Frustration in modeling

Usually, I set it aside and pick up an easier kit to work through the "modeler's block".

The Tamiya 1/48 scale armor kits are supposed to be a breeze to build. I've built many and the fit is fine and some of them are the kits I'd recommend to build to get past modeler's block.

I have built many Star Wars kits by Bandai and Revell to just get a model kit built. So many of them that I'm hooked on the kits. Of course, the original MPC Star Wars kits were some of most favorite model kits as a young teen.

thanks . . I may shelve the Panzer for a later date.

Yes,but never a Tamiya kit!!!

Yes,some days you just know it's not your day,I put them aside and try again another day.

With almost any kit I find they go through stages where you don't feel like your accomplishing anything,that drags sometimes,then all of a sudden,things feel like they come together and I'm rolling again

Usually when I do really complex or -- shall we say -- 'argumentative' projects, I'll have something like a 'Snap-Tite' or 'EZ Build' kit on the side, in parallel. (Those are usually mainly to use up a set of decals I've got collecting dust, not cool enough for a 'major' project, but too good to toss or ignore.)

Since basically any extra effort on an 'easy' kit is a noticeable improvement, that feeling of accomplishment goes a long way toward putting the frustration of the 'big' kit into perspective. It's like sitting back and taking a deep breath...and getting something positive done, at the same time.

It really helps. 

[And...whatever you do...I would strongly advise against yielding to the impulse for a SHVIT ('spontaneous high-velocity impact test' -- i.e., hurling the dratted thing against a convenient wall, concrete floor, or other non-yielding surface.) It does feel sublime at the moment, I'll grant you -- been there, done that -- but I personally have never not regretted giving into that frustration, afterward. When you do complete a project like that, it's doubly satisfying to look at it and think, "You have no idea how close you came...."]

HA!. . . SHVIT . . the thought did cross my mind.  However I just boxed it up and started on a Tamiya Sherman.  

Years ago I was having a horrible time with one of Italeri's DUKW models. I didn't get angry or throw a tantrum but I did toss the model across the room when I'd reached the point of giving up on it. It didn't get too damaged at all from hitting the floor so instead of throwing it away I put it back in the box and on the shelf.

A couple of weeks later I took it up again and for the life of me I couldn't figure out what in the heck I'd gotten frustrated at. I continued on with it and in the end used it as a test-bed for dry-brushing and oil staining. I even experimented with holding a pipette about twelve inches above the model in order to drop an oil paint & turpenoid mix into the cargo bed, with a variety of different colour drops randomly staining a flat varnish coat instead of a glossy one. Somehow, at the end of it all and after wanting the model to break on the floor just so I could throw it out in the trash, I ended up with one of the best builds & paint jobs & weathering treatments I've ever done.

Perserverence sometimes pays dividends. If all it takes is a short break from a kit that you're having trouble with then simply walk away from it for a few days or so. Then come back to it when you feel the *** for it again. Maybe you'll surprise yourself like I did with that DUKW and end up with something you'll be more than happy with. 

The biggest thing I have learned in over 50 years of building models is patience. When I first started around 1968/9 The goal was to get it done fast. I seldom spent more than a day working on a kit. Now it is all about enjoying the time tinkering with them. I seldom finish a kit in less than a month, and always have at least 5-6 going at a time. If I am not totally enjoying the time I am spending on a kit for one reason or another I move on to another until I can be excited about working on it again. It is true that if you are not enjoying yourself, do something else for a bit.

You are so right. Patience is the key.  I was like you in the late 60's as a kid I'd build a kit. . never bother to look at the instructions. . .I just wanted to hurry up and get to the painting process.  Now,  I take my time. . maybe spend an hour a day or less.  Funny how we slow down later in life.  I'm even driving slower on the freeways.  :)