Models at the Office?

[Joe Handley]

Anybody ever bring a completed model to put on display in their cubile if allowed?

I just brought in my last completed build from several years ago that was one of AMT's '08 Challenger R/T curbsides painted in a work appropriat color, Testor's Lime Ice Lacquer, only I've swapped the stock rubber for some Aoshima rollers that looked better on it.  I'd post a pic of it on my desk, but due to credit card security issues, we're not allowed to take those kinds of pics.

[Deathgoblin]

I used to have a Millennium Falcon on my desk at Big Lots.  I left it behind when I was fired.  Didn't have anywhere to put it at home.

[russosborne]

I did it a couple of times at a past job. Wasn't a cubicle though (production job, had it sitting on a workshelf next to me), and a couple of pieces of one got broken off. People liked to pick it up and get a close look.  But I did get lots of good comments on it and I enjoyed it being there.

Russ

[Snake45]

I do! I have two cheap Walmart calendars on my cube wall, Musclecars and Mustangs (last year I had Camaros instead of Mustangs--all depends on what Walmart has that year) and every month I try to match the two cars of the month as close as possible.

For example, this month the two cars are both Mustangs, a '70 Boss 302 in Lime Gold and a black '66 Shelby GT350H. Close as I could come from my modest collection of cheap diecasts (I wouldn't bring any of my GOOD models in) were a Maisto '70 Boss 302 in Grabber Green, and a M2 '66 GT350 in Ivy Green. Pretty darn close, in fact.

Some months I can only match the make and model, others I can only match the color. But it's always fun to get as close as I can with what I have to work with.

[Jantrix]

You just happened to catch me in my cubicle. The Ferrari and Chevy are diecasts and the Ford is my lone model that I keep at work. The Ford was a quick build that if something happens to it, I won't be heartbroken. I wouldn't trust that one of my nicer builds wouldn't go missing.

[cobraman]

When I ran a warehouse for Superior Pool Products in California I built a 1/25 18 wheeler with the Superior name on the trailer.

[Joe Handley]

Nice,  Good to hear I'm not the only one then!

Been debating about doing a few snap and or glue curbside builds in different shades of green.  Might even build one of the MPC Bad Company Dodge vans with the original wheels and tires from the above Challenger with the same Lime Ice.  That Challenger is just a shock of BRIGHT GREEN amongst all that black, grey, and blue, that an even bigger block of it should really be eye catching

[Snake45]

At my last job, I had a tall cabinet on which I displayed several of my cheap diecasts. I eventually got a complete "Roy G. Biv" set, but this pic was taken prior to completing the spectrum.

[Xingu]

You never know, you might get someone else interested in models. Of course you would be the go to guy for every question or problem.

I have had a 125 gallon saltwater tank and an awful lot of taxidermy on display in my office. Maybe I should bring a display case in and show some models.

[Pete J.]

Ok, not this is a little different, but not so much.  In 1972 I and 66 other second Lieutenants became class 74-02 at Laughlin AFB.  We were in two different squadrons, one for T-37 training and then a second one for advanced training in the T-38.  At some point in the training in each squadron we held a model building contest and put all of the models on the ceiling of the ready room.  Needless to say the ceiling was covered in them, so yes, I have taken a model to the office for display. 

[Tom Geiger]

I've never brought models into the office. I used to have diecast trucks given to me by companies we did business with along my window sill, but some of those disappeared. Back when I had two of my trucks appear in Car Modeler, I had the 2 page article framed and on the wall.  That started conversations, stated the seriousness of my hobby and kept my models safe from both casual and thieving hands.

No chance today.  I don't have an assigned space. I don't have a company phone number, my cell is in the company directory.  This year I've worked out of three different company locations, and even now spend a few days each week at two different facilities, and one day from home.  I don't keep any paper, everything I need is scanned and kept on  my laptop or server where I can get at it from anywhere.  When I am in the office my team tends to sit together in a conference room.

 

Edited August 20, 2016 by Tom Geiger

[ChrisBcritter]

Back in the eighties I built a Blueprinter '64 Ford and one of the first Modelhaus '58 Edsel kits at the print shop where I worked (I had the run of the place after hours), plus I even took a stab at becoming a member of the aftermarket when I produced a sheet of 1956-62 California license plates. Sold a few of them here and there, then sold the remaining 200+/- sheets to Dennis Doty. Paul Hettick still uses them on some of those high-end builds he sells on eBay.

[Harry P.]

I work from home, so my "office" is my house. And I can display anything I want! 

