I'm currently into my 4th and 5th 1/700th scale ship models after a 20 year break from modeling. Although many of the skills have returned, I'm still lacking in one important area, even from two decades ago.
I'm weak in planning a model build. Oh, I study the assembly instructions, gather all my reference materials, have my tools together, etc. Still though, I find myself in the latter stages of the build, thinking:
"Why didn't I see that leaving this assembly off until after painting would have made detailing it much easier?"
"If only I'd done that first..."
If only...
If only...
If only...
I'd like to suggest a magazine story, or series perhaps dealing with different the subjects; ships, planes, armor, etc., and how top modelers study the kit and plan their construction stages. Of course specifics wouldn't be easy, but learning how someone breaks down the kit construction, based on their experience and acquired skills.
The story segment perhaps could have one modeler break down a particular kit, this month an aircraft, next month a ship. How does one plan the build? Since all kits don't contain detailed instructions, like Accurate Minatures for instance, how does one study the instructions the parts and combine experience to avoid the "If only" situations that keep a model from being the masterpiece the builder could have made, "If only."
I would certainly get a lot from a piece or two like this. I'm sure other modelers would too.
Mike Dillard