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ok, look at this "pro" and his models, LOL

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  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Panama City, Florida, Hurricane Alley
Posted by berny13 on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 9:39 PM
Bayonet Recon.

Not everyone can express their thoughts in writing. Everyone of us has made a mistake in spelling or made a typo error. I try to go back and check my work for errors prior to submiting it. At times I may miss or overlook an error. I find most of my errors are a result of being in a hurry and thinking so far ahead of my fingers.

The one thing I can't understand is how a person is able to graduate from high school and not be able to write or spell? Isn't that a requirement for graduating? The second largest selling book in the world is the dictionary, but very few people know how to use one. Maybe spell check has spoiled the younger generation.

Berny

 Phormer Phantom Phixer

On the bench

TF-102A Delta Dagger, 32nd FIS, 54-1370, 1/48 scale. Monogram Pro Modeler with C&H conversion.  

Revell F-4E Phantom II 33rd TFW, 58th TFS, 69-260, 1/32 scale. 

Tamiya F-4D Phantom II, 13th TFS, 66-8711, 1/32 scale.  F-4 Phantom Group Build. 

 

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 9:30 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2587&item=3135331664 is probubly the worst: the photoetch is not painted, too loose, and looks taped on.

the frames are kinda painted, and some leeked onto the clear plastic.

the decals are silvered

and some of the gaps are not filled.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 8:01 PM
This guy should be thrown off e-bay. He is obviously not being honest. The A-10 appears to be missing the main gear doors and the nose gear door is half closed with the leg between the door and fuse.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 7:44 PM
Looks like a lot of these were relisted: Seller's History

In regards to that Apache, what's up with that description?
Its two man crew sit back to back just like ridding a hourse, one drives the other attacks. This model is built by a Pro, who appreciates the fact that other people can purchase his work and get the power.

Regarding spelling, I find it interesting that he can spell the word "bombardier", but yet goofs up "topetto dive bomber". I don't get the impression that English is a second language for Bob, the model builder. It appears to be more of a rush job sprinkled with some major typos. How much trouble is it to open up Word and do a spelling/grammar check? Or check http://www.m-w.com/ or something. Personally if I referred to myself as a "professional" and asking for that kind of money, I would make an effort to make a better impression.

Labeling himself as a professional model builder or referring to the work as "Pro Built" is kind of a slap in the face to people who really do professional work. I think it gives model builders a bad name. Somebody who may not know better might think that really is "professional built". In the future when they hear that term, they'll be using that work as a reference point.

You might think I'm out in left field, but it happens in every field/profession. From the medical field, legal profession, insurance, auto-repair, programming, etc. People learn a bit of something, label themselves as "professional", sell their services/products and people get upset when things go wrong or aren't up to the standards they should have been. People are quick to blame the profession and not just the person. It's called stereotypes. Then there's the typical complaint that starts out, "The last person/company who did..."

Anyways...

My gut is telling me that the guy is trying to make money off of the Iraqi War. A large % of the models have references to either "Iraqi War" or "Operation Iraqi Freedom" (or some variation). The hyping of the subject matter and the war, high price, low quality and little about the actual kit -- something just doesn't feel right.

BTW, does anyone know where to find membership information for the "International Model Builders Society of America". No one? That's what I thought. Wink [;)]Evil [}:)]
  • Member since
    June 2003
Posted by M1abramsRules on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 7:06 PM
look at the p-38. Is that one bomb and one fuel tank I see on there? He is from the US, so its not like english isn't his first language. He has to have a credit card to register on ebay, plus heknows too much about the things he selling to be an 8 year old. but I would not call him a proBig Smile [:D]

I don't do any weathering either, but I don't have airbrush yet(hopefully within the nexxt 2 months i will and then I'll be putting out some weathered models this winter)

something's fishy though
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Panama City, Florida, Hurricane Alley
Posted by berny13 on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 6:49 PM
RonUSMC.

Very well put. I agree with you 100%. A person who claims to be a pro should have professional built models to prove it. My grand children can build a model better then the ones he is selling. It is people like that who give this industry a bad name. Just my two cents worth.

Berny

 Phormer Phantom Phixer

On the bench

TF-102A Delta Dagger, 32nd FIS, 54-1370, 1/48 scale. Monogram Pro Modeler with C&H conversion.  

Revell F-4E Phantom II 33rd TFW, 58th TFS, 69-260, 1/32 scale. 

Tamiya F-4D Phantom II, 13th TFS, 66-8711, 1/32 scale.  F-4 Phantom Group Build. 

