How to build models again after a long break?

After five years, the span of model improvement and innovation hasn't really improved all that much. If you had said "twenty years", then I could see you point, but I honestly can't see what you would be having a problem with. You might have just picked up some advanced kit that skeered ya, but for the most part, nothing groundshaking has been done in the last five years except maybe Armor interiors? But even there, with the innovation of "Smart Kits"  even  they've gotten easier.

Cast a wider net, and you should find something well within your comfort zone.

Skill-level 2 kit and buy new paints & basic tools..

It's like riding a bike... I was building Tamiya kits at age 12...

After all, ya can'r be intimidated by a kit that's labeled, "Ages 12 & Up"... 

Not to belabor, just to concur - - For the most part I agree with all the replies. In my opinion, like some others have suggested,        don't necessarily return with a sub standard kit, go with a good brand. I would rather dole out a little more up-front and enjoy the build. As opposed to frustration with a crappy kit.

AND,,,   don't beat yourself up over little setbacks or flaws while building. ENJOY THE BUILD.

Thanks everyone who contributed to this thread. Every single post provided a helpful tip.

"This time am in it only to enjoy the hobby."

that line alone probably means you'll be in it to stay this time

build it, look at it,,,,,don't like it, build another,,,,when you like each one after you finish it,,,,,,you're there,,,,it's really that easy

enjoy

Rex

I did the same thing before I left the hobby. I created goals that were beyond my skill level. I started to take things too seriously with my builds and experienced bad burn out when I should be enjoying the hobby. I prefer doing the things the correct and accurate way, but this time I need to be more careful and not beat my head into submission if make a small mistake. This time am in it only to enjoy the hobby.

Don't do what I did when I got back into it and that was to set my inititial goals too high.  I was very intimidated by the outstanding skills demonstrated in mags and on this site.  I had to manage my own lofty expectations and got discouraged, but eventually overcame it by keeping things in perspective.  

Good advice in previous replies in that keeping it simple and build up to rediscover and develop skills.  But most of all, enjoy it...

It’s been a long time since I’ve built or assemble anything with my hands. I’ve taken up different hobbies after I stop building models. I started growing bonsai trees, computer gaming and learning how to read and write Hiragana and Katakana. Building models was about the only creative thing I’ve ever done using my hands. It seems like I forgotten most of my skills on how to build models after taking up different hobbies.

In your post you say "it just seems nearly impossible to build them". What were the problems that you were having? Did it have to do with the kit, rekindling old skills, supplies problems?

Today I found out that my local hobby shop is shut down. I’ve been going to that business since I was six-years old… The next nearest hobby shop is in a different town about one-hour away… The only thing I wanted to buy was a Revell model kit and some paint and more glue to build that Tamiya ME-109 and any Revell kit. I guess I’ll have to check Greatmodels.com and see what they have to offer and order what I need from them.

As for my current supplies I don’t have the correct paint to airbrush the Me-109. I don’t even have the correct interior paint… I do have the correct paint for Mogami model and the two limited-run kits and I still have a bottle of Testors plastic cement, but most of it has evaporated…

I have an urge to build something, so I may start building that Mogami hybrid cruiser.

I'd look for any of the "how to get out of a slump" or "I'm burnt out on ______" posts on here

since you've built before, you're not a newbie, so going all the way back to the beginning is not really where you are,,,,,,sort of "coming back from a 5 year break" is more where you're at,,,,,,and looking at the Wildcat you posted,,,,you don't need newbie advice

so, do what they tell the "slump guys" to do,,,pick a subject from a mainstream company, from Monogram to Tamiya,,,,,,and dive back in,,,,,,,that way, if you do wind up needing advice, you'll be able to talk to lots of people that know the kit, and can give you some help

a couple of builds from now,,,,,,you'll be topping that Wildcat (if that's possible), and right back in the swing of things

Rex

Black_trek

 

 I started off with basic models from good manufactures such as Tamiya so that you are ensured of a good fit and most importantly not putting too much pressure on myself in getting perfect results, we our often our worst critics, so just make sure you enjoy the build.

In my stash I have four kits and two of them are Tamiya’s. The other two are limited-run kits from Russia. I agree with you on Tamiya model kits. They usually provide a trouble free and enjoyable building experience. I like the limited-run kits for the challenge, but they can be frustrating for most of the build--if not the entire build.  

macattack80

 what makes sense to me is to get a few inexpensive kits (Revell) and  avoid any aftermarket items.  Make them out of the box builds. Get your feet wet with a few easy builds until you can shake the rust off.  Then, well, its up to you.

That’s a good idea. I now remember using Revell kits to experiment and test new techniques before I did it on a more expensive or rare model kit. I’ll have to check my local hobby shop and see what’s available. Hopefully my local hobby shop is still in business. I’ll find out tomorrow.

Hi

Last year I returned back to the hobby after a 10 year break.  I started off with basic models from good manufactures such as Tamiya so that you are ensured of a good fit and most importantly not putting too much pressure on myself in getting perfect results, we our often our worst critics, so just make sure you enjoy the build.

The big postive that I noticed upon my return was the internet, the amount of info and supplys available is unreal compared to 10m years.  Good idea to do a bit of homework on a kit that you might want to do, there is load of reviews out there.  Don't forget youtube for loads of tutorials.

back! 

I am not an expert by any means, but what makes sense to me is to get a few inexpensive kits (Revell) and  avoid any aftermarket items.  Make them out of the box builds. Get your feet wet with a few easy builds until you can shake the rust off.  Then, well, its up to you.