Butchering the Butcher Bird

I've found that as modelers we are often our own worse enemy. We tend to concentrate on all that goes wrong with a build and not enough on the positives. Prop spinners are a curse to many...myself included.  I have yet to get one on without numerous wrinkles and folds that require much decal solutions to fix.  I've tried making my own decals as well and have run into the same problems. In fact I'm working on a kit right now that I'm trying to decide if I want to use the "correct" decals that I've made vs the kit decals. What matters at the end of the day is that you tried your best and work to improve those areas that your not happy with.  This forum is an amazing treasure trove of ideas and talent.  Above all have fun!

Greatmaker,

Yes, even with all my laments, I certainly enjoyed building the kit. I even ordered and now have the 1/48 Tamiya 190 F-8/9 with the bomb loading set so, eventually, I'll build that kit and hopefully will do a bit better than on this one.

You're absolutely right - having fun is the key!

Mike

Mike, let me start by saying that we are our own worst critics. It really doesn't look bad at all.  The only problem I noticed looking at the pics was the LG unless I really studied them closely.  The camo looks great.  You have had a few problems that we all have had at one time or another.  Some of your problems are the same as ones that I have to work on even now.  I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination but I'll try to help out a little.  The things I can't help with I won't even try.  Other members, I'm sure, will be able to help out.  

#1 - Easy fix.  Remove the same one on the stbd. side.  They'll match up.           #2 - One of my problems too.  I made an 8-1/2 x 11 sign that I hung from the               shelf directly in front of me on the bench.  It has 2 words on it.                         Concentrate and Patience.  Its helped me do better work on filling and               sanding seams and other problems.                                                    #3 - Same as #2.                                                                                          #6 & #9 - Same as #2.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the hobby.  Your problems will slowly fade away.

Jim  

 Sorry the finished answer came out so mixed up and mis-spaced. 

You know, I don't really see the issues you say are bad. I see a really nice looking build and one you should be quite proud of. Thanks for sharing it with us.

BK

Jim,

Thanks for your reply.  I consider your homily the finest advise I've heard - for me at least - which is: "Concentrate and Patience". Within the "Concentrate" portion of your advise I must pay more attention to the painting/weathering, gluing, and sanding effects after each session. Under "Patience" I must resolve to do certain steps over again when I see things I find unacceptable. 

Thank you!

Brandon,

You're too kind. Thanks. I know, however, that I can do better and will continue to strive to do so.

Mike

To 1943 Mike,

Your build looks phenominal, all the issues you pointed out are at best minimal.  I have posted every single build since I became a FSM Forum member, and I'm proud to say each build had it's caveat.  But that's how we learn.  The most important technical information I received from this forum is to "Just have fun".  

We build for ourselves hence the greatness within us all.  That's mistakes and all.  Be proud of what you built as I am amazed by your quality of your work.

Toshi

Youre too hard on yourself, Mike. I actually liked your build a lot!

Mike,

Thank you for that. I did try ... it's just that when I view the close up pictures I take, I see so many flaws. The swastika was painted from a Montex mask but I should have masked more of the Montex mask using Tamiya tape.

Mike

Thank you TempestJohnny - I actually learned quite a bit from my foray into camo painting. It was really enjoyable.

Mike

Toshi,

I AM having fun!

I very much appreciate your compliment and that you took the time to comment. I continue to be amazed at the speed and quality of your builds ... they are very inspiring to me. The only problem I have with them is that they're built so quickly that sometimes I miss the thread!.

Thanks again Toshi,

Mike

Allan,

Like I've said before, I get upset when I see the flaws in my own close-up pictures. But, truthfully, I enjoyed the build, learned some things, and am reasonably satisfied with my  progress so far.

I'm glad you liked it and thanks for the comment.

Mike