Model building on youtube.

[Force]

I assume many here watch youtube channels like HPIguys Workshop and The Autistic Modeler and I'm sure there are more, but these two in particular.
I see myself as an experienced modeler doing this for over 50 years, and one thing I have noticed with both of these guys is that they slap together the models very fast without much prepping at all, they don't sand off mold lines on the bodies and other parts, don't fix visible glue joints and don't use much of the basic modeling tecniques that enhance a model a lot even if you don't superdetail it.
I mean you can build a very nice model quite fast even if you use basic modeling tecniques like the ones I mentioned, yes it takes a little more time and effort but I built a model for our local hobby shop several years ago and did it in about 3 days and used these basic modeling tecniques and only detailed it with paint, and it came out very nice and I'm pleased with it.
Both of these guys do a lot of subassemblys wich is fine and I do that too but not to that extent, I for one would leave off parts that will have a different color as it's easier to paint them separately and get to all nooks and crannies, because it's not easy to put together the complete engine and try to detail parts like exhaust manifolds, belt/pulleys and such with paint afterwards.
I have watched many of their videos lately and they all are pretty much the same, they are maybe fine for a beginner modeler but you will not learn much, and for a more experienced modeler they don't have much to offer, I only watch them to see what the models they build are like and skip much of the buildup sequence as it doesn't give me anything.
But of course, everyone build their models as they choose and have the right to do it, but I think a bit more basic modeling tecniques could be shown and the less experienced modelers would learn a thing or two, because slap together a model in a couple of days and take a lot of shortcuts doesn't give you a better model, and building models is a hobby, not a job where you must get out as many models as possible in a short time.
Well enough ranting.

Here is the model I built in about 3 days for our local hobby shop and I don't have that many hours in it.
Detailed only with paint, BMF and not polished.

[LDO]

Can you recommend good videos for model cars?

For armor models, Night Shift Models with Martin Kovac is really good. I can’t help thinking that he (and many other armor modelers) overdo the weathering. 
 

Boylei Hobby Time does really good dioramas. Some forced perspective, like a monster snapping turtle or snake. He does a lot of Imaginary Wild West; sort of steam punk meets old west. He’s really good at building scenery. 
 

Ebroin’s Miniatures has done some incredible underwater dioramas, including a submarine breaking up after getting hit by a depth charge and a DSRV lighting up the deck of a WWII German battleship (The Bismarck) on the ocean floor. 
 

 

Edited December 26, 2024 by LDO
Added info

[Shark]

That's why I don't watch those guys. Their stuff is shelf models you look at from 5 feet away. I want my models where someone can take the hood off and see a nicely detailed engine or an accurate chassis underneath. Would rather look at "Works in Progress" builds on this site. You learn more. Plus, as much as kits and paint costs nowadays, I want the process to last a bit longer.

[NOBLNG]

I only watch them if I want to see what a particular kit is like. I think the videos are geared towards real beginners. A two hour video showing how to build a true replica might be a turnoff for a neophyte?

[Dave G.]

HPI Guy mentioned one time that he builds these so people can see the kit assembly, fitting you tube time lines and all that sort of thing. You can take your personal detailing to whatever level you want, but he's just presenting the kit literally out of the box. That's part of the reason for his naming it " What's in the box". It was just a short blip in one of his videos. that I caught.

If you're an experienced builder, you know what to do in a kit that he may show.You may decide or not if it's something you want to buy. I know that I've had an interest in a kit from time to time, then look to see if he did a video on one. If inexperienced you get to see what's in the kit. I personally feel he serves a purpose.

Edited December 26, 2024 by Dave G.

[Dave Van]

I have a number of YouTube model videos over there. I do not do How To as I figure there are plenty of those already and most of us know how to bild. I may mention how I did something.....but no ste by step. Plus mine are ALL under 5 minutes so you don't spend a day watch. I look at it as sharing your work, like we do here, in a different format. 

