Writing A Book about Model Building?

At one time, I started a piece on how to correct and build the 1/429 Revell USS ARIZONA. This was also before PE was really prevalent and 3D printing was still a dream. It gave options for several of the issue areas depending on the level of detail wanted. I got some 75 pages into it then figured 'what the heck, nobody really cares' and dumped the project.

Tanker-Builder

Hi Ya'll;

      My son and I have gone over this till the sun came up. Why not write a book about Model Building. Not just any book. This one would be full of pictures and anecdotes as well. Well you say,It's been done. Has it? Yes, we have many out there from all over the place. So, is another really necessary? No.

      Now before you go away, think about this book. It tells the story in each section on how the answer was arrived at. No model book I know has actually done this. F.S.M. and it's contributers have come very close at times. But Publishers want to sell the product. So, Who needs say, 500 pages of photos and anecdotes about how the function or technique was first arrived at?

     This can be more fun as a read than you think. For instance. How did I, a simple kid, a loner, come up with a way to make rails on REVELL'S Box scale ships to replace the molded walls that represented rails? I will let you try to figure it out. Remember in the 1950s there was no Hobby related P.E. That I knew of.

     Yes, the answer was out there. I had to study the object of my interest and figure out through trial and error as to how it was done. Made a big mess on Dad's Dining Room table, But finally figured it out. I bet you will never guess where the answer came from!

      Nope, you figure it out. Then you will know what kind of How to Build Models Book I am talking about. Think on it and let's hear your ideas. I eagerly await your answers. Those Anecdotes and Solutions are spinning around in My grey matter just wanting to get out.

 

It's an interesting idea you have, I can think of any number of cooking blogs and even books that follow a format of dipping back and forth between narative of the experience and step-by-step instructions.

Bourdain was a master at that. 

Bill

Tanker-Builder

For instance. How did I, a simple kid, a loner, come up with a way to make rails on REVELL'S Box scale ships to replace the molded walls that represented rails? I will let you try to figure it out. Remember in the 1950s there was no Hobby related P.E. That I knew of. Yes, the answer was out there. I had to study the object of my interest and figure out through trial and error as to how it was done.

Same models...same process (except mine was the '60s instead of the '50s)...and I ended up cutting strips from old window screen, dabbed with varnish to keep it all together. A bit over-scale thickness, but I was proud for having figured it out (and for having -- literally --'thought outside the box!).

Tha single experience set me on the (long) road to "Modeling as problem-solving."

Or I think TB has also mentioned painting the rail black, and then dry brushing the raised detail Haze Gray.

I am always wrong about products, ideas, and investments. As just one example, I was absolutely positive that the personal computer was a stupid fad that would go away. I could go on all day long.

Since I think your book is a bad idea, that suggests you should go for, TB.

You definitely have the know-how to write it, there is no question about that.