At the risk of getting myself into trouble....

[Biggu]

Hi guys............ ok I will confess right off the bat, I am a long time lurker, and follow some builds very closely and the talent here is mind blowing....I look for ideas and inspiration, and I FIND it here.... I am now retired after 38 years of Highways maintenance operating heavy iron, tandem snow plows,  gravel trucks with pups, loaders, etc and finished up as a grader operator trainer on the new Cat "M" series.... also did a fair bit of paving etc.... my love is obviously 'big trucks'.................. I dabble in building them , and now am trying to expand my horizons and step out of my comfort zone.... so that is why I sit in the bleachers and watch the builds as they take place. Now to my question or observation............. I took a little time the past couple days to go through the Big Rigs, WIP section of this site..... I went through 36 pages of works and will most definitely look at all the pages, however when going through the build pages, I saw a large number of builds started, and found them most interesting, and then part way along, they just....... end  ... they stop with no conclusion or the rest of the WIP, and that is an " awe maaaannnn" , moment.... I know life gets in the way and we do other things and the dreaded SOD etc, but I was kind of saddened to see a large number of potentially awesome builds , that abruptly ended..... I am not complaining, it is just an observation... it would be so cool to see or hear how the builds did eventually finish up. The amount of information given out here is fantastic, and it seems a shame that for what ever reason, the builds just fizzle out. I know there are a million reasons for that, and I am guilty of it as well..... just an observation. This is such a good site with a plethora of info and ideas, and a great friendly bunch to chat with. I just wish I could observe some builds to fruition as they start out fantastically.  Also, I am wondering, if there is a thread some where here ( no I didn't look, way easier to ask  LOL ) regarding all aftermarket sites, just like a list to refer to in a flash. I see a lot of folks mention an aftermarket site during their builds, and when I see one I try to check it out and if it fits my needs, I book mark it for future works... I'm sure there is a list here somewhere.... anyway, once again, I'm not complaining or criticizing any builds or reasons for not finishing, it was just an observation.... thanks for a great site and ideas and the builds....

Jeff

[mikemodeler]

Well, welcome to the hobby now that you have more time to devote to it. As you can imagine, life will interrupt build time- family, work, other hobbies, seasons, health, etc- so finishing a build takes dedication and focus. Speaking for myself, I am great at getting a kit 70% or so built and then get distracted by something else. Add in the constant barrage of new stuff in our hobby and the endless ability to find so much stuff a couple of mouse clicks away and it's easy to get sidetracked.

As many have said, build for yourself and personal enjoyment, try to build the next one a bit better than the last one and remember, it's only a hobby.

[Biggu]

I totally agree , Mike, and that's what I do, it is just a shame that things happen that way, and we can't always show our talents to the end... these days life is way more complicated than ever and that makes leisure time a premium, and I sure get that.............  so many kits and projects and not enough time.... and yeah, I get into a build, and have to check something on the computer, and easily get distracted, and then the day seems to be shot.... extremely easily done with everything out there..... ?

[espo]

I agree with Mike about the distractions of life overtaking a project. I have also noticed how a build will pop up that has a start date over two years ago and I don't recall it, but there it is starting back up. As for a build you may be looking at that and the posts just stop leaving you to wonder what happened. I suggest clicking the "Quote" button and post your interest in the build. This will alert the builder that someone is interested in the build and what has happened to it. This will give them a chance to let you know if it is stalled out or if it has been posted in Under Glass in which case you can maybe find it there. 

[atomicholiday]

Wait.  You’re supposed to finish these things?  ?

[Ace-Garageguy]

1 hour ago, Biggu said:

Also, I am wondering, if there is a thread some where here ( no I didn't look, way easier to ask  LOL ) regarding all aftermarket sites, just like a list to refer to in a flash.

Yeah, there is. I'd give you a link, but it's way easier not to. LOL.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/forum/16-car-aftermarket-resin-3d-printed/

Edited July 21, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy

[atomicholiday]

Seriously though, I think all the unfinished wips are sort of the nature of the hobby.  Also it’s part of personality types and human nature.  Some people have no problem taking a project to completion, others (like myself) struggle to finish one project.  Attention span also plays a role.  There’s always a shinier object in the corner of your eye to pull you away.

