Frustration, frustration

We've all been there!

Power tools and models don't always provide the best solution and in many cases ruin the build. One needs to have a test mule to test their methodology on to find out if it works before applying it to the principle project. Omission of steps and procedures is probably the main cause of failure, so one needs to make notes as they go so not to miss or correct an error when repeating the process. This also helps one get into the habit if they ever plan on writing reviews or builds for a periodical/website.

Sometimes I'll do what you did, strip and start again. But most time I will just change schemes to get through the project, then start over with a fresh kit.

Trex:  What a pain to read your post!   Trapped into the dreaded 'cascade' of trouuble where no matter how hard you try it just gets worse! Hang in there and step off  ya gotta.

Probably most of us have been--and will be again in the future--in the frustrating place you find yourself now.  I don't keep track of the number of kits I've scrapped over the years, because something went wrong--often in the very last stages of completion!! 

I encourage you to keep trying--even if you have to dump the offending kits and start from the beginning.  It's sometimes easier and less frustrating than trying to reclaim a disaster.

I just found two Airfix Hurricanes in my hobby room, where the paint peeled off with the mask.  I must have stashed them there at least three years ago.  I've gotten them out now, and will try to reclaim them.

So--you are not alone.

Agreed....funny how frustration can get one to consider quitting the hobby.  Some kits fall into place and everything goes perfect, or problems arise where they shouldn't and snowball.  My way of dealing with it when I get to that point is: 1) shelve the kit for a later day; or 2) it sees the hammer.  Not too long ago, I hammered and threw away an Eduard FW-190 A-8...it just wouldn't go together for me.  After one of my endless roadblocks, I set it on the table...looked at it...shook my head...reached for the hammer and destroyed it.  I then put all the busted parts in the trash along with the box.  while still sitting there, I reached for my 1/32 Hasegawa P-47 and proceeded to make a ribbon winning aircraft.

I think My Tamiya F-15 is going to have to meet the hammer soon, fortunately its not a big lost. The kit is 30 years old. In fact I've also found Revell's old P-51, it too might meet the hammer since it has too much coats of paint, And sanding it off is not a option (too many rivets).

I don't want to quit on the skyrocket (its just too unique), I'll just take a break on it, meanwhile, I'll finish my P-61 and Finish all my tank (beside, the next model show in September is for armor only).

But perhaps I might build a P-47, been admiring the aircraft recently.

Prolly shouldn't keep the hammer so close to the bench..............!

But seriously, I suggest you buy yoursefl some Testors/Polly Scale Easy Lift Off (ELO) for stripping paint. It won't damage the plastic or detail beneath like sanding will. Use it with an old tooth brush to get the old pant out of the recesses.

hutchdh

My way of dealing with it when I get to that point is: 1) shelve the kit for a later day; or 2) it sees the hammer. 

I too shelve the kits. I haven't use the hammer but I have scanvenge models that had unrepairable damage. 

I figure that if I ever want to use the hammer I'm taking it too seriously.

I have never used a hammer, but not too long ago I was trying to put together an old kit out of my stash, a Monogram F4U Corsair, when I noticed a troubling trend - pieces were so brittle that they shattered when I applied any pressure on them during construction.  This went on for a few pieces before I set the entire kit, parts still on trees in some cases, and used my fist.  Blue plastic shards flew all over my work space, but it was oh so satisfying.  Swept up the remnants and put in the recycle bin along with the box, but for some reason I kept the decals.  Given that kit those decals would probably disintegrate upon contact with water.

SteelSnail

 

hutchdh:

 

My way of dealing with it when I get to that point is: 1) shelve the kit for a later day; or 2) it sees the hammer. 

 

 

I too shelve the kits. I haven't use the hammer but I have scanvenge models that had unrepairable damage. 

I figure that if I ever want to use the hammer I'm taking it too seriously.

Actually, in my personality, it is not taking it the situation too seriously...in fact, I find it very therapeutic and I have never regretted or internalized the experience 

T-REX: Don't feel like the Lone Ranger I'm in the process of finising my ICM Beobachtungspanzer the front and rear main hatch cover fit stunk. I ended up using my Dremal on a very low speed with a sanding drum to enlarge the opening so they would fit right. Now the turret will turn like its suppesed to,I like the ICM kits I hope there not all like this.  aceses5

No hammer for me either, but a few years back there was a Star Trek model with a set of engine nacells I could NOT get right.  Should have gone to bed, it was almost 3am.  Finally said 'Funk it" or something like that, and it achieved high warp moving across my garage.

Unfortunatly for the USS saggy, both shields and structural integrity fields failed to stop the ship from breaking up on impact with the garage door.  I felt better and I felt like an idiot.   

Chris

At least you didn't go crazy by blowing up your kits filled with those M-80 firecrackers.  I went crazy blowing up many of my built kits with my buddies just before I left for college and I regret for doing this... I only have 3-4 kits I built when I was a teenager which is more than 25 years ago.   

deafpanzer

At least you didn't go crazy by blowing up your kits filled with those M-80 firecrackers.  I went crazy blowing up many of my built kits with my buddies just before I left for college and I regret for doing this... I only have 3-4 kits I built when I was a teenager which is more than 25 years ago.   

Sigh, I did the same.  Of the kits I did leave behind, my Father threw them out in thinking I "grew out of my toys." 

I had a diorama hanging from my ceiling that included a formation of B-17s with P-51 escort, and FW-190's closing in......but all is gone.