So i was thinking

Hmmm;

 Gee , Aggie-man ! I went to that school for two years ! Now that said . I am not surprised at what's on display in the " LEX " . There are models on display on the  "HORNET " the same way .

 Some of mine wound up in a well known Museum in Washington , D.C. when the Company divested itself of a lot of display material from different offices .

 I always try to build to a Line or Company people recognise . This way , they have that connection to me , the builder  .

Build what you like, the way you like it.

goldhammer

As far as accuracy, I try to go with the best information I have, and what fits my abilities.  The only shows/contests I would ever enter would be a peoples choice at the local club swap meet that we are going to do a couple of times a year at the local Vet's home.  I just don't personally agree with what the judging criteria seems to be on what constitutes a "perfect rendition" of a subject at the bigger shows or a regional show.

Most model judging is based on construction and finishing, not really on accuracy. I used to get tagged to judge 1/72 scale armor because I was the resident "Braille Scaler". My familiarity or expertise lies in modern American armor, but usually all genres are lumped together (WW2, modern, halftracks, softskins, etc.).

I can identify if someone built an army M1A2 but incorrectly used Marine Corps markings. I cannot identify if someone put the wrong markings on Tiger tank or should have added zimmerit based on those markings.

Because of this, I would not more harshly judge a kit with incorrect markings that I know vs incorrect markings I don't know. I would judge the basics of construction, paint (not the accuracy of scheme, but the finish), decals (again, not accuracy, but silvering, straightness).

Judges aren't looking for perfect renditions in miniature. They look for well built and finished model kits. Most tanks I served on would get dinged for crooked parts and poor paint schemes with crooked markings if they were judged like a model kit.

I build because I enjoy it, and because I still can. I will do some amount of research on a subject that sits on my bench (99% aircraft with the majority WWII subjects), but I never let the project focus solely on the research. It is about the airplane. There is something about opening that box and getting a first look at the sprue, the decals, even the instructions. I love the smell of plastic in a box ... it smells like fun!

I do enjoy letting people see my work. I am especially proud of the fact that I have three airplanes sitting in a glass case aboard the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, Texas. When I first toured that exhibit prior to my builds actually reaching the display, I was amazed at many of the builds. I was humbled by the legitimate masterpieces that I found there (there were also some that I genuinely could not see what the curator did), so to be deemed worthy of inclusion in such a place is truly an honor. But I did not set out to build any of those for any such public display, I built them because I thought I would enjoy doing so.

You build for you. If you can't accept it not being accurate then that is the answer. If you have a image in your mind for what you wany but it may not be accurate then do that. Whatever you want is what is right. I would rather have an attractive kit that is inaccurate that pleases me.

I love the build I build to the best of my abilities nothing adds so much peace and serenity to my world like building . 5he part I really dislike is the painting have considered giving up that because I don' enjoy it. Just build and forget the rest

As far as accuracy, I try to go with the best information I have, and what fits my abilities.  The only shows/contests I would ever enter would be a peoples choice at the local club swap meet that we are going to do a couple of times a year at the local Vet's home.  I just don't personally agree with what the judging criteria seems to be on what constitutes a "perfect rendition" of a subject at the bigger shows or a regional show.

That being said, I build for me, and if someone doesn't like what they see, they are free to keep their opinions to themselves.  I do it to please me, and no one else, unless I build something for a gift to a friend.  However, I am always open to comments or suggestions concerning a better or easier way to accomplish what I did. Now if I was only smart enough or competent enough to follow said suggestions....but that is a whole 'nother subject.

   I know for sure that my brother enjoys his research and scratchbuilding, and we have great educational,( FUN),discussions. 

For me, it totally depends on the subject of the kit and the mood I am in. I was an Army tanker for a large portion of my life. When I build a kit of one of my former rides, I try to replicate details that I can remember and photographed. While I have and will continue to super detail these kits, it does not prevent me from quickly building a 1/48 scale Tamiya HMMWV that represents one I had as a staff officer straight out of box with home made decals.

But if I build a car, boat or airplane, I'll build it out of box. I may add a detail or two if I am aware of it or if the kit has peaked my interest enough to do some additional research.

For those of you who say you "build for fun", who's saying those that super detail kits down to the rivet are not having fun? I have fun trying to replicate details to the best of my ability. I also have fun just assembling kits out of box.

I often equate model building to lawn care. You may use a manual push mower. Your neighbor uses a riding mower and grass trimmer, another neighbor uses a lawn care service. None of you are doing it wrong, just accomplishing the task differently.

Bottom line, if someone's not having fun, why do this as a hobby?

