Ok Gamera,

Posted some pics of my figures over on that forum. Go have a look its titled as "Painted Role Play Game Figures".

If you get a chance could you post some of your figures over on that forum? I'd really like to see them.

Yes, I agree!

I have been painting and collecting them since I was 17. I used to be a D&D gamer and that is how I got into painting gaming figures as a hobby. Its a great second hobby to have when I'm burned out from model building.

Air Master -

You said earlier that you collect and paint gaming figures. I find them a nice break from aircraft/armour. When I get tired of filling/sanding seams, masking, fighting my airbrush I pull out a figure and work on it. Just me, the figure, and my paint brush. And I can polish it off in some cases in a single afternoon, Gives me the impression I'm getting something done.

Krow,

The "empty gas tank" analogy is a good one and I think really applies to me. Before I started my Phantom II, I had completed two F-18's. One to get back on track with model building and the other for a GB I started in 08. As for starting a new kit, I'm the kind of guy that has to finish what he starts. I can't crack open a new kit until I've finished the current one. I just cant seem to pick up where I left off. It's very frustrating to say the least.

Odd,

I wish I was where your at right now cranking out model after model. I find doing one kit at a time is best for me. This way i have many other kits to work on later. I used to have a stash like yours but after having it all stolen from me the most I buy now is a few kits at a time and build them one at a time. I'm starting to think maybe I am just a little burned out right now and should take this slump time as an opportunity to perhaps switch to my other hobbies until the passion I have for this hobby returns.

Thanks guys!!!!

Air Master, I some what envy you your slump, as at this point I seem to be overdoing it a little bit. I've not known the concept of 'the stash' until recently and had up until now modeled one kit at a time. I went to a show recently and magically came home with 5 kits (how they got there I'm not sure but I think it had something to do with the low prices ...any how, now I have my work cut out for me.

On top of that, I've already cracked open several of the kits and have begun work on them. Moreover, I've posted several WIP threads here that I really can't keep up with, which is fairly annoying and a little embarrassing. But I can't help it. Life doesn't always allow for you to complete the tasks you've set out to complete, in my case its having two young children. Lately, I've found myself participating more in chats like these than actually doing any modeling. Then last night, I purchased another kit and have already started doing research for that project. Ugh. So, where as you're trying to get back on track, I need to pause and slow down. Both situations can be hazardous to our hobbies.

So, if there is such a thing as the anti-slump, I'm certainly in it and have given myself more work than I can handle at the moment. But all of this is the ebb and flow of modeling and each of us come to a solution in different ways depending on the circumstances. Soon enough you''ll be back at it, and in a few months, I'll be sitting on my hands wishing I hadn't built all my kits in a 3 month span.

AMM : I am watching here with interest ,following the great advice to a modelling problem.A problem to be evaluated as with any problem .Procedure may dictate a pause and assessment of the situation ,which will inevitably incur a 'looking around' at your enviornment ,relationship and current mental state. There is nothing wrong with a pause, even if it lasts ten years ,especially if one is reflecting on an important issue. I personally am very aware my creative gas tank is emptied, by production of excellent work , and re-filled by 'walking away'. This is a means of control over my output. There is nothing wrong with an 'empty tank' it means its time for a break rather than continue in an improper manner . I came back to modelling after 25 years or so to 'empty my tank ' as dealing with never-happy customers resulted in frustration and an inability to 'empty my tank' ,as an unhappy customer translates into a job not finished,period. A creative person needs that tank emptied or there is a general feeling of ,for me anyway , uselessness .I went into this modelling thing we have full force ,joined the local IPMS club and participate in some of the best threads on here ,I post my wips, I offer productive advice and I cracked into ,this year , 7 kits the night of our last IPMS show. I am also aware of where to go on here and where to stay away from ,your post is an excellent one ,and a definite ask for help, therefore I am ok with participation.

I put the kits through a procedure that  is born of my work habits basically : Selection of subject/materials , inspection , directional decision , fabrication , primer , paint , decaling , basework , and final finish .By the time I go through steps on one my eye/mind is onto the next ,keeping a flow of fresh thoughts ,uh , flowing.I also think of the models as a 'piece' like an artist would ,this gets me some funny looks when I say it!

