Do you keep your model projects a secret?

Manstein's revenge

Let's just say that it involves a wing-fold...

A Ho-229 that could be folded up inside a briefcase...

Let's just say that it involves a wing-fold...

Manstein's revenge

Not a dio---more like a Luftwaffe '46 concept, but then again maybe even a Luft '44 project or "what if?"...

Interesting. Would be nice to see this!

Cool !

Not a dio---more like a Luftwaffe '46 concept, but then again maybe even a Luft '44 project or "what if?"...

Manstein's revenge

I normally didn't until this past weekend when I had a brilliant idea that is GONNA BLOW THE FORUM AWAY when I do it...these ideas come to me only about every 6-8 years, so YES, I'm gonna keep this one a secret cause its so cool...

Tornado attacks FSM server room diorama ?................

I normally didn't until this past weekend when I had a brilliant idea that is GONNA BLOW THE FORUM AWAY when I do it...these ideas come to me only about every 6-8 years, so YES, I'm gonna keep this one a secret cause its so cool...

Not really...  My diorama details are vague enough to throw off any would-be idea-thieves... Plus, once I got them posted in here, or thephotos of the WIP, it works like a copy-right date if I see anyone that built a dio off my idea..

I thought about keeping some building-tips secret until they were published in FSM, but I ended up sharing anyway... The reason I was considering the above was that a couple tips I put in here for free ended up in FSM's "Reader Tips" later..

Kinda pizzed me off...

Very true.

Steal? My good man, they would moderate or purge them, not steal!

I keep it secret that way moderators can't steal my ideas.

I agree with the creativity angle.  No points for it.  I've seen smoothly painted blahblah's place high because they were smoothly painted.  And they should be smooth.  They only took 1/2 hour to glue together. , so there was plenty of time to paint!

I think a lot of it depends on what the focus of the builder is.

Some people just build for fun - in that case there's no reason to keep things secret and in fact it can decrease fun if you like interaction.

Some people build to win contests, and in that case there can be an advantage if the contest is at least partially based on "wow" or "cool."

I've been debating this question.  I sometimes wonder, when I finish a really good model which has contest potential, if bringing it to a local meeting for show-and-tell is a bad idea. I sometimes wonder if a judge's first impression is most important. If they have seen a model before, it may be less able to make an impact than when they see it for the first time, and some of the guys at the local club meetings will likely be the judges at our local yearly contest.

I do only until she notices it in the closet and questions me on it.  Then my reply is usually, "Um oh I got that with that one gift card a while back."

But things I learn  from here or anywhere else, no.  I'll share anything I learn with anyone if it'll help. I'm not stingy with what little is in my brain.

Mike

Interesting question. For me I have to say that sometimes if I see a photo that I want to replicate I play it pretty close to the chest. Not that there is any great mystery it just fun to throw something out there as a surprise. Inevitable when you find a treasured photo that you want to build a diorama of, someone else has probably already done something similar. This happened to me recently. I found a cool picture that inspired me so i proceeded to purchase a large number of items to build the scene only to see the exact diorama on the inside back cover of a magazine a few months ago. I am now friends with the gent that built it and we've jokingly discuses what happened. He gave his blessing for me to go ahead and make my interpretation of the scene.... :)

As far as techniques, absolutely not. I freely share any and all information or tips I have on painting and weathering with anyone who'll listen. People who horde techniques and/or information that could help other modelers really cheese me off.

Again, very cool question.

VanceCrozier

Only the projects that I don't want CSIS or CIA to find out about... 

To late. I already sunk it. Again.

Only the projects that I don't want CSIS or CIA to find out about... 

Only one--I have a "what-if" project that involves a couple of builds, and which I haven't revealed to anyone.  But only because I want to finish it first, and I want to savor the reaction when I show it at our club meeting.

Otherwise, no, I haven't kept any secret from anyone.  It's too much fun to float ideas and talk about things we'd like to do or try with this or that kit.

I have no reason to keep a build secret from anyone. And I think keeping a new technique that I've developed a secret would be selfish. After all it's only a hobby and we all should be willing to share with others what we've learned.

Maybe

I have no need to keep them secret. There are a few GB's I've joined where I've "commited" to certain builds, while looking at adding in a few from my stash that I haven't announced. I am not sure I'll get to them in time. If someone else does the same build/decal set I am thinking about, then so be it.

I have when I do for gifts..

I once scratch built a water well drilling rig for my step dad for xmas.. 25 yrs or so ago...

its also why I have 2 differant width thumbs.. lol..

I think it still in the office of the business which he sold to his son...

yes i hide them in the trash lol.nothing to hide put up on shelf till cat knocks them off .

I keep them so secret I forget what I am working on

                                 From Who??

Not really. I'm not curing cancer here. 

However, I think I may start keeping paint and markings to myself until they come together. Planning to try it out with my upcoming Airfix Bf 109E-3 - will see how it goes.

I personally don't sweat it too much.  I've never had an idea stolen though. 

I once made a "knight in shining armor" for my girlfriend as a gift, so I kept that a secret for her.

We are married now so I think she liked it!