Changing or Adopting New Techniques

I agree, the first airbrush (Paasche single action H) was a very big event in my modelling journey. Followed shortly by the 3 gallon compressor and then my Paasche VL         ah, yes, the memories.

I think the factor that most influenced my technique, and I think most modelers would agree, was when I acquired my airbrush. Its only about 4 or 5 years old now, a still shiny Paasche VL double action. But I remember when I first bought it thinking that I had finally some how arrived. That I was going to play with the big boys now. It did indeed change the course of my modeling. There is just so much more you can do, technically, with an airbrush to change the appearance of your model that I couldn't achieve with a paint brush. Then of course, I had to learn via trial and error, the best paint to use, how to thin it, at what ratio, how to troubleshoot issues with grainy effects, orange peel, etc...and new technique and knowledge develops.

Hi Jon

You add some very valid points - two of which; risk and also monetary. I remember the first time I attempted "dot" weathering,,  I thought for sure I was headed for major trouble,,  but was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked (risk / reward factor I guess). I have also been beat by trying new things as well. I, like you, also weigh the cost of some choices and will opt not to try if the "new" costs too much.

To answer your question of the hobby holding the same interest as years ago.......   I am probably not as rabid as I was when I was much younger,, but I still enjoy the hobby immensly. There are few things I would rather be doing than working in my shop.    I have gone through a few phases with the hobby...   from building a kit in a few days (and not always with good results), to super-detailing / super-researching and spending ages in trying to perfect a build, to where I've now settled into a more relaxed mode of building. I try not to sweat the teeny-tiny intricate details. Although this is a very hard habit to break. The way I figure it,,,,,,, I had an idea or design for every kit I have ever purchased. Time is getting the best of me however,, because I will have to live to be about 300 years old to finish the kits that I currently have...  and, of course, a new kit comes along that I MUST have, which adds to the total...  quite the quandry, eh 

All the best............

A lot of my adepting to a new technique comes from trial and error. I read about a technique, try it, improve on it or drop it.
For instance glue: I went from tube glue, to glue in an aplicator bottle, to MEK/touch and flow combo (never got the hang of that) and now I am using Microscale liquid with a brush. This works best for me.

And some times a change in technique because of the look I am trying to get (factory fresh of wheatered) of scale (ranging from 1/144 to 1/32)
Or even the quality of the model I am building (you do not need mutch scratchbuilding, putting and sanding on a Tamiya kit but you do on a vacform)

 A couple few years back, I was pretty stagnant, barely progressing. After a few years off, I came back and do something new on almost every build. I think if someone lined up all my builds over the last two years, they'd think they were done by a dozen different people. My new airbrush has made for a huge change. The whole painting and weathering process is completely different now (aside from the fundamental throwing of paint). I just keep trying to make the next one better than the last!

I'm only recently returned to modeling after 35+ years away.  Techniques and resources have advanced so much in the past 35 years or so.  The availability of after-market detail kits is why beyond anything I saw when I was 25.  Authentic paint colors are another resource not available to me before. 

That said, now that I can afford an air brush and a compressor, I learn a new technique each time I use them.  Additionally, the Internet forms currently offer a real treasure of information not available in the past.  I've picked up so many useful tips here in the month that I've been lurking and participating.

For what its worth, the air brush techniques I'm picking up here are really producing some nice looking results (nothing on par with what I see here, but its pleasing to me).

Lots of good insight. I guess I've never been educated enough, or I'll be honest, interested enough to understand the differences in particular paint properties. I've always stuck with Tamiya acrylics for airbrushing because that was what I used first and its never caused me any problems...if it ain't broke, don't fix it eh? Which I think is a good foundation but a handicap at times, especially if it prevents you from trying something different.

Likewise, I think there is always something new to learn, which is why I frequent these boards. The difference is whether or not we actually apply what we learned. There are several different circumstances that effect my use of certain techniques...

First, of course, is interest. Does the final product of the technique look good to my eyes? Its like some one said, they don't do as much dry brushing because it doesn't look real. What looks good to some, doesn't look good to others...this applies to all aspects of modeling, ie weathering, preshading, dry brushing, chipping, etc.

Second is money. If a technique requires that I put out financially, to purchase new paint or equipment, generally I'll over look it. I'm a bit of a penny pincher when it comes to the hobby. Maybe not as bad as the Hammer but bad enough. Certainly enough to keep me from purchasing several different brands of paint.

Last is hesitation. Do I really want to take the risk on experimentation on this particular model or do I do what I'm most comfortable with?

So, when you first start as a modeler, your whole hobby is spent incorporating new techniques and styles and weeding out the ones that don't work with you and sticking with the ones you like. Eventually new ones will come along, that depending on your preference, you will attempt or ignore. But what is interesting is how once you get the basis for your technique down, your models will continually improve, even without the use of various other techniques. The style that you've chosen refines itself within every model you build, and each subsequent model looks better than the last.

Bill let me ask you...after 48 years of modeling, does the hobby still hold the same interest that it did when you first began? I'm sure that it does, especially if you're willing to try new things.

