How Do YOU Define a "Clean Build"?

[Dr. Cranky]

Many of you use "clean build" to signify a model that what? Looks good, is well put together, well painted.

Are there specific traits in your mind as to what makes a model a "clean" build?

And does anyone know where the term was first used. I know the youngsters here will use terms like "sick," "smooth," and even "cool" to describe a model they like.

Feel free to post a picture or two of the best example you can think of, whether it's from your own collection or someone else's that you've seen.

Those of you who have judged model contest, are there other terms that come to your mind to describe such a model?

[Ramfins59]

IMHO a "clean build" is a model that is first of all assembled neatly and cleanly, no gaps, glue marks, scratches, fingerprints, etc.

The paintjob is clean and smooth, no bubbles, runs, drips, fingerprints, etc. (Not counting the rusty ones Dr. C)

It's not overly cluttered but built to accurately represent the type of vehicle it represents.

You know what they say about opinions & butt-holes....

[Dr. Cranky]

Rich, wow, that's as "clean" a definition as it gets. And wow, since you mention the rusty weathered subject, I wonder what those of you who build such vehicles would consider a "clean" build.

LOL! I always put a fingerprint somewhere on my models in case I ever need to find it if it gets stolen! :lol:

[LoneWolf15]

Many different subjects back in the day were often described as having clean lines . In other words , the shape and design seemed to flow smoothly and were pleasing to the eye .

Aside from the basics that I'm sure will be mentioned , choice of color completes what I refer to as an elegant build .

Far too many times a work of art , buildwise , is ruined due to colors that do not match or are garish in appearance and simply don't fit that particular car .

I not only look for a clean build on the tables , it has to have that certain color scheme that brings everything to the forefront without overcoming the overall build itself .

[Dr. Cranky]

Donn, I know you discuss the issue of having the right colors and colors that work well together at length in your videos. For example, i know you like to have the engine color work in conjunction with the body color.

I think it's an effective way of making the viewer look at the vehicle in its entirety and get a satisfying feel for it.

And you've also judged contests which helps apply your aesthetics to whatever build you happen to judge.

[LoneWolf15]

As I stated before , Virgil , a model has to flow , colorwise . I use a basic 3 color system on all of my cars . Aside from the body color , there will be 2 others throughout the build , under the hood , in the interior , and on the frame . This is also incorporated with the decals .

Again , this is only my opinion , but I've noticed that alot of other modelers use the same approach with their builds , so I don't feel that this is unique or strange .

I've seen more than my share of drag , pro mod /street builds , etc , that were a clean build overall but used every color known to man under the hood . Way too busy ! Kathie refers to them as Easter basket builds .

Example ... A pro mod drag has been painted red metallic , whole lot of wiring and plumbing to do , right ? Okay , red car , me ? I'm going to use various shades of red , black , orange , and maybe some gray wire to do the job . Why ? Because each color compliments the other without appearing garish or overdone !

Hence , the word , " Elegant " , it all flows together ! Decals ? Same thing ! Red car , I'm going with gold or silver lettering with a black outline . Sponsor decals will have orange / gold or silver lettering . Motor , orange , maybe the color of the body , shock towers will match . The last thing that I'd ever do is put a mishmash of color all over the place under the hood or on the body of the car .

Next time you are at a show , watch the judges faces when they go to judge an Easter Basket ! I've seen frowns , grimaces , bared teeth , and shaking of the heads !

My opinion , clean build has to be combined with elegant colors , tastefully applied throughout the build to put it over the top .

[Sport Suburban]

To me a clean build is one that everything fits well together. The paint is smooth and the entire model just flows well. It does not have to be super detailed with lots of added detail but what it does have has to be done just right. Here are some of my own examples.

[Dr. Cranky]

Raoul, no doubt, your models are beautiful.

I also think folks like Tom Kren and Bill Stillwagon build some great "clean" models too.

Not to mention Steve Boutte and Ted "Chopper" Lear.

The late great Ricky Couch.

[BKcustoms]

This is a tough one, Doc, for me, there isn't an exact "formula" to define a clean build, but I think it must have a really smooth paintjob with very few flaws, shiny or not (suede finish looks great on lots of cars), all the work has to be done neatly, and the most important thing for me is the lines of the body should flow together and look like they belong.

[62rebel]

"clean" to me indicates neat, careful and accurate work. not "fussy" or confusing to the eye; my meaning being that some models are overhwhelming in complexity and, while they're beautiful works of the modeler's art, they lack simple grace in some cases.

[Guest Johnny]

It hasn't sat out on a shelf???

[Cool Hand]

I agree with Dave Zinn's comment about Bob Downie.

Bob's builds are an excellent example of a clean build.

[Dave Ambrose]

To me, a clean build is one with no obvious flaws.

It goes back to the archaic term "sanitary" to describe a clean, well-executed mechanical assembly that will function well in its intended purpose.

[Rob McKee]

I look at a clean build as a model that looks like a real car. That being said, it can be weathered and rusty but still be classified as a clean build. When I see glue running down the windshield, finger prints in the paint, runs in the paint, decals all over the place (really any of my builds) then I don't classify it as a clean build. So doc, your builds are also clean IMHO.

Rob

[Dr. Cranky]

Thanks for the clarification and wonderful comments.

[James2]

"Clean Build" in scale modeling, to me is a build that displays a well thought out and executed idea. Exhibiting the skill and craftsmanship to represent what could be possible in 1:1. It must flow and have good fit and finish. It does not have to be clean as in no rust or dirt.

