Introduction

Plastic model making is a hobby that attracts enthusiasts with varying styles and preferences. Understanding your personal approach can enhance your enjoyment and help you avoid frustrations. This article explores two contrasting styles: the meticulous modeler and the big-picture builder, and provides guidance on finding your balance and avoiding common pitfalls.

The Meticulous Modeler

Characteristics:

• Pays close attention to every detail
• Finds satisfaction in precision and accuracy
• Often spends extra time on small elements
• Strives for perfection in each step
• Will often spend countless dollars on aftermarket parts in the hope that they will increase the aesthetics of the model
• Will build models in the hope of satisfying the most pedantic rivet counters*

Strengths:

• Creates highly detailed and accurate models
• Excels in intricate paint work and weathering
• Often produces contest-worthy results

Potential Frustrations:

• May feel overwhelmed by large or complex projects
• Could experience burnout from focusing too intensely on details
• Might struggle with time management or project completion

Tips for Meticulous Modelers:

1. Set realistic timelines for your projects
2. Break larger models into manageable sections
3. Allow yourself to step back and appreciate the overall progress
4. Consider entering competitions to showcase your detailed work

The Big-Picture Builder

Characteristics:

• Focuses on the overall look and feel of the model
• Prefers a more relaxed approach to building
• Values efficiency and project completion
• May overlook minor details in favor of the general appearance

Strengths:

• Completes projects more quickly
• Enjoys a diverse range of modeling experiences
• Less likely to get stuck on individual elements

Potential Frustrations:

• May feel dissatisfied with the final result upon close inspection
• Could struggle with very detailed kits or instructions
• Might face challenges in advanced techniques requiring precision

Tips for Big-Picture Builders:

1. Choose kits that align with your style (e.g., larger scale models)
2. Develop techniques that create good overall effects without intensive detail work
3. Consider using pre-made detail parts to enhance your models efficiently
4. Focus on dioramas or scenes where the overall composition is key

The Importance of Self-Awareness in Model Making

Before diving into any project, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of yourself as a modeler. This self-awareness can significantly enhance your enjoyment of the hobby and help you avoid potential frustrations. Consider the following aspects:

1. Your Natural Tendencies:

   • Are you naturally detail-oriented or do you prefer to focus on the big picture?
   • Do you enjoy long, intricate projects or do you prefer quicker builds?
   • How patient are you when working on repetitive tasks?

2. Your Skill Level:

   • Be honest about your current abilities
   • Recognize areas where you excel and those where you need improvement
   • Choose projects that challenge you appropriately without being overwhelming

3. Available Time:

   • Realistically assess how much time you can dedicate to your hobby
   • Consider how this might impact your choice of projects and your approach

4. Budget:

   • Be aware of your financial limitations
   • Decide how much you're willing to invest in kits, tools, and additional parts
   • Remember that expensive tools or parts don't necessarily guarantee better results

5. Available Tools and Workspace:

   • Take stock of the tools you have and the space available for your hobby
   • Consider how these might limit or expand your project choices

6. Personal Goals:

   • Reflect on why you enjoy model making
   • Set realistic goals that align with your motivations and circumstances

7. Learning and Skill Development:

   • Identify techniques you want to learn or improve
   • When pushing yourself to learn new techniques, practice on scrap materials first
   • Use spare plastic parts, foamboard, or other inexpensive materials to hone your skills
   • This approach helps avoid frustrating and sometimes irreversible mistakes on your actual models
   • Remember that mastering a new technique takes time and patience

By being honest with yourself about these factors, you can make informed decisions about which projects to undertake, how to approach them, and what resources to invest. This self-awareness will help you choose projects that align with your abilities, resources, and goals, ultimately leading to a more satisfying modeling experience.

The Aftermarket Parts Trap

While aftermarket parts can enhance the detail and accuracy of your models, it's important to approach them with caution, especially if you're new to the hobby or still developing your skills. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Skill Requirements:

   • Many aftermarket parts require an even greater level of skill and knowledge to use effectively
   • They often involve more complex assembly, painting, or modification than standard kit parts

2. Cost vs. Benefit:

   • Expensive aftermarket parts won't automatically transform your model making
   • Consider whether the cost is justified by the improvement they'll bring to your model

3. Skill Development:

   • Focus on improving your basic modeling skills before investing heavily in aftermarket parts
   • Mastering techniques like clean assembly, proper painting, and weathering can often yield better results than simply adding more detailed parts

4. Appropriate Use:

   • Choose aftermarket parts that address specific weaknesses in the kit or areas where you want to add extra detail
   • Don't feel pressured to use aftermarket parts for every aspect of your model

5. Research:

   • Before purchasing, research the complexity of the aftermarket parts and ensure they match your skill level
   • Look for reviews or build logs from other modelers to understand the challenges involved

6. Practice:

   • If you do decide to use complex aftermarket parts, consider practicing with similar materials or techniques on a less valuable model first

Remember, the quality of your model depends more on your skills and techniques than on the use of aftermarket parts. It's often better to build several kits "out of the box," improving your skills with each one, before diving into the world of extensive aftermarket additions.

