Car Models Realism Trend

what's with this thing about putting little itty bitty extra parts on models?

It's called "Super-detailing" and separates the "model builder" from the "Advanced Modelers". and "Master Modelers".. All done in the name of making the most detailed and realistic-looking model one can, and one that will stand up to extreme close-up photography...  "Customizing" cars is no different than doing conversions on  or back-dating armor and aircraft...

Adding spark-plug wires, hoses, and wiring harnesses, seat belts, fabric interiors, along with other super-details is simply the "next level"... 

While it's not aimed at kids and their first few kits, it's definately a thing that a kid can aim for after a  building a couple dozen...  Not to mention that plenty of "Advanced" modelers arre indeed, kids.. I started being a "serious" modeler and adding all kinds of extra details to my kits, as well as building diormas when I was 14...

As far as getting them started in hobby, that's kind of up to adults now, and it must be pointed out to them, as well as adult beginners that ,as with everything else in life, it's "Crawl, Walk, Run"...

Within the last dozen years, I've seen cars go from thick, shiny paint jobs (ones so thick you could barely make out the gap between the body and doors and the door handle nearly invisible) to paint jobs that look like every day car usage with items added like photo etched logos, brake disks, etc.

I think the Armor modeling community has had some influence in car modeling making them more realistic (vs. Hotwheels car-cool). One of my very first 1st place awards was for an ancient 1/32 scale Airfix VW bug I built as I would have built a Jeep or Kubelwagen. I went for a black satin finish like you see in old WW2 era photos of period cars and painted and weathered the car as best I thought it would look post war.

I know very little about car modeling but the model circle here in Central Arkansas has some very very talented car guys in it and I listen very closely when they talk. So far as I understand it there are several categories that car models fall into, from Slammers to Curbside to full open hood open trunk super detailed works. I think there is a place for all of them. The guys I know who just like to paint generally do Slammers which have nothing but a body shell and tires on them or curbside which is a little more involved. I also know a kid here that custom stitches the seats, hinges doors, wires engines and cuts chops and putties the crap out of his kits. From your statement you would fall into the Slammer or Curbside genre where the focus is on paint work. Some guys get a lot of satisfaction out of fashioning a throttle cable spring from the leg hair of a horse fly and good for them. Car modeling really caters to specific taste, more so than other things like A/C and Armor where the same basic standard is used for everyone.

This of course is just my opinion, so take it as that.

On another note... I cannot wait for somebody like Bronco or Dragon to start making car kits. These boys that have been used to a "complicated" Tamiya car kit wouldn't know where to begin with a 1/25 Chevrolet car kit that had 970 parts in the box!! lol!

Not customizing is rediculous?  Is this SCALE modeling?  Do you paint flames on your batttleships or put wings on them?  To each his own. I do a custom once in awhile but I also like to replicate what I see in prototypes.

I made a turn from Armor modeling to car modeling for a while over the last two years or so. Just a change of pace after some hundred-plus tank models that I've built.

I've found that Armor modeling can really spoil you in terms of the level of accuracy,  reproduction and detail that is in the kits. Not so in Auto modeling! Most kits are from 30+ year-old molds, and the parts are sometimes pretty crude and some have horrible fit problems.

I find that the addition of simple details like a wired distributor and a few hoses in the engine bay can make up for the otherwise simplicity of some of the models. AT least it gives you a sense that you "polished a turd" somewhat!

 "Do you paint flames on your batttleships or put wings on them?"

Hmmm...and the Nationals are in August.

gentlemen

sorted things out here.

took a look at Revell Kurtis Kraft Indy car i have.

it's pretty simple and i think the Lindberg 1/48 WWII and 50's jets are the same.

that's about my speed.

another breakthrough is just going to use Walmart Krylon paint.

it's there. i'm there.make it easy.

i've been thrashing around with that Testor's compressor and

i think i'll just build some kits and tackle it and other complicated stuff later.

get ready for those build pictures!

Have A Nice Day!

Hello , there .I wouldn,t worry to much .When I build cars , and I always do have one in the works , I build to suit ME . I like what they call FACTORY STOCK . .The only difference is I do actually what you call , or , would call REGIONAL FACTORY/DEALER STOCK . Many times you will find the car is different because of regional likes and dislikes .Much like changes in armor or aircraft in different units as per their needs . . The paint is glossy , but the same ideas apply .BUILD IT , the way you want ,how you want ,when you want . BUILD TO SUIT YOU !! To many times ,I have seen a modeler build only to go to shows , If possibly getting placques or trophies is your bag ,  fine .  Me , I build so far outside the box , I don,t worry and put it on the display only table .As I said , I build to suit me .      tankerbuilder .