’t agree with the manual’s paint list (or want to use a different paint scheme), I will make another list.
I will also print out pictures of the subject, if I can get some off the internet. Then write notes on those too.
Yes, I have done the same thing on scratch built additions, and especially on the 1/570th Titanic super detail I’m currently involved with. I can’t see being able to get everything installed in the correct order without considering this method.
I do wish they would make the instructions better…Theres always something that I find and can’t find the # in the instructions…
My New KingTigerTank model #6254 “Battle of the bulge”…It has two little fuzzy plastic things hooked to the sprue in with the hand guns and its # 13! theres two of them, both have the same number…Its not in the instructions at all, only a small picture of the bag with mechine guns, rifles & pistols…They all have numbers but nothing telling you about the numbers or where they go… The tank parts have numbers and the instructions show the numbers and what the pieces are and where they go, but nothing about the little fuzzy looking things with the guns…ha,ha…Yes I write myself notes everyday, whether its for my model or just what I need at the store. I have stickum’s up everywhere! ha,ha…“RC” [C):-)] ps…if any of you have this kit too, and know what they are please let me know what they are ok??? Thanks in advance…[banghead]