Hobbyist or Modeler?

AH1Wsnake wrote:

As far as hobbyist vs. modeler goes, I can split us up into 3 categories. Here's my take: (which is not to be taken seriously ) Hobbyist -- Someone who builds typically out of the box. They might choose a subject because it's interesting or significant to them, but don't necessarily put in any additional research specific to the kit's construction. Doesn't care if the paint shade is two FS numbers off, as long as it looks right to them. Heck, they may even paint up a P-51 in tiger stripe camo because they want too -- it's fun. Not big buyer of aftermarket resin, pe, or decals. Doesn't notice or really care if he has a seam line showing or a nick in the windshield -- because it's FUN. The hobbyist can find everything needed to finish his kits between the local Hobbytown and the craft store. Modeler -- Has left his hobbyist days behind him. He is now very selective of his kits and their quality. Will pass up the old Wal-mart Revell kits in favor of the uber-tooled Hasegawa. In fact, to construct an old Revellogram kit, he will probably buy at least one aftermarket set. The modeler is familiar with names like Aires, Black Box, Eduard, Twobobs, Cutting Edge, Verlinden, et al., and has used his credit card/paypal to order from them regularly. The modeler also puts much more research into his builds than the hobbyist. Whether it's to find a specific variant, paint scheme, or weapons load, the modeler spends a good amount of time on internet sources and collections of vehicle-specific printed media. Terms like 'scratching' and 'bashing' are not foreign to them. The modeler typically has a genuine interest in producing a realistic recreation of their subject. And, the modeler frets about leaving a seam line showing -- even if his skills aren't up to making it perfect, he still knows it's there. Lastly, the "professional" -- Sells off his products to make a buck from the highest bidder. He isn't interested in constructing models as a "hobby" or for "fun." In fact, he tends to look down on those who do. They're not adhereing to his "professional" qualities, and tend to bring down the high standards of his "profession." Confuses his modeling techniques with written law.   Andy

OK,  I gotta jump in here and add my worth. Andy makes a very good point breaking this down into catagories. According to what Andy posted here, I am defininatly a Hobbist Modeler. I do build OOB and will work with aftermarket items if there is an absolute need for it on the model or if I want a different decal look than what the model came with. While I will try to build a realistic looking model, I also know when to say "the heck with it", it looks good enough to pass muster. I think my Vintage ESCI 1/48 F-8E Crusader speaks for itself cause while I did use PE in the cockpit the rest of it was an OOB build. Ive also been known to add a few items I did from scratch to my models. So I feel I definatly fit the first two catagories. I never want to be a professional. I will not hesitate to buy a Revell or Mongram kit. To be perfectly honest I find Revell or Monogram kits to be far more challenging than the Hasegawa, Tamiya or Trumpeter kits. I really dont care if the kit has raised or recess panel lines, I know I'm going to enjoy building it either way and to me thats really all that matters.

Air Master 

As far as hobbyist vs. modeler goes, I can split us up into 3 categories. Here's my take:
(which is not to be taken seriously )

Hobbyist --
Someone who builds typically out of the box. They might choose a subject because it's interesting or significant to them, but don't necessarily put in any additional research specific to the kit's construction. Doesn't care if the paint shade is two FS numbers off, as long as it looks right to them. Heck, they may even paint up a P-51 in tiger stripe camo because they want too -- it's fun. Not big buyer of aftermarket resin, pe, or decals. Doesn't notice or really care if he has a seam line showing or a nick in the windshield -- because it's FUN. The hobbyist can find everything needed to finish his kits between the local Hobbytown and the craft store.

Modeler --
Has left his hobbyist days behind him. He is now very selective of his kits and their quality. Will pass up the old Wal-mart Revell kits in favor of the uber-tooled Hasegawa. In fact, to construct an old Revellogram kit, he will probably buy at least one aftermarket set. The modeler is familiar with names like Aires, Black Box, Eduard, Twobobs, Cutting Edge, Verlinden, et al., and has used his credit card/paypal to order from them regularly. The modeler also puts much more research into his builds than the hobbyist. Whether it's to find a specific variant, paint scheme, or weapons load, the modeler spends a good amount of time on internet sources and collections of vehicle-specific printed media. Terms like 'scratching' and 'bashing' are not foreign to them. The modeler typically has a genuine interest in producing a realistic recreation of their subject. And, the modeler frets about leaving a seam line showing -- even if his skills aren't up to making it perfect, he still knows it's there.

