Just wanted to post some of the modeling things I've learned in the very short time I've been at it:
1. Plastic is much softer than metal. I know, "duh!", but after working with metals, from iron to titanium, for so long, I developed habits, mostly in proper tool selection, that didn't transfer so well. I'm a "take off as little material as possible" kind of guy, so immediately reaching for a file to remove excess plastic didn't fit my style there. I now trim with a knife, then go for a medium grade of sandpaper and quickly finish with finer grits. I've discovered this results in much less work, and a better finished surface
2. Thin glue is excellent. This is very new to me because when I was a kid, all we had was the gel-like stuff in the tube. I have some of that, and I would use it for large, critical areas - and would give a little extra time to dry - but I really enjoy the utility of liquid cement. I have a bottle of thin cement with a long metal applicator that is extremely handy. I squeeze a little of it onto the part and use a wooden toothpick to spread it out evenly. And even more so, I picked up a bottle of Tamiya Extra Thin, and began using that for small parts, and I absolutely love it!
3. Good lighting is everything! At least as important as proper magnification or eye focus, direct overhead lighting takes great strain off of the eye, which allows for a much more effortless eye-hand work momentum, and better work angle selection. I try to use light from three different angles with the most powerful coming from directly overhead to eliminate shadow-cast from the sides.
4. My modeling philosophy. I've had a forced hiatus from building for the last two weeks due to coming down with a very nasty flu bug that's going around. In that time I thought a lot about my approach to modeling, what I want to do, and where I want to go with it. I basically only came to a few conclusions. One is that I have two types of models in mind that I would probably do: historic and generic. An example of the former would be "Pappy" Boyington's F4U-1A Corsair, and the latter an M4 Sherman from the WWII era. Efforts to be historically accurate would be much more critical with the former than the latter. That leads into not obsessing over getting every color exactly matched, and every single rivet in place. Effort will be made to be as accurate as possible, but things also come to a point where, at least in my mind, it's "good enough". Also, I will prioritize detailing by visibility. That means, if it's a place that will seldom be seen, if at all, then I will not mess with it. I will not do interior areas if the hull will be buttoned up, or landing gear bays if they will be closed, nor will I waste time on the bottom of tank tracks, etc. Most importantly, my philosophy toward modeling may change as I grow and learn in the hobby. I hope to keep an open mind, and seek every opportunity to learn from fellow modelers.
That's pretty much it. I'm just now starting to feel better from being sick, and I'm looking forward to getting back to it! I haven't even gotten to the painting part of it yet. I can't wait!