Large Scale Participation at Model Car Shows

[bill w]

I build for the fun and the satisfaction that I can say I did that. I like 1/8 scale and yes it is a little more expensive but if you like it it's worth the price.

If I want something that's expensive I save up my nickels and dimes. I have never taken my models to any show (guess I'm just lazy). The closest place I got to a

show was my neighborhood hobby shop and displayed it there for a couple of months. I've built RC airplanes to Pocher kits and now I take my time to scratch build cars,

I can't begin to tell you how many thousands I spent, but it's over a period of many years so it's not as bad as you may think. What I'm saying is if you enjoy what you

do for a hobby it shouldn't be a burden. Each day I throw my change into a gallon bucket (if I have any), you'd be surprised how fast you can save a couple of hundred.

And I hope that large scale will be appreciated more.

Bill

[jbwelda]

its funny though, as expensive as large scale can be, even Pocher large scale, it usually aint nothing compared to the cost and backache associated with that 1:1 out in the driveway or in the shed out back. seriously. plus you dont get your fingers mashed or greasy.

[Pete J.]

I would speculate that each of us does this for reasons that even we don't fathom. Trying to analyze and define why others do, is an exercise in futility. Comparing why and what we build with what someone else buys and build is like comparing apples and fish. You just can't do it and it makes no sense to try. If each of us has fun, then the why's are irrelevant. Case in point, how many of you know someone who loves throwing a model together to shove it up on a shelf and move on to the next model. Then you know another modeler who spend months or years on a 1:43 scale masterpiece that is just beyond the pale in detail. How do you compare them? You can't. Yes, both are building models and each is probably having as much fun as the other, but boy are their reasons different. This thread was started(I think) to see why you don't see a lot of large scale models at contests. I think we have covered that very well and brought many reasons to light, but and frankly it has nothing to do with the "fun factor" that the builders have while producing their masterpieces. That is an entirely different discussion and something that has vexed model companies for years. What do you think?

Edited March 11, 2010 by Pete J.

[arick]

As the author of this thread, I'm happy that so many opinions have been raised and in their own way, they all have merit. The bottom line is that we're doing what we do because it gives us pleasure. I think we've spent enough time comparing apples and fish so lets get back to building.

Thanks guys!

[old-hermit]

And old-hermit, if you don't have to care about the cost, you are in an enviable position the majority is not able to enjoy.

I am in no more of an "enviable position" than the rest of you. I work for a living and support a family, mortguage, monthly bills, etc. I also have two sons in college that continously empty my wallet. I spend what I can afford on my hobby. If you have to worry about every penny you spend you won't have a hobby other than accounting. I have no idea how much money I've spent on models and the accompaning accessories and I don't care. It's already spent and I'll probably continue spending what I can afford on something that keeps my mind & hands busy and myself happy.

[Pete J.]

Heck Pete...some of us (most?) build all sorts of styles and subjects, much less scales, to change things up and keep it fun. I'm sure it's a whole different mindset spending years on that 935 than it is for you to build an eggplane. While the shorter projects are less "serious" they have a very serious role if they help stave off burnout.

My hat's off to guys that can build 30 of the same kit...I have trouble staying focued enough to finish one of anything. The big scale stuff poses the problem to manufacturers that once they sell the kit, if the builder actually tackles it to completion they may have written them off as a customer for years! No wonder there are so many 1/24 Japanese curbsides, eh?

So, while my semi-serious 1/12 build got to a comfortable stage where one major assembly is done, another to be started...I decided Tuesday to work on a Polar Lights 1/24 snap-together GTO just to finish something in 3 days for the heck of it. In the time that will take start to finish, I'd be halfway through one step on the 1/12 kit...and that will re-charge the batteries to get to work on the big guy again.

Mark - You will get no argument from me on that. I have a garage full of aircraft, boats, motorcycles, tanks and other assorted kits to put together. Each has a different level of finish, some make it to the contest table, while others never see the light of day. Each has a pleasure of it's own. Long term projects have a certain satisfaction when they are done that a 3 day build just can't match. You have to build what moves you.

[Guest Johnny]

The thing I have seen at shows/contests is the somewhat bewildering non interest in the large scale by the judges.

I was a one show and a young man had three 1/8 scale cars both very detailed with mostly self made parts. He was standing at his table which he supplied himself after being told he could only put one car out in the space allowed on the tables they furnished. The judges walked right by without so much as a glance at his cars!

I have yet to see a large scale even get a honorable mention at any show I have attended!

[arick]

Lemme step in here again with a reminder.........

Towards the end of this year, there's going to be an on line model car show thats being put on with the help of the owners this site, Scalemotorcars.com and Automodelling.com. Gregg has secured a domain name and will be creating a web site just for this event. Here's how the event will work:

** Show only, no competition, no prizes, no fee's.

** Anyone and any scale model car, truck or bike can enter.

** Max three FINISHED entries per person.

** No travelling or shipping models, its "on line".

This has been in the works for several months. Its being done because of some of the concerns raised in this thread. When participating in this event, you won't have to worry about travelling and accomodation, table space, judgeing and being ignored because you build in large scale. We think this could be one of the biggest shows ever.

For more on this event, go down to the show page and read the "First Annual On Line Show" thread posted on January 1st.

[brett]

I am in no more of an "enviable position" than the rest of you. I work for a living and support a family, mortguage, monthly bills, etc. I also have two sons in college that continously empty my wallet. I spend what I can afford on my hobby. If you have to worry about every penny you spend you won't have a hobby other than accounting. I have no idea how much money I've spent on models and the accompaning accessories and I don't care. It's already spent and I'll probably continue spending what I can afford on something that keeps my mind & hands busy and myself happy.

Now I wont say whether I'm religous or not but AMEN to that. Modelling in any scale (Built one 1:12th chev have another and the vette to do and built two 1:16th funnycars with three more and two feds to do and built and unbuilt 24/25ths in the hundreds) gives me release from the everyday pressures of life which is unmeasureable in a monetry sense.

Down here in New Zealand we dont have much in the way of competitions (couple of IPMS) maybe (if youre not a member you dont generally find out till its finished) but the club I'm in does a few displays andYes I do drag my bigger stuff along too. Its generally well received because it stands out (and I dont think its to badly built) . As for cost...........as I said ,if something gives you pleasure (without being detrimental to someone else) isnt it worth it?