Dr. Cranky

Dave, I feel like you feel. Improving is an on-going process, which is why I invested in Donn's videos and other sources too that keeps me trying to get it right, to get it perfect. Along the way you find out that what matters most is the way there, NOT the getting there. Which is also why I tell every body who starts building models to always keep their first couple of builds, to put them in a shrine, and every day, after every new build to put the first and last on the table and see how the learning curve is going, how the journey is going. Well, you get my point. Even the best builders here are still learning, otherwise why would you ever continue doing something. Love alone ain't going to carry you all the way there.

Romell, you are right about LEARNING. Fresh new ideas (and I am not saying rusting a vehicle is either new or MY idea) but I'm also talking about a place where we stay fresh in terms of the imagination. And being inclusive with subject matter really helps recruit new talent to the hobby.

LOL, Jim, you are showing your passion again! :lol:

Andy, and what do you think the rest of us have done? Failure is part of the learning process. And my point is you should be as proud of your failures as you are of your success! Weathering a vehicle (or rusting one) is never a nerve-wrecking science the way getting a perfect, spotless and miles deep gloss is on a flawless paint job. We all start at failure and move from there, and I believe this.

Erik, this build is just getting more and more beautiful! Great going. The scratch-built details you poured into the chassis and the suspension are springing (pun intended) to life. Wonderful. Thanks for sharing the eye candy with us.

I'm pretty sure I am not campaigning for segregation of the two. Remember, I live in two corners: rusty and shiny

Steve, but you would have to agree that everywhere you turn, the shiny tends to get the attention (and clearly lots of shiny models deserve all the attention they get), but I'm trying to do the same for the non-shiny. That's all I'm trying to do, new section or not.

Well, Andy, there you go, you've exercised your right to decide and choose. Isn't it, after all, a matter of taste and personal preference? My point is, both kinds of models have a place where they can co-exist. And that place is here on this forum, MCMF, and in the magazine, MCM.

Gregg DOES have the last word, but I think he also understands that MCM and MCMF have steadily provided a stronger (and in my opinion better) variety of subject matter and trends in the hobby, more so than any other outlet for this type of creative expression in the hobby. Both are much more open to diversity of discourse, ideas, imagination, etc . . . It's got to be good for the hobby and for the businesses that feed the hobby. I would think.

While we are all engaged here in this conversation about what to do with styles of building, I am receiving pictures of Donn Yost's new work, and while I my eyes are popping out, I keep thinking I'd like to participate in a hobby that includes both: This: (photo Donn Yost) and This: (model by Pat Covert, photo by DC)

Quite the opposite, Steve. ALL CAR MODELING SUBJECTS, STYLES, ETC belong at the same table. It's all part of the same hobby. I most certainly did not mean any disrespect.

Skip, I think grouping military vehicles there is fine too. Besides, that's where the whole bug and fevers for weathering vehicles started. It'd have a place of honor at that table, sure.

Rob, I like the idea of general racing section, which hopefully could and would include Salt Flats and other types of racing vehicles: muddin' trucks, demolition derby, dirt track, etc . . . I like that.

Harry, I can live with the RUSTY AND CRUSTY under OTHER MODELS, that would be more than fine! I think it will show, quickly over time, that there's an interest and an audience for this style of building.

Dave, perhaps I don't get it. You mean to tell me that weathering, Sci-fi, and other styles that can influence a model car builder have no place on a model car forum? Granted, I do push hard on the LONG LIVE RUST stuff, but that's just me, a matter of taste . . . but I hope it has a place here, no?

Get to it, Jamie. Get some building done. Tell me about it, Terry. I sit here eating bags of pop corn and never get tired to seeing new stuff and getting inspired.

Roger, again, I don't have an interest in starting a stand alone weathering or rusting site. I love to have choices as a builder, that's all. And I like it here just fine, but I think getting builders, in particular young ones getting started, to realize that weathering a vehicle is the same kind of learning process as building a shiny one. You can start out and learn all the basics with a little less stress and frustration, and graduate to building show quality vehicles. Every body takes on a different road for building models, so why not weathered vehicles? I think it's a great way to start and go from there. Rob, yes, I did read it all.

Yeah, I'll won't disagree with you there, that's a matter of personal taste and preference, and what I always tell people is you don't have to build stuff you don't want to build, but it's fun to try new things. I mean, personally I don't like DONKS, but I've tried my hand at a couple just to change it up a bit, re-energize old habits.

And Rob, I'd have to disagree with you, weathering and rusting a vehicle is hardly "weird niche." Look around, there are lots of builders trying it, experimenting, even when they start out by simply wanting to add a slight detail here and there . . . a For Sale sign, some dusty wheels, a crooked plate, etc . . .

Dave, it is not that I am blinded by my passion, it's just that it's been my experience and perspective that "shiny" has always gotten lots of attention. And you know there's nothing wrong with that but personally I'd like to see more weathered vehicles on the tables. Goodness, no, Rob, the last thing I would want is to start my own forum. But I'd have to disagree with you that weathering and or rusting a vehicle is "niche".

LOL, that just cracked me up. Rodney D is one my all time favorite comedians along with George Carlin. It doesn't surprise me he'd endorse this product. HA!

Thanks, Chris. I appreciate the support. I think "rusting" is an integral part of the hobby now for model car builders. Military model builders have been on to it since the beginning because they've been trying to create what they see out in the real world, whereas we, as model car builders, all we tend to see and experience is the brand new and shiny vehicle, which is fine, but why not, WHY NOT? also include some flavor a variety to our hobby. When I look at other builders around the world, even when they build cars, they often times try to replicate the gift mother nature has given us all. RUST!

Here's some progress on the "Highway to Hell" road diorama . . . hope you like it.

Steve, it's not that I am taking a simple view on Customs, it's just that it's what we get most of the time from model car builders. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about customs. I love them as much as the next builder, but THEY ARE NOT ALL I am interested in as a builder. Does that make sense? I like the "usual" as much as anyone else, but I also like variety, and by variety I don't mean building and painting the same way with the same results all the time.

Michael, what does Castro and Jim Jones have anything to do with my trying to get a conversation going about making the forum more inclusive of other building interests?