Geuss who's starting to foray into scratchbuilding

Good for you! It's always good to see folks get "out of the box".
*taps head*
Tips--you wanted tips--Oh, Yeah...
I' m sorry I can't be very specific, but having done a little myself over the years, the 3 biggest things I've learned is:
1. Pre-planning--including research
2. Patience, patience, patience....
3. Practice, practice, practice....
Gip Winecoff

Way to go, Tench!

Tips?
1. Measure twice, cut once. Or sand a lot.
2. Never, under any circumstances, use Testors Contour Putty.
3. See Tip #2.

Just funnin' ya about the putty!

Like Gip said, the key to doing it is just doing it. I'm no master scratchbuilder by any stretch of the imagination, but I've gotten this far just by diving in and doing it.
I think one of the key things is to not be afraid to just chuck something and start again if you don't think it's right.
Just keep trying till you're satisfied!

Good luck, bro, and keep us up to date with your scratchbuilding conquests!

I haven't gotten into the 'scratch' building scene too much, but I've recently understood the value of 'pre-planning' as mentioned by Gip. I was really struggling with a kit to get it done for a show this spring. My modelling sessions seemed to consist of sitting at the bench, and trying to decide what I should do next... not a whole lot of progress. I found that by making a list of things to do I was able to focus and get the kit done in time. It really made those 15-20 minute sessions more productive because I'd fine one thing on the list and just get it done.

I tried to make the lists 'in my head' but it just didn't work. Building a little gameplan on paper definitely keeps me focused and working towards a completed model.

Now, some would say that I should take that lesson and apply it to the heaps of 'chores' I need to get done around my house. Somehow, there's just not as much satisfaction in cleaning the basement as there is in finishing a kit...

Murray

i've been scratch building fire apparatas for about 3 years. i get more enjoyment everytime i complete a project, and i can see myself getting better everytime i take on a new project. once you get started it will be hard to stop.