I feel for ya man ,and urge you to focus on the positive encouragement offered by a number of people on here.Your tank is empty ,it fills in many ways ,some you control,others you can't ,but you will have to wait till it fills again.

One word on the gf thing ,opening the door to touchy subjects on here( gf , wife , mummy ) is an invitation to unwanted and unnesseccary comments . Dont take the bait .The best advice on this post so far is to direct some (if ya got any left in the tank!) creative output into your gf , they love the creation of an item just for them and you will feel way better ,as I 'get' from you a little guilt perhaps that you enjoy your modelling but cant share it with her.Justa thought.

Finally: I wish you the best of luck in your work ,hobby and life ,it takes a real person to ask for this kinda advice.

Manstein's revenge

Just do it and don't take any more negative BS from your girl...she needs to respect you, IMO...

Just do it and don't take any more negative BS from your girl...she needs to respect you, IMO...

Manstein's revenge

Just do it...

Just do it...

the doog

I only brought up your girlfriend because, in our posts you mentioned that you missed not having the reinforcement and approval from someone in regard to your hobby. Then you mentioned that your ex-wife used to be that support for you and now.....ya know?

Like many people, I too have been in "slumps" before, and through some really smart advice, realized that the problem was NOT what I thought it was--it was, in fact, something completely outside of where I was looking. Or I should say 'where I was comfortable looking".

If you say it's not your your girlfriend, then I have no reason to try to convince you that it is, but while she may take you to hobby shops, I just want to offer the opinion that buying you something is not the same as making you feel some approval for it. If my girlfriend didn't appreciate my modeling, it would certainly make me wonder if somehow this hobby was some kind of source for tension in my relationship,, especially if she "hated when I brought it up" to paraphrase YOUR own words. You seem to be backing away from that statement now, but it's kinda interesting that you put it that way in the first mention of it before someone called you out on that particular comment?

Anyway, that's the last I'll say on it. I still think you should tell her exactly HOW much of an interest it is for you, and why it matters to you that she realizes that it's an important creative outlet for you.

I build my girlfriend models--two or three a year. Her favorite car, horse-themed stuff---even the famous Castle Neuschwanstein where we took a special holiday. Did you ever think of doing something like that to get her a little more "connected" t your love of the hobby? It also might provide some real inspiration for YOU to be working on something so personal and special for the person you love?

Doog,

Your OK with me. I know your trying to help and I really appreciate it! I wasn't trying to back away I was just putting what I had said in better perspective because I know I made her sound like something spelled with a "B", and that was not my intention at all.

WELL NOW YOU KNOW!!!!

Its bad people like you that make good people leave these forums and look for other modeler forums where advice and criticism are constructive and helpful. You have been nothing but a TROLL posting to every thread you can just to bump up your post count.  You offer absolutely  NOTHING in the way of help or advice that I would consider constructive or helpful in any way. So why do you even bother except to start B.S. and be a complete TROLL?

This will be my last post in reply to you. Weather or not you care isn't my problem but,  I am not going to have a battle of wits with an unarmed jack-anus and Troll like YOU!

Air Master Modeler

And you wonder why I have no respect for you here.

Uuuuummmmm, nooo.  Wrong again.  I have never wondered, or cared, why you have no respect for me...

I only brought up your girlfriend because, in our posts you mentioned that you missed not having the reinforcement and approval from someone in regard to your hobby. Then you mentioned that your ex-wife used to be that support for you and now.....ya know?

Like many people, I too have been in "slumps" before, and through some really smart advice, realized that the problem was NOT what I thought it was--it was, in fact, something completely outside of where I was looking. Or I should say 'where I was comfortable looking".

If you say it's not your your girlfriend, then I have no reason to try to convince you that it is, but while she may take you to hobby shops, I just want to offer the opinion that buying you something is not the same as making you feel some approval for it. If my girlfriend didn't appreciate my modeling, it would certainly make me wonder if somehow this hobby was some kind of source for tension in my relationship,, especially if she "hated when I brought it up" to paraphrase YOUR own words. You seem to be backing away from that statement now, but it's kinda interesting that you put it that way in the first mention of it before someone called you out on that particular comment?

