Detail that only God can see...

I like to detail the inside of aircraft more for the learning experience I get by knowing what eguipment was in what location. I think it provides the modeler with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the model they are building. If you only worry about the visible details of a model, then you will never fully understand or appreciate what you built. If you don't care about the whole plane, why bother with any accuracy on the visible part of the model. Who cares if nobody else gets to see what you did, you know more about the model than they ever will unless they take the time you did to build one themselves.

For me it depends on my mood, subject matter and the Kit.

If it is a Tank in a Dio, I couldn't be bothered much.

OTOH, if it is something like B-17, Tank or similar that has a very nice Interior it is nice to make a cut-away Model. Would I go out and blow $$$ on AM parts just to get the same level of detail I doubt it, but stranger things have happened.

Busy saving up for a Moto-Guzzi Model Kit that will be build as a cut-away model, full detail, the works.

I like strange and unusual kits, got a working CB750 engine model sitting on my office Desk.

Like I said for me it depends on the Kit, intended purpose of the Kit and the mood I am in.

Since I am still very much a neophyte, I will do additional detail for practice, cover up my learning experience by closing the hatches, etc., and then go on to the next project. Some day I might get around to doing more open vehicles, and the detailing practice will be of some use then. In any case, I build for my own entertainment, so I can do it any way I wanna

I don't bother detailing areas that will never be seen. I can spend that time focusing on other areas.

In my opinion it's just a matter of taste; but also It depends on who builds, who will see the product, and why the model is built.

If it's for oneself, sometimes just the process of research and construction is gratifying enough to justify the extra time and effort (but be sure to take some photos to show to your pals!).

If it's for a contest, it depends on its rules (I'm not an expert here; I don't attend to competitions). I think that no one will values sth. that cannot be seen unless prove it's existance.

If it's for a customer... satisfy his requests and use only the amount of detailing that he/she will likely accept.

Regards to all,
Diego.

I build for myself, primarily, and for competition only secondarily. Part of the joy I derive from modelling is discovering how systems work, and how parts inter-relate (well, I AM a technical illustrator, and figuring out how things work is my job). In duplicating these systems, I will admit that I sometimes venture into God's territory.
When I DO build for a contest, my rule of thumb is to detail anything that can be seen by the flashlight patrol, then go 10% beyond that so that the details APPEARS to keep going and going...

Phil Schenfeld - ankle deep in the innards of Trumpeter's F4U-4

what is your time and your life worth? is it not better spent detailing that which can be seen and may be enjoyed by others when VIEWING the model? Would it not allow you more time to get thru the rest of those umpteen kits you have stored away?

anyone who builds what cannot be seen suffers from AMS - advanced modelling syndrome - he/she probably worries about whether there are 48 or 49 rivets on that side panel! that's not modelling, that's fascism!

While I build for myself and have never entered a show.....

There have been times when I will add a miniscule "extra" that cant be seen, but it's rare....

I guess my approach is if it cant be seen Im not going to bother! But there are exceptions to this rule....for me, rare but they do happen

If some person peered into my model with some tunneling camera, what he would see is my signature and the year I glued up the body. =P

I agree with winco7, detailing the inside is very educational. My current project is the venrable Airfix Sunderland MkIII which I'm building into a RNZAF ( New Zealand) Mk 5. Which includes a detailed interior(including the kitchen sink!). So what if half of it won't be seen clearly when I'm done, I know it's there and that makes the model feel more complete to me.

I believe it depends on the concept.. An example a tank with opened hatches is asking for it yes you have to put SOMETHING in there to be seen. While an M2 Bradley sealed up needs nothing. I much prefer to have my armor buttoned up, or at least having someone in the hatches. Lets face it Armor isnt meant to it there LOOKING neat. It has a purpose, and thats the fun of the subject. (big metal beast running amok making noise and not having to listen to wives complaining about immaturity ) I like riders too, they draw attention away from the fact that you didnt superdetail the engine under the grillwork. I like to pile stuff on, they do it in the field, its accruate and, lets face it, can keep us from spending a fortune on aftermarket goodies we can't see, so we can spend a fortune on the aftermarket goodies we can. Now with ships I suggest adding a piece of black felt about 3/4 of an inch behind any new holes drilled. This makes port holes, vents, and inlets look real. Nothing makes a WWII era sub look more fake than light shining through the inlets you painstakingly drilled out for a more realistic effect. As for aircraft yes you detail anything that can be seen with the naked eye and a penlight. But No for the rest. I agree with th other submitters that believe that its overkill to build a great jet engine and then seal it up. If your teaching the kids about aircraft systems layout I say go for ti. Open panels ..go for it.. If it will sit on a shelf, then forget the interior details and spend your time and money on the details you can see and therefore brag about.- Dominic

Picture this scenario: You arrive at the "Pearly Gates." Instead of St. Peter, you're greeted by a panel of the most meticulous IPMS "rivet counters" who have "passed on." All the models you ever built are on the table and being judged. The score determines where you'll end up!

Can you really feel confident that you don't need to pay any attention to "Detail that only God can see..."?


Hmmm! That should keep you awake nights (and result in more uselessdetailing!

""Should we prosper it shall be as is our custom...by Miracle!"