 

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 5:49 PM
I must admit, I'm no expert model builder, but I would never try to sell any of my models, not only because they are worth squat, but also because they are embarrassing.

It looks like this guy doesn't think the way I do!

I'm stunned... absolutely stunned!

Thanks for the links!
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Seattle, WA
Posted by RonUSMC on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 5:18 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by irherman

I think people shouldn't be so worried about other people's work. If you don't like, don't buy it, move on. To pick apart his work, and his English, is pretty petty if you ask me. Did you ever think that perhaps English is his second language, and he's trying to learn the language??

I think people have too much time on their hands to criticize others. If you don't like his work, have a chuckle to yourself, and move on. But don't add further embarrasement to him by ridiculing him on a public forum.

These are just my thoughts.


I see your point very clearly, so let me be more specific on my thoughts so hopefully you understand my point.

I am not a critical person. In fact, if you look through every post I have ever made on anyone's work.. I have never been critical of anyone's work on here, or elsewhere. I dont even give tips or anything on someone's work specifically, or give advice on completed models. Its not my place to do so at all.

Here is the exception.... He claims to have 30 years experience, he claims he has won National Titles, he claims to have been in all these contests.... which is fine and I have no problem with that at all and I dont care one bit... but he put his work up for sale on a public site!

When you put your work up for sale ... you invite criticisms. That is the inherent responsibility of the consumer. To be critical of products, to give reviews, to give opinions to the producer to provide a better product.

If he would put the exact same set of models here... I would not say a word, but he didn't. He posted them for sale on eBay and that in itself invites criticisms. As the consumer it is our responsibility to be mindful.
http://finescalegallery.com Active Kits: 1/48 AM Avenger 1/35 Sd.Kfz 251 Ausf C
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 3:38 PM
As an former F-16 mechanic and current F-16 instructor since 1983. I can safely say I am NOT impressed by his work on the 2 F-16's that he built. You could fill a matchbox with my armour knowledge (and have room leftover) so I dont feel qualified to comment on that aspect. I also have time on A-10's and F-15's and they were in the same catagory as the 16's. I would hate to try and make a budget for a family based on the numbers of bids he is getting on those little "jewels"
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: UK
Posted by gregers on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 12:52 PM
I never thought i would see it but here is someone even I could teach to build kits
(and i think -infact know- i'm not a good modeller) a little more care and attention to detail would have done wonders . To call these creations "pro built" is very optimistic
to say the least. Ok i don't build show winners but at least i admit it.
if ever anyone needed this forum its that guy someone introduce him to it QUICK please before his family starve to death....Gregers
Why torture yourself when life will do it for you?
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Canada / Czech Republic
Posted by upnorth on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 12:06 PM
I would, but the temptation to tack on a picture of an actual Longbow variant of the Apache so he knows the difference between a normal Apache, as he has on display, and the actual Longbow.

Lots of people call themselves "professionals" at one thing or another, as long as snake oil "medications" have been sold off the backs of chuckwagons in the Old West and probably long before that.

Just remember the immortal words of P.T. Barnum:

"There's a sucker born every minute"

What else do need to know after that?
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Central MI
Posted by therriman on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 11:47 AM
He claims to be the son of a WW2 Navy vet. So english would be his first language. It just looks like he is a 5th grade dropout.

I would be ashamed to ask that much money for such average quality work. His skills are NOT of Professional Quality. Neither are mine, but I'm not claiming to be and trying to pass off work that is.

I'm wonder if several of us shouldn't use the "ask seller a question" option to tell him that he has become the Laughing Stock of the FSM Forum. And what we think of his spelling and work.

How about it? I'm game if you are.
Tim H. "If your alone and you meet a Zero, run like hell. Your outnumbered" Capt Joe Foss, Guadalcanal 1942 Real Trucks have 18 wheels. Anything less is just a Toy! I am in shape. Hey, Round is a shape! Reality is a concept not yet proven.
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: USA, GA
Posted by erush on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 11:36 AM
irherman,
If he hadn't claimed to be a "professional model builder" I wouldn't have said a word. He's trying to make a quick buck off, I think, someone elses work.
But that's just my opinionSmile [:)]

Eric
Hi, I'm Eric and I'm a Modelholic too. I think I have PE poisioning.     "Friendly fire...isn't"
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 10:59 AM
I think people shouldn't be so worried about other people's work. If you don't like, don't buy it, move on. To pick apart his work, and his English, is pretty petty if you ask me. Did you ever think that perhaps English is his second language, and he's trying to learn the language??

