What kind of builder are you?

[wayne swayze]

I have always been a car guy since I was around 5. I had no family members that cared about cars or how to repair them. As far back as I can remember, cars were just cool things. I can't explain how I felt when I saw my first hot rod ( a "T" bucket ) in my small city, but I was blown away! It was called "The Roamin' Chariot"!  My family were poor and couldn't afford a car, but I would ride my bicycle to the local car club, and stand by the door and love what I observed going on! Guys building hot rods 1:1! So when models became available,  I cut grass and shovelled snow for pocket change so I could go to the store to buy a kit. Then I could build cars too! Over the years I have built a few fairly good cars, some average cars and some real trash. I've won a few trophies and plaques when I discovered there were contests and tried to improve as a builder as I went along. After winning a couple of big awards, I felt that I had proven to myself that I was an O.K. builder. Since then, I build things that I think are cool and sometimes challenging,  but I have loved this hobby on so many levels for a long time, whether I am pleased with the finished result or not. It's a hobby that can help keep your mind active and it gives a really good feeling when you finish something that you know you've put a lot of thought and effort into. I admire a lot of the builders I've met personally,  and some here online. Really awe inspiring work!

Now to get back to the multiple projects I have on the bench instead of goofing off!

[redneckrigger]

I've been building for over 50 years, since I was about 10. I used to be a car builder, but then about 30 years ago, I took a job with a construction company, and got very interested in equipment and trucks. While I do still build a car or a piece of armor or ship, my main interest is now and has been, trucks, for the last many years. I also used to own a body shop where we used to do all kinds of jobs, from cars to trucks to equipment. Because of this, the paint methods I use are from the 1:1 world. I tend to be the kind of builder who likes to copy a prototype from the 1:1 world. And I am also the kind who is very hard on himself. I am forced, perhaps by adult OCD, to get things STRAIGHT, and TRUE, and the lines JUST RIGHT. That said, my eyes are failing me, and my dexterity is AWOL some days. I try to build with imagination and try to make things different, with the result that as of late, ALL of my builds are from the recycle box, and NEVER from the kit box. So, since I am so hard on myself, I kind of figure I am an advance novice to maybe a so-so intermediate builder. I am also possibly the slowest builder in the world. The Mack DM600 dump truck on my bench right now has an in process time of about 25 or 30 years..................SOMEDAY it may get done!

[Sixties Sam]

I'm an "if it looks good on the shelf" builder, but that's not to say that I'm lazy about building. I don't have the detailed knowledge about trucks that a lot of guys do so I don't sweat over rivets, bolts, and every little hose or air line. If an occasional hood doesn't open or an axle doesn't roll so be it. I do my best to make those things happen but if they don't I'm certainly going to lose sleep over it. I'm just as happy with a decal of a dashboard gauge as I don't have the dexterity to paint a needle on a speedometer gauge! LOL!

I'm with you, Mike! I like details, but at some point, I draw the line and say "good enough."

Sam

[landman]

I've been building off & on for about 60 years. I went through phases & periods depending on what interested me at the time. Like a lot of you here, I find it relaxing. In the 70's I was on the road a lot and I built many in my motel rooms to stay out of the bar.In the late 80's and the early 90's I met a guy at a local car show (he owned a nice yellow 911 and a 356 he was working on). He was a master modeler. It was him who told me about trimming flash, filling divots, decal set and a whole bunch of other techniques. I remember being blown away when he showed me how he printed his own decals. I didn't even know that existed. Of course I've mastered neither of them but I try. Now, the latest period, which started about two of three years ago began when I found a box of saran wrapped models in my basement. I started putting some of them back together then decided to attempt building the 1:1s I own or once owned. I haven't done anything straight out of the box lately. Maybe the next one...

[tbill]

i figure i am 'average', and i like to collect as well [better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it], plus there is just so much cool subject matter out there.  i like to build oob with minor changes, like wheels/tires, as most of the builds i do now are kits i ruined as a kid and the box art of those kits is what drew me in in the first place. 

 

either way, i am having fun when i build, and i am usually happy with the results.

[bismarck]

S-S-S-S-L-L-L-L-O-O-O-O-W-W-W-W-W.......... I haven't finished anything in months. And that was BEFORE the summer house/ lawn/ car care season. Maybe this winter. Ever the optimist!!

[Chariots of Fire]

I'm a scratch builder and have been for quite a while now.  When I started back into building models I was hooked on the fire apparatus models I saw in the old SAE mags and the fire apparatus builders' column that used to be there.  After building one or two ALF kits it was obvious that if I wanted to do something different it would mean cobbling together different kits (kit bashing) or doing something from scratch.

My interest has evolved over time to building models of actual rigs that represent segments of history, both local and nationally.  Maxim Motor Company in Middleboro, MA is no longer in business but in the day it built a lot of fine rigs and supplied aerial ladders to other companies like Mack and Crown.  So for me that is something that I can model from a local historical perspective.

There are other historical rigs that most everyone will recognize such as Seagrave and American La France and Ward LaFrance, Ahrens Fox, Continental, Buffalo and others that are no longer around that have a tremendous potential for model building.

I use many different materials in my builds depending on the particular need.  Lots of brass sheet stock, structural shapes, tubing,  aluminum tubing, sheet stock, Evergreen plastic of all sorts, extruded plastics, resin castings, wood, and others.

