Builders block

[LongRoofNut]

Has anyone hit that point of builders block? I hit mine a few months ago and can not seem to get over that hump. Whats driving me crazy is that I reached that level of building where I am proud of my cars and feel they are at a level of my own standard. But it's like I ran out of fuel.......

What have you guys done to give yourself that bump to start up again?

I bought a few kits outside my '60s and '70s factory stock in hopes that it being different than I am used to, it would refresh me. But no dice.

[mikemodeler]

It happens to all of us. With the winter most of us have had across the country, one would think we all got tons built being stuck inside!

[cobraman]

I just spend some time here and/or pull out some back issues of some of my car magazines.

[slusher]

I just spend some time here and/or pull out some back issues of some of my car magazines.

That is what I do also....

[LongRoofNut]

Sadly I have not been on here for awhile. Few months ago my computer went loopy in the middle of a trade, the page would show but no writing in the boxes. Besides that my job has kept me busy thus sucking the energy out of me.

I agree Mike. My bench is nice and tidy with all the cars in somewhat of an order of stages of being built, restored or whatnot. But when I come home, it's time to snow blow the driveway, deice things, and other life responsibilities. By the time I am done, it's bed time.

[hellonwheelz3]

I had builders block for over a year, so much so that I didn't even log in here!! Then I made it a point to start coming back and going to my local club show offs. It definitely helped me. You'll get it back. Good luck!!

Edited February 17, 2014 by hellonwheelz3

[Jordan 191]

I've started and stopped building many times in my life now. My blocks usually happen after I've actually improved my skills and start a new build where I think "this will show where I'm at now". I start to put pressure on myself and it turns into a complicated process. It's always important to remember it is a hobby done for fun.

[Scuderia]

when i get builders block, or burn out i usually get into one of my other hobbies for a while and then something will kinda spark me again.

[pharoah]

Yep, Happened to me last summer. Didn't touch a model for a long time. now it's all I've been doing for the last 3 or 4 months.

You might try just putting together something simple without painting or anything. Like an AMT 40 Ford,or a snap kit.

It'll come back...

[LongRoofNut]

I was thinking about that John. Something simple, no engine, just a interior tub, body and chassis. It might get my mojo back on track.

I was looking at my '70 Buick Wildcat tonight, might fit that bill. The big Detroit boats always gets my motor going!

As for other hobbies, everything involves being outside. Being snow or negative 20........makes things a pain.

[charlie8575]

What's been stopping me aside from a very painful leg that actually makes it hard to concentrate on anything aside from pain, is the weather.

With it being this cold around here, it's difficult to do much of anything, especially painting. Even the house isn't that warm, and when combined with no place to work comfortably (sciatica is awful; I really wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy,) it's made doing much a bit difficult.

Bunch of other stuff has been occupying me, too, like Grad Degree #2, getting my business functional, and still looking for at least a part-time job to keep a little income coming in. When you're like this, building is tough.

Charlie Larkin

[jbwelda]

build a motor as a standalone project, pick one you may want to use in a build someday and just build that. have fun and detail it and make a little engine stand to display it on. this sort of mini project always really gets me interested again.

jb

[charlie8575]

Good idea, Bill. I might do just that.

Charlie Larkin

[disabled modeler]

I was thinking about that John. Something simple, no engine, just a interior tub, body and chassis. It might get my mojo back on track.

I was looking at my '70 Buick Wildcat tonight, might fit that bill. The big Detroit boats always gets my motor going!

As for other hobbies, everything involves being outside. Being snow or negative 20........makes things a pain.

Johnny... I have hit the wall way too many times myself...usually due to lack of needed parts it just seems to plague me. I think the really nice 70 Wildcat curbside should do the trick...its a great kit and like me right in my passion area too...never bothered me if a kit was a curbside or not heck some I even prefer that way. Give the old Buick a try I think it will get you going...big beautiful and long.

[James2]

It happens to everyone no matter what the hobby of choice. Narrowing your vision, like jbwelda suggests is a great way to bust out.

For myself, I don't mind waiting for the inspiration to give me a push. Looking through magazines and fondling un-finished projects can get things going too!

If you know what I mean...

[Jantrix]

I bought a few kits outside my '60s and '70s factory stock in hopes that it being different than I am used to, it would refresh me. But no dice.

For me, it isn't something outside my comfort zone that re-inspires me, it's something artistic or something not usually seen done. Like a rusty Corvette for instance . Maybe try a diorama or try your hand at weathering (trust me it is rather addictive). Make something that was never a woody, a woody. Make a woody, a "steelie" by using BMF on all wood parts and scale diamond plate as the inserts. There was a Hemi Under Glass Mopar, but why wasn't there a 454 Under Glass Chevy or a 429 Under Glass Ford? I think there should be, and least in my model cases. These are some of my future build plans. I plan a long time ahead, so there is always something to look forward to.

I can really see how you could lose your mojo just building factory stock. Doing something original and artistic, is the best way to restoke those fires. Just my $.02.

Edited February 18, 2014 by Jantrix

[JTalmage]

When I'm burned out, I seem to drift in to another hobby. Like, usually my hobbies are anything to do with cars. Usually the 1:1 versions. I've been working on my Lincoln Mark VIII every chance I get at a friends house, or my '88 Mustang in my garage when its not freezing cold here, or my back hurts.

So when I run out of money, time, or patience with the real cars, I'll typically revert to playing video games online with my buddies... lately it's been Grand Theft Auto 5.

But as of the past few months (as it typically is for me in the winter) I start getting in to building model cars heavily again. I know some of you are very in to this and it's the main hobby, and I think that could be why some people get burned out... they do it all the time. Who knows. For me, its become more seasonal than full time. You all probably wont see much out of me during the spring/summer/fall times (except hopefully my cannonball build will still go on!)

I typically get serious A.D.D when it comes to my hobbies, I bounce back and forth between real 1:1 cars, to video games, to model cars, to practicing guitar, (which I havent done in a while... need to get back on that because I'm terrible), going drag racing, or doing a lot of drinking.

But every time I come back to this site, I see something phenomenal that re inspires me to get back to work.. otherwise i'll never finish all these darn cars. I'd LOVE to get some storage space back.

lol

[gtx6970]

I'm at that point right now. WAY to much going on right now with family to even think about it,,,,or any real drive to make time to get to the model bench.

Its' ok, they'll wait for me to come back

[John Pol]

My problem is running out surplies no hobby shop close by been trying to find a source on ebay that sells just models but scratchbuilding material and aftermarket stuff whitch I`m not having much luck with. And running into a snag not having enough info on the project I`m working on holds me back to.

John Pol

[LongRoofNut]

Thanks guys for all the input and ideas.

I was looking at Hobby Lobby and found a commercial jet liner from the '70s '80s era like one I few in going to England. Always wanted to build one and with my half of coupon, might just pick one up.

[hgbben]

My issue is that I will sit down and find myself just staring at the components and think what needs to be done, what direction should i take and what needs to be done next. Then I put that kit away and pull out another and same process again and again.