Question: How long is too long a time for a WIP?

Panzerjager,

I just looked at your thread. You seem like a nice guy but absolutely insane!! LOL .

Thinking bout the detail you've completed so far starts to make my head spin!  That's some seriously fine work you're doing. Someday, when I grow up (You should be able to figure out that I'm 74), I'd like to be able to build a model half as well as what you're doing - no, 1/10 as well!

How about 8 years.....

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/3/p/107980/1943556.aspx#1943556

John and the Baron,

Thanks for your thoughts on the subject.

My worries about how long I might take on my next project drove my having to ask the question I posted to begin this thread. I no longer am worried about the length of time it may take to finish a small diorama with a TBM-3. I may just work on it alternately with another project I want to finish/resurrect: my Fairey Swordfish.

I consider the question I posted as having been thoroughly answered. Thanks one and all.

I think, as long as you even think about working on the project, it's in progress.  Once you forget about it, and don't think about it for a long period of time, at least a couple of months, it's on the Shelf of Doom.

I guess my thought here is; Are you still alive, enjoying modeling and making some progress now and again?  If so, then that is not too long to have a WIP. 

John

I'm getting a little off topic now but, to reply to goldhammer:

Here are two pictures - one a screen shot of Google Maps showing around a 3 hour travel time from where I live, and the other showing the only place I've ever been to in Lebanon. When I first moved to Salem and bought a 9mm I couldn't find a range that would just charge by the hour locally. Since then I've found one - albeit more expensive than the one in Lebanon but a lot closer! The one in Lebanon was fine when I felt I needed a little practice and I didn't mind the drive.

I'm sure I could cut down the drive time to Madras under ideal circumstances but I don't want to rush anymore.

Madras is only about 2 1/4 hours (130 miles give or take) from Salem.  From Lebanon it takes me just about that amount of time.  If you decide to go, pull up "Erickson Collection" on the web for their hours, open days, etc.

Avenger is a huge beast for carriers considering the rest of the compliment of Dauntless'and 'Cat's.  Was suprised when I saw and walked around it over there, and then the SBD next to it.

Pat and Tom,

Thanks for chiming in.

I'm glad I posted the question since, when it comes to ships - especially sailing ships, I know that threads can go for years. However aircraft I just wasn't sure about the time standards. I guess there are none - and that's just fine.

I'll be starting some more aircraft in the near future, one of which (The TBM-3) I may do a WIP but I'd hesitated because A) it may take me a loooong time to complete, and B) I've just bought a resin wing fold set for it and may not have the talent to pull it off. Now I'm not worried about the time element thanks to the responses I've seen here. I still shudder a bit when it comes to aftermarket stuff. I'm just so-so with most PE and resin scares the hell out of me. In my retirement I guess I have to keep repeating the old mantra - No guts, no glory.

Thanks again to all who've contributed to this thread.

Remember if anyone wants to be emailed the shots I took today of the office of an F-84 Thunderstreak just PM me with an email address that I can send you pictures with and I'll be happy to do it.

1943Mike

OK John,

You asked for it .

...

Hi,

If you hadn't mentioned any of your concerns, I don't think I'd really have noticed any of them.  Overall your model looks way better than anything I've been able to do.

Pat

If it makes you feel any beeter, I have yet finished a P-47 Thunderbolt kit for a GB that started a couple years ago or so. Life has put a stop to it for now. Someday I'll get back to it....

Hi

Sorry for the long reply but this post has gotten me thinking about the models I have startred/worked on over time.

In general, after leaving home for college I had a hard time completing models and eventually stopped building for a couple decades.

Up till about 4-5yrs ago, I believe that the last models that I had tried to build were in college (in the mid to late 80's) and I never finished either.  I think I lost one (an Airfix HMS Fearless) but may still have the other (an Airfix HMS Amazon) still packed away somewhere.  The only thing not completed on it was trying to fit some Photo Etch to it.  It was my 1st (and so far only) attempt at PE and I had started with one piece @ the bow but it didn't look right and I couldn't figure out how best to proceed, so I set it aside and never finished it.  As such, I guess it would be 29yrs or so as a WIP.  (Maybe I should try and dig it out now and use it for practice.)

Other than that, once I decides to try and get back into model building about 4-5yrs ago, I've found it hard to complete models.

I started a model of the Pre-Dreadnought Kniaz Potemkin, and got to a point where all that was left was adding the casemated gun barrels, PE and rigging, but I still wasn't sure how best to handle the PE and rigging, so I set it aside.  It now sits on top of my TV/entertainment center in my living room maybe 80-90% mostly complete, with hopes of finally finishing it.  (Though I also went ahead and bought a 2nd copy of the model to start over on, to try and learn from my mistake on the 1st model, so that the 1st one may end up as a practice kit for experimenting with PE and rigging).

Other than that I have one kit of an Airfix Fairey Battle that I was trying to convert into a What-If RN torpedo bomber, with folding wings and revised 2nd seat/radio operator/bombardier station.  Unfortunately, being a What-If, without a set plan in mind I kind of started out free-handing some ideas on it, and eventually noticed that I had messed up the wing folds (so that they were not symetrical on both sides of the plane).  That plus the fact that the radio operators seat the I scratch built looked a little out of scale, and the fact that I had messed up the paint a little (and accidentally dropped a freshly painted part into a glass of water), kind of led me to set that one aside, and I think it's probably officially no longer a WIP.  I may eventually try and start over on the idea from scratch though with a new kit.

