When you build a model...

[Corinthian]

For me, whenever I build a subject, I get to know as much about it as possible, from its development, use, service record, etc etc etc. I just don't look for pictures and copy the details into 1/35 or whatever scale, I learn more about the vehicle I'm building. If it's a specific vehicle (e.g., 11B Scots DG Challenger 2, or A13 Another Episode M1A1AIM), I try to get as much info on the particular history or trivia related to that specific vehicle. I find that knowing these itty bitty things that may or may not have relevance in building an accurate model is part of the fun in the hobby. I get to know the subject I'm building and this, IMO, has an effect on the accuracy (e.g., knowing that a certain item is placed there because that's what the load plan says, rather than just placing it on some random location out of my sheer fancy). And while it may not catch the judges' eye (if it will be in a competition), at least I have the satisfaction of knowing that the model I built is the very same (or at least the closest representation of) the actual subject, albeit scaled down.

 

Thus, I can't help it when, in another board, someone posts a subject of his and is purely ignorant about it. Say, he's going to build a Leo2A6 and he states that he does not know why it is fast replacing A5s etc etc etc. IOW, pure ignorance. He just intends to build the model, period. Now, I reply the reasons for why it is such (e.g., in this example, why it is an A6, etc etc etc). Essentially, I'm just providing FIFH, which may help the builder make a better model. I'm not nitpicking since there's no build yet, or if there is, there are questions asked and I answer them the best I know.

 

This however has resulted in an odd reaction to such posts. I am criticized as being a "know-it-all," having "too much free time" that is "best spent building more models" and they accuse me of "not being passionate about the hobby" and "not building that much."* Gee... I thought this was a hobby, not an occupation....

 

I understand some just build a model and that's it. They don't go beyond the physical model. All they do is get a kit, get reference photos, copy the photos, and that's that. They don't try to learn more about the vehicle's history or other info. I respect that, but when it comes to a point that I'm being criticized for saying my 0.02-cents when I'm not even nitpicking on the accuracy.... Some people are just so egotists and ignorant, they don't want to learn. All they want to do is copy and disregard all the info people provide simply on the basis that said person or persons are "know-it-alls." I don't mind that they copy, but if they react that way to people providing good info, that's being egotistic and ignorant, a lethal combination IMO.

 

Rant over, I got carried away. So, what are you? A copyist or do you really strive to learn more about the subject you build?

 

* - heh if the ignorant f*cks only knew what I'm currently building... (I'm deliberately keeping the Chieftain project under wraps here [i.e., local scene]; it's safe to post it here on Tanknet because none of them are members of this board hehehe)

Edited May 11, 2009 by TomasCTT

[ShotMagnet]

I do the research I feel I need to do, but I don't go nutsy-bobo. Past a certain point, especially for vehicles which have seen combat, 'prototype' becomes less than relevant as depot and field mechanics fix the thing with whatever's on hand that will also do the job.

 

I also model to make me happy. If that means violating the letter of prototype, so be it.

 

 

 

Shot

[Michael Eastes]

I also build for my own pleasure. I went to exactly one IPMS meeting in the LA area back in the '80s, and knew that it wasn't for me. I detest politics, especially in what is supposed to be a hobby.

 

That being said, I often do extensive research, and try to make it look right. I just know my limitations, and that I'm not sufficiently talented, nor tempermentally suited, to compete.

 

I used to work in a hobby shop called "The Military Shop", in Lakewood, CA. Those familiar with the hobby history of the era ( late 70's, early 80's) might know that we advertised in Scale Modeller and other mags, and were considered to be one of the best shops on the West Coast. I won two contests held at the shop- not that my planes were that good ( they weren't ) but in one case, the other competitors made rookie mistakes (landing gear doors on the wrong side, for example) and in the other, I was the only contestant to complete the kit by the deadline. The one thing I was proud of was a Tamiya T-62 in parade scheme, with a slightly modified figure in the hatch, saluting. It went into the shop display case right along with the good stuff done by the really good modellers. That had been my main goal when I first entered the shop as a customer.

[nitflegal]

I also build for my own pleasure. I went to exactly one IPMS meeting in the LA area back in the '80s, and knew that it wasn't for me. I detest politics, especially in what is supposed to be a hobby.

 

That being said, I often do extensive research, and try to make it look right. I just know my limitations, and that I'm not sufficiently talented, nor tempermentally suited, to compete.

 

I used to work in a hobby shop called "The Military Shop", in Lakewood, CA. Those familiar with the hobby history of the era ( late 70's, early 80's) might know that we advertised in Scale Modeller and other mags, and were considered to be one of the best shops on the West Coast. I won two contests held at the shop- not that my planes were that good ( they weren't ) but in one case, the other competitors made rookie mistakes (landing gear doors on the wrong side, for example) and in the other, I was the only contestant to complete the kit by the deadline. The one thing I was proud of was a Tamiya T-62 in parade scheme, with a slightly modified figure in the hatch, saluting. It went into the shop display case right along with the good stuff done by the really good modellers. That had been my main goal when I first entered the shop as a customer.

