I build for Fun, I build for myself.

[Pete J.]

I am starting this topic to help dispel an apparent myth about those of us who build to a high level of detail. This is not about who should do what, or a diatribe about the "correct way" to build models. It is my personal expression of how and why I build the way I do.

First a confession. I build models in all levels of detail from "out of the box" up, but prefer the model with all the correct nuts and bolts and a high level of detail. I also occasionally do commissioned builds, but it is not my occupation. I do enter competitions, but generally only bring one model because my style of building is slow.

Often when I display a model, someone will invariable say something like "Great model, but I build for fun" or "Great model, but I build just for me." This implies that I don't have fun building or that I am building my models to impress someone else. This just isn't the case.

I build for fun! One of the driving factors in building a model is learning as much as I can before I crack the box open. I love to read about my subject to come to grips with what went into the creation of the original vehicle. There are great resources out there for this now that the internet is as robust as it is, but I still enjoy sitting down with a book and digging in. It is fun to find out things about a subject I never knew.

Next, I get a great deal of pleasure out of creating. The more I can add to what came in the box, the better. Just ask my long suffering wife. I don't know how many times she has put up with me walking into the kitchen with a part almost too small to see, beaming with pride. "Very nice honey, what am I looking at?" She is a saint. To me creating some little part that really accurately represents a part on the vehicle in miniature is a source of pride. Overcoming the obstacles to get it just right makes me happy. Making it functional is even better. It is fun to grow ones skill set.

I build for myself. Yes, I do. The building I do is really for me. Of all the models I have built, only one is on display in my house. That is a small 1:1000 scale zeppelin that my wife likes. All the rest of my builds and all the trophies are in the garage in boxes. Not because my spouse won't allow it, but because I build for the thrill of being creative. For some this will be hard to understand, but when a build is done, the fun is over. There is very little pleasure in staring at a finished model. It only makes me want to get back out to my shop and have some more fun. So the building is for me. I can't really share the building with others as it is a solitary pursuit. I build for my own personal pleasure.

Am I a trophy hound? No. I go to contest because I enjoy spending time with people who share the same passions that I do. I like talking about building models with others. This is the social side of our hobby. I find it great fun to find a model on the table that has something I don't understand and finding out how it was done. There is a lot to be learned from other builders. Everyone has something to teach me. It is a little like the building aspect. For me the contest is over when there is no one left to talk to. Trophy's? Don't care! If I get one, it goes in the box in the garage with the rest of them. Yes, it is nice to get recognized, but I would rather go to an NNL type of format but there are fewer of those around.

If you are a detail nut, how to you know when you are done? Well, frankly there is always something else that could be done, but sometimes you just run out of things to do. I have always said, I will have built the perfect model when a three inch high person walks out, starts my model up, and drives off. Some times I run out of things to do, sometimes another project comes along that steals me away from the one I am working on. At that point I button things up and am done.

So, the next time you see a really well detailed model on the table and think it is a lot of work and thus no fun to build, think again. All of us are in this hobby because it is fun, but just what that fun is depends on each modeler. My version of fun is not every ones cup of tea, but it is mine. I don't denigrate those who don't wish to detail the heck out of a model. As long as they are having fun, I truly appreciate that. All of us build for ourselves. Otherwise it is not a hobby, it is a job. Enjoy it and appreciate the differences in each builder and the models they bring.

Edited July 29, 2014 by Pete J.

[Harry P.]

Yeah... I build for fun, too! And to me, detailing is the fun part of building!

[Jantrix]

You may think bad of me for saying this, but I've always thought that "Great model, but I build for fun" or "Great model, but I build just for me", are just excuses for, "I don't know how, and I'm too lazy to learn anything beyond "paint and assemble".

Don't get me wrong, I know that there are some with physical, mental or financial handicaps, that can limit ones ability. I'm talking about the person who gets tweaked when you offer constructive criticism on their basic building skills, and they throw that "I build for me, I don't care what you think" at you. Odds are they won't be in the hobby long anyway.

[afx]

Well said Pete, My approach (if not quite my skill level) to model building closely resembles yours.

[Ramfins59]

Pete and Harry, I totally agree with both of you. Adding details is the fun...!!! It may add more time to complete the model but who cares... it's not a race and there's no time limit on finishing a model. Some models get more detail than others but they are all fun to build.

[southpier]

I don't think it bad to leave one or two finished builds around for the very reason you don't.