Thanks

https://www.youtube.com/@davevan8864

[ColonelKrypton]

7 hours ago, LDO said:

For armor models, Night Shift Models with Martin Kovac is really good. I can’t help thinking that he (and many other armor modelers) overdo the weathering. 

Indeed.  I build mostly AFV armour models and much prefer a more subtler approach to weathering - in use but not abused.  Same applies to aircraft and even cars - sometimes too shiny and bright.  the car in the first post looks about right to my eye but then it is not meant to be a rusted out hulk or show rod.

Subtle vs over done anyday.

 

cheers, Graham 

[Redisetta]

If you watch the HPI guys videos, he literally tells you he is building the models so you can see “what’s in the box”. 
When a new kit is released he gets it from the distributor and builds it on air so we can decide if we want to buy it. 
He even tells you he is building them super fast for that reason. I think he is valuable to the hobby for the beginner and the seasoned builder alike. If you’re interested in a new release, he’s probably going to have it and build it. In my opinion that’s a great way to decide whether or not you want to purchase the kit. As for the beginner, they might watch one of his videos and say , “I can do this “. 
Ray

[Rodent]

I did NOT purchase several kits that seemed interesting after watching HPI Guy build them. Nothing to do with his build, I just decided that the kits weren't appealing after all. On the other hand, I picked up the Revell 1/16th scale Porsche 356 after seeing it built. I wouldn't normally have interest in that, but it is overall a nice kit.

[StevenGuthmiller]

I don't watch any YouTube videos pertaining to modeling at all, precisely due to the opinions expressed by the OP.

If you're truly unaware of what's contained in the box, or if you're pretty much brand new to the hobby, these rudimentary videos could be helpful I suppose, but I would think that if one is predisposed to looking for video assistance, individual depictions of particular procedures would certainly be more helpful in advancing ones development in the hobby.

By that I mean, an in depth tutorial for say, how to apply BMF, or maybe illustrating basic, or even advanced weathering , detailing, or scratch building techniques for example, would certainly be more instructive to anyone looking to further develop their craft than just watching someone build simplified, straight out of the box models over and over again.

I have learned a lot more by just perusing the pages of forums such as this, absorbing approaches and procedures from talented modelers by attending shows, and yes, even the occasional nugget gleaned from the Facebook modeling groups, than I ever will from watching videos on Youtube.

I would assume that more in depth tutorials such as this exist on Youtube, but I find it much more efficient just to ask questions.

To each his own I suppose.

 

 

 

Steve

[Ace-Garageguy]

11 hours ago, Force said:

I assume many here watch youtube channels like HPIguys Workshop and The Autistic Modeler and I'm sure there are more, but these two in particular.
I see myself as an experienced modeler doing this for over 50 years, and one thing I have noticed with both of these guys is that they slap together the models very fast without much prepping at all, they don't sand off mold lines on the bodies and other parts, don't fix visible glue joints and don't use much of the basic modeling techniques that enhance a model a lot even if you don't superdetail it.
...I mean you can build a very nice model quite fast even if you use basic modeling techniques like the ones I mentioned, yes it takes a little more time and effort slap together a model in a couple of days and take a lot of shortcuts doesn't give you a better model, and building models is a hobby, not a job where you must get out as many models as possible in a short time.

Agreed. Only use I have for these types is for what's-in-the-box.

There seems to be no shortage of slap-it-together content, but hey...3rd rate mediocrity abounds on the interwebs.

EDIT: Speaking of which, I just looked at one, and I simply don't get things like huge blobs of gloo to hold on hubcaps and chrome trim. Really? I built like that when I was 8.

Edited December 26, 2024 by Ace-Garageguy

[kurth]

I guess to complete 2 models a week, you would have to cut every corner possible. There were a few models where with just a little more effort, the model would have been much nicer. The problem is that these videos influnce lots of people to use general purpose paint, and this leads to so many new modelers getting bad results and wondering why. 