Anyway, that's the last I'll say on it. I still think you should tell her exactly HOW much of an interest it is for you, and why it matters to you that she realizes that it's an important creative outlet for you.

I build my girlfriend models--two or three a year. Her favorite car, horse-themed stuff---even the famous Castle Neuschwanstein where we took a special holiday. Did you ever think of doing something like that to get her a little more "connected" t your love of the hobby? It also might provide some real inspiration for YOU to be working on something so personal and special for the person you love?

Manstein's revenge

 

Its about your "slump". And you mentioned your girlfriend in one of your posts, which the doog mentioned, from her remarks/attitude,  as a possible source behind said slump. You brought her up, not amnyone else...don't want to talk about it, don't bring it up.

 

And you wonder why I have no respect for you here. Your attitude smells like a fresh pile of . At least Doog wasn't harping on my girlfriend and being offensive as you are now. He made one remark and you have made several and many of which I found offensive. You do this in a lot of threads you post to with an offensive attitude.

Thanks again for being a jack-anus as usual!!!

Air Master Modeler

Manny, If my girlfriend were selfish she would not be taking me to hobby shops to buy kits and model supplies. Its not so much that she hates it, she doesn't understand it so it would be redundant to try and have a conversation about model building with her. She does like end results when I complete a kit but, other than that model building isn't as big a deal with her as it is to me.

Now I would like it if you would drop the subject about my girlfriend and stay on topic. This thread isn't about my girlfriend.

Manny, If my girlfriend were selfish she would not be taking me to hobby shops to buy kits and model supplies. Its not so much that she hates it, she doesn't understand it so it would be redundant to try and have a conversation about model building with her. She does like end results when I complete a kit but, other than that model building isn't as big a deal with her as it is to me.

Now I would like it if you would drop the subject about my girlfriend and stay on topic. This thread isn't about my girlfriend.

the doog

Air Master Modeler:

 My current girlfriend has no interest in this hobby and knows nothing about military weapons systems and hates when I bring it up. I miss this encouragement and support I used to have because it really motivated me to do my best on every kit I built.

 

 

I think you've identified the problem--forget about the model--you need a new girlfriend.

Have you ever told your girlfriend how you feel? I really think that it weighs a LOT heavier on you than you realize. Your primary relationship doesn't recognize or validate a big part of who you are as a person and what makes you tick and find enjoyment. No wonder you're in a slump! You've been made to feel guilty and denigrated because you like to build plastic models.

==and she "hates when you bring it up"?!

I'd think hard about that....

Air Master Modeler

OK, let me clarify something here. My girlfriend is supportive of my hobby but given the fact she knows nothing about the military or its weapons systems its not a subject she can easily understand or converse with me about when I talk about it. Its not her fault, its just a topic she has no knowledge or understanding of. She is just not interested in technical stuff I often talk about with fellow modelers and I respect that. Yes, she does not like to talk my hobby or military weapons because she knows nothing about it and no interest in it. Fact is not a lot of women are interested in our MAN toys.

Now lets stay on topic.

Let me make clear, "JUST DO IT" is the stupidest idea to break a slump. It doesn't work!!!! Forcing yourself to work on a model kit while in a slump will render the final results a disaster. I rather let my slump ride out  than force myself to work on it and the end result not what I want. I want the results to be something I can take pride in, not something that will end up in the dumpster by forcing myself to "just do it".                

Those of you who have actually been through a slump have been the best source of advice.

Maybe you need to accomplish something other than kit buiding....does your lady friend need any work like painting, etc...? Do any wood working?

Maybe when you finish an unrelated project and feel the satisfaction of completing a project, building a kit will seem easy.

And as Red Green says.....

so,

Air Master Modeler: Good Luck on getting over the slump.

OK, let me clarify something here. My girlfriend is supportive of my hobby but given the fact she knows nothing about the military or its weapons systems its not a subject she can easily understand or converse with me about when I talk about it. Its not her fault, its just a topic she has no knowledge or understanding of. She is just not interested in technical stuff I often talk about with fellow modelers and I respect that. Yes, she does not like to talk my hobby or military weapons because she knows nothing about it and no interest in it. Fact is not a lot of women are interested in our MAN toys.

