Opinions needed. Opening doors

[freakshow12]

Hey guys. I am starting a build for a local contest/ show in April. They are having a 50 yrs of mustang class with an award for best mustang. Soooo, since I am a mustang but with several 1:1s guess what I am going for? Lol.

Anyway. My question is this. What do you guys prefer open one door on a build or do both as not to look lazy? I have drivers door pretty much working in under an hour but I just need some input. I only have 2 months and some of you have seen my bee and it's been nearly a yr in progress lol

[1930fordpickup]

To many things open at one time does nothing for the looks of the model in a picture. If you only have time for one door so be it. You would not be the first model builder that only opened one door.

[BKcustoms]

I'd say if its easy then open both doors but if its not then just do one so you don't have to rush it.

[freakshow12]

I am a pretty slow builder lol. The jambs are what will take the time I think.

[sjordan2]

I think it would be to your advantage to have both doors capable of opening. Then you can decide how you want to display the model.

[Lovefordgalaxie]

In my opinion, if one door only is opening the model will look unfinished, or built in a hurry, just like mine.

Open both or open none.

That is what I think.

[pharoah]

Whatever you feel capable of doing. If I put opening doors on a model,I open both.

How about just opening the trunk and detailing it? Just an idea.

[MrObsessive]

I either open both doors or none. To me, having just one door open on a model makes it look unsymmetrical. You have to consider that your shut lines are not going to be consistent from one side to the other with one door open, and the other molded shut.

Just my 2¢.

[Daddyfink]

If you are going to open the doors, make sure they are done well. I have dealt with folks who opened doors for contest models and where shocked they did not even place. I kindly explained to them, after they asked me why, that if they had done it properly and not with a hot butter knife, they may have placed better.

So yes, neatness counts, alot!

[freakshow12]

So far I have scribed the drivers open, shaved the edges for a thinner appearance, thinned the rear of the fender and have added thin styrene back around the door edge to tighten the gap yet still allow for paint. Does that take me out of butter knife status? Lol

I must add that I hinged it to open into the fender like the 1:1

[Danno]

I agree with Bill, Tulio & Skip. If you open any door, open them all. Otherwise, it just won't look 'right.'

But an important thing to keep in mind, from a judging perspective: Opening every door, hatch, or feature on a model will not make it a contest winner if the basics are missing. The basics are clean, careful preparation and craftsmanship in construction. Be certain all the mold parting lines and injection pin marks are eliminated. Be certain the pre-paint preparation is smooth and flawless before carefully applying smooth, flawless finish coats. Be certain all trim is appropriately and neatly finished (chrome chromed, satin finish components finished smoothly and uniformly, etc.). Be certain tires look like tires, not molded vinyl toy parts. Be certain tires all touch the table top and the model sits square (doesn't lean or sag). Be certain windows are clear and unblemished by glue. Be certain soft parts look like soft parts and shiny paint is smooth, unblemished and . . . shiny!

In short, the cardinal rule is that no amount of opening gizzies or flashing lights or bright-colored paint or other gimmicks will overcome a sloppily built model.

[freakshow12]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm pretty sure I have these bases covered. Last 2 yrs at this contest I have taken 7 trophies : ). Just want to take it to another level more to test myself

Edited February 12, 2014 by freakshow12

[Greg Myers]

One door is fine. Two wheels work too. The only look at one side.

[freakshow12]

Lol. I have decided to do both as I thought about how it may look funny with one done. I will start a WIP shortly. Car is a 70 Mach 1 428 scj 4 speed in grabber orange btw

[Greg Myers]

Sounds like your're really gonna nail it. Good luck.