Challenge to the board

[fireguy14]

Got to thinking about my building and how far I have come thanks to people like yall here and the other boards I frequent. Also got to pondering the statements about slumps, etc. that always come up among builders, shoot I was even out of the game for around 6 months this year alone! Seems like while vast about of detailing stuff, aftermarket sources, and the resource tools out there today, especially the 'net, have made it easier to research projects and add missing or desired components to a build. But it also seems that these very things, especially for me, are a big contributor to shelved projects. Things like, I need that exact paint code color, those pleats in the seats should be horizontal, not vertical, I want to hold off on this one until I get this (insert item of choice here), whatever. Or, I push myself on something to the point of exhaustion and I just don't want to build anymore. As I was rebuilding the Street Stalker I got to thinking back to 1980 when I built it the first time. About the only reference I had was the box top and a few scant magazines (remember, I was only 10), and the fun I had building it and the pride in the finished model. Now, I look at my recent completions and the ever increasing stash of kits, many of which are waiting on that "something". But I had a ton of fun rebuilding the Stalker, with no paint on the body, chassis and engine all black, no guage details, etc. No where close to my Chevelle wagon or the '49 Ford beater, but just as fun, and another one to go on my shelf! So here lies my challenge to myself and all of you - Count how many models you have completed this year, or are likely to complete. Shoot for that many, plus at least one for next year. Doesn't have to be a show winner, just slap something together to put on the shelf. No worries about minute details, absolute correct paint colors. Just build for the fun of it. Pick one out of the stash (most of ya have way more than you'll ever build, goodness knows I have enough for 4 or 5 people), and just go at it. Okay, off my soapbox now! Happy building!

[Nacho Z]

Wow!! I must say that this is just about how I am feeling at this time. I currently am going to knock out three quick builds. Two NASCAR COTs and something completely different. None of them will be detailed. Shucks, the two COTs are pre-decorated.....(easy on me Bobby ).

I sometimes, (o.k. most of the time), feel compelled to try to do more detailed builds due to the fact that I have so many great builders in my model club. I see all of the great stuff they're knocking out and I feel like a real slouch if I don't try to keep up. However this sometimes takes the fun out of my hobby. I think I will be happy to do the occasional detailed build and do mostly box stock builds. Even then I will never build all of the kits that I have in my stash .

I would be interested in hearing how others feel. Good thread Sully!!

[The Mad Modeller]

Well put Dave. John Im shocked that you would not paint a model....LOL.

My biggest problem is time. A fulltime job, two young kids, a wife and other things always get in the way. When I come up with an idea for a build Im always worried about screwing up the kit. Im trying to improve on my detailing. I know Im nowhere near most of the builders on here. I plan to knock out a couple stalled projects before the end of the year. I always get to building around the time of the 24hr Build. The mad rush starts as I get ready for the Cookeville Show.

[James Duff]

Aww crud! You mean you're not supposed to just keep acquiring kits and looking at the possibilities without actually engaging in any building until such time as you wind up on A&E's "Hoarders"?

Man I gotta re-think this hobby thing... ;D

[Mike]

Here I am going just the opposite direction. I've been in this "mass producing" mode the last couple years. My current project - 2002 Camaro 1:1 replica - is being done for an individual. I'm taking my time, working on it, and just making it a clean build with some detail. It's really helped me quite a lot. I'm not feeling pressured or anything to get to the next one in the closet full of kits.

[sarge]

Wow talk about nailing it on the head. I have gotten myself to point where I am always trying to out do my last build. Good in a way because I want to continue to get better with each build but sometimes bad.

I started a new job this summer and it takes up so much time, I have very little time to build and with the attitude of its got to be better than the last. I cannot seem to find any motivation. I came home from Toledo full of ideas pulled out a kit and just the other day put it back in the box due to lack of time and having NO motivation.

I think I may try a few at just having fun...why didn't I think of that. lol

[whtchevy]

Dave , I have been saying this for the last year and the torino really put a whoopin on me and I want the fun back in building the way it was, when I couldn't get the box open fast enough to just start slaping it together and have that blind eye to the messups and the oooops once in a while...BRING ME BACK THEM GLORY DAYS ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[skibum]

I just came across this thread and I completely agree. It doesn't take much to slow down a build and once it has sat for a while it is too easy to leave it and move on to something else. I have a couple of kits that I plan on just quickly putting together, just to have a little fun.

[zbuckster]

This is a very interesting thread. Me I am a "hoarder" I used to be a collector but that term is out of vogue now, I guess. I first built model cars in the late 50's and up until 1965 when I went into the Army. I always used to look at models but never bought. Then in 2002 I started up again. Dude what a difference in the hobby. Then I found out that there were very few places to buy kits. I started buying. I now have over 2000 kits. I retired in 2009 and planned my retirement around the hobby. Without a business to give me that constant supply of model cash I knew I would need to buy as much as I could.