 

There are lots of channels where people share what they are working on, and say what they did, but not necessarily in a step by step manner like Night Shift. I thought about trying to do it, but it is hard for me to work on camera and keep in frame, and in focus, and then edit it into something anyone would want to watch.  

Edited December 26, 2024 by kurth

[Brutalform]

I enjoy watching some particular YouTube videos, especially when there isn’t anything else on the TV. ( I hardly ever watch them on my phone.) I enjoy Frank’s Modeling, and hearing his Long Island accent, also The International Modeler is another one I enjoy. These guys are pretty advanced builders in my opinion. Recently I was checking out The Muscle car Modeler, because I came across his AWB builds, that I happened to be doing myself. I just wanted to see how he decided to build his, and he also gave some history on the AWB cars from back in the day. Same with Luka Cee. I really enjoyed his next gen NASCAR from Salvinos he was doing, because I was building one also. And I did get a few pointers from that video, because I really don’t do any NASCAR stuff, and this model is outside what I normally build. There are a lot of good channels out there, and I guess it all depends what you are looking for. But then again, there are some hackers out there too. I’ve seen some videos that show how to build a horrible looking model. For the most part, I pretty much just watch them for entertainment instead of getting info on how to build a car. 

[Flash]

I like HPIguys workshop because he builds the new releases. Even though he builds out of the box he does a decent job, and it gives me an opportunity to see the build and any problems that may occur. Given the average cost of the kits these days it often times helps me decide if I want to spend $30 - $40 on a kit.

[Bills72sj]

11 hours ago, StevenGuthmiller said:

I don't watch any YouTube videos pertaining to modeling at all, precisely due to the opinions expressed by the OP.

If you're truly unaware of what's contained in the box, or if you're pretty much brand new to the hobby, these rudimentary videos could be helpful I suppose, but I would think that if one is predisposed to looking for video assistance, individual depictions of particular procedures would certainly be more helpful in advancing ones development in the hobby.

By that I mean, an in depth tutorial for say, how to apply BMF, or maybe illustrating basic, or even advanced weathering , detailing, or scratch building techniques for example, would certainly be more instructive to anyone looking to further develop their craft than just watching someone build simplified, straight out of the box models over and over again.

I have learned a lot more by just perusing the pages of forums such as this, absorbing approaches and procedures from talented modelers by attending shows, and yes, even the occasional nugget gleaned from the Facebook modeling groups, than I ever will from watching videos on Youtube.

I would assume that more in depth tutorials such as this exist on Youtube, but I find it much more efficient just to ask questions.

To each his own I suppose.

Steve

I enjoy the videos but I just watch the beginning and the end. I also helps me steer away from curbsides and low piece count chassis. If I want to learn what fantastic looks like. I watch how you do things. My results are not as good but I learn new techniques and get to be pleased with the result.

[Force]

I knew I would put myself in the "line of fire" here with my view of this but it's my opinion and I stand by it.

Nobody demands that they should build one or two complete models a week, it's the builders/videomakers choice to do so, but I think slapping together a model in a few hours just because isn't that adjucating to a beginner modeler and they learn all they can from what these videos have to offer in viewing a couple of them, and then you want to learn more and and take a step to be able to build better models.
You can show how a model comes together, parts fit and so on even if you put more effort in the builds and build slower and the video doesn't have to be 2 hours to cover that, it depends on how you edit the material as you don't have to show every single step in full, keep what's important and skip the unecessary things.
They can easily show some basic tecniques most builders with some experience use like the ones I listed in my post above, it will give the less experiensed modelers more, I mean, I did the Pontiac GTO in my post above in 3 days of spare time total and I had a week to do it, so you can do a nice looking model in a week if you want to, it's just a matter of planning.
The sub-assemblys they do are hastingly gone through and they don't even wait until the glue cures, they also put so much together that the detail painting is hard to do and don't look good so that's not my cup of tea, I do sub-assemblys myself but not to that extent, I do them so it's easy to detail paint and detail in general and the end result is much better.
If time is the thing (wich it really isn't), I can slap together a car model in one day if it was for that, but it will definately not look good and it's no point of doing because building models is a hobby that's allowed to take time, relax and build and the model can take all the time it needs, that's the reason of doing it.

