Researching a model - How much do you do?

It depends on what I am building. For subjects I am most interested in, German aircraft and armour, I will do a lot. Most of my books cover those subjects so I always have any that are relevant to hand during a build and on top of that I will be looking at online for anything my books don't have. I may well spend as much time doing research as I do building.

Not  much,sometimes I will consult books,Internet,and pictures,to see some detail that is not clear on the instructions

The last few years I've researched every build I've done. Mainly pictures to get an idea of how others have painted  the model. Also tips on lighting. Where, size, what color lights to use, how to run the wiring, etc.

It depends on the subject/model. I'm mainly a modern armor modeler and spent a great deal of my life on US armor. When building one of those kits, I tend to spend a good amount of time making sure I get things right. Having said that, I know many of the modern US armor kits have issues. If I really don't "care" about the subject too much, I'll just build it OOB.

If I'm building some other genre that isn't my lane, it will be built OOB without much research.

I do a moderate amount of research. I find it interesting, since I always learn something about the aircraft, etc. Looking at era photos and films can help a lot as well, for weathering ideas, etc.

I generally like to approach certain subjects with an attitude of "I'll make a few small details that will put it a notch over OOB." unless, of course I'm doing some dedicated "project". I try not to obsess about details TOO much, as my modeling goals definitely fall on the side of "Art for Art's sake".

Then again, I'm also aware of how many actual veterans there are on this site who will be watching with a keen eye, so I generally try to ask if something can be improved or corrected within a reasonable amount of effort and time. In that case, research is warranted.

I DO have a large research library of expensive hardcover, first edition volumes which aid in that regard. And then there's always the internet.

I'm undoubtedly biased because I got trained as a professional historian.  But to me, research is a major part of any modeling project.  Sometimes I'll pick a subject because I'd like an excuse to learn about it.  At the moment I've got a stack of books and internet printouts beside my bed, all having to do with my next model.

There are down sides to this approach. By the time I actually get ready to build the model I'm thoroughly bored with it.  Oftentimes the research establishes that fixing the mistakes in a kit would require more work than I'm prepared to put into it. And my wife gets thoroughly sick of hearing me rattle on about the esoteric stuff I've learned. ("Honey, I finally found a drawing that shows where Gloucester fishing schooners kept their compasses!")

One of these days I'm going to make myself build a model right out of the box, and trust the manufacturer's researchers.  One of these days.

I build for relaxation and fun. Researching is something I can easily become obsessive over, and when that happens modeling becomes more work than hobby. For me it's best to not even start.

I do a lot of research before I do a build.  For some subjects, the research even takes longer than the actual build.

mr tilley try a car    no real research is needed       OOB is more than acceptable for that genre

I am in the same group as some of the posters above. I research and research,,,,,,,and then model notes fall out of that research, and then I build models. I rarely buy a kit and then start researching that subject, about the only time that happens is with a prototype aircraft, then I might see the kit, buy it, and then go look for a Ginter book on it or something.

By the time I first bought most of my model kits, I already knew which BuNo on which ship, with the accurate load-out, and all the colors matched to chips.

I only have a very few favorite projects,,,,,,I like all of them so much that I have a "200 way tie for 3rd favorite" thing happening,,,,,,so, I just let my build sheets tell me what is the next model,,,,,if all the fields are filled in, it is ready to go,,,,,,,,so, I just flip through the finished sheets and build what grabs my eye.

The approach seems random,,,,,,but, otherwise I run the risk of having even more Skyhawks, Phantoms and Crusaders,,,,,,and the Cougars and Skyraiders get neglected. And I wouldn't have a Tomcat, Bug or Super-Bug at all, lol.

Rex

Some of my builds are quite well researched, other hardly so or not at all. I think part  of that depends upon the subject type, and part upon the base kit. If the base kit is well detailed inside and out, and of a subject that I am not obsessing over, it will likely go into the minimally researched end of the spectrum. If it is an older kit with lots of room for scratch work, and it is a subject that tugs at my deep interest for one reason or another, I may spend many hours researching and planning modifications.

the doog

Then again, I'm also aware of how many actual veterans there are on this site who will be watching with a keen eye, so I generally try to ask if something can be improved or corrected within a reasonable amount of effort and time. In that case, research is warranted.