I think people have too much time on their hands to criticize others. If you don't like his work, have a chuckle to yourself, and move on. But don't add further embarrasement to him by ridiculing him on a public forum.

These are just my thoughts.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 10:01 AM
Yeah I have to agree that these were probably built by a kid. Look at his A-10. He did such an impressive job on that camoflage. His overspray is only about a couple scale feet.Tongue [:P] And correct me if I'm wrong (I am not an aircraft nut) but arent hogs in the gulf painted grey?
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 9:51 AM
The only thing going for him, is it looks to me like his models were airbrushed. Other than that, the models ain't exactly what I call "Top Notch", This guy could mess up snap-tite kits, I'd be willing to bet!
Other than that, the colors are usually off, and the figures seem unpainted...
The Abrams looks pretty good, though. Looks like he left off the detail parts, however(even a bargain basement kit would have AT LEAST one jerry can or backpack!)
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 8:52 AM
"This gave the enemey the disadvantage of loss of sleep witch was very bad for solders, who worried about attacks at dawn. "

Attacks at dawn? Wires coming loose again, at most. Dawn raids seem a bit o.t.t.

Not bad for an 8 year old though..
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: USA, GA
Posted by erush on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 8:13 AM
Actually after looking at some more of the items, I believe this guy found these at a yard sale or inherited them. The Kearsage actually looks pretty good (for a photo) and way above the skill of most of the rest of the models.

Curious, he didn't place his IPMS trophies in the pictures next to the models that wonQuestion [?]

I think the Beaufighter description takes the cake!!Tongue [:P]

Eric
Hi, I'm Eric and I'm a Modelholic too. I think I have PE poisioning.     "Friendly fire...isn't"
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: USA, GA
Posted by erush on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 7:48 AM
I think I'd have to agree with you Ron. It looks more like an 8 yr old built those and is trying to pull a scam.

My favorite quote is
"My hand mand model can be broked down-"
Give me a "brake" heh heh. He also used "witch" for "which" in one description.

I don't have a problem with someone at that skill level selling his stuff, but to make the claims that he's a "professional" is ludicrous. I'd like to see how well he packages any of his models that he sells too. I bet they're in more pieces than they started when they get where they're going.

It was at least entertaining to read his discriptionsBig Smile [:D]

Eric
Hi, I'm Eric and I'm a Modelholic too. I think I have PE poisioning.     "Friendly fire...isn't"
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Seattle, WA
ok, look at this "pro" and his models, LOL
Posted by RonUSMC on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 7:13 AM
Ok. Honestly I feel a bit sorry for him in a way. I think this is a young kid trying to make a buck, and if so... Bless his heart. I hope he does well. Because lets face it.. alot of people cannot even build them, let alone apply an airbrush to them. But I just have to say.... these are some pieces of work, lol.

Its almost crazy when I look at the detail pictures, some of the parts are not even painted at all... bare plastic. No weathering at all... no panel lines.. nothing... just basic airbrush across them, and even that... some of the camo jobs are the wrong colors, lol.

My first hint was the fact that he can't spell some of the most common words..... like vehicle, amphibious, like, seems, crucial, enemy, mobile, coalition, forces, undercarriage, aerial... well you get the idea. I just want you to look at some of these links and tell me what you think.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2588&item=3135579260
This is in the wrong colors.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2587&item=3135349510
Look at the pilots.. I think they are two colors.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2588&item=3135333850
"florlessly assembled " , "I am also a member of the International Model Builders Socity of America"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2587&item=3135216363
"Notic the realoism and warm detailing"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2587&item=3134903881
I think he just painted over the clear plastic windows in this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2588&item=3134627949
This one is VERY obviously lacking paint on several parts. The hinges where the 25mm rest.. the insides of the doors. All those parts have not even been touched, they are bare plastic.

Click on "View Seller's other items" to see more works from this guy. My only thing is.... He says he has 30 years experience, he's in clubs, etc.

My gripe with it is this.... pictures dont give all the details. So while he claims they are "florelessly detaled" : just from the pictures they look like they have been painted by a child. Then the claims about experience and things, which would lend on giving him some credibility on what you need to guess about in regards to details... just seems like false advertising to me.

Opinions? Comments? Shut Up Ron, its me?
http://finescalegallery.com Active Kits: 1/48 AM Avenger 1/35 Sd.Kfz 251 Ausf C
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