But I do watch some of their videos to see how some models are, especially the ones I have not seen before, I skip most of the buildup and paint process and see how the finished model looks like, but I have been in this hobby so long that there's not much I haven't seen except for the new tool models.
HPIguy does two videos a week normaly, one where he shows box contents of a model and one longer buildup video, and the box content videos are the ones I watch most if there is a model I'm interested in, and I only watch the buildup videos sometimes and skip most of the content as it doesn't give me much.
But there are builders on youtube that builds their models more like I would do and I enjoy watching them a lot more than the guys slapping together a model in a few hours, it gives me a lot more.

And I agree with Bill Engwer here, I can't believe how much glue they use to hold some smaller parts like valve covers, hub caps, glass and such, I react every time they do it.

Steven Guthmiller hits the spot right on and I totally agree with what you say, Kurth also has a point

Edited December 27, 2024 by Force

[kurth]

It sounds like a fun challenge to make a all in one video, or a series using better materials and techniques. I actually started working on this idea with the recently re-issued 79 Nova. I did not get to far before getting side tracked with different projects.  I would have to review the footage but I think I got the removal of parts from the tree using sprue cutters and then assembling the main parts of the engine with liquid cement. I think I got overwhelmed with the idea of editing it all.

 

 

 

 

[Dave G.]

I don't know hpiguy's work flow process, sequencing etc, but using Rustoleum paint and such ( IE thick enamels), straight from the can, you know it's not a one session build as viewed in the video. I'm guessing he has projects staged up, to get two out per week. They may have been started the week or even two weeks before. With enamel, you would have finger prints all over the thing if you knocked it out even in two days. Or dehydrate for 6-8 hours to be able to handle the parts. I bet his editing gets more detail than the models lol.

But, I too like the unboxing footage and the final clips. From that I can tell before spending the $30 if I may even want the kit to begin with. When I saw the AMT 51 Chevy Fleetside body come out of the box, it cast my interest in the 2 door hardtop aside and onto the Fleet.

[Straightliner59]

A4 Garage is excellent! There's Kenji's something or other, too. 

[KWT]

HPIguys Workshop is a review channel. Nothing more, nothing less. Absolutely serves the purpose it's meant for.

Everybody on here that says they watch it, admit they do for the purpose it's meant... including OP.

 

There's a video on Youtube for every level of modeling.. just as there's a thread on here for the same...

And if there's not, fire up the camcorder and start your own channel showing said techniques.

Be the change you're looking for... and after enough views you can get paid for it.

 

[iamsuperdan]

I watch a few guys on You Tube, mainly the builders who go beyond the box, so to speak.

A4 Garage

OMG Scaleworks

The Scalemodeling Channel

Mokei Paint

Mat_Faktor Models

Scaleauto Shop

Plamodel Studio

 

And I enjoy the diorama guys too.

Smol World Workshop

Laser Creation World

 

 

I don't really watch guys like HPI. His built style bugs me, but it is a good representation how something builds up right out of box. Which I guess is what he is going for, so more power to him.

[Kromolly]

3 hours ago, KWT said:

HPIguys Workshop is a review channel. Nothing more, nothing less. Absolutely serves the purpose it's meant for.

Everybody on here that says they watch it, admit they do for the purpose it's meant... including OP.

 

There's a video on Youtube for every level of modeling.. just as there's a thread on here for the same...

And if there's not, fire up the camcorder and start your own channel showing said techniques.

Be the change you're looking for... and after enough views you can get paid for it.

 

Well stated.  If HPIguy or other "out of the box", slap it together channels create more interest in the hobby that is good for all of us.  It means more demand and therefore maybe more subjects we're all waiting for.  My 'net surfing reveals that just about every skill level of model building is available for the watching.