I also started a couple 1/25 Revell-Monogram Chevy Impala snap together Police car models.  One was going to be built straight out of the box as a police car, with alternate decals, while for the other I began modifying into a What-If modern sedan.  The police car is mostly done, though needs some paint rework before adding the decals, but the what-if eventually became overcome by events, and probably won't ever be finished, which also led me to stop wotk on the Police car as well (since they were meant to show a side by side comparison of the changes I did).

Additionally, I also started modifying a Monogram 1958 Thunderbird model into a what-if Sci-Fi type hover car, but as with a lot of my what-if ideas I found that part way through I had kind of messed up something somewhere, so that it was a little lopsided and asymetrical, and so I kind of decided to stop work on it, so its probably a dead kit as well.

I also have a small 1/72 scale German Boxer wheeled APC that I messed up so  badly that I started trying to convert to some sort of Sci-Fi what if Lander or Hover Tank, but have set aside until I can figure out the details of what to do next on it.

I do however have a couple different WIP's under way right now that I am progressing slowly on.  In general I like to do a little on each concurrently so that I don't get too frustrated with progress on any 1 model.  These include converting the Lindberg Q-Ship into a WWI Tramp Steamer (maybe 65-70% complete), converting the 1/888 scale Lindberg USS Shangri-La into a modern What-If ESSEX class replacement (maybe about 40-50% complete), and converting a Revell Easy-Build/My 1st Model 2015 Ford Mustang into a What-If next gen sedan (20-30% complete).

I don't know if that means I'm having trouble completing stuff or if it just means that I kind of enjoy messing around with ideas and experimenting more than actually completing anything.

Pat

PS.  I do actually have some completed recent models including a What-If concept for a modified AAV7 APC, but I think that the majority of stuff I have right now is either falls into the WIP or "not started yet" category.

Say Mike, this is a good question about WIPs. I am glad to hear the responses that you are getting, and I whole heartedly agree with them. In my own words, as long as it takes.

Nice job on the TBM3. I love that plane.

GH,

Just got back from Evergreen. They got rid of the Avenger some time ago - it went to Texas!

I wish they'd take it out of their web site since that was my main mission today but I still had a good time looking at the aircraft they had. I haven't looked at my pictures yet - they probably wouldn't suit a modeler since jet'they're mostly just overall shots but I did try to get some pictures of an F-84 Thunderstreak's office. If anyone wants to see those let me know.

I've never been to Madras. Looks like I should give it a look one of these days. I'll remember the Black Bear Diner. Sounds like it would be a good place to eat. Long drive though.  I might stay overnight in Sisters on the way back to do some hiking.

I must have some 8-10 WIP dating back to 2010. Problem is never finishing one build before moving onto another due to motivation, slowed down due to PE and AM overload, or moving onto a cooler looking kit. I do intend finishing everything....just don't know when

Current build

I'm long retired, nothing but time for cruising builds. I never hurry my way through the WIP's, you shouldn't feel it's important to rush on your part. Thanks for all the enjoyment, to all of those members that do post their work.

Patrick

If you get over to Madras, Erickson moved the whole works over there from the blimp hanger. It is like $9 to get in, and $7 for Vets (as of last year)  He has a TBF on the floor, as well as a SBD and a Wildcat. Nice PBY too. The airport is on the edge of town just off of Hwy 26.  Still 2 of the B-17 hangers there as well.

Can't climb on to get office pics, but you can take all you want otherwise for your own use.

As you go through town, make a note of where Black Bear Diner is.  Worth stopping in for a bite, you won't be disappointed, but be hungry.

HAHAHAA!!!  Mike....the correct answer is.....it takes as long as it takes.

As long as you're having fun - let it take one month, or 5 years.

BrandonK

I think everyone's building habits and time with life tossed in is gonna be very different. Some folks can crank them out while others can only manage to get one done a year. The time is yours to choose. If you think you're rushing then take more time. If you think you're too slow then devote more time if life permits. There is no right or wrong answer.

BK

 

Give this man a Bells!!  Best answer.

Hey ;

 I think this . Dull down the wing walk area and we're good to go ! That's still a good looking build flaws and all .It shows a modeler did do the build .

   Hell , none of us are perfect, except a few I could name but won't . You know who you is ! I for one won't complain . I have yet to post a pic of a W.I.P. or a finished product and they are stacking  up .Yes , some are " things with Wings !

   A lot are Floaty Thingys , Well what would you expect from someone with the handle Tanker - Builder?  LOL. LOL. T.B.

Hey ;

 I learned something new on my computer .I now am using the touchpad due to some neuroligical problems with the right hand . I have had this machine for five years !

    I finally figured this out . So , if you have a W.I.P that takes months well , Go For It .I'll read and follow it . I still do like" things with wings" T.B.

Mel, Humper Beam, and goldhammer,

Thanks for your opinions.