Just like many of our model subjects the term "Clean" comes from 1:1 car shows, defining a well built and eye pleasing automobile. My2 cents.

[jaymcminn]

A "clean build" can be executed at just about any skill level- I'd rather see a snap kit assembled well than somebody sticking aftermarket bits all over a badly-painted, poorly-assembled model sitting on three wheels and being proud of the thing because he dumped fifty bucks worth of aftermarket stuff into the build. I've been told I have a "clean" building style and it's just about the highest compliment I can think of. It starts with the basics- learn how to build without leaving big ol' glue marks everywhere, clean up your parts, and lay down a smooth paint job before moving on to the other stuff. This goes for the weathered/rusty/crusty stuff too- for me this...

is just as clean a build as this.

Neither one of these builds happens without being able to build a good, clean model first. Doc didn't build his first model and put a killer weathering job on it right off the bat. (or gloss paint job, for that matter- he does both equally well) I would never attempt to tackle a Fujimi Enthusiast build until I had a LOT of experience under my belt.

On this site, and on that "other" site too, we see at least a few builders who probably need to take a step back and just go back to the basics. Becoming a skilled model builder doesn't happen overnight. It can take a long time to develop all the skills you need to become really good at this hobby. Patience is one of those skills, as is the ability to look critically at your own work, determine what you need to improve, and take steps to make it better. Fortunately there are a LOT of talented builders out there now that are willing to help.

[moparmagiclives]

I don't know that a "clean" build has as much to do with the builders taste on color, parts, or overall theme of the build, thats where everyones personal taste comes in. I think it in their ability to do so with as little to no signs of assembly. i.e. ...no flashing, no parting lines, no sprue marks, NO glue marks..(that's where I struggle still) good, smooth clean paint and the overall fit of all the parts to them selves. This is where I think less is more, some builds have far to much going on that don't end up fitting right. Like Dave said about opening doors and deck lids, or some fully plummed and wired engine, chassis assemblies. Looks cool as a seperate component but can take away from the total picture sometimes...but that may just be my tastes talking.

[espo]

I'm guilty of useing this turm often in my posts. I use this term as a copliment too the builder's model. I think Richard Manson first said it best and Raoul's pictures illistrated what I think "clean" is. It would seem that many of us agree on this.

Edited February 5, 2012 by espo

[wgflatliner]

My version of a clean build involves the use of basic model building skills.

The aforementioned finger prints, glue marks, good paint.

To add to that list, I would say getting rid of mold lines, gaps (like engine halves) and the removal of the ejector pin markings and any of the copyright markings. Knowing what glue to use also helps. I have seen good builds gone bad because of the use of super glue to glue in windshields and windows, causing them to fog.

I have judged models and I predominately look for the basics first. After that has been done I then look at the more intricate parts of the build like seeing if the aftermarket stuff appears in scale, etc

[scalenut]

I look at it as devoid of errors,and signs of glue ,with well fitting components , free of fingerprints and blemishes.strait and square assembly

as in " I strive to build cleanly as possible"..by mastering the basics.

I think it applies to all models shiny, rusty...,models that are low or high in detail,and diorama components

[Dr. Cranky]

Wow, Andy, that's as exacting and succinct an answer as can be. Thank you.

[Bernard Kron]

First off, great topic to bring up, Doc...

Secondly, there are two possible interpretations of "clean" that are being explored, and they cover the classic two sides of modeling, the aesthetic and the technical.

I will side with the technical on this one. For me "clean" means, as Andy has expressed so well, "devoid of errors", and has little to do with whether or not I find the colors, lines, details, etc. consonant with the apparent purpose of the build. Things like proper attachment and alignment are part of "clean" but things like whether colors complement each other properly aren't.

So "clean" means sanitary, where there is nothing about the physical execution of the model that interferes with the eye taking in the finished product. It may be ugly, garish, out of scale, poorly proportioned, ill-conceived as an idea, mechanically dubious, and just plain dumb, but man that's a clean build!

For emphasis I'll point out James2's example above. It is definitely not ugly, garish, out of scale, poorly proportioned, ill-conceived as an idea, mechanically dubious, or just plain dumb. But it is rusty, funky, dirty and a little broken down, which does not prevent it from being totally sanitary in execution, which contributes hugely to its undeniable success as a model.

Speaking personally, the "clean build" is a holy grail, an unattainable kind of perfection which, if it ever were to be achieved, might very well cause the entire time-space continuum to grind to a halt. But it is also the the complement to the other aspect, the drive to express something "worth talking about" in one's models, whether it is a superbly accurate replica of an object from the material world, or the wildest flight of fancy of ones unbridled imagination. In this sense the "clean build" may be elusive but it motivates me at every turn at the bench. But my meager attempts at facing the challenge of coming up with decent subjects and ideas motivate me just as much. Obviously, great modeling invariably expresses aspects of both.

Edited February 5, 2012 by Bernard Kron

[Dr. Cranky]

Thanks, Bernard, just trying to kick-start some interesting conversations about the hobby.

[meaneyme]

I am more of a collector than a builder and to me, the most critical part of cleanliness on a model is the paint, usually when that is done right, everything else pretty much falls into place. One of my favorite builders here is Cruz, his paintjobs and the way he approaches his builds are always unique, I know, I own 3 of his builds. I do see a lot of cool paintjobs here but some seem to be a little on the thick side, I think that the mastering of polishing kits are a must if you want to be more than just an average builder.