Lastly, the "professional" --
Sells off his products to make a buck from the highest bidder. He isn't interested in constructing models as a "hobby" or for "fun." In fact, he tends to look down on those who do. They're not adhereing to his "professional" qualities, and tend to bring down the high standards of his "profession." Confuses his modeling techniques with written law.

Andy

Another way to spell ego is T-U-R-D.

Man, if I ever encountered this guy at a shop or contest, I'd looooooove to push his buttons.

Maybe talk about how much I love to build models. How building models is such a relaxing hobby. How I really enjoy being among fellow model builders at hobby shops, or how I enjoy chatting with model-building friends online. All the great aircraft from Tamiya, Hasegawa, and Revell that I can't wait to build models of.

It would be enjoyable to see him get worked up, red-faced, and maybe even look like his head was about to pop.... then I'd leave, satisfied. And that ain't no 'keyboard courage,' either.

Andy

m1garand wrote:

This guy sounds like one of the person that I know from the range.  He thinks I'm not a real shooter because I don't hand load all the time and my guns are not customized like his.  More power to him for having such skills and knowledge, but that and $2 will only get you a subway ride in New York City.

Hey this guy must travel all the way down to a range here in Alabama, strange how he gets around so much.

I'd say that I'm a hobbyist, but my predominant hobby is that of being a modeler.

As stated above, the term 'hobbyist' really applies to anyone having some sort of hobby or recreational task.

I build because it is relaxing, it allows me to escape the world, be creative, be productive. I have always been interested in history, and this particular hobby allows me to have a better understanding of it, and have something tangible to look at and compare when dealing with history, and technological advancement in particular.

For those who are interested, here are some of his outstanding builds, but be advised, he is not the most pleasant person to read.

Hmm......Yes.  Well, now that I've been officially put in my place, I guess I'm not a modelmaker, but a "kit assembler"  I still know a jackass when I see one though.

  Just had a look at the culttvman website. Man this guy is a bit over the top. Me, I'm a modeller who builds for a bit of rest and relaxation. I am not the greatest modeller in the world but am not worried. I do it for me. 

Mr. Mott wrote:

Is there a difference? Just thought I'd ask. I build for myself as a form relaxation. I enjoy the felowship of others with the same interests. How about you? Why do you build?

Well, since modeling is a hobby I consider the terms interchangeable. No, I don't make the drawings and scratchbuild every individual widget. And since I build mostly OOB, most of my finished models are (gasp!) not 100% accurate. Does that bother me? Not really because I build for fun, period. The knowledge that I get from researching my builds and the new skills learned from building are just the additonal benefits I gain. If it ever ceases to be a source of enjoyment and relaxation, then I'll put the tools down and find some other way to occupy my free time.

Glamdring wrote:

ruddratt wrote: Good lord! Some people take this hobby WAY too seriously. The internet has always brought the best out in people.

ruddratt wrote:

Rob Gronovius wrote: To this day, there is still a modeler on rec.models.scale who feels as though he was slighted by another user/modeler about a decade ago. He still haunts user/modeler with postings proclaiming the user/modeler to be a pedophile and has a website dedicated to such dribble. There's another AZ modeler with a beef against the IPMS and every so often posts messages defaming the organization. Good lord! Some people take this hobby WAY too seriously.

thats the problem with most any hobby, everyone gets too involved in the politics and egos clash, people forget its all about having a good time, i see the same stuff in my other hobbies, re-enacting and paintball

ruddratt wrote:

Rob Gronovius wrote: To this day, there is still a modeler on rec.models.scale who feels as though he was slighted by another user/modeler about a decade ago. He still haunts user/modeler with postings proclaiming the user/modeler to be a pedophile and has a website dedicated to such dribble. There's another AZ modeler with a beef against the IPMS and every so often posts messages defaming the organization. Good lord! Some people take this hobby WAY too seriously.

Rob Gronovius wrote:

To this day, there is still a modeler on rec.models.scale who feels as though he was slighted by another user/modeler about a decade ago. He still haunts user/modeler with postings proclaiming the user/modeler to be a pedophile and has a website dedicated to such dribble. There's another AZ modeler with a beef against the IPMS and every so often posts messages defaming the organization.

Good lord! Some people take this hobby WAY too seriously.

Many of the little spats between users on this site (or other sites) are nothing compared to the all-out flame wars that occurred between this person and other USENET posters. Remember, those USENET newsgroups are unmoderated and there were no holds barred.

To this day, there is still a modeler on rec.models.scale who feels as though he was slighted by another user/modeler about a decade ago. He still haunts user/modeler with postings proclaiming the user/modeler to be a pedophile and has a website dedicated to such dribble.