Edited July 29, 2014 by southpier

[High octane]

I too have been building plastic models "for fun" since the mid-50's and still enjoy it very much. I also belong to four model car clubs and am on a few model car forums as well. I build in MY "comfort zone" and add only the detail I feel like adding at the time during construction. Occasionally I'll use photo-etched parts, scratch built parts, or do kit bashing as well.

However the fun is not over when the model is finished as I like to bring them to the club meeting for "show & tell" and talk about them as well. I also display my finished models in a curio cabinet in the living room, not the garage in boxes. I have no room in my garage for boxes of stuff as that's where I keep our 1:1 cars or daily drivers. I also enjoy NNL style events and trophies are not my game, even though I have a box full of them in the crawl space from the 70's & 80's. I go to car modeling events like club meetings, NNL events, swap meets, etc. to show my work and enjoy lookin' at others people's work. I also like the camaraderie that goes along with it, as I've met many people over the years.

[cobraman]

I build for "fun" too but do like to add some detail from time to time but somehow my additions are not that great and to me look clumsy.

[bill w]

I agree with Pete, I build for fun. Adding as much detail as I can keeps me going, and making things functional just adds too the fun. I have never showed

my work at shows or contests but I like too see what other builders are doing. Going to contests and loking at some of the great work others do gives me

inspiration. I like too spend at least one hour a day building or just thinking of what to make next. This is a great hobby!

Bill

[Pete J.]

I don't think it bad to leave one or two finished builds around for the very reason you don't.

Oh, I didn't say I don't have unfinished builds around. I have my "Long Term" projects around. My oldest is 15 years old now but that is another story. I have at least 4 other projects in the drawer waiting to be finished.

Edited July 30, 2014 by Pete J.

[D. Battista]

I too have been building plastic models "for fun" since the mid-50's and still enjoy it very much. I also belong to four model car clubs and am on a few model car forums as well. I build in MY "comfort zone" and add only the detail I feel like adding at the time during construction. Occasionally I'll use photo-etched parts, scratch built parts, or do kit bashing as well.

However the fun is not over when the model is finished as I like to bring them to the club meeting for "show & tell" and talk about them as well. I also display my finished models in a curio cabinet in the living room, not the garage in boxes. I have no room in my garage for boxes of stuff as that's where I keep our 1:1 cars or daily drivers. I also enjoy NNL style events and trophies are not my game, even though I have a box full of them in the crawl space from the 70's & 80's. I go to car modeling events like club meetings, NNL events, swap meets, etc. to show my work and enjoy lookin' at others people's work. I also like the camaraderie that goes along with it, as I've met many people over the years.

been at it since the mid 60's ....well said Nick..!

[rmvw guy]

It has always been about building for fun for me, what other reason is there? Sometimes I leave off detail so it will be more fun. Wireing and BMF are a "must" according to some builders. Sometimes I find these things a pain and not to be fun at all, so I just leave them off! The basic model kit is fun for me, building it to the best of my ability. I won't win any trophys with my models but, so what? I DO like to display them for ME! And in my garage I have over 150 on display today. I throw the boxes away

Sounds like I am trying to be contrary, maybe I am. Really I am glad we are all different. I do enjoy an occational show and looking at extreme detail from others on the forum. Keep up the good work (or should I say play?), and build to your heart's content, weather it's one or 1,000.

[Pete J.]

It has always been about building for fun for me, what other reason is there? Sometimes I leave off detail so it will be more fun. Wireing and BMF are a "must" according to some builders. Sometimes I find these things a pain and not to be fun at all, so I just leave them off! The basic model kit is fun for me, building it to the best of my ability. I won't win any trophys with my models but, so what? I DO like to display them for ME! And in my garage I have over 150 on display today. I throw the boxes away

Sounds like I am trying to be contrary, maybe I am. Really I am glad we are all different. I do enjoy an occational show and looking at extreme detail from others on the forum. Keep up the good work (or should I say play?), and build to your heart's content, weather it's one or 1,000.

Your only being contrary if you start beating down someone else for the way they build. There is no wrong way to do what you like when it comes to a hobby. Don't be critical when others don't do it your way.

[Agent G]

Yeah... I build for fun, too! And to me, detailing is the fun part of building!

What he said, X2

G

[rmvw guy]

Your only being contrary if you start beating down someone else for the way they build. There is no wrong way to do what you like when it comes to a hobby. Don't be critical when others don't do it your way.

I always try not to be critical of anyone who builds models for a hobby. I always think it should be fun and in no way expect others to do it my way. You are right when you said, "There is no wrong way to do what you like when it comes to a hobby." I too, do not like to be told how to build.

