1/700 tiny pieces - really worth it?

Been there, done that. I've noticed that I'm tending to skip some of the details that are abysmally small or won't be seen or will break off the first time the thing is handled (especially with trains.)

Began it with my model trains and now doing it with my plastics. I was finding the frustration wasn't worth the final result.

I agree, there is definitely a happy medium needed between the amount of effort required and the satisfaction of the final product.

I hear you! I've built up to 15 different 1/700 IJN naval boats when I decided to start
using photo etching...Three hours later trying to fold and glue the crane for the USS
Indianapolis, I learned to pick my battles. The crane actually looks much better than
stock, but less significant pieces...forget it! I also switched to 1/350 scale ships.

I admire 1/700 ship modellers, from afar that is, I don't want to catch their insanity! If I was to attempt a ship that scale I would cut the picture out of the box and tape it to the inside of an aquarium!

So no, you're not alone. You just need help!

QUOTE: Originally posted by Bgrigg I admire 1/700 ship modellers, from afar that is, I don't want to catch their insanity! If I was to attempt a ship that scale I would cut the picture out of the box and tape it to the inside of an aquarium! So no, you're not alone. You just need help!

yes, i agree we "1/700-ers" need help, but, what about those poor 1/1200 folks???? my, oh my. not enough pasykaloligists in the world!!!

QUOTE: Originally posted by mfsob Plugging along on my 1/700 Victory ship, in which I substituted open lifeboats from a Skywave detail set for the closed (covered) ones that came with the kit, I decided in a moment of inanity that I needed the oars that go in the two non-motorized ones, and so ordered that photoetched set from White Ensign Models. And now that I have finally managed to get one very thin coat of paint on the very, very tiny oars, and have gotten them in the boats, I find myself wondering - WHY??? Am I the only one who finishes a particularly trying bit of detail work, only to look at it, shake my head, and vow never to do so again?

I've said the same thing myself, but keep going back for more punishment by adding detail in 700th scale. However, only you can really answer the question. If the end result is worth it to you, then by all means, do it.

I have tried to add some " microscopic " details , to some of my 1/700 scale ships , more often than not , they went " ping " , into that deep abyss , called a carpet , never to be seen again . I stick to 1/350 scale for super detailing . However some modellers have mastered , super detailing 1/700 scale ships . And the results are outstanding . I think it depends on patience , and skill . ( Some guys , are just " naturals " , at it . )
Frank
" PERSEVERANCE "

... and as I continue to ponder this, I FINALLY found the missing rudder for the lifeboat. It went for a little low Earth orbit flight last night, and ended up about 6 feet from the table. Someone should do a study on this ... I wonder if I could get a government grant!

some pcs are worth it i try to use some
the hands don't always work well but i still try

well having been through the navy nuclear power school i can say that it is the reason i put soo much detail into my ship models. That place drained me of all the sanity i had which was a small amount to start with. I am currently building the entire nassau expeditionary strike group, which consists of the following ships: USS Nassau LHA-4, USS Austin LPD-4, USS Gunston Hall LSD-44, USS Laboon DDG-58, USS Winston S. Churchill DDG-81, and the USS Cape St. George CG-71. the three small boys are complete, the Nassau is a work in progress and the other 2 kits i haven't ordered yet.

BTW i'm a Machinist Mate onboard the Nassau.(hint hint i failed out of nuke school)

1/1200? what about 1/2400?

QUOTE: Originally posted by mfsob Am I the only one who finishes a particularly trying bit of detail work, only to look at it, shake my head, and vow never to do so again?

No what the scale or type, one can always cram tinier and tinier details on as desired. In the armor world I have often heard your sentiment echoed by builders using Aber PE sets, which I gather must have some ridiculously small parts. I think each builder has a certain detail level that when gone past may make a better model, but takes away from the actual enjoyment of building it. I think the main thing is to remember that this is a hobby and that it should be done for enjoyment.

Andy

if you want to get away from detailing stick to the more modern stuff like missle frigates and such they dont take As much as the wwii types because of the slab siding the many have

OK, I started with a 1/700 waterline "Allen M. Sumner", and added the rest of the hull, and FRAM'd it (FRAM II). When I get the Randolph done, I'll display the two conducting underway refuelling. The parts are tiny, but not too tiny.
I'm also looking for some 1/700 stoofs (S2F Trackers), and 1/700 SH-34J antisubmarine helos.
Pete