  Hi Bill,

I build mainly out-of-the-box.  I say "mainly" because the only thing I might do that's aftermarket would be the occasional set of aftermarket decals.  Beyond that, I build just for the enjoyment, the sense of accomplishment and for the relaxation of it all.  In fact, this past weekend I was hunched over my workbench painting a pilot figure.  I suddenly became aware of the fact that I wasn't thinking about ANYTHING!  I wasn't thinking about the stress of my job, my mom's upcoming move, nothing.  And then I realized how blissful it was. 

The moment I sit down at my workbench, the rest of the world goes away and I answer to no one.  For a few moments, I'M the boss and the parts do what I say.  This is in stark contrast to my work life.

Eric

I build for fun. When it stops being fun I take a break and re-think why I am doing it.

  I currently suffer from OPAMS, ( Other Peoples AMS), friends tell me every detsil I need to add to a particular kit to make it "more accurate" I don't have the heart to tell him that the more he pushes the less interested I am in that subject. 

    I try to build what I want the way I want it and do lean towards the "prove me wrong" side of accuracy, I never served in WWII so the color of a Tiger is subjective to me.

     A fellow in our club who has past almost a year ago built exclusive 1/72 aircraft, his work was not flawless but certianly not glue bombs. The amazing thing was he lost BOTH hand from the wrist down to a Vulcan cannon auto loader. I almost,( I'm not perfect),always look at the contestants at a show with a kind eye because a person never knows the challenges one overcomes to put a model on the table.

    Build WHAT you want HOW you want it and be proud of your accomplishment.

    Long and winded and hopefully not to far off topic.

I know what you're going through for the most part.  I have the neuropathy, and its associated problems, throw in the diabeties, eye trouble from a injury, all thanks to the government.  I can't begin to count how many parts have been sacrificed to the carpet monster in my garage, tweezers too, but those I can find, it's holding them that's the problem.  I build as best as I can, and while at times I'm a mystified why something I built doesn't do anything when going up against the exact same project of less quality work, fogged and off placed parts for instance, I keep trying (and sometimes re-entering kits).  I'll keep building as long as I'm able, and as long as you enjoy it so should you.  You might also consider dabbling in other areas, just for fun.                           

I used to build for contests a few years back.  Then AMS hit - where I couldn't finish anything because I felt it wasn't good enough - both in quality and accuracy.  A few life changes intervened and I didn't build for 4 or 5 years.  Once I started again I really got back into the fun in building.  I share stuff here, but have no intention of ever competing again.  I'm going for about right.  I'm more interested in the finish - though I do still cleanup seams.  But I don't sweat the mistakes, I move on to the next model so long as I feel the current one looks about right.  Very satisfying, very fun. 

Yep i agree guys, i build with in my self, lol the moment i try to push the envelope( with my building abiltys) it usually does not end well. So i turn the energy level down, my focus on high and relax into the easy chair and build the night away. Thats my reward.

Hi Bill! I've been building for 71 of my 77 years and enjoyed every minute of it. Well........there was that one time when I ............. 

My worth. I agree with what T.B. said above. I build for my own satisfaction. I do go to a lot of shows with our club members but I go for the pleasure of seeing all the great models there and seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I always learn something new there. I was just at Mosquitocon this past Saturday. I brought 9 models with me. I didn't win anything except with 2 of my raffle tickets. So, I figure I came out ahead. One of my fellow club members took 2 firsts, 1 in 1/400 & larger ships and the other 1st in one of the car classes. I always learn a lot from him and the other members of the club and I like to see them win awards. It doesn't bother me in the least that I didn't win any awards. I've won a few over the years but that's just "a bit of icing on the cake". I build anything that strikes my fancy at the time and my wallet says OK. My favorites are WWI & WWII planes with sailing ships bring up a close second.

Like T.B. said above, it's only a hobby and I plan to enjoy it during all the time I have left before I go to the great workbench in the sky. I have all the same problems that you do and maybe a few more, but I don't let it stop me from building.

Enjoy! Sit back, relax, have a sip or two of your favorite brew whether it be , , , or my favorite  and build away.

Jim  

I feel ;

Accuracy ? Well I think it's subjective . If that's what you want , good . If not , and you build to your best level , what's the problem ?No sense getting angry . After all , as many folks here will tell you , it's only a hobby .

 The trick is to enjoy it your way . I wouldn't care if I placed or not . Just getting to share any questions about my build , and how I arrived at it is enough. That's why I build mostly Tanker Ships from scratch and in 1/192 and 1/87 . Having been a tanker Captain . There's no argument about accuracy .

  Accuracy in and of itself isn't enough to put me off . I will sometimes forget to put something on , just to get folks to ask why ?