I am only saying I may seem contrary to the original poster, like I said, I am glad we are all different. My lack of detail sometimes, does not mean I am not having fun. I would never beat someone down for the way they build.

[southpier]

interesting. finished became unfinished, too.

[disabled modeler]

Remember....the build only has to make the builder happy in the end. Sure we all want to build better than we do now always striving for excellence with our work. Me I build for myself and to pass all the time I have to kill and for the love of building...in the end nothing else matters really. I like to build adding all the detail I can to one and like to do the simple builds-curbsides,etc. there all fun to build and only limited by ones imagination or abilities to do so. I have numbness and dexterity problems in my hands on and off so I can relate to not feeling like a tougher build at times....make yourself happy first.

[Pete J.]

I always try not to be critical of anyone who builds models for a hobby. I always think it should be fun and in no way expect others to do it my way. You are right when you said, "There is no wrong way to do what you like when it comes to a hobby." I too, do not like to be told how to build.

I am only saying I may seem contrary to the original poster, like I said, I am glad we are all different. My lack of detail sometimes, does not mean I am not having fun. I would never beat someone down for the way they build.

I was only pointing out that what you said was not contrary to my original post unless you start pounding on someone else, which you were not doing. Just keep on, keeping on! Your doing fine.

[Agent G]

My problem is that everytime I intend to build one "just for fun" I cannot help but adding stuff. Before I know it I'm knee deep in details anyway!

G

[Ace-Garageguy]

Every time I find myself to be on the verge of having fun, I jab myself in the eye with a stick.

[Tom Geiger]

I just discovered this thread, and there's not much left to add! I build for my own enjoyment and the delight of the few odd souls I call friends. I love the build process, not only for the art and accomplishment, but the social aspect of sharing my joy and photos on the boards. That's something that spurs me on to work harder and finish the model.

Once I finish a model, it goes into the place of honor in my den. That's up on the wall unit next to the TV. That's because I find joy in looking at it, and how the image in my head has magically been created in 3D. I also enjoy taking the final product, or even the build in progress, to shows and club meetings. I like getting critiques and sometimes people tell me things that will make my model better.

My finished models all sit in a show case, a transformed china cabinet, that is in my home office. Sometimes I just stand there and admire my 'babies'. And it's often the first thing I show visitors to my home. Nothing wrong with enjoying and being proud of your work.

I don't understand the 'good enough' guys. It's a mind set and a way of life. I think you'll find that they settle for average in many aspects of their life. I can't understand it, I've always strove to do my best at everything in my life. But I see it in my wife's brothers... one of whom upon seeing my model room and what was on my bench exclaimed, "That looks like work!" He spends most of his time watching TV or bothering people on FaceBook.

[my66s55]

What don't you understand about "good enough" Tom. This subject has been hashed out many time in the past. It all comes down to a persons seriousness in the hobby. If there's is not as serious as yours, accept that. Their happy with what they have created. It's a hobby and everyone get their own satifation out of their builds. It doesn't mean that's how they view everything in life, just their modeling hobby.

Edited July 30, 2014 by my66s55

[Harry P.]

What don't you understand about "good enough" Tom.

I agree... everyone's idea of "good enough" is different.

For some people, just putting together the parts in the box is good enough... they would never even consider doing anything further, and they're perfectly happy building at that level.

For others, the idea of just putting together the parts in the box without doing anything above that level would never be good enough. They aren't happy unless they take their building to a higher level, and to them, taking it up a notch or two or more is the fun part.

And then there are those who do neither. They aren't interested in building kits... they are happy to just collect kits. They get their satisfaction in a different way, and that's ok, too.

There are a lot of ways to enjoy model cars, but there's no "right" way.

[my66s55]

I agree... everyone's idea of "good enough" is different.

For some people, just putting together the parts in the box is good enough... they would never even consider doing anything further, and they're perfectly happy building at that level.

For others, the idea of just putting together the parts in the box without doing anything above that level would never be good enough. They aren't happy unless they take their building to a higher level, and to them, taking it up a notch or two or more is the fun part.

And then there are those who do neither. They aren't interested in building kits... they are happy to just collect kits. They get their satisfaction in a different way, and that's ok, too.

There are a lot of ways to enjoy model cars, but there's no "right" way.

And Harry, there is every level n be twine.

[sjordan2]

"Art is never finished, only abandoned."

Leonardo da Vinci