When I put in detail that doesn't show, it's for one of two reasons:
1) There was no way to know, until I actually buttoned it all up, that nothing would show. Sometimes there is a sight line, but when all is in place, light does not naturally fall on the extra work, and it doesn't show. I would rather spend some time on detail that does not show than to leave out detail that ends up showing.
2) Sometimes I learn or think up a technique and wonder how it will work. Not being the type to experiment with scrap materials, I find it useful to try the idea on a hidden area of a model. If it works well, I get more encouragement from seeing it in place on a model. The fact that it will be covered up does not take away from the learning experience.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Eclectic The fact that it will be covered up does not take away from the learning experience.

Amen to that!!

I make models because I love to do so.
And because I love it so much, I like to put as much time in a model as possible.
Therefore my models end up having details in places only god can see and I know off!
When I won't detail the places you'll never see, I got the feeling I cheated!!
So I'm a "detail-man"!

If you thrive the challenge of detailing the interior and learning what made the prototype tick, by all means, you can do that. Scratchbuilt, aftermarket, plastic, resin, paper, wire, turned metal, whatever. Enjoy the journey. On the other hand, if you relaly like a profile/curbside model all buttoned up, have fun with it! If you like having detail inside the model only where it can be seen, go for it.

It's your time, your money, your hobby. Do with it what you will. All philosophies are equally right. There is no wrong here.

How did I the queen of over obsessing miss this? Oh, well something new to keep me up nights. As someone who is building a dog's collar and leash out of seven seperate pieces, I have nothing to say about "over detailing". Those of you who frown on For God's eyes only detail, I will not share with you the deatiling of my planning process, lest you faint and land on the perfectly scaled razor sharp and acuratly poisoned Orc arrow and die. We build to make us happy and crushing a challenge is fun!!

I usually don't model detail that can't be seen; I've always been of the opinion that if you can't see it, why build it? On the other hand, if it can be seen, I have a great time adding detail or improving the kit parts.

Does all this mean I dont have to scratchbuild crank and camshafts with bearings and timing chains, working oil and fuel pumps, stall converters and valve body for my tranny's , u-joints and ring and pinion gears for the rear end, brake bleeder screws etc???? WOW what a relief!!! dang, I can start building for fun again!!! lol

If you want to go with EXTREME detail:

I remember reading some letters to one of the Kalmbach Model RR Mags about an attempt to simulate a swarm of bee travelling from one tree to another on an HO scale RR by using elaborate swithches, magnets and iron filings to represent the bees!

Now that's detailing!

"Should we prosper it shall be as is our custom...by Miracle!"

whoa azrog!! I feel nearly normal now.

How about adding lighs to HO figs and Bicycles??



Parts do to this are sold and easily available in Europe.

I like to build cockpits, and a lot of times that detail can't be seen. But like others, the fun of doing it makes me want to go through the trouble. I enjoy working with detail kits on armor too, though mainly on external parts, I don't bother with interiors there. Also, I rarely use all of the pieces of a PE sheet-- just the ones that I feel like doing. It's just for fun for me! It's just satisfying to get those little pieces in place sometimes....

QUOTE: Originally posted by ajlafleche It's your time, your money, your hobby. Do with it what you will. All philosophies are equally right. There is no wrong here.

I Totaly agree with is!

Of course there's no right or wrong here, but it's neat to read the different perspectives. Thanks for posting, everyone.

Regards,

Just out of curiosity, has anyone ever felt so proud over the detail added (even though it won't be seen once the model is closed up) that they took a picture of it before saying "bye-bye" forever? I like to add detail to my planes even if I know it won't be seen after I close up the fuse. Then it's like, when I'm done, I stand back and go "Whoah!! That looks better than I hoped for!" I've never snapped a photo of it but I might one of these days. Otherwise I just sort of sit back, admire it for a few moments, pretend I'm actually in it, then glue everything together only to never see the stuff again. Just a thought,

Eric

Well, I never took a pictures of my added details, but I do admire it for a while and close it up. Just the thought of knowing about the details being inside the models makes it special to me. But it would not be a bad idea to take pictures, then I can proof it that it is really there!

another interesting topic, 4 sure...
usually, if it doesn't show, i don't take time building it.
but i've been working on a project (a partially open-topped tank) where i'm pretty sure that most of the interior details won't show very clearly; on the other hand, since u can see into the inside from the top, there has 2 b something in there.
so i'm scratchbuilding an interior & planning on leaving the upper hull removeable... so anyone that wants 2 can get a good look at the innards.
detailing is kind of addictive...hard 2 know when 2 say 'enough already !'

frosty

A B-25 I built 20 yrs ago for an IPMS show didn't make the last move and split in two. I couldn't believe I put regulators and lines on the O2 bottles and wired the radio. I even put sectional charts and the check list behing the pilots seat. I thought, gee that looks really cool, since it has been 20 yrs since human eyes feasted upon this detail. Like opening up a time capsule to show how insane I was in my teens.

Well, I liked that ol B-25 so I got me another one to build. I thought, Scott, your older and wiser now, just slap it together and enjoy yourself and screw all the detail that only an ant can play on. Thirty hrs later and I just finished the inside of that bloody fuselage. Boy, some spider will really get a kick out of reading the comic book I put on the ammo bench by the waist gunner seat.


If there's is an organization called "overdetailers Anonymous", sign me up.
Scott

I know this much,if the the kit comes with the insides,I will build it.Most of the time I like to detail the outside were people are going to see.This includes fine details on tanks,also different type of paint jobs on tanks,airplanes and ships.This to me is what makes the model come alive.Digger