I should have been clearer from the start about what I meant. I am only curious about how long a WIP should continue on FineScale. I absolutely believe it's up to each modeler as to how long their own projects should take. I had wondered if there were FineScale "police" (forum moderators?) who might take old threads and delete them if they deemed them as having gone on too long.

Goldhammer,

Thanks for your opinion on the bomb bay door painting. I'll try doing that next time - it's something logical which often is nowhere to be found in my brain.

I'm off to the Evergreen Air Museum in McMinneville. I hope to snap some shots of the TBM-3E if it's on display.

Mike- As everyone says, we are our own worst critics.  If that was mine, I'd be happy with it.  If we didn't learn something with each build, then we wasted our time with it. Next build will go easier and you will be happier with it.

As for the bay doors, next time on gear doors, bay doors, etc, try painting the outside then use some tape burnished down tight around the edges then paint the insides. If the tape rolls over the edges a tic, then that would mimic the overspray from the original being painted after assembly.

 totally agree with Melgyver!!! shoot, we all have wips 1 month or years...  heck, i've got the 1/350 Enterprise(bird farm) i've been fiddling with for 15 years!  soon as i can get to Texas this year, i'm passing it on to Tanker Builder. it can be his wip :)

Yes...

I think a "WIP" is a project you keep on your workbench and working on it from time to time.  If you put it up on the shelf and after several months take it down and start working on it again thats a "RTWIP"!   Return to work in progress!   I have 20 or so kits sitting up on the shelf after some serious work on them from 30 to 5 years!  Definitely not "WIP's"!  Just my opinion!  Thank goodness it's modeling and not politics!  

OK John,

You asked for it .

Unfortunately most of you won't learn much more than to think ahead and be more careful LOL. My errors and mistakes were due more to my not test fitting several times and looking carefully at what I was doing.

Again, I've since added the antenna wire and hit everything except the tops of the wings, stabilizers and canopy with dull clear.

Here's the lowdown:

Picture #1: I did OK for most of the ordinance until I noticed A) that I'd opened one hole that did not allow one of the rockets to seat in the proper orientation. So I just cut off the little "peg" on that one rocket and glued it in its proper angle. I didn't bother to fill the hole.

Picture #2: Notice the rough edges to the bomb bay doors. No matter how I tried I just couldn't brush paint the edges without getting that color (interior green) onto the outside of the doors. I actually kind of like my attempt at putting a little rust on the exhaust except, in these pictures I hadn't yet hit the plane with flat clear to seal the decals and give everything except the tops of the wings and stabs a flat look. Also note the miserable job I did trying to get the front windscreen to sit correctly. PPP and not enough sanding/filing.

Picture #3: I did try to get the broken "3" in 309 to match up. No success. Also note the breaks and holes in the star and bars. The bottom machine gun came loose long after I'd glued the fuselage halves together. Took me about 10 minutes of shaking to get it to come out the rear opening and I just crammed a glob of CA inside to hold it to anything. Poor placement of the decal on the vertial stab. Rudder decal is OK. Broke the tail wheel off several times. Finally drilled holes in both sections and inserted a very small piece of brass wire. Hopefully it'll remain attached. Especially note the fogging in the canopy. I did rip it off once and sanded with 600, 800, 1200 and 1500 grit sandpaper. I then brushed on Future and it looks better but still sad.

Picture #4: I like this one since most of my mistakes are out of focus :)

Picture #5: Shows how I should have - but did not - file and sand, file and sand, file and sand for the window frame and door below the "309" decal. They should be flush. Also note the broken and misplaced black walkway. Come to think of it I'll have to hit that with flat clear as well.

Picture #6: This really bothers me. I spent a bit of time on the engine and after it had been attached to the frame and the cowl glued on (very, very thoroughly) I noticed that I'd put it in cockeyed. :(

Pictures 7 & 8: I believe I've mentioned most of my goofs so I'll just let these stand alone.

Post away, Mike. We all learn something from every post, and learning is what keeps me at it.  Just wish I didn't have to learn the same thing over again so often!

Brandon, GH, Chris, Bish, and Pawel,

Thanks all for the thoughts. Now I won't feel too bad if my TBM-3 takes a lot longer than the 2 months or so it took me to ruin one kit .

I'm still a very basic modeler and feel a bit foolish when I post pictures of my builds on the aircraft forum. I feel a bit more comfortable posting in the ship forum but I have no clue as to why - my skills are no better there.

I suppose it's not always the neatness (or lack thereof) my builds reflect but rather the skills I know I'm missing when it comes to painting, weathering, etc. However, the hobby keeps me going in the gloom of the northwest winters so I'm happy to trudge on hoping that I'll get a little better with each kit I finish.

If anyone is interested in my "mule" enough to want me to post pictures of my disaster, I'd be happy to do so.

Dang!

You're just asking that question after I have respawned a WIP that has been more or less dead for over eight months! I say - it happens! I for myself love to see nice elaborate projects here. If Dynasty or Bold&Beautiful could have had thousands of episodes why couldn't a WIP have several of them stretched over months? Keep 'em babies comin' and have a nice day

Paweł