Hobbyist or Modeler?

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

 

 I haven't laughed this hard in days,i consider myself a modelbuilder,work is my hobby cause it takes my away from the thing i love(my wife,my dogs,and of course my models)I've been known to scratchbiuld a good idea or two (as wellas "insert body part here")and some of them even worked from time to time.as for accuracy i read on thes very forums from someone wiser than my they said " unless it's 1:1 scale it will never be accurate" dont think the neighbors would appreciate a tiger parked in the front yard.that fellow at the site stated wont get my casual browse nor will i let him get my dander up   hi my name is armornut and im a modelbuilder.

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