There's another AZ modeler with a beef against the IPMS and every so often posts messages defaming the organization.

I'm a hobbyist that likes to build (or assemble) models...

"Most of you are common kit-assemblers. You are not 'model builders'."......

ummm...well if a kit is by definition a model, and i build model kits....i guess that makes me a "model builder"...

I scratchbuild to improve kits, and i hope to become good enough to build my own totaly from scratch but i hope i never get an ego that big, my dad used to totaly scratchbuild awsome looking race cars and if you ask him about it today he says it was just fun...thats the kind of "model builder" i want to be, i build for fun and to learn about the vehicles i model, so i'd say i'm a modeler

I'm just a simple kit assembler hobbyist, I guess. I have no aspirations to acheive the exalted status of fugghead, like the self proclaimed modeler Rob's link takes me to. He may be able to "build models" like no other, but I'll be pacified with my skills at building friendships and helping others. Of course, he isn't creating the styrene out of the raw resources, so really he's just using the abilities of others to create his models. I see he uses a store bought pump to do his vacuforming as well. I'll remain happy as an assembler, and let Mr. Merriman be the ***.

I'll continue to hold people like Solid in high regard, though. Since he can take a simple block of wood and turn it into a masterpiece, and do so in a friendly manner.

Rob Gronovius wrote:

For those who are interested, here are some of his outstanding builds, but be advised, he is not the most pleasant person to read. http://culttvman.com/scratchbuilding.html

Wow.

Certainly has skill.

And seems like he's quite aware of it.

Reminds me of a song I used to hear:

"Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every. I can't wait to look in the mirror, I get better lookin' each day. To know me is to love me, I must be a heckuva guy. Oh Lord it's hard to be humble, but at least I'm givin' it a try!" 

Still, good for him! It is impressive being able to make a model in that way. I certainly admire the hard work and research that goes into it.

No worries for me. I can happily go back to assembling my bag of plastic parts.  

No big deal really. He is entitled to his opinion but he's definitely off my Christmas list!

...and last I heard, they were referred to as 'model kits'.

I checked out the link above and as soon as I started reading it I was amazed at the ego of this guy.  How does he even fit through the doorway with his head so self inflated?  He refers to us derisively as "kit assemblers".  Ok, sure... we're assembling the parts, however he conveniently ignores the research, craftsmanship (seam work, paint finishes), weathering skills etc. that go into each model we build.  My skills are nowhere near his, but I enjoy learning something new with each build and pushing myself each time to improve my skills and learn something new.  I don't build to impress others, nor do I use what skills I do have to make myself feel superior to others who are still learning. 

Granted, the work he does is amazing, but after reading a few sentences I stopped looking at his website.  I couldn't care less about anything he does.  I actually feel sorry for him, he must be a pretty miserable, lonely human being. 

I like to do a good job with my models, and to make them as realistic as possible given what's available in the kit, and I use some aftermarket goodies from time to time if I feel they'll significantly enhance my build, but I'm not a rivet counter either.  If a wheel is short one bolt, or a panel line is 1mm off, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. 

I enjoy doing the research, keeping up on the latest releases, and building and collecting kits.  I also enjoy learning from others and sharing what I learn with my fellow "kit assemblers" which makes the hobby so much more enjoyable for me.  So I guess from that perspective I'm a hobbyist. 

Rob, your right, he is very talented.  However, I do feel some pity for him.  How crappy can his life be that he has to basically alienate averyone who reads his stuff.  Does it make him feel superior when he belittles us 'assemblers'?

I thought it was kind of funny how he was trying to make science FICTION real. For example, the Enterprise flies on magic.  Well......duh!  that why its called SCIENCE FICTION.

What a goober!

Henry

Rob Gronovius wrote:

In the early days of online model USENET messages, there was this highly-skilled (but lacking in social skills) modeler who made working submarine models from scratch. He was also a very good sci-fi modeler who worked from scratch as well. He enjoyed trolling the old rec.models.scale site calling all of us "kit assemblers". Since he scratchbuilt his models, they were the only "true"models. All we did was assemble plastic kits. Me, I'm just a simple modeler who builds for relaxation and enjoyment as well as trying to replicate equipment I serve on or have crewed in the past. For those who are interested, here are some of his outstanding builds, but be advised, he is not the most pleasant person to read. http://culttvman.com/scratchbuilding.html

Hehe, he reminds me a tad of a certain Mr. Hawkey.

I'm not offended in being a kit assembler. I'll wear the badge with pride.