[bluestringer]

I admit I watch HPI now and then. Mostly to see a kit I may be interested in. But I mostly build out of the box anyway, and don't do much prep or detailing. I used to put up on the bench photos of my builds here but found that building out of the box and just doing simple builds does not get much attention. Not really worth the time and effort to take the photos and post if no one is interested in a simple OOB build. Really a shame though as the hobby has something for all, the elite builders, which I really enjoy seeing the builds that are done, and the simple builders like me that just get joy and relaxation from building a model even if it is just a plain jane build. 

[Dave G.]

55 minutes ago, bluestringer said:

I admit I watch HPI now and then. Mostly to see a kit I may be interested in. But I mostly build out of the box anyway, and don't do much prep or detailing. I used to put up on the bench photos of my builds here but found that building out of the box and just doing simple builds does not get much attention. Not really worth the time and effort to take the photos and post if no one is interested in a simple OOB build. Really a shame though as the hobby has something for all, the elite builders, which I really enjoy seeing the builds that are done, and the simple builders like me that just get joy and relaxation from building a model even if it is just a plain jane build. 

Many moons ago I went the extra mile, cut in working doors, sometimes suspension too, fancy wiring and all. You get the idea. Today at 74, a nice finish, some decent shading in the grill and other chrome pieces, Molotow chrome around the windows. And with that I'm pretty happy.It takes it beyond just an out of box build too. I mean slap in the kit chrome onto a 39 Ford sedan is one thing. But to just take that few lousy minute for a dark wash between all the toothy bars in the grill is quite another. Honestly, I almost wouldn't mind dropping back to curbside builds though, and just make it a nice presentable model. I have more important things in life. Ya know, after getting to this stage, having drag raced and built the real cars up, working in the field of mechanic, as well as refinishing 1/1, really all my life, I just like some nostalgia models at this point.

[Force]

I watched The Autistic Modeler's last video yesterday where he showed all the models he built this year, he did 64 different models and that comes up to 1.2 completed models a week, I just wonder why one will do that because it's not like the one who builds most models in a year "will win"...it's not a competition, it's a hobby.
He doesn't only build newly released models like HPIguy mostly does but he also has some sponsors and get kits for free, but sometimes he do old obsolete stuff from his own "vault", and sometimes he does some kit bashing and some resin stuff...but the building tecniques are the same as HPIguy, slap together as much as possible in sub-assemblies, paint with spray cans (wich is allright by me) and a little detail painting with some brush paint, sharpies and other pens, and put it together, so of course he builds them fast.
For HPIguy, I belive he does at least one model a week too, he uses a food dehydrator to cure paint and everything faster so it's for sure possible to do so,
HPIguy's channel is a review channel and he gets most of the models for free from Round2, Moebius and other places, but it's possible to do a review of a model and put a little more effort and finess in the build and maybe not built (imho) as sloppy as he sometimes does, I mean an experienced modeler would not build models like he does...maybe a beginner would but not an experienced modeler.
I don't mean these guys should go the extra mile and super detail, open doors and trunks and hinge them and all that, just build a model with a bit more prep and use the common basic building tecniques most of us do, and the beginner will of course learn more from it.
If I buy a model for $30 to $50 I would build them so they look nice at closeup and not only at five feet, even if I do it faster than normal, slap them together as fast as I can is definately not my cup of tea.
The GTO model in my first post above was built straight out of the box in 3 days spray can painting, some with enamel paint was used for detailing, and air drying time included and I even did BMF and painted the redlines on the tires, if I had time to wait for the paint to cure completely I would have polished it too but I only had one week to do it, so no polish as the paint was too soft for that, I don't use a food dehydrator to cure the paint otherwise the paint might have had time to cure completely and it would have been polished, I built it for our local hobby shop for them to display and I did not pay for the kit so it was pretty much like for these guys.
But as I said, all modelers have the right to build their models as they like, it's their model, I just think they would do a better content if they put a little more effort in their builds.

Edited December 28, 2024 by Force