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The Title "Master Modeler"

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  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Central USA
Posted by qmiester on Sunday, July 19, 2009 8:30 PM

If you're curious about what a model railroader has to do to earn the title of "Master Model Railroader", go to the NMRA web site (www.nmra.com) - look under Achievemant Program for Master Model Railroader.  I agree w/Prof Tilley, it isn't exactly my cup of tea - but I'm quite sure if the IPMS had such a program, there would be a lot of plastic modelers in it.

Quincy
  • Member since
    November 2008
Posted by deadhead on Friday, July 17, 2009 1:09 PM

See you guys give me more questions; Professional modeler or Master Modeler. Is there an Apprenticeship? How long as a Journeyman? Is it like Wolf, Bear Weblo? Darn it Jon, we all need patches!

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Greenville, NC
Posted by jtilley on Friday, July 17, 2009 12:14 PM

I'm reminded (vaguely) of a conversation I once had with a guy who did volunteer work at a maritime museum, building ship models in a booth for the benefit of visitors.  He said he got two questions over and over:  "How long?" and "How much?"

After several months of this, he said, he started to wonder whether he was a model builder or a prostitute.

Youth, talent, hard work, and enthusiasm are no match for old age and treachery.

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Spartanburg, SC
Posted by subfixer on Friday, July 17, 2009 11:47 AM
Just say that you "do" models and leave it at that. (Most probably won't believe you, but the ones that will, will be in awe)

I'm from the government and I'm here to help.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
Posted by ajlafleche on Friday, July 17, 2009 8:30 AM

 waikong wrote:
My son's teacher when he was 10 asked what his father likes do as a hobby, he says he likes to 'model'. She looked dumbfounded, and asked whether I was a male model in my spare time.

After the newspaper announcement of one of our early shows, I got a couple calls from women who wanted to know how to enter our competition since they were aspiring models. When I met the friend of a friend many years ago at a hotel near Boston, I mentined I'd been to a model show there a few months before. His response was, "you do keep yourself in pretty good shape." (Those of you who've met me can guess just how long "many" is in this instance!) Big Smile [:D]

Remember, if the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: NYC, USA
Posted by waikong on Friday, July 17, 2009 8:10 AM
My son's teacher when he was 10 asked what his father likes do as a hobby, he says he likes to 'model'. She looked dumbfounded, and asked whether I was a male model in my spare time.
  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Maryland
Posted by usmc1371 on Friday, July 17, 2009 7:20 AM

I've been told I'm the "best model maker ever".  But then again, that comes from my 5 year old.  She is my biggest audience so I guess that counts for something.

-Jesse

  • Member since
    November 2008
Posted by deadhead on Friday, July 17, 2009 6:28 AM
What do you do if you move to England and have to change the spelling of Modeler?
I suppose you'd just be considered a krank and master of nothing.
  • Member since
    March 2007
Posted by KAYSEE88 on Friday, July 17, 2009 12:03 AM

oh please....!!  I'm myself a *Master Finescale Modeler*.....i have 1"x1" tatoos of every FSM cover since 2003 on my body.......can you beat that??

 

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Spartanburg, SC
Posted by subfixer on Thursday, July 16, 2009 9:49 PM
 jwb wrote:

Yes, there is an official title "Master Modeler".

I know.

 

But yeah, there are Master Modelers.

You'll know us by the patch.

Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]Laugh [(-D]

If you don't stop posting this stuff, my wife will send you the funeral bill. You're killing me!

I'm from the government and I'm here to help.

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Charlottesville Va
Posted by Stern0 on Thursday, July 16, 2009 9:42 PM
 Summit wrote:
 jwb wrote:

Yes, there is an official title "Master Modeler".

I know.

I am a Master Modeler.

Back in 1975 or so, when I was 8, I joined the Revell Master Modelers Club. I had a patch for my denim jacket, a pin, and a membership card. I even got the club magazine. I think the patch seals the authenticity though.

My friend Jimmy was not a Master Modeler. His parents didn't have the $5 membership fee and the 3 proofs-of-purchase. So he was not a Master Modeler. He was just a Regular Modeler. I think he had a Cheerios patch and a Campbells Tomato Soup bowl, so he did have that going for him.

But yeah, there are Master Modelers.

You'll know us by the patch.

Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]Laugh [(-D]

Thats the funniest thing I have read in a long time - Thanks jwb Thumbs Up [tup] Laugh [(-D]

I'm still giggling....nice Jon!Laugh [(-D]

Always Faithful U.S.M.C
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: NYC, USA
Posted by waikong on Thursday, July 16, 2009 12:22 PM
Jon, I was in the Revell club too! Scrapped my $5 together and got the official tools set (a plastic sheet, some brushes and a tweezer if I remembered correctly).  Wish I kept the membership card though.. Maybe we should form a club...
  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Inland Northwest
Posted by Summit on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 10:41 AM
 jwb wrote:

Yes, there is an official title "Master Modeler".

