Knowing what level you are building at

Me, I'm a novice. Nothing comes easy. Panel lines, seams, sprue gate clean up, paint application and fine lines. All of them give me trouble. Only a determination and a mine set that says I WILL WIN makes me finish a kit that looks like what it was supposed to. I don't need anybody else to tell me what level I model at, I already know.

PetarB wrote:

For example, which aircraft modeler today, submitting their masterpiece for IPMS review, would not jazz it up with photoetch, vac formed and future-dipped canopy, custom decal set, etc. Some of these things simply didn't exist a long time ago.

What is this "IPMS review" of which you speak? Check out this month's gallery. 4 out of 5 aircraft shown are OOB with no more than aftermarket decals.

Schnord05 wrote:

Maybe if someone asks you how well you build your models, you can show them your work and let them decide what your level is. Might be tricky for the builder to be totally objective in this matter.

 

i think thats the best answer.

personally if i was bothered weather i was a novice,intermediate or advanced,i wouldn't do modelling....i do it because i enjoy it.....i dont care if a model has 5 or 500 parts as long as i'm happy with the end result.

fermis wrote:

i suck!!! try to make each one better than the last!!!

 

me to

'Classifying' yourself as a beginner/advanced/whatever modeler is really a useless exercise. I've seen someone who has had no other experience scratchbuild a model that would put some people who only assemble kits to shame. I've seen seasoned veterans post pics of a finished model which have done no favours for their reputation. I myself was a professional modeler for a couple of years, but for all that I got paid for, I would not put any of those models up as ones I was proud of.

The other side of the coin is that modeling also relies on technology. Someone may well have been modeling for over 20 years or so, but some of the skills etc that they picked up then may not be relevant, or superceded today. For example, which aircraft modeler today, submitting their masterpiece for IPMS review, would not jazz it up with photoetch, vac formed and future-dipped canopy, custom decal set, etc. Some of these things simply didn't exist a long time ago.

In anycase, the level you are building it is your very own. Enjoy, and always, always try something different and learn all you can.

Yeah i think im still on the same level as Desert Rat. yesterday i dug out my airbush i noticed it was a plastic Testors airbrush can I still use both types of paints in it? or do i need to get a badger? stainless steel one?

I guess if I had to classify myself, I would consider myself more of an "advanced beginner". I've only been back at the hobby for maybe a year and a half or so, so I'm still building at the same level I did when I was 14 (which isn't anything to get too excited about). Since I'm still trying to learn and master more of the very basic techniques (filling/sanding, clearcoat, airbrush techniques, etc) my quality has probably taken a hit too. But it's all a part of that learning arc. I do hope in time I'll be far more proficient than I am now. I would love to be more on the level as most of the other modelers here. But for now, I'm happy just to be at the bench and learning

this seems to be maybe a much bigger issue with those who build model cars and trucks. there seems to be this greater amount of builders that get into the hobby and take on projects that someone with very advanced skills should only take on. as an example, a custom Acura Integra with an aftermarket style body kit, opening "Lambo" style doors, opening trunks with molded speaker boxes and wild multicolor paint jobs. a modeler with limited or maybe even no previous experience is willing to take a project like this on and expects professional and experienced results will spew forward from his hands like it's oozing out of his or her mind. this same modeler does not have even the "basics" of model building mastered yet and has a hard time building a kit to completion right out of the box, but for some reason jumps right past the beginner snap kit and right into a full custom project requiring massively advanced skills in painting, scratchbuilding and general knowledge of the subject. time AND experience can make you a better modeler, but it's no guarantee. i've seen modelers with no experience take on a few kits with results that many "masters" couldn't come near to with years experience and i've seen alot of "masters" that can certainly build a model but still not very well.

i've been building models for over 25 years, but i don't consider myself a "master" or professional model builder. just like 10 years ago, i still have alot to learn, everyday. i consider my builds pretty good and my skill level advanced, but still maybe even amatuer. i'm not afraid of scratchbuilding something, but i know my limits and admire and learn from those who are better.

i think i'm like alot of other builders that say i'm my own worst critic. if i'm not happy with the results and i think i could do better, that's my personal challenge.

Dave

HawkeyeHobbies wrote:

Stern0 wrote:  If you are a self proclaimed master,

Reminds me of a quotation from Margaret Thatcher:  "Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't."  I think the principle applies to any craft or skill.

