When the project dies. Or does it?

[Radretireddad]

One of the very first builds I did when I returned to the hobby two years ago was this ‘57 gasser that I mentally conceived around the time the original Spirit of ‘57 kit was first released. I found exactly what I needed to complete the drivetrain and suspension in the Moebius ‘65 Nova kit so I bought it and jumped right in. It turned out to be way more involved than I imagined but I forced myself to complete it before starting another build. Even though it now stands as a reminder of what patience and determination can accomplish, I’m not likely to ever attempt anything this involved again. I do rotate most builds over time through various stages as my interests and tastes dictate but as of today I have only one previously started project that is teetering on the save/scrap threshold. Everything else I’ve started I fully intend to finish at some point in the future.

Edited July 29 by Radretireddad

[stitchdup]

I used to get annoyed at myself if i didn't complete my builds but now i like having various styles and eras of builds in various states of completion. Some days i feel like working on engines and some days it might be bodywork so having a variety to pick from works for me. I just tend go with what i feel like at the time but i do work on most of my builds through the year and fill paint/glue drying time bt doing a little more on something else. I must have 10 fairly involved build with various degrees of customising in progress at a time. I guess i treat model somewhat like i did real cars, never finished and always an ongoing project cos thats the fun bit isn't it? looking at what we've built is nice but the fun is in the building and pushing ourselves to do a little better each time, 

[Russell C]

8 hours ago, stitchdup said:

... now i like having various styles and eras of builds in various states of completion. .... cos thats the fun bit isn't it? looking at what we've built is nice but the fun is in the building and pushing ourselves to do a little better each time

Ditto. A while back, I counted up around 18 projects where so far the fun involves gathering all the ingredients that the project needs, then I do random bits of work in each, a mockup of the customized body, or to see how the engine looks when I do my usual miscount of how many cylinders the engine is supposed to have.  There is enjoyment in that. Plus I have my fun making up stories to go with the projects.

    (but I really should get crackin' and get one of these to the finish line, though. Did you guys know that to counter the Ford Thunderbird, Pontiac came up with their own 2-seater 't-bird' with a 511 c.u. engine in 1958? I didn't know that either, so I need to finish this particular project to prove they did. 🤣)

Edited July 29 by Russell C

[Beans]

Some projects end up better for me waiting.  I figure out a new way to doing something or a different approach that in the end results in a better project.  There are times I have learned a new skill or seen a new technique or found a new 3D printed accessory that I have said, that would work great for that ______  I have going.

[rchaffee]

I have a 66 chevelle wagon that I'm converting  to a 4 door chevelle. I used the back half of a monogram 66 Malibu. I got it spliced together and roughed in, but I put it away for a while. I'll get back to it sometime. 

[dragstk]

I have about 20-25 kits that Ive started and have never gone back to them. I have opened those boxes and its either "what was I thinking?" or "my skills are so much better now". 

But one day, about 7-8 years ago I bought a Lindberg Olds 442. I have no idea why. Not a big Olds fan. But when I got it home, something said build this now. I saw clearly, in my head what I wanted it to look like. And I cleared my table of all the current projects and went at it. Im still proud of how it came out. But it changed the way I think about builds. I stopped buying kits because it was the "hot " kit at the time. Now, I only buy something that speaks to me. I see the finished project, just looking at the box.

So now, once I start a kit, its on the table until its finished. There have been times when I wanted to box up a kit badly..(Im speaking to the current 39 Chevy sedan Im working on) but I refuse. And Im way happier with the finished kits Ive done and Ive gone from 1 finish to 4-5 a year

[NOBLNG]

I have a bunch of kits started that I am modifying mildly to heavily, mostly glue bombs that I picked up at the flea market. I work on them in spurts and intend to complete them all eventually.Brand new kits usually get completed in fairly short order (a month or two?)

The only kit I have given up on so far is the Revell “Skip’s Fiesta” ‘55 Chevy that I wasn’t even modifying really.😕 I just got fed up with parts not fitting and poor instructions.🤯 I have since robbed a few parts I think and have no intention of attempting completion….at this point.🤔

Edited 14 hours ago by NOBLNG

[slusher]

I have a flip hood 57 Chevy no chro on the body sise but I need to finish ans a 49 Revell Mercury 90% complete.

 

[magicmustang]

Ah, the "Shelf of Doom". Projects that are started, some almost completed, and then put back in the box to wait their turn again. I seem to do the chassis, engine, wheels and tires, the interior and then stop when it's time for painting and decals. I have this phobia about masking and painting more than one color. Some have been waiting for decades.

[Ace-Garageguy]

None of my stalled projects are "dead", they're only waiting for the right time to come back out.

Of course, I may be dead before the stars are all in alignment again...

                             

 

[OldNYJim]

No good idea will go unfulfilled, in the end