I know.

I am a Master Modeler.

Back in 1975 or so, when I was 8, I joined the Revell Master Modelers Club. I had a patch for my denim jacket, a pin, and a membership card. I even got the club magazine. I think the patch seals the authenticity though.

My friend Jimmy was not a Master Modeler. His parents didn't have the $5 membership fee and the 3 proofs-of-purchase. So he was not a Master Modeler. He was just a Regular Modeler. I think he had a Cheerios patch and a Campbells Tomato Soup bowl, so he did have that going for him.

But yeah, there are Master Modelers.

You'll know us by the patch.

Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]Laugh [(-D]

Thats the funniest thing I have read in a long time - Thanks jwb Thumbs Up [tup] Laugh [(-D]

Sean "I've reached nearly fifty years of age with my system." Weekend GB 2008
  • Member since
    November 2008
Posted by deadhead on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 10:31 AM
 usmc1371 wrote:
 deadhead wrote:

...the title "Master Modeler", but I can find nothing that explains how they received that title or who bestowed it.

The only way you get the title "Master Modeler" is when others in the hobby call you that.  For example, Sheperd Paine is called a Master Modeler because so many modelers realize Paine is a master at modeling.  Basically, the title is not an award but something you earn by your peers.

-Jesse

 

Excellent! My Peers are as bad as I am!
So I do hereby declare I am a Mediocre Modeler!

  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Maryland
Posted by usmc1371 on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 7:59 AM
 deadhead wrote:

...the title "Master Modeler", but I can find nothing that explains how they received that title or who bestowed it.

The only way you get the title "Master Modeler" is when others in the hobby call you that.  For example, Sheperd Paine is called a Master Modeler because so many modelers realize Paine is a master at modeling.  Basically, the title is not an award but something you earn by your peers.

-Jesse

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
Posted by ajlafleche on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 7:51 AM
 deadhead wrote:

I suppose the IPMS would be the ones to set standards, but then you would have to set categories as well, Heavier than Air Craft prior to WWI but after 1903. . .quite the mess.

A few years ago, IPMS work on such a project. It went over like a in church. The overwhelming response was, "Who are these people to tell me how to build a model?" The project died a quiet and lonely death on the side of the road.

Like "Museum Quality," "Master Modeler" is worth the pixels it's written with.

Remember, if the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

  • Member since
    November 2008
Posted by deadhead on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 6:54 AM

Bow [bow]

I'm off to design a patch now. . .maybe a t-shirt. Not for master modeler, perhaps MASTER  rivet counter, nit picker, etc. Big Smile [:D]

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Right side of the Front row.
Posted by kirk4010 on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 11:13 PM
 jwb wrote:

 I had a patch for my denim jacket, a pin, and a membership card. I even got the club magazine. I think the patch seals the authenticity though.

You'll know us by the patch.

Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]Laugh [(-D]

I could kill myshelf for leaving my denim Jacket (which had said patch) on a bus back in the 1970s.  I feel it has held me back in all areas of my life as I have lost my offical credentials to prove that, I also am a master modeler.  Who ever ended up with my Jacket is most likely a CEO of some big corporation with a big house and a really cool car.

The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving.-Ulysses S. Grant
jwb
  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Parkton, NC
Posted by jwb on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 9:32 PM

Yes, there is an official title "Master Modeler".

I know.

I am a Master Modeler.

Back in 1975 or so, when I was 8, I joined the Revell Master Modelers Club. I had a patch for my denim jacket, a pin, and a membership card. I even got the club magazine. I think the patch seals the authenticity though.

My friend Jimmy was not a Master Modeler. His parents didn't have the $5 membership fee and the 3 proofs-of-purchase. So he was not a Master Modeler. He was just a Regular Modeler. I think he had a Cheerios patch and a Campbells Tomato Soup bowl, so he did have that going for him.

But yeah, there are Master Modelers.

You'll know us by the patch.

Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]Laugh [(-D]

Jon Bius

AgapeModels.com- Modeling with a Higher purpose

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

  • Member since
    November 2008
Posted by deadhead on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:34 PM

The local hobby shop owner was just awarded, the title MMR and he is quite proud of it ,and that with the self penned title on e-bay as well as other places had me wondering. Especially as some of my work,though no where near even contest honorable mention, looks as good as that stuff they are peddling.

