How functional?

[Jantrix]

We see frequently model cars built that have taken the laws of mechanics and functionality and thrown them out the window in the effort to get a model to look a certain way. We see tires rubbing the top of the wheel well or inner wheel well, axles on the frame, front wheels that would never be able to be turned because of their size. No lower radiator hoses , no steering parts of any kind. And don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing folks that do these things because I'm one of them. I'm just getting a feel for how everyone feels about this.

Thoughts?

Edited March 10, 2012 by Jantrix

[Harry P.]

Everyone has their own "style." Some people build a model as an expression of their "creativity," so functionality and being true-to-life replicas don't even enter into it. Like you said, how many times have we seen a model with such huge tires that there is literally no room for suspension travel or even for the front wheels to be able to steer.

To my way of thinking, though (and this is just me, not trying to speak for anyone else)... I want a scale model to be as accurate and as close to the real thing as possible. I don't build customs or "flights of fancy," only scale replicas... so to me accuracy is the whole point of creating a scale replica of the real thing.

[Johnag4004]

You you add another one please, "I try my best, to just get it looking like the model I'm building"...

[Mr. Moparman]

I'm tied between choice C and D

[wgflatliner]

To me it depends on the subject. If its a normal car I will get as realistic as I can and make sure things "make sense"

If its a sci-fi type of thing then it doesn't have to make sense

[Erik Smith]

I prefer things that are possible. I try to get my builds to look that way - although I'm not near 100%.

[george 53]

I just try to make it look like the real thing. It doesn't have to match it bolt for bolt as such, but I like them to at least LOOK like you could drive it. If you were 25th scale, of course.

[moparmagiclives]

How many 1:1 cars have you seen that look no way "drivable' of functional ??

I understand the question at hand, I depends on the subject matter, scale replica? Or creative concept? I think there is a lot to respect of both styles.

[sjordan2]

A lot of this can be understood through the other thread about the "Zen" of model car building. There are people who just start a build and go with the flow the way they feel at the time, with a wide variety of builders ranging all the way to people like me who have to do a ton of research to make everything as 1:1 accurate as possible, plus everything in between There's no definitive answer, just a very interesting range of fascinating information to this question, plus insights into the personalities of our fellow forum members, about the way people approach model building.

But I think this is a cool thread that attempts to quantify the differences.

Edited March 10, 2012 by sjordan2

[Cato]

  On 3/10/2012 at 5:18 PM, Harry P. said:

To my way of thinking, though (and this is just me, not trying to speak for anyone else)... I want a scale model to be as accurate and as close to the real thing as possible. I don't build customs or "flights of fancy," only scale replicas... so to me accuracy is the whole point of creating a scale replica of the real thing.

Harry perfectly stated my plan too. I sure try but have a 'skill threshold' that prevents me from getting to the top levels.

Then there's guys like Teresi, Sherman, Jones, (Harry) and about a dozen others who bring functionality to galactic levels. Those are the guys I try to learn from.

[crazyjim]

I don't care as long as it's SHINY :) . LOL.

[Art Anderson]

if anything, plug wires in the correct firing order is almost impossible to trace. How many of us want to see a contest judge with a dental probe, painstakingly tracing each plug lead? I mean really now.

[JunkPile]

Please do not forget that these are plastic cars so anything goes.

Edited March 10, 2012 by JunkPile

[Chuck Most]

A model car will never be driven, never have to operate upon public roads, etc., so in some cases I am willing to let a few details slide. Hey... I've never seen a 1:1 car with a big hole in the engine block and a big metal axle going through it, or the front and rear suspensions and exhaust done as one piece with the chassis, but I see quite a few models done that way.

[Harry P.]

  On 3/10/2012 at 11:38 PM, Chuck Most said:

A model car will never be driven, never have to operate upon public roads, etc., so in some cases I am willing to let a few details slide. Hey... I've never seen a 1:1 car with a big hole in the engine block and a big metal axle going through it, or the front and rear suspensions and exhaust done as one piece with the chassis, but I see quite a few models done that way.

It all depends on what your goal is. A lot of people who build model cars don't even think about whether or not what they build would be feasible or operational in the real world. They're not concerned with making an accurate miniature version of a full-scale subject, they're "creating." And that's a perfectly legitimate way to enjoy the hobby.

But others see the hobby as building a miniature version of a 1/1 subject (military modelers being the prime example), so realism, faithfulness to the real thing, etc. are the whole point of the exercise.

It's like art. Some artists paint in a very realistic style, and reproduce the real world in exacting detail... like Norman Rockwell or Edward Hopper, for instance. Others are "abstract" artists who don't paint what they see, but what they feel, like Wasily Kandinsky or Jackson Pollock. Both are equally legitimate art genres, neither is more "correct" than the other.

Same with modeling. Neither way is "right." It just depends on what it is you are trying to accomplish, and how you personally define the reason for building scale models.

[Chuck Most]

^Exactly.

[Bartster]

^Λ VERY well said, Harry! And if you're using examples of favorite artists, I like your tastes!

[Harry P.]

  On 3/11/2012 at 12:19 AM, Bartster said:

^Λ VERY well said, Harry! And if you're using examples of favorite artists, I like your tastes!

Hey, if this was an art forum I could go on forever...

[slantasaurus]

  On 3/10/2012 at 11:38 PM, Chuck Most said:

Hey... I've never seen a 1:1 car with a big hole in the engine block and a big metal axle going through it,

I have seen a few cars with a big hole in the engine block with a big metal rod going through it........but they were usually finished driving.

[SuperStockAndy]

Does trying to make working exhaust cutouts count?

[skmodelcars]

  On 3/11/2012 at 12:53 AM, slantasaurus said:

I have seen a few cars with a big hole in the engine block with a big metal rod going through it........but they were usually finished driving.

I like that!!!! :lol: Edited March 11, 2012 by skmodelcars

[skmodelcars]

I chose the last option because it just depends on what I'm building since my subjects vary so much.

[Cato]

You know some simple and subtle things can go a long way toward improving fidelity-even if you build simplified, 'concept' type vehicles.

I've seen many a nice build 'ruined' (to my eye) by the steering wheel resting on the seat. Poor relationship of pedals / shifter / wheel.

Wrong ride height.

Road wheels rubbing on fenders.

Overly thick surfaces like window glass, hoods, doors and wheel well edges.

None of these are terribly hard to improve from a kit's limitations.

Don't think you need working antennas, steering gear or wiring harnesses to present that scale feel in a miniature. And if YOU have the standards for firing-order wires, the proper research will assist you to build it that way with no more trouble than not. Shouldn't matter if judges or onlookers don't know-YOU know, and it's your standard you're satisfying.

Edited March 11, 2012 by Cato

[Jantrix]

Great discussion guys. I voted the third option. I really try to make sure most things look functional, however if my ride height can only be achieved through cheating or massive amounts of modifications, but no one will notice unless the model is turned over and examined, I tend to opt for the first choice. Most everything else........gotta look functional.

[MikeMc]

  On 3/10/2012 at 11:03 PM, Art Anderson said:

if anything, plug wires in the correct firing order is almost impossible to trace. How many of us want to see a contest judge with a dental probe, painstakingly tracing each plug lead? I mean really now.

Thats why Art is well respected. Thank you Art.