 

edit- David’s suggestion is a really good idea I think.  Lets the builder know there’s still some interest in their project.  Maybe there is progress and the op just hasn’t posted it.

Edited July 21, 2023 by atomicholiday

[Biggu]

20 minutes ago, atomicholiday said:

Seriously though, I think all the unfinished wips are sort of the nature of the hobby.  Also it’s part of personality types and human nature.  Some people have no problem taking a project to completion, others (like myself) struggle to finish one project.  Attention span also plays a role.  There’s always a shinier object in the corner of your eye to pull you away.

 

edit- David’s suggestion is a really good idea I think.  Lets the builder know there’s still some interest in their project.  Maybe there is progress and the op just hasn’t posted it.

Yeah for sure, I always like shiny new objects, and I DO fall into the unfinished category as well...that's why I am trying to finish a GMC General that I have had almost 30 years ! Guilty as charged ! LOL.... it is good to see I'm not alone, but still there were some really cool potential builds, and yeah, maybe that is good suggestion David has.... might have to look at that with some seriousness...

[NOBLNG]

I tend to be obsessive compulsive…but not to the point of being a disorder ?. I get momentum going and if an issue or problem or whatever arises, it can break that streak and I may or may not continue on that project. Another thing you can do is click on the OPs username  and you can see when their last post was, or you can send them a private message. If they haven’t posted for a number of years, chances are that you won’t get an answer.?

[OldNYJim]

I read the producer Rick Rubin’s book on creativity this week, and a paragraph in that book made me think about my own building habits:

I could definitely relate to that…I want to do my best work all the time, and not rush, but it’s easy to start to slow down (and sometimes stop) if the process starts taking too long.

I’m working on my build-process to help me work in a smarter way to try and finish more builds (but without sacrificing quality…)

[Nacho Z]

I’m that “checklist” guy. At work and at home I will make a list of things that I need to get done or want to accomplish and I will just about kill myself to get that list completed.  When I was a kid my father called me, (among other things), One Track as once I got something in my head I wouldn’t stop thinking about it, asking for it, etc.  Honestly, I’m still that way today.  So when I start a model I almost always finish it.  There have been a few exceptions but not many.  If I run into major issues with a model I will admit that I lost the battle but not the war and keep moving forward.  I have a few models that I have not shared on the internet nor put out for display but I finished them.  I know from my years of doing this that not every one of my models is going to be contest quality, either due to my abilities or the kits shortcomings.  I try to remember that it is just a hobby.  No one’s lives depend on me building a contest killer or even finishing a model.  

[MeatMan]

Yeah, I'm a confessed offender. I tend to shelve a project when I run into an issue that I can't immediately solve. I may find a solution later but don't update a thread figuring the audience has moved on.

[Biggu]

I guess my point is /was that some of the guys start out with a great idea, and for a multitude of reasons, the idea doesn't come to fruition, and it is shame that they can't/don't complete their vision, which if possible would have in some cases been quite spectacular.  I also fall into that category , hence my 30 year old GMC General continuation... I get it... and yes, of course John said it best when he said that no lives depend on building or finishing a model.... and for the record, none of my builds will ever be close to a contest build ...ever... ?

[Nacho Z]

22 minutes ago, Biggu said:

I guess my point is /was that some of the guys start out with a great idea, and for a multitude of reasons, the idea doesn't come to fruition, and it is shame that they can't/don't complete their vision, which if possible would have in some cases been quite spectacular.  I also fall into that category , hence my 30 year old GMC General continuation... I get it... and yes, of course John said it best when he said that no lives depend on building or finishing a model.... and for the record, none of my builds will ever be close to a contest build ...ever... ?

It is funny, to me, that is topic came up. Again, as the guy who can't stand not finishing something, I have a build thread for a Matra MS11 Formula 1 model that is over a year old now. I put the model to the side and haven't touched it in almost 6 months....and it bothers me ?.

Interesting topic, I'm glad you brought it up!