 

 

I have long held a bad case of AMS and found it actually started to get in the way of building models. I was so focussed on being exact that I saw a 1 mm hull discrepancy as a requirement to correct it. Which of course would take way too much time and led to the kit just sitting there on the shelf. Same with the "need" for aftermarket. Now that I'm finally just building the things I seem to be much happier as I still try and improve the kits but don't go full nutty about it. I'll tell you this, when I was part of AMPS some of the happiest people building used tube glue and a rattle can of spray-paint. They weren't going to win any awards but they were happy. My lesson was build in whatever fashion most makes you happy, so long as you actually build.

 

Matt

[ShotMagnet]

Yeah, that's me. I don't full-goose bozo getting every weld to look just right. Build it, do some minor scratching, maybe buy something AM if I feel the need, then paint it and admire your handiwork.

 

I'm with Mike in that contests as contests are for the birds. Apparently there are prejudices to be found as well. I might enter one just to show off my handiwork and I'll certainly go to a show. There's nothing like face-time with other modelers, you always learn something new (and occasionally teach something new as well).

 

I like to try to get it right, but I don't keep myself up at night in the effort.

 

 

 

Shot

[scj1014]

I also build for my own pleasure. I went to exactly one IPMS meeting in the LA area back in the '80s, and knew that it wasn't for me. I detest politics, especially in what is supposed to be a hobby.

 

That being said, I often do extensive research, and try to make it look right. I just know my limitations, and that I'm not sufficiently talented, nor tempermentally suited, to compete.

 

That pretty much sums up my position and attitude.

I build mostly WWII armor, with an occassional modern vehicle thrown in for fun and games. I enjoy the research, not only of particular vehicles, but also the campaigns and battles. I try to build accurate models, but I build for fun and relaxation, not competition.

I have been to many competitions and am in complete awe at the talent and artistic ability possessed by some modelers.

I am also quite aware that my meager abilities are simply not up to that level of competition. And I am good with that. The problem is...some people seem to have the attitude that if you don't compete, you aren't a "real" modeller. I find this to be a particular problem as regards AMPS...very much a clique-oriented organization. If you don't compete or aren't a judge, you are considered as somehow less in the eyes of those who do, no matter how much other work you do at shows. I know whereof I speak...I have been a member of AMPS for years and have attended every national show save one. I know almost everybody who is anybody in that august body and they are, to a man, quite nice people who will engage in conversation on almost any topic. However, if you don't compete or judge, you are not invited to any side activities.

 

I am tempted to enter a couple of models at next years AMPS Nationals and do a round of judging, just to see if I will be admitted into the "inner circle"...I would like to see their expressions when I decline.

[Corinthian]

Copy that guys. I don't really build for competition's sake (and if I do, it'll be a waste of time and effort judging from the quality of the competition hehehehe). I just build what I want to build, in my own time, at the level I want it built, be it OOTB or modified. And I love researching about the subject, I learn a lot on non-model related stuff e.g., history, engineering, even science. It's just that some think I'm a "know it all" when I provide info, and they get all riled up, thinking "You got too much time, you should build more often." Well, sorry to them. If I researched a lot on a subject, and in the process get some other info along the way, which happens to apply to the subject they are building, and I provided some info/trivia that might help them, well sorry if I pissed them off for doing so.

[Archie Pellagio]

One of the minor reasons I got out of model building was the crowd are generally ignorant 'OMG! I can't believe teh germans lost wwii they had such better gear and better pilots and tank crews!' and the response will usually be 'They were good but just couldn't match the raw numbers of Russian and US tanks etc'

 

I just felt dumber being around most of them, yet because I wasn't up on the correct wire colour in a Bf109's wheel well I was 'ignorant'

 

Personally I don't have the time to model much anymore, but if I do I prefer something cheap and nasty like a 1/72 WWII aircraft or something with no major details, anything else I just get obsessive, and then angry that i'm not as good as I was and get no enjoyment from it. Giving it to my nephew is awesome fun and he loves it for the 48 hours it will live in one or two pieces for...

[ShotMagnet]

Luke, that's precisely the reason to get back into it. Teach the worthless prats something about the history you're modeling.

 

Introduce something obviously not-prototype, just to watch the fur fly. This is supposed to be fun. Some of us seem to forget that.

 

I'll remark now and then about overdone preshading or silvering; but at heart I want to see models turned out with earnest, even if they're not perfect. As for contests and judges, they know (or will readily learn of) which ventral sphincter needs a kiss. I model to make me happy; if I enter a show, it's to get face-time with other modelers.

 

 

Shot

[bojan]

I gave up for about same reasons as Luke and satisfy most of my modeling needs with wargaming SF kits - mostly Warhammer 40k but sometimes I will make something just for sake of looking cool, mostly scratchbuilding/kitbashing things. Still old habits die hard and I usually take a lot of inspiration from a real world, especially WW2/cold war British.

Edited May 31, 2009 by bojan