Doog, I wouldn't give a rat's behind what any of us veterans think about your builds. You are by far one of the best modelers on this site. And since there are members who think "our advice should be filed in the crapper", I rarely give critiques on accuracy issues, even when asked by the original poster. I've found if I do give a keen eye when asked, I get piled on by defenders who chuck out the "don't listen to the rivet counters" "they don't even build" "suck the fun out of the hobby" comments.

I only give out critiques if I'm asked via private message and do so by private reply. The only advice I give is to build it OOB and have fun.

I'm another one in the "depends" camp.  Sometimes I do a little, sometimes, a lot.

However, many times I get stumped about what something or a particular part is supposed to look like.  And when that happens, I'm off to research.  Cockpits are a good example; more specifically, instrument panels.

I personally love to do research on my models. In fact I'm easily a bigger hoarder of reference books than I am of kits. I'm also a historian by education and it's just simply a passion since my childhood. I really enjoy getting to know my subject on a technical, historical and personal level. I have to admit that although I do a lot of research through reference material and the internet, being active on this forum is one of the most miraculous sources of info I have found. The stuff I am able to glean from the fellow members here is immensely valuable. and educating.

I've got plenty of research to do during the semester with all my classes and upcoming senior thesis. Summer and winter break (when I get most of my modeling done) is a chance for me to unwind. Modeling is one of about 4 different ways I do that and get away from school.

That being said, I enjoy learning about the models I build so sometimes I'll do a quick google search or try to find a previous WIP in the forums, if I find something that is easily fixable I'll do that, otherwise it's just an OOB.

My more involvrd research comes when I'm building a diorama. If the diorama is a scene from a movie or TV show I will do frame grabs and try to get as close as I can. If its a more generic diorama I try to make sure the flora, fauna, and geology is consistent with the real world. Not anal retentive consistent but more ball park consistent.

I drive my family nuts with reading the research behind the build of a model. I've alway enjoyed reading about the war machines and the folks who operated them. Being an auto technician by trade also brings out the "What's under the hood??" and "How does it work" questions. All are answered in research. I'm with Joe Rix up there who's a hoarder of books. I have one book at the very minimum for every model I build.

When I was a kid I built models to play with so no research was needed.  This explains the bright red P-40 in the attic.  As I've gotten older, I tend to find research to be a necessary part of my builds.  Especially considering the cost of kits these days.  Research adds a bit more time to the build but I see that as a free bonus as long as it doesn't get out of hand.  And when I say "research" that doesn't just refer to the color of an aircraft or what the correct roundel looked like.  It also refers to the techniques used by other builders on similar models.  

And it sure is a lot easier to find material on obscure subjects today than it was 30 years ago.  ; )

I research depending on my goals for the model. A "five foot model" requires less as you're not going to "count rivets" from five feet. I research more when first hand knowledge of the subject is lacking or close observation is anticipated. A WWII jeep is likely to be correctly represented by the model maker versus an obscure WWII German field expedient like a Hummel ammo carrier w/Drilling AA installed. As far as a particular instance of a subject, this is where research becomes more of the hobby than the actual construction. I have fallen down this rabbit hole more than once. I enjoyed the journeys but it can be very distracting when you're trying to make build progress. Paul

I've certainly increased the research quite a bit with experience because I've learned that sometimes the instructions can be rather vague on things.  Also, the instruction sheet as to paint detail sometimes does not clearly indicate all the colors.

I never used to research. But I recently started a project to build a PBY 5 that was flown by a local man who fairly recently passed, that won the CMH in WWII. I started trying to find out as much about the particular plane he flew. It turned out I enjoyed the research.

Now if I'm building something new to me, I research it. Besides enjoying the build, I enjoy the history lesson before.