Paints, Glues, and Finishing Materials: Avoiding the 'Blaming the Tools' Trap

When it comes to paints, glues, and finishing materials, it's easy to fall into the trap of blaming your tools for less-than-perfect results. However, it's important to remember that all commercially available materials are capable of producing great results if handled correctly. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Understanding Material Characteristics:

   • Different brands and types of paints, glues, and finishes have unique characteristics
   • Take the time to learn about the properties of the materials you're using
   • Experiment with different products to find what works best for your style and techniques

2. Proper Application Techniques:

   • Many issues with paints and finishes stem from incorrect application rather than the product itself
   • Learn and practice proper techniques for brush painting, airbrushing, weathering, etc.
   • Follow manufacturer recommendations for thinning, drying times, and application methods

3. Environmental Factors:

   • Temperature, humidity, and dust can all affect how paints and glues behave
   • Create a suitable working environment to get the best results from your materials

4. Preparation is Key:

   • Proper surface preparation often matters more than the brand of paint or glue you use
   • Clean parts thoroughly and use appropriate primers for better paint adhesion

5. Patience and Practice:

   • Achieving great results often requires patience and multiple thin layers rather than rushing with thick applications
   • Practice on spare parts or less valuable models to improve your skills with different materials

6. Compatibility:

   • Ensure that your paints, glues, and finishing products are compatible with each other and with the plastic you're using
   • Incompatible products can lead to poor results or even damage your model

7. Investment in Quality:

   • While expensive materials don't guarantee better results, investing in quality tools like good brushes or a reliable airbrush can make application easier
   • Balance your budget between kits and quality tools/materials

8. Learning from Others:

   • Seek advice from experienced modelers on using different products
   • Watch tutorials and read reviews to learn tips and tricks for getting the best results from various materials

Remember, even the most expensive or highly-rated products require skill and practice to use effectively. Instead of blaming the tools, focus on improving your techniques and understanding of the materials you're using. With practice and patience, you can achieve excellent results with a wide range of paints, glues, and finishing materials.

Finding Your Balance

Most modelers fall somewhere between these two extremes. The key is to recognize your natural tendencies and work with them, rather than against them. Here are some general tips:

1. Experiment with different types of models and scales to find what suits you best
2. Set personal goals that align with your style and interests
3. Learn from both approaches – detail-oriented techniques can enhance overall appearance, while big-picture thinking can help complete projects
4. Join model-making communities to share experiences and learn from others with different styles
5. Remember that the ultimate goal is enjoyment – find the approach that brings you the most satisfaction

Most importantly, regardless of whether you're a meticulous modeler or a big-picture builder, it's crucial to enjoy the journey. The process of building a model – from researching the subject to applying the final touches – is where much of the hobby's pleasure lies. Don't get so caught up in the details or the end result that you forget to appreciate each step along the way. The skills you develop, the challenges you overcome, and the creative decisions you make are all part of what makes plastic model making a rewarding pastime.

Navigating Advice and Finding Your Own Path

In the age of online communities and forums, modelers have access to an unprecedented wealth of information and advice. While this can be incredibly helpful, it's important to approach this abundance of guidance with a discerning mind:

1. Listen to All Advice:

   • Engage with online forums and communities
   • Pay attention to advice from experienced modelers
   • Be open to new techniques and approaches

2. Evaluate and Experiment:

   • Don't assume that every piece of advice will work for you
   • Try out different methods to see what suits your style and skill level
   • Remember that what works for one modeler may not work for another

3. Multiple Paths to Success:

   • Recognize that there are often multiple ways to achieve the same result
   • Different techniques can lead to equally impressive outcomes
   • Be wary of anyone insisting there's only one "right" way to do something

4. Develop Your Own Style:

   • Use the advice you receive as a starting point, not a strict rulebook
   • As you gain experience, you'll develop preferences for certain techniques and materials
   • Your unique approach is what will make your models stand out

5. Balance Tradition and Innovation:

   • Respect traditional techniques that have stood the test of time
   • Don't be afraid to experiment with new methods or unconventional approaches
   • Finding a balance between tried-and-true methods and innovative techniques can lead to great results

6. Trust Your Instincts:

   • As you gain experience, learn to trust your own judgment
   • If a commonly recommended technique isn't working for you, it's okay to try something different

7. Share Your Experiences:

   • Once you've found techniques that work well for you, share them with the community
   • Your unique approach might be just what another modeler needs to overcome a challenge

Remember, the joy of model making lies not just in the finished product, but in the process of learning, experimenting, and developing your own style. While it's valuable to learn from others, ultimately, the best approach is the one that works for you and brings you the most satisfaction in your hobby.

Conclusion

Whether you're a meticulous modeler or a big-picture builder, understanding your approach to plastic model making can help you choose projects, techniques, and goals that align with your style. By recognizing your strengths and potential frustrations, you can enhance your enjoyment of this rewarding hobby and continue to grow as a modeler.

Remember these key points:

• Be honest with yourself about your tendencies, skills, and resources
• Practice new techniques on scrap materials before applying them to your models
• Don't fall into the trap of relying too heavily on expensive aftermarket parts
• Focus on improving your skills rather than blaming your tools
• Find a balance between detail and overall aesthetics that works for you
• Learn from others but develop your own unique style
• Above all, enjoy the journey of model making

There's no "right" way to build models, only the way that brings you the most satisfaction. By understanding your type, being honest about your circumstances, and taking the time to practice new skills, you can tailor your approach to maximize your enjoyment of this rewarding pastime. Happy modeling!