I suppose the IPMS would be the ones to set standards, but then you would have to set categories as well, Heavier than Air Craft prior to WWI but after 1903. . .quite the mess.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Yokosuka, Japan
Posted by luftwaffle on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 11:52 AM
 deadhead wrote:

Is there a certified or sanctioned way to acheive it? I see nothing on any IPMS site.

Will

Actually the title is bestowed by me, for a $50 processing fee I will chisel your name in the Master Modeler Wall of Fame and send you a certificate suitable for framing.... Big Smile [:D]

Completely subjective term that means nothing.  I've see so-called "master modeler" work on ebay that looks like schlock.  There are people who fit the bill but most would shun the title, if you have to advertise yourself as a master modeler chances are you're not.

aka Mike, The Mikester My Website

"He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire."   -Winston Churchill

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Greenville, NC
Posted by jtilley on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 9:59 AM

All I can say is - I certainly hope not.

I've been building models (primarily ships, but sometimes aircraft, figures, and various other things) for more than fifty years.  I don't consider myself a "master modeler."  I learn something about modeling every week - if not every day.

To my knowledge there's only one phase of modeling that does bestow such labels:  model railroading.  I haven't kept up with such things for many years, but I believe the National Model Railroad Association gives a "Master Modeler Award."  In order to get it, the candidate needs to build a working locomotive from scratch, design an electronic circuit (and prove that it works), leap a tall building with a single bound, etc., etc., etc.  If the model railroaders want to operate that way, that's certainly their business; it's not for me to tell them they shouldn't.  But it's surely obvious that the fields covered by the FSM Forum are so diverse and varied that virtually nobody would be likely to satisfy any set of standards that could be agreed upon by all of them. 

For example, it could reasonably be argued that the title "master modeler" should only go to people who've demonstrated big achievements in scratchbuilding.  How many modelers have scratchbuilt creditable models of (a) a tank, (b) a biplane, (c) a machine from a science fiction movie, (d) an eighteenth-century soldier, on 54mm scale, (e) an automobile, (f) a modern warship, and (g) an eighteenth-century sailing ship? 

Modelers (like people in other many other forms of endeavor, I guess) tend to toss phrases like that around pretty indiscriminately.  Two others that I don't like:  "professional quality" and "museum quality."  Both of them, really, are oxymorons:  terms that contradict themselves.  (Other famous examples:  "jumbo shrimp," "airline food," and "military intelligence.") 

The word "professional" simply and literally means that the person in question gets paid for doing whatever it is that he/she does.  Whether a person gets paid for building a model has absolutely nothing to do with how good a model is.  (The professional, charging by the hour, often finds it necessary to take short cuts that the amateur, with no deadline to worry about, won't even consider.) 

And I spent three years working in a maritime museum.  Believe me, there's no such thing as a "museum quality model."  Some of the lousiest models I've ever seen have been in museums.  "Quality," as it's normally defined in this Forum, is only one of many considerations a museum looks at when it decides whether or not to accept a model.  If the model is a donation (especially if the donor is a friend of the president of the board of trustees), many a museum will accept it, regardless of what it looks like.  On the other hand, suppose I'm a curator of a maritime museum and somebody brings in a model of the Mayflower with a lopsided hull hacked from balsa wood, sails made from burlap, rigging made from what looks like kite string, and cannons made from old nails.  If he proudly announces that he built it himself last week, I'll tell him what a beautiful thing it is and get him out the door as quickly and politely as possible.  If he offers me documentary proof that it was built by a sailor on board the Mayflower in 1620, I'll start a campaign to raise half a million dollars so I can buy it.

My firm recommendation to modelers has always been, and continues to be:  build models for our satisfaction (or, if you are in fact a professional, to your customers' satisfaction).  If you think it's a good model, let that be enough.  Putting some sort of label on it, or you, won't make it, or you, any better.

Youth, talent, hard work, and enthusiasm are no match for old age and treachery.

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Biding my time, watching your lines.
Posted by PaintsWithBrush on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 9:37 AM
The title of "Master Modeler" on e-bay would rate the same with me as "political expert" does when some talking head appears on a cable infotainment show.
How do we know they're a "Master" or "Expert"? Easy. Just ask 'em, they'll tell you.
Regards, PWB (Brilliant commentator)

A 100% rider on a 70% bike will always defeat a 70% rider on a 100% bike. (Kenny Roberts)

  • Member since
    November 2008
The Title "Master Modeler"
Posted by deadhead on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 9:11 AM

Goofing about E-bay and I notice there are a few who sell built models that use the title "Master Modeler", but I can find nothing that explains how they received that title or who bestowed it.
Is there a certified or sanctioned way to acheive it? I see nothing on any IPMS site.

Will

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