"You miss 100% of the shots you never take." Wayne Gretzky

Good subject / question Jon

I would consider myself a "seasoned" modeller (approx. 48 years of building). For me, I am always willing to try a new technique. This is not to say that I'm not that old dog though.... I doubt that I would shift back to enamels over acrylics.

I like to think there is always something new to learn. I'll entertain most any suggestion. If the new attempt works well [for me] then I will incorporate it into future builds.

When I finish any project, I always contemplate what could be done better the next time around.

In my opinion one of the great things about this hobby is the evolution of ones skills. Change is not a bad thing.

Thanks for the good brain-pick Jon

Bill

oddmanrush

 Let me ask, why so many choices? What would make you say that one particular build needs to be finished with Gunze over Tamiya or Model Master of Vallejo, etc?

Not Doogs, but I do the same as he does. To me I guess I just like trying new stuff...I think I get almost as much enjoyment out of researching and buying new stuff as I do building. Some things turn out great others not so much. I love painting with taymia, and Vallejo, but I try Humbrol, or Alclad even if I have the color in another brand just to see if it is as good as X,y, or z said it was. Just keeps things fresh for me.

oddmanrush

 

DoogsATX:

 

Of my last four kits, one was painted with MM enamels. Another was done with MM enamel, Tamiya, and Alclad. Another was done with Gunze Mr. Color, and the last with Vallejo Model Air.

 

 

That is interesting Doog. I stick with only two paints....Tamiya acrylics for the airbrush and MM enamels for brush painting. Let me ask, why so many choices? What would make you say that one particular build needs to be finished with Gunze over Tamiya or Model Master of Vallejo, etc?

A few reasons.

First is paint properties. Vallejo and Model Master both lay down nice base coats, but I prefer the way Tamiya feathers for soft-edge work. Gunze was more a matter of experimentation, since I've head so many great things about it. Tamiya's also my go-to for all post-shading and filter-spraying work, since it reduces so much better than any other paint I've ever used.

Second is color. Model Master has I think the best balance between color selection and fidelity. Vallejo has a ton of colors, but at least in their Model Color line, color accuracy varies quite a bit. The stupid names don't really help, either. I chose Gunze for my 109 because they're rumored to make very good RLM colors. IMO they were a bit on the dark side. Love me some Tamiya, but their color palette is limited and I'm not the biggest fan of mixing if I can avoid it, since I suck at it!

Third is paint properties, again. The way different paints behave to masking, wet-sanding, etc. 

The only paint I've ever used that I will never use again would have to be White Ensign enamels. Beautiful color fidelity, but the drying time is WAY too long for my tastes, and I don't like how it brushes. 

DoogsATX

Of my last four kits, one was painted with MM enamels. Another was done with MM enamel, Tamiya, and Alclad. Another was done with Gunze Mr. Color, and the last with Vallejo Model Air.

That is interesting Doogs. I stick with only two paints....Tamiya acrylics for the airbrush and MM enamels for brush painting. Let me ask, why so many choices? What would make you say that one particular build needs to be finished with Gunze over Tamiya or Model Master of Vallejo, etc?

I, for one, like the experimentation. If I approached every single build with the same bag of techniques, I think it'd get boring fast.  From build to build, I'll completely switch paints, weathering techniques, paint-and-assembly order, etc as the build dictates. Of my last four kits, one was painted with MM enamels. Another was done with MM enamel, Tamiya, and Alclad. Another was done with Gunze Mr. Color, and the last with Vallejo Model Air. Then of course there's playing with new ideas I pick up here, through the magazine, or out across  the interwebs.

There are a few areas where I've discovered "best practices" that work well...cleaning up sprue attachment tabs or bending PE or using the Touch-n-Flow, but most of those are limited to the assembly phase of things.

I've just begun after 35+ years of modeling to add pigments to the weathering process, which I still consdier myself relatively green. I used to be a big fan of drybrushing and now I rarely use it. I think It just looks kind of phoney over the entire vehicle, but is effective to monotone paint jobs. It of course works well on metal and bolts. I suppose that is the biggest change I've endured.

I wish I could do pigments without obliterating the wash I just did.

Thanks for the response Hercmech! Any one can answer the question, I'm just after discussion, not really specific to certain members.

When I first started modeling, I incorporated so many techniques into each of my builds that it was almost revolting. But I was an excited youth, getting a modeling high off of reading FSM and seeing all the great tips and work. After a while I've since refined things.

On the other hand, I have started to incorporate full washes to certain models, like armor. Where as previously, they would just receive some post shading and a pin wash. Certainly not mind blowing, but it does produce a different look.

Thanks again.

Jon,

While I don't know if I qualify to answer your question (don't consider myself an "experienced Modeler") I do know that I am constantly trying new things I find here and in magazines.

I have tried so many different things that I can't even remember what worked last time, that coupled with the slow way I build is like learning all over with each model. That does drive me crazy but does lead to some interesting experimentation. Maybe that is why each kit I do looks a little different from the last one.

If I ever find something that I can't do without I would probably stick to it like glue but till then I just keep trying new stuff.