I build for the enjoyment of building but at the same time like the challenge of trying something new once in a while.  3D printing is awesome but it will never take the place of hands on craftsmanship in my book.  Most work is done with simple hand tools but a Dremel, Sherline lathe, drill press and band saw are certainly handy.

So what do I classify myself as?  Just an average "joe" who loves model building and creating something in miniature that looks like the real thing.

 

[clayton]

Think I'm a good builder. I start with a idea and try to stick with it,but some were down the road I get lost and some times the builds end up in the bin. The fine details umm some times I try but my patients runs out. When it comes to counting the rivets nope if it's close it works. Time wise the last 2 took 4 Years. Just not into the hobby then to much going on, I would glue 2 parts and sit at the bench fore Hrs. 

This build I'm going a little out. It's a idea that's been rolling a round for some time now. Maybe by the end of the Year.

[PettyKW43]

This is a very thought provoking topic. I have been building plastic models for over 50 years so I would go as far as to say that I am accomplished but by no means does it mean I know it all! I am constantly learning new things from experimenting and looking at the work of others, as I have gleaned a lot from this forum and others. I am my own worst critic but I would never criticize the work of others! Having been building for as long as I have I have developed a skill set that allows me to build anything I set my mind to , but with some limitations, good reference or materials etc. I still have to say that it's up to others as to what type of builder I am. I like to learn something new everyday, if you don't then you are either very arrogant or 6 feet under ground! Back on to my Road Train Kenny that this forum has inspired me to build!

[waynehulsey]

What a can of worms! First I define a model as a scale replica of a object. Now the object doesn't have to actually exist as in a prototype or interpretation of a drawing or description. So there's the escape clause for you rod and custom builders and even as much as I dislike them, rat rods. It just needs for me and what I like to have as one of my college instructors termed it: internal consistency (another reason I don't like rat rods). It less fancy words, it can vary from a wooden buck or clay styling model up to something like the late Edgar Roy's 1911 Simplex or Louis Chenot's Duesenberg  that has a running engine, working transmission, etc.  http://www.craftsmanshipmuseum.com/chenot.htm     http://forums.aaca.org/topic/161797-1911-simplex-in-miniature/  ; but what's there is right for the representation. Personally I like stock vehicles build to a mid level attention to detail. A lot of them tend to be antique or obscure, so research is a big (and fun) part of the whole project. Would call my self a bit above average except for final paint. Do have a proper place for it and probably because of that don't like it. Got a bunch of 70 to 90 percent done projects because of that. Having a bit of modeler's ADD for the next shiny object (new kit of a favorite subject for example) probably doesn't help either. Still having fun with it, even if it sometimes get a bit crazy like the tracks I'm building for a S-65 crawler that I've been working on for about 16 months. That's the important part: even if I think that new rat rod of yours is an abomination of nature; or you think that I need to see a shrink for that weird cardstock model I'm doing. Remember: HAVE FUN!!!

[disabled modeler]

I love to build...it keeps me busy and time passes easily when I build.   I like all types of vehicles and big trucks too...I like the fact there is so much you can do with them.  I even have plans for a rig of my own creation.  

[10thumbs]

Look what time does.  Back last July I was full of fire and enthusiasm as I replied to this very same topic.

Time baby, does tell.

For me, Mr. Original Old School "get it done" or else....has become a lazy pos.

I'm tired, and am taking a break.

I'll be back, hopefully.  I still love model building, and will go with the flow.

 

 

[Project X]

Well i would consider myself good but since joining this forum and exploring other people's builds and knowledge, it seems i am quite well off the mark even after 27 years of building. I need to get better at spray painting and weathering techniques, other than that, i do go to great lengths in order to achieve the maximum detail on each vehicle, i've done numerous restorations which involved fabricating pieces from scratch, like wheel hub carriers, and a very intricate clamp type piece for the 1/16 Gene Snow Charger Funny car recently, windows, i do set the bar really high for myself in order to avoid mistakes, but it still happens sometimes. 

I've seen some of the models on this forum, and boy have i been blown away, especially some of the trucks!

[Project X]

5 minutes ago, Project X said:

 

 

Edited January 21, 2018 by Project X

[DrKerry]

Me???? It’s simple....... I’m a Hack when it comes to building!!!! Lol ? 

[jeffdeoranut]

I build everything automotive...love concept car kits...don't build much box stock...like to be creative and build far out stuff...as far as skill level ive built really awful ones, some good pones and a few very good ones though none in the class of some of the builds here...I polish some kits...make some decals...and scratchbuild a lot. a stroke 3 yrs ago  caused me to build onehanded for a while so that hand, my off hand got better...in time I regained most of the strong hand function though photoetch parts are a challenge...my big issue now is I want to build so many kits that its hard to stay focused on one...the guys here are great and I shamelessly steal any idea or method I see here and if there was ever anybody who wanted to know how I did something I would certainly tel/show them.  I do envy those here who can cut straight and eyeball levelness...lol

[Ben]

[highway]

[disabled modeler]

id love to build more but I guess I am a challenged builder and restorer to a point....lack of funds and lack of needed parts holds me back way too much...its not good for the motivation one bit or to help my time pass by.   I have around 100 old ones that were my dads and many projects that need something before I can go any further along with them and the budget wont allow me to go to ebay and look for them...real bummer.

[Vince66]

On 1/23/2018 at 8:46 PM, highway said:

Agreed with that.

[Vince66]

I build to entertain myself while I listen to Skynard or something along the lines.

Just getting back on my feet after a seriously bad bug had me down sick still not 100%.

But better than I was.