I do all kinds of research,  being a little OCD,  I need first off to make sure I have the correct colors and then the right armament and so on.  Then I like to go into it's past and find out about the plane itself,  and then as much history as I can find, where used, who used it etc etc.  

I to have books on many of my subjects,  especially the jets and now I'm starting to increase my pre jet collection

John

Rob Gronovius

the doog

Then again, I'm also aware of how many actual veterans there are on this site who will be watching with a keen eye, so I generally try to ask if something can be improved or corrected within a reasonable amount of effort and time. In that case, research is warranted.

Doog, I wouldn't give a rat's behind what any of us veterans think about your builds. You are by far one of the best modelers on this site. And since there are members who think "our advice should be filed in the crapper", I rarely give critiques on accuracy issues, even when asked by the original poster. I've found if I do give a keen eye when asked, I get piled on by defenders who chuck out the "don't listen to the rivet counters" "they don't even build" "suck the fun out of the hobby" comments.

I only give out critiques if I'm asked via private message and do so by private reply. The only advice I give is to build it OOB and have fun.

I think you know that I do appreciate what advice I do get though because if there's any aspect of my modeling that could use improvement, it's my fidelity to accuracy, ala' Bill Plunk. That guy is like, the Guru of Armor here, lol. I feel a bit indebted to the veterans here to build something that honors them, like that M48 I did. It was pretty neat to get feedback and anecdotes from actual war vets when I was building that. And I appreciate it too when you PM some relevant info that helps me out too.

And if people don't like criticism, then often I"m the first one to unintentionally offend them, lol. I'm sure you remember a few "episodes", ha ha.

I only model for myself, and the occasional group build so accuracy to me is a casual concept. My models sit on a shelf in my study, and the only people who see them are my daughters boyfriends.

"Cool, is that a Tiger tank?"

That being said, research is one of my favorite pastimes. I've always been a really avid reader, and I'd rather read a magazine issue about British Escort carriers than watch "Keeping up with the (idiots)".

I'm not too concerned about shape issues, but I do like details.

A perfect example is My Trumpeter Hornet CV-8. I read ad naseum how the hull was "all wrong", to the point where I sawed mine off and built it back using modeling foam as "bread and butter" style. But I've never reshaped it, it sits on the shelf of doom, and now I'm moving.

doog, Rob,

I think your models are just great. I was just looking at yours doog. Thanks again to the both of you for your help, advice and comments. They are not filed in the crapper for sure.

JOE RIX

I personally love to do research on my models. In fact I'm easily a bigger hoarder of reference books than I am of kits. I'm also a historian by education and it's just simply a passion since my childhood. I really enjoy getting to know my subject on a technical, historical and personal level. I have to admit that although I do a lot of research through reference material and the internet, being active on this forum is one of the most miraculous sources of info I have found. The stuff I am able to glean from the fellow members here is immensely valuable. and educating.

+1

A fellow member mentioned "Robin Olds" in a post, so I had to do some research on this person. I learned quite a lot, and expanded my knowledge.

IMHO, the research is as fun as building the model.

Thanks, Nomad; I'm always happy to help or give advice if I can!

For me, I think modeling came from researching history and not the other way around.

I'll get an interest in a certain aircraft, or car and try to learn as much as I can about the subject. Then I'll search  the web for good period or detail pictures to inspire a specific example. Then I'll build a model of it.  If I can't find pictures of a real example, I won't build it. I never trust the model kit or decal set instructions. They are often wrong.

Last year, I learned a lot about Model-A hotrods that I never knew before. I never realized that East coast and West coast builders had complete different ideas on how to approach their projects (West coast being influenced by Bonneville Salt Flats).  This led me to convert a Revell kit to a "low boy" instead of just building it as it is out of the box.

As often happens, I never finished that project, but when I get back to it, I'll refresh my knowledge with some more studying and then pick up where I left off. I always save as much info as I can (pictures, web pages printed to PDF files, etc) so I won't have to start my research from scratch. It really bugs me when sites don't let you download pictures and then when you go back later, the site is gone offline, so I like to archive as much as I can when I do find good info.