I'm in awe!

[DavidG]

I only found this forum a few days ago. I have to say that, since then, I've spent a lot of time perusing all the different builds. I'm blown away!! I feel like I am in the presence of greatness. I've built model cars most of my life but I've never been in a club, never entered any contests and never hung around with any other model builders. As a result, I've never been exposed to the attention to detail and the level of craftsmanship that I'm seeing here. When I close the computer down to take care of my daily business, I feel like throwing rocks at some of my models. You people are just that good!!

So I need to get up to speed! Is this "General" board the correct place to ask "how to" questions?

There is SO much I need to learn and I am thinking that many of my questions will appear to be very simplistic. It will be as though many modelers might think: "What?? This guy doesn't know THAT??"

So at the risk of appearing dumb, I'm going to ask anyway because I really really want to get my models up to the level I'm seeing here. I'm very excited about this forum and I'm really glad to be here.

Edited May 28, 2014 by DavidG

[Cato]

Welcome David.

Spend some quiet time going through this section:
http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showforum=8

And the section below that, the Tips and Tricks' section.

Very many of your questions will be answered.

[Furiousgeorge]

Welcome! You're in the same place I was when I first found this site! There's no end to what you'll learn here! If you scroll down there's a section called "modelling how to's" below the "others" section. Tons of great stuff in there.

[Dale W. Verts]

David, as a new guy here myself I share your feelings. Couple of thoughts-

I "locked up" some when I found out what folks were doing with their creations (art). It affected my building. I got over it, and although I am trying new things I'm not trying to do it all at once. Baby steps work best, and this comes from a fifty-year-old who's "been there and done that". You'll have alOT more fun if you proceed at your own pace.

Unless you're a genius freakin' ARTIST like some of these show-offs (just kiddin'). Then go for it.

I continue to be in awe almost daily at what folks can replicate on such a small scale and again, my hats' off to everyone that contributes here.

Dale

[slusher]

David..as your here and look around you will get a feel of where everything goes. Everyone has their own skill and they improve over time. I have built models for many years and still a basic box stock builder..

Edited May 28, 2014 by slusher

[DumpyDan]

Hey David, I totally agree with Carl. I have been building for most of 40 some years, and I am still amazed at some of the work I see here, it even discourages me sometimes. But I shake it off and get back to what I love to do. So my advice to you is build what you like and look at others work and steel some ideas. Just have fun!

[JPS_Lotus]

As someone who is new to modeling myself, the best advice that I was told was to work within your means. Of course I'm still trying to learn that because when I see the job people on here, or elsewhere do, it seems daunting. One of the guys in the local hobby shop said to me the main thing is to have fun with whatever the model is that you're building. Going into exquisite detail is all well and good, but if you're not having fun with it, what's the point? It has to be fun at the end of the day, otherwise it'll feel like work...and I've already got a job.

[Pete J.]

I have to agree with Dale. Baby steps. No one just jumps to the head of the line. Everyone on here brings something to the party. If you have been doing this a while, I would bet that you have developed some unique techniques that all could benefit from.

As to budget, well we all have one. For some it is thousands of dollars and for others it is pocket change. Regardless, this hobby is really about doing the most with the least. Yes, you could buy hundreds of dollars worth of after market stuff, but I personally think it is fun to make stuff and repurpose it. For instance you could by a branded packaged set of ignition plug wires at the hobby shop of $5 for 7 or 8 feet or you could do a little research and decide what size wire you need and go down to an electronics store(or online) and get 100 feet for $8. Look around you. I would bet you will start seeing all kinds of stuff you could use.

Remember, this is a hands on hobby. Once someone tells you how they do it, it is still all about sitting at your bench and figuring out how to make your fingers do the magic. I don't know how many techniques I have adopted, used, modified and discarded but the list is probably long. I think that is one of the great things about this hobby. You get to learn new things every time you sit down at the bench. Welcome aboard and don't ever be afraid to ask questions or show off you work. A lot of good people here to help.

Edited May 28, 2014 by Pete J.