[slusher]

I've never brought models into the office. I used to have diecast trucks given to me by companies we did business with along my window sill, but some of those disappeared. Back when I had two of my trucks appear in Car Modeler, I had the 2 page article framed and on the wall.  That started conversations, stated the seriousness of my hobby and kept my models safe from both casual and thieving hands.

No chance today.  I don't have an assigned space. I don't have a company phone number, my cell is in the company directory.  This year I've worked out of three different company locations, and even now spend a few days each week at two different facilities, and one day from home.  I don't keep any paper, everything I need is scanned and kept on  my laptop or server where I can get at it from anywhere.  When I am in the office my team tends to sit together in a conference room.

 

That's really sad and if I would have took any models and put on my desk when I worked in the QA Lab they would have been took by someone.. I had my desk broken into before...

[landman]

Around 20 years ago, in another life, I had the 1/16 cobra in this photo sitting on the window sill of my office.

[Nytrozilla]

Nice topic idea Joe. I should be working on my Soapy Sales F/C, but THIS got in the way.

You're going to have to use your imaginations as we jump into "The Wayback Machine" to the year 1981. I was a Service Writer at a Goodyear store on E Street in San Bernardino, CA. When I told my Boss that my Klingon Cruiser got first place at an IPMS contest in Pasadena, he asked me if I wanted to hang it over the Service Counter. You betcha!!!!!!!

Coincidentally, it's currently in space dock for minor renovations. Since green tones were not my favorite, I went with blue for grins and giggles.

 As you can see, it's basically a collision of two kits to make it more of a Dreadnought class. Problem is, the last 2 (and final) times I've moved, the bridge snapped off the twin pylons.

So, I'm shortening it up and adding weapons to the tips of the pylons. I'm also adding lead weight under the hanger bay / engineering sections, so it will stand on the warp engines without nose support.

Here's a pic of the old trophy and the deconstruction. Again, you'll have to use your imagination.

[Foxer]

I had a walled office and brought one in just to see the reaction. Yup, parts broken off in a couple days as people just HAVE to pick up. That ended quickly.

[hgbben]

This is currently in a display case on my desk at work.

[crazyjim]

Back in the day when I had to work for a living, I always had models displayed at my desk.  I would change them out every couple of months or so.

[signguy2108]

I built shelves in my body shop office and kept my truck collection on them. I did alot of truck repair so it was the perfect place to show them off. Seemed to have a calming effect on my customers too. They could look at something besides the estimate I just handed them!! They made for good conversation and in a way let new customers see that I took pride in my work! Still have a few out at different business in town,( tire, auto parts, equiptment supply store.

[Daddyfink]

I keep die cast cars on my desk, because people always want to touch them or pick them up. I once had an actual model, but that did not last long after someone tried picking it up when I was not there. 

But, I do have a display of unbuilt Star Wars kits that always gets a thumbs up! 

[Jantrix]

You never know, you might get someone else interested in models. Of course you would be the go to guy for every question or problem.

 

That's always a possibility, but more than that I find that I get more people that want me to build a model FOR them. I've been asked at least six times.

[Tom Geiger]

That's always a possibility, but more than that I find that I get more people that want me to build a model FOR them. I've been asked at least six times.

Model cars with the general public go a few ways...

1.  You play with toys?  We'll have to assign you more work!

2.  Can you build one of those for my (name a friend or relative)?    They obviously do not know the hours into a project

3.  Wow!  What craftsmanship, this is  multi-media artwork!  (from a hobby craftsman, painter  or other craft type hobbyist)

4.  Pssst... I too build models, but please don't tell anyone!

[MrObsessive]

Model cars with the general public go a few ways...

1.  You play with toys?  We'll have to assign you more work!

2.  Can you build one of those for my (name a friend or relative)?    They obviously do not know the hours into a project

3.  Wow!  What craftsmanship, this is  multi-media artwork!  (from a hobby craftsman, painter  or other craft type hobbyist)

4.  Pssst... I too build models, but please don't tell anyone!

Number 2 I highlighted above always kills me! Or, they'll ask how much do you sell them for as if I'm sitting back earning a living off of it. Another one is "You can make some BIG bucks doing that!"

Really?? As you said, folks have NO CLUE the amount of time and effort that will go into each build. My response is I don't build for anyone else because then it automatically turns into work, and I already have a job!

Edited August 20, 2016 by MrObsessive

[Xingu]

You could always just tell them you would sell the model for $150. That is probably a good average cost when you factor in time and materials. If they buy it, great. If you scare them away, great.