Seeing what some modelers post often leaves me questioning my own skills.  But just as anything, the more I do the better I get and I've managed to post a pic or two of my finished projects.  Best advice I can give is follow the simple mantra I use when building "The next one will be perfect!"

If you enjoy it keep doing it. I'm sure you just described alot of people in here in your post. I've experienced and seen posts, group builds and WIP's that were full of , fingerprints on paint/glued areas, painting the wrong color in the wrong part of the model, lost parts, parts that keep falling off, dogs that eat models, super glue that got applied too close to clear parts and ruined them, not test fitting prior to assy and the list goes on! You just described modelling pal. I enjoy it through all of that so I keep doing it. Keep hanging in there, don't get in a hurry and don't compare your builds with others. Thats just not fair to yourself. You will get better with time and thats that. Have a good day and thanks for the good thread, Joe

Kiwimo!  What a wonderful topic you've started (and I mean that sincerely).  I tell ya...it seems like I can build one model that is an absolute show-stopper.  True works of art that even surpass all of my own personal expectations.  But then I'll start on the next model and I can't glue two pieces together without botching it up beyond all belief.  All I can say is that what you are going through happens to every single one of us.  Don't let anyone ever try to tell you otherwise.  As Farmboy once said "Anyone who says differently is selling something."

Modeling is not an end.  It's like perfection.  It's not a so much the goal but the journey to the goal.  Will anyone ever achieve it?  Absolutely not, but with each passing build, we get a single step closer.  We all botch something up on a model.  On the next model, we'll get that part right but we'll botch yet another item up.  And the cycle goes on and on and on.  So please don't get discouraged or think of quitting.  As you mentioned, going off to work on a model is an escape from the everyday.  When you're glueing a control column to the cockpit floor, there are no bills to pay, no politics to worry about, the outside world simply ceases to exist.  For a brief moment, model building allows you to escape all that even if you do get a fingrprint on the canopy.  The problems of model building world still beat the problems of the real world any day.

Eric

Thank you for those who have replied.

I really do love the process of seeing something come together, no matter how bad it turned out I know I made it. I would love to display my finished model on this website someday but in reality that isn't going to happen.I know I go too fast and need some patience but  I would never give up  because 1) I have spent too much money on models, tools and paint 2) For the hour or 2 I do my models at night the process is enjoyable and the cursing is part of the process, 3) It reminds me of my childhood making models with my father, 4) the weathering hides the flaws and 5) It is a great hobby to do in the comfort of your own home and keeping my wife happy with my quietness(except the cursing part)!

Anyway,keep the comments coming, I don't have it but that's OK.

Firstly, if you enjoy building, then keep on building.  If it did not turn out the way you wanted it to, it is unfortunate, but does not matter.   Secondly, A car modeller in our club could not get the gloss finish he wanted.  Always some dust , or a spot sanded too much.  Now he weathers them and they are outstanding.  A blob of paint on the wing,  cut that panel out.  Glue on the canopy, smash it out.  Just by moving your aim a little bit, you can turn a disadvance into an asset.

Just like there are artists and people who paint,there are master plumbers,carpenters,masons,and so forth,then there are do-it-yourselfers.It's the same with modeling,no matter how much I practice,no matter how many years I build,I will never achieve the results that some have gotten.Not to say I haven't improved,but we all have our limitations and are only going to go so far.I don't find modeling frustrating,I have improved,and I am proud of my work,but I also know I'm not winning any contests either.

Sounds to me like you are rushing the process and may need to plan your builds a little better.Get organized and allow the paint to dry thoroughly before handling them.If you encounter a problem,ask us here on the forum..You will get there if you try and just have fun with it.

My models are far from perfect and like you every new one I start is going to be a show piece but.....  You hit the nail on the head saying you still enjoy it, especially after a day at work.  That's what it is all about.  Keep having fun.

I'm happy to admit I'm no expert but I model because I like it and we all make mistakes. I'm building a Panther at the moment and I've tried to use as much photo etch as possible on the track hangers. I've lost at least 30% of them, was I annoyed - oh yes! But now I'm going to change it from a prestine just out of the factory one to one covered in branches and mud after seeing some action!

Like many things its how you solve the problem that makes you look like an expert not how you *** it up

Phil

Gamera

Yeah it happens to all of us, I got so mad yesterday I had to walk away. Seems my biggest skill is losing stuff.

1). Tamiya P-51- can't finish - rear canopy vanished

2). Tamiya P-47 - can't finish- prop spinner gone

3). Dragon Royal Tiger- loader's hatch vanished- salvaged one from an old Tamiya kit

4). Italeri Steyer Tractor- can't finish- drive sprocket gone missing

Etc, etc, etc.........

I have that same skill!  OTOH, it does provide you with the opportunity to learn scratchbuilding and mold casting. 

Gene Beaird,
Pearland, Texas

I don't think modeling is a single skill.  I started scale modeling in the wood "solid model" era, and I do have the skill for carving, since I got so much practice in those days.  I know folks who have better painting skills.  I tried model railroading for awhile (they invented "weathering", so I think my weathering skills are pretty good.  I know folks who can handle attachments of very tiny parts (both styrene and PE) very well- a skill I envy.

I don't have it.

Yeah it happens to all of us, I got so mad yesterday I had to walk away. Seems my biggest skill is losing stuff.

1). Tamiya P-51- can't finish - rear canopy vanished

2). Tamiya P-47 - can't finish- prop spinner gone

3). Dragon Royal Tiger- loader's hatch vanished- salvaged one from an old Tamiya kit

4). Italeri Steyer Tractor- can't finish- drive sprocket gone missing

Etc, etc, etc.........

....hmmmm....sounds like you need a better glue? Seriously, practice does make perfect, (or at least better) in scale modeling as well. Don't give up, and just tackle one issue at at time. Like it sounds like you need some paint advice, or glue advice, so just ask away. The problem with the internet is it seems your always trying to get your builds to look like so and so's....when you should just be modeling for yourself.

HMMmm.... modeling skill? nope i dont think i have it. i have a certain liking for doing things right as i am an engineer but some of the stuff i see on here is beyond anything i could cope with, that doesnt mean wont build a model because someone has already done it better, dont beat yourself up about it, i dont. I dont have hours and hours of free time so its always a bit of a compromise, using resin or etch and not scratching too much is a must for me. i always end up with annoying flaws, a fingerprint here a scratch there but i will live it and try better next time.Only so many could hope to be a footballing genius but does that stop millions enjoying playing the game?