[Lunajammer]

Baby steps, yes. But if you're returning to a hobby you're already familiar with, I think with just a few pointers from here you'll quickly ascend to a level that will delight you. After that you can discover and challenge the limits of your abilities.

Whatever you do, don't throw out your old models. They'll mean more to you in the future than they may now.

[freakshow12]

Welcome. We have all been where you are. There are a bunch of talented people here but what I like is how humble everyone is. I try and take one thing I see on every build and try and do it. The biggest thing to remember are the basics first. Anyone can throw a bunch of stuff on a model but if the core stuff is not done properly then it's a waste.. Just remember to have fun and build for you : )

[grayghost]

Welcome aboard.

You will find that the users of this forum are some of the best builders

in the world.And every one of them will help you out.So don't be afraid

to ask question.Remember the only dumb question is the one that is not

ask.

[Deathgoblin]

I joke about never wanting to touch a kit again after some of the work I see on here (like the Head Hunter, dude...). But really it just pushes me to do more. I see improvements in my paint jobs, detailing, etc. because of being inspired by the work on here.

[Belugawrx]

As an aside, I'll give my two cents

Buy cheap lot of Cheap-As-CR#p kits and make them look good

(contractoreez) Polish the turd!!

Lot's of good learning here

And check out the Tips and Tricks forum

Search works

Have fun

Cheers

[clovis]

Once upon a time, I considered myself to be "an above average" builder.

Then, one day, I found this site.

I realize that I am a schmuck as a builder, and the equivalent to a "basic, mediocre builder with lots and lots to learn."

When I look at the work that I see here, and then compare my work to it, I get depressed, and quite honestly, wonder why I even bother with trying to build any model. The work that I see on this site makes me want to pick up my models, and all of my supplies, and throw them into the trash.

[clovis]

I would like to add that I would never, ever, post pictures of my work on this site, for fear of being laughed off of the internet.

[mikevillena]

Once upon a time, I considered myself to be "an above average" builder.

Then, one day, I found this site.

I realize that I am a schmuck as a builder, and the equivalent to a "basic, mediocre builder with lots and lots to learn."

When I look at the work that I see here, and then compare my work to it, I get depressed, and quite honestly, wonder why I even bother with trying to build any model. The work that I see on this site makes me want to pick up my models, and all of my supplies, and throw them into the trash.

I would like to add that I would never, ever, post pictures of my work on this site, for fear of being laughed off of the internet.

I hope you are not offended but that is a really poor attitude to take. First of all, build for yourself and for your own enjoyment. Period. Modelling is just another aspect of life, i.e. a "personal journey". Some folks started their journey earlier than you did or have had the luxury of being able to spend more time with their hobby. Others have had to divert from it due to life circumstances. Others have taken a really convoluted path. Etc, etc, etc. This applies to everything in life. The choice is yours, either run away because you have chosen a negative mindset or open your mind and realize that there is a lot to learn. Again, it is a journey. My final thought is that it is and will always be a mistake to solely focus on being competitive and trying to out do everyone else. The fact is, there will ALWAYS be someone who can do it better. If you don't believe me just look at a leaf, or a tree or your own hands. You didn't build that.....someone else did.

[clovis]

I hope you are not offended but that is a really poor attitude to take. First of all, build for yourself and for your own enjoyment. Period. Modelling is just another aspect of life, i.e. a "personal journey". Some folks started their journey earlier than you did or have had the luxury of being able to spend more time with their hobby. Others have had to divert from it due to life circumstances. Others have taken a really convoluted path. Etc, etc, etc. This applies to everything in life. The choice is yours, either run away because you have chosen a negative mindset or open your mind and realize that there is a lot to learn. Again, it is a journey. My final thought is that it is and will always be a mistake to solely focus on being competitive and trying to out do everyone else. The fact is, there will ALWAYS be someone who can do it better. If you don't believe me just look at a leaf, or a tree or your own hands. You didn't build that.....someone else did.

I am afraid that you missed my tongue-in-cheek humor.

Everything that I posted is still true, though.