 

Stern0 wrote:

If you are a self proclaimed master,

This is the rub...ever see any of those built up models for sale by a "Master Builder" that look as if it was little Timmy's very first ever build? This gives some a very sour taste in their mouth. Because those who are looking to start selling their build efforts to support their hobby needs or families in some cases as supplimental income, run across customers who have been burned by those so called "Masters." 

I won't call myself a Master until some recognizable organization/entity says I met the criteria. If I were to win a 1st or better at the Nats, then I feel as if I have earned the title. For now I am content at just being an Advanced Modeler (in many ways ) who loves to build and share with others what I have learned during the journey.

If we were in Scouts, wouldn't we get a badge?

To me, if I were to concern myself with what level I am, I would say that I would never finish anything...  I am a modeler on and off since 77? 78??, doing my best and trying to make every kit better than the last...  My level - Fun!

IMO I think we know what level we are at. If you are a self proclaimed master, seems to me, that there are no more challenges left, what fun is that? In fact how can you master something that is constantly changing and getting better? Someone who has just started modeling has a hell of a advantage over someone that has been building for ages..it's all relative...make the next one better is a good attitude to have, and if you need a little reality check look at the work posted in these forums and compare!

Archangel554 wrote:

Wow lots of good input guys thanks! lol as im building a 1:35 ZSU-23, Im thinking wow, I'm putting it together pretty nice I think, then i see on the turret the outer armor is crooked!! and doesn't match the other side,now it doesn't look right!

Your hull was probably warped. That stinks! Not much you can do, but pry that part off and sink it in very hot water, and then twist the hull on the opposite direction.

Wow lots of good input guys thanks! lol as im building a 1:35 ZSU-23, Im thinking wow, I'm putting it together pretty nice I think, then i see on the turret the outer armor is crooked!! and doesn't match the other side,now it doesn't look right!

 

Maybe if someone asks you how well you build your models, you can show them your work and let them decide what your level is. Might be tricky for the builder to be totally objective in this matter.

Of course the next question is "How much does this interested party know about finished models?" I've found the general public knows little other than "I could never do that!"

We all "sucked" at the early stages of our model building, but we kept plugging away at it getting better and better in the process. Don't give up, take what you learn, include it into the next and you'll improve.

Aftermarket doesn't make the model any easier. If you look at models on the contest tables, you'll find models with a long list of aftermarket goodies included, modifications made that are just poorly built. Too many believe this is how to win, but in reality it is the basics of construction that cause a kit to when. Master the basics and the rest will follow. OOB can take gold, peoples choice or best of show...it happens frequently.

When I look at the models I've received awards for...well they are very basic models...none have aftermarket addons. Come to think of it my modeling budget was virtually none, we didn't have it back then. 

If you build it OOB or with AM parts or something else, has nothing to say in my opinion...  It comes more under "Knowing what level your budget is at"

It's as simple as that, in my opinion... Heck, AM parts doesen't mean total improvement...  OOB kits can often be just as good..

 

Archangel554 wrote:

Is building out of the box considered begginer. Or out of the box and photo eched stuff mean you a novist?

That's a tough one to answer as there aren't really any rules but I do know that it has nothing to do with the media you are using.  I've seen some out of the box builds that are absolutely stunning and I've seen other builds with all the after market thrown in and it looks like .  

i suck!!! try to make each one better than the last!!!

I model well enough to get published and paid for it--but I'm still eager to learn and improve.

I hope I never get "good enough" to have it become routine.

Since I'm always learning I can't say that I am a master...but a well advanced one.

Jack of all trades...Master of none! LOL

Though I have placed 1st in many an event...I have never won at a national level. Of course I have never entered either.

With about 2000+ kits under m' belt since 1967 or so, I call myself a "modeler"...  Whatever "level" that is is up to the community... Which would probably label me, A*s-h*le...

Seriously though, If it has to be a label, I 'd say "experienced" is where I'm at...  I use different mediums, build mixed-media kits, kitbash, cast parts, and scratch-build details, super-details, and assorted support equipment and accessories...

I asked a similar question earlier about "Master Modeler" and who decides if you are one... Might have to look that up again...

At any rate, the ultimate decider is you... You know how good you are..

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