[Biggu]

Just now, Nacho Z said:

It is funny, to me, that is topic came up. Again, as the guy who can't stand not finishing something, I have a build thread for a Matra MS11 Formula 1 model that is over a year old now. I put the model to the side and haven't touched it in almost 6 months....and it bothers me ?.

Interesting topic, I'm glad you brought it up!

Thanks , John.......... I was a bit concerned I may have set off a fire storm with the possibility that guys may think it rather brash of me to put out the query about fizzled projects.... and letting me know as such.... ? but alas not to be so... it is just that some or most of the talent here blows my mind, and the scratch building is off the clock, and that is one of the reasons I asked about this is to watch and enjoy seeing what artistry is on the site...... so can we expect a re-start of the MS 11 F 1 car? ?

[Ace-Garageguy]

1 hour ago, Biggu said:

I guess my point is /was that some of the guys start out with a great idea, and for a multitude of reasons, the idea doesn't come to fruition...

Guilty. 

Reasons: 1) I have a real life, a real business needing constant attention, moreso lately as I try to wrap it up and move my cars, home, office, and shop 2500 miles west, and 2) my more ambitious model projects tend to generate engineering or paint problems that need to be solved just as in building the real cars I do, and as this hobby is supposed to be a form of relaxation, when the going gets rough on a model, I'll usually put it aside until I feel like dealing with it again and start something new...because the concept and design phase is the more enjoyable to me anyway, the most "fun" part, and I don't have that option on REAL LIFE challenges that crop up.

But I've never started a project and just lost interest, or got to the "I can't" point. Every (auto-insert idiot "clean" word here) project that's in limbo will be completed eventually, if I live long enough.

And if I don't, it's not really anybody else's problem.

Edited July 22, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy
CLARITY

[Mark]

Sometimes we avoid the finishing stages because, while uncompleted, the project still has potential.  Once finished, the potential is gone.

[Nacho Z]

1 hour ago, Biggu said:

Thanks , John.......... I was a bit concerned I may have set off a fire storm with the possibility that guys may think it rather brash of me to put out the query about fizzled projects.... and letting me know as such.... ? but alas not to be so... it is just that some or most of the talent here blows my mind, and the scratch building is off the clock, and that is one of the reasons I asked about this is to watch and enjoy seeing what artistry is on the site...... so can we expect a re-start of the MS 11 F 1 car? ?

I've seen the most innocent of questions start the proverbial firestorm. There is no rhyme or reason to it. ?.  I think you asked a legitimate question and are getting some good responses. 

As far as the Matra, yes, she'll be finished. There are several reasons it was put on hold, burnout on the project itself being the biggest issue. I have built several kits in the meantime and have enjoyed doing so.

[absmiami]

Nacho - we both have some stuff to finish ….   …   ..

[Biggu]

7 hours ago, Mark said:

Sometimes we avoid the finishing stages because, while uncompleted, the project still has potential.  Once finished, the potential is gone.

kind of like, it's more about the journey than the destination....

[Biggu]

Great answers and responses for sure, and I DO understand everyone has a 'real life', and this is a hobby, and we all build at our own pace, I do get all that for sure, it was probably a silly question to ask, but as I was perusing the WIP section, it just an observation that some real good stuff just kind of went away............ was just wondering. And I certainly understand every one's input and totally understand.... maybe , like John says, that some might see this and resurrect an old starter....... who knows...

[blunc]

Snake has a "Bring out your dead" thread but maybe it should be called "Bring out yer Zombies" or "Plastic Resurrection" for stalled builds.

[Rocking Rodney Rat]

More often than not I start a WIP and it gets very few views and comments. At that point, I figure hardly anyone is interested so I just let the WIP languish. I'd rather spend time at the bench than posting up anyway...... -RRR

[redscampi]

4 minutes ago, Rocking Rodney Rat said:

I'd rather spend time at the bench than posting up anyway

Agreed. Life is too short. That being said, seeing other's work is inspirational.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Besides the typical life issues and loss of motivation for a project. There is another aspect to unfinished project. I some cases we've had members pass. Unfortunately there is no indication in a profile that they are deceased.