[mikevillena]

I am afraid that you missed my tongue-in-cheek humor.

Everything that I posted is still true, though.

Ah, I did miss it! And I too have on occasion been tempted to throw everything away and take up knitting or basket weaving (no offense intended to the master knitters or weavers) but I would probably be terrible at that too!

But on a serious note, I would be extremely disappointed if anyone laughs at another member's work as would all of the decent folks here. The point of the forum is to share ideas, mistakes and solutions. In truth, we are all problem solvers. I too know very little and am also learning. Whether to post or share your build/project is entirely a personal choice.

Edited June 5, 2014 by mikevillena

[1930fordpickup]

Look for a club around you in TN . I am sure there are at least a few shows down there for you to attend. Even if you do not show a model you can meet people in your hobby.

[Dale W. Verts]

A few things I've learned in my relatively young fifty years-

There is ALWAYS somebody,

Faster

Stronger

Better lookin'

With more money

Has a better lookin' gal

And there will also always be a pile of folks who can play a gee-tar better than me. Once I got over all that life got better. At one time I had to be the best at everything I did. I almost made it there on several occasions, and it may have made me a better person for it. But being that driven took a lot of fun out of my endeavors. Thank goodness I've seen the light.

Dale

[clovis]

Ah, I did miss it! And I too have on occasion been tempted to throw everything away and take up knitting or basket weaving (no offense intended to the master knitters or weavers) but I would probably be terrible at that too!

But on a serious note, I would be extremely disappointed if anyone laughs at another member's work as would all of the decent folks here. The point of the forum is to share ideas, mistakes and solutions. In truth, we are all problem solvers. I too know very little and am also learning. Whether to post or share your build/project is entirely a personal choice.

Thank you for the kind words.

Yes, I would agree that this forum is made up of wonderful people who are eager to help with constructive ideas. Nonetheless, there is always a few in every crowd that feel the need to heavily criticize a non-professional builder. I saw a thread once....it pained me deeply to read some of those comments.

[mikevillena]

Thank you for the kind words.

Yes, I would agree that this forum is made up of wonderful people who are eager to help with constructive ideas. Nonetheless, there is always a few in every crowd that feel the need to heavily criticize a non-professional builder. I saw a thread once....it pained me deeply to read some of those comments.

Meh, there will always be blowhard, know-it-all, self-appointed, god's gift to: (insert life aspect or activity here) jerks. What are you gonna do?

Edited June 5, 2014 by mikevillena

[Pete J.]

While on the subject of skill, no matter how good you get, there will always be someone out there who can make your jaw drop. Here is an example.http://www.craftsmanshipmuseum.com/images/Chenot001.jpg This is a fully operational(running) 1:8 scale Duisenberg. It is in a museum about 8 miles from me here in SoCal. Any time I am feeling pretty cocky about my skills, I stop by and get a good dose of humility. It does a body good!

Edited June 5, 2014 by Pete J.

[johnbuzzed]

We obviously all started building at some point in our lives and we all have our different abilities, our strengths and weaknesses. There are no secrets. The most important thing is to get "The Basics" down pat; once you do that, you can turn out some builds that will knock the socks off those who look at your models. Then, you can tackle the heavier stuff, like kit-bashing and aftermarket parts, but go easy- sometimes, a little is enough and too much is, well, too much. When you can deal with that, move on to fabricating parts.

Well, maybe there is one secret: be patient. OK, two secrets: Each sub-assembly is a model into itself, to be incorporated into the final assembly. If you can get each one to be as clean, neat and accurate as possible, you've got a good thing going.

[Harry P.]

And don't forget another simple fact: just like any other human activity, some people just have more talent than others. The level of talent of the builders here varies just like the level of talent varies among people everywhere. As others have said, there is always going to be someone who is way better than you at model building, piano playing, playing baseball, singing... whatever. Don't let that inevitable fact affect you. If you don't want to show your work, that's fine, that's your decision. But don't base that decision on feeling inferior to others. Because even the best builders here are inferior to someone else out there somewhere.