Now lets stay on topic.

Let me make clear, "JUST DO IT" is the stupidest idea to break a slump. It doesn't work!!!! Forcing yourself to work on a model kit while in a slump will render the final results a disaster. I rather let my slump ride out  than force myself to work on it and the end result not what I want. I want the results to be something I can take pride in, not something that will end up in the dumpster by forcing myself to "just do it".                

Those of you who have actually been through a slump have been the best source of advice.

the doog

 

Air Master Modeler:

 

 My current girlfriend has no interest in this hobby and knows nothing about military weapons systems and hates when I bring it up. I miss this encouragement and support I used to have because it really motivated me to do my best on every kit I built.

 

 

I think you've identified the problem--forget about the model--you need a new girlfriend.

 

I'd think hard about that....

the doog

Air Master Modeler:

 My current girlfriend has no interest in this hobby and knows nothing about military weapons systems and hates when I bring it up. I miss this encouragement and support I used to have because it really motivated me to do my best on every kit I built.

 

 

I think you've identified the problem--forget about the model--you need a new girlfriend.

Have you ever told your girlfriend how you feel? I really think that it weighs a LOT heavier on you than you realize. Your primary relationship doesn't recognize or validate a big part of who you are as a person and what makes you tick and find enjoyment. No wonder you're in a slump! You've been made to feel guilty and denigrated because you like to build plastic models.

==and she "hates when you bring it up"?!

I'd think hard about that....

my advice ,for what it is worth,is go to a local hobby shop and find a club meeting in your area.any club that puts glue to styrene will do,you will find insperation and motivation to carry on with this HOBBY,while giving pesonal advice on relationships is something i try not to do it is imporant that your signifigant other respects what makes you happy or enjoy doing.i won't say "kick 'em to the curb" but DO NOT allow them to control every aspect of your being(today your models tomorrow your choice in dinner).modeling is apart of your life from the first one you built till the last wiff of glue you breathe no matter how old you are.WHEN you do come back don't set your expectations to the level you had when ya put the pin vice down,your skills will diminish over time but don't be discouraged when you do build again it will come back and you will find your skills and models have improved.we have all been there (and most will probably be there again for a time)so hang in there.like my tag line says"we're modelers it's what we do"

Air Master Modeler

 My current girlfriend has no interest in this hobby and knows nothing about military weapons systems and hates when I bring it up. I miss this encouragement and support I used to have because it really motivated me to do my best on every kit I built.

 

Have you ever told your girlfriend how you feel? I really think that it weighs a LOT heavier on you than you realize. Your primary relationship doesn't recognize or validate a big part of who you are as a person and what makes you tick and find enjoyment. No wonder you're in a slump! You've been made to feel guilty and denigrated because you like to build plastic models.

==and she "hates when you bring it up"?!

I'd think hard about that....

Just do it...

 I was in to modeling until I was 20 and got out of it, sold my stash. Stupid move. Got back into it about ten years ago, about five years ago I got into a slump, worried me at first, but I kept on buying kits reading Fine scale and checking out forums. I have other hobbies, mainly pro audio, I work on that right now. I too look at my situation as a "leave of absense". I know that need to build will come back, just can't force it. Be cool about it. Don't sell sell your stash.

total american patriot

(I wonder if anyone else is a baseball fan)

Heck yeah!

Well first off to reclaim the interest of modeling, take a few weeks off. A while back when I was making a 1:400 scale MIR station, it was just so frustrating. I took a break off. after two weeks I felt a sudden need to finish it if I wanted to start my P-61(I think) blackwidow. In a few weeks, I finished it. Now it's like an addiction, I can't get modeling out of my head! Try it! Even looking at my stash gets me  exited!

Secondly, I'm a kid! OK, I do have an xbox.But, it's not all I do in my house. I play violin, baseball, and of course model. The xbox is like the comic books back in the 50s. So ya, I do other stuff other than XBOX.  (I wonder if anyone else is a baseball fan)