What was that one thing that was a complete game changer?

ALL of the above, for darned sure...but the single biggest 'game changer' for me, far and away, has been being able to (easily) design and print good-quality decals at home.

It's allowed projects I never even could have considered before.

The first game changer , for me anyways , was switching from Testors Orange label glue to CA . ( also started to use Tenex liquid cement about the same time. )

The second game changer was figuring out how to weather stuff. Being a model Rail Roader helped me "Practice" this. ( 50 year old equippment dont look right without some Rust on it ! )

And yes, This forum was a great find ! I learned a few tip's I never would have thought of on my own ... And a few thing's I could actually do differently.

H.O.Scale fine plastic : 

  Box-car roof walkways , Sanded thin and converted to railings for Revells ships ! . A cheap alternative to P.E. When handled right . It's made by Tichy Train Group !

 Sorry , I had a lot on my plate when I answered yesterday .Definitely a change to Tamiya " Thin " and regular green label Glue , haven't spilled any since .

  Airbrush , Now fifty and going strong . And of course P.E. in all sizes and shapes , best looking cockpits I ever did !

GMorrison

OK so make fun of me, but it's been this magazine and this forum. I have learned so much about how to approach modeling more like cooking from a recipe. Understand the attribute of the final product, line up all of the ingredients and use a method that makes sense. As opposed to snapping all of the parts off of the sprues, holding stuff together while the glue dries, and painting all in one go.

 

I think GM says it here best. I agree with him, my game changer has been this forum and the magazine too. One can see how others organize their stashes, all the way to how their completed builds are displayed. With every detail of how to build a model in between. A holy grail of styrene knowledge. IMHO!

   I have to agree with GM, living in the Inland Northwest model clubs, shops, and places to talk models are few and far between. These forums are fun and educational.

     The real game changer for me however is....disposable income. The ability to get what I need or want when I need or want it. Still working on it but someday it will happen.

GMorrison

OK so make fun of me, but it's been this magazine and this forum. I have learned so much about how to approach modeling more like cooking from a recipe. Understand the attribute of the final product, line up all of the ingredients and use a method that makes sense. As opposed to snapping all of the parts off of the sprues, holding stuff together while the glue dries, and painting all in one go.

 

OK so make fun of me, but it's been this magazine and this forum. I have learned so much about how to approach modeling more like cooking from a recipe. Understand the attribute of the final product, line up all of the ingredients and use a method that makes sense. As opposed to snapping all of the parts off of the sprues, holding stuff together while the glue dries, and painting all in one go.

My first airbrush, about 45 years ago, a Binks Wren with medium and fine nozzle sets. Still have it and it works fine, but long since retired. Can't just ditch an old friend.

Hello!

It's a bit like that for me too. Except it was 30 years ago and instead of other glues I started using lacquer thinner. It works great, too!

Have a nice day

Paweł