Now that I have retired I build at what ever pace it takes to get the job done. Some of my builds are 3 days and some are 6 months. I pace myself to not burn out on it. Or go into "builders slump", which ever you prefer. I am inspired by cars I see at rod runs, car shows, drag races and just sitting in parking lots.

I think we should build at a detail level that is comfortable to each of us. After you master a skill, try something else. You don't need to do it all to every build. I have done it so much now I can plumb the brake system on a model in about an hour. The first one took me a lot longer than that.

The whole point of this ramble is just do what is comfortable at the time. Remember that each and everyone of these little gems is a one of a kind piece of art. No matter how hard you look finding 2 identical is hard to do. So enjoy the hobby and keep after it. There are some very talented builders here. Lot's to learn and lot's to share. This is not a job it is a hobby so have fun and if you don't feel like doing it don't. No pressure.

[radridesbydan]

You know....I just banged out the 24 hour build....and other than the extensive wiring and plumbing the car turned out great. Not the showcar build that would bring me any awards but it looks right at home with my other builds that I had puts months into them. It brought some fun back for me.....now I decided to build out of box rally car (which is not my cup of Tea) minus a few detailing colors.....and having more relaxed fun.....not worried about the perfect detailing.
I agree.....if you are in the slump.....bang one out in a weekend or so.....no time to think....go with the flow build.

[snapper]

Well said, and a goal that is close in mind for me too. The vintage models kits, including reissues of oldies, are my favorite to build. I especially enjoy the old directions in which they served to educate youngsters about the car industry just as much as they did with supplying building directions. The photo below was taken in Jan-1965. It was my uncle's childhood model building table at his house just outside of Motor City. It continues to inspire me. I'll let the pic do the rest of the talking...

[whtchevy]

Well we have talked about it are we going to do it ?

[tim]

I'm for it. Been wanting to do one or two out of the box builds, like when I was a kid... maybe some plug wires and paint, but that's it... Good idea.

[fireguy14]

I'm gonna try, but not off to a good start so far!

[whtchevy]

I'm in when you guys are ;D To get that old feeling back that you just don't care what it looked like just wanted to see it together.

As I sit here with that far away look in my eyes to just feel that excitment again.

[fireguy14]

I hear ya Walt. I've gotten bit real bad by the slot car bug again! Been rebuilding all my old stuff, tweaking some new stuff, even building a track. Think I might be able to situate the table for it right under the shelves where I display my built stuff!

[duallypilot]

I can fully relate to this tread. When I started back into building last November after a 20 year absence, I found myself trying to do too much too soon and getting REALLY frustrated that I wasn't up to the same level as other guys in our club. Finally in January I got down one of the many Chevy Dually snap kits I started collecting and forced myself to build it out of the box. It was a great feeling to have a complete model and no one in the club cared about the "little" mistakes - They were just glad to see I was back into building.

[tim]

I'm still in for this build, was thinking on these little gems. I've had em for a while, hope the decals hold up.

[dogfish7]

I also hear you. Have 3 on the bench with humongus detailing needed and waiting for parts and time. Decided to do a couple of quick builds. Ones a Gasser and the others the kit I'm robbing from ;D

[fireguy14]

Tim, you may want to try top coating the decals for those with either Testor's Decal bonder or Liquid Decal Film from Microscale.

[tim]

Yes, I do have a can of the Testor's stuff. I've never used it, heard of people using future, testors...etc. Been curious about how it works on old decals. Thanx Sully, I'll give it a shot. Bruce, I know what u mean. We moved twice while I was working on mamas monster truck, just want to mellow out, and do a simple build while we're settling in. Gonna be interesting to see how many of us can hold back from detailing for a few minutes! Including me!

[ewaskew]

Out of the box,even has a chip in the paint.
This is a problem we all have.
If I have a detail build in mind I some time's buy two of the same kit.
One to throw together and that way I don't look back and say I wish I would have detailed that one.
Earl

[tim]

Yes, I am running into a problem, after thinking about it, with the Snake, Mongoose set. I've had them for a long time and the more I've learned about detailing kits...from awesome builders on sites like this...I'd kinda like to do them justice when I build them. I think I'd rather quick build a Viper kit I have. Don't know much about detailing that one, It's still an easy kit to find, and it would look nice on the shelf.

[snacktruck]

I am impressed and comforted by this thread. Impressed by the amount of individuals who just want to relax and treat this as a hobby and not a job trying to impress some judges. Seems like every time I start something, I am thinking in the back of my mind, that someone will see this build and judge it. Because of that I was shy about posting any thing I put together. Now I feel more comfortable about sharing what I have done. I have done some with quite a bit of detail, and sunk a lot of money into them. I have slowed down to a crawl right now and pretty much build just to make me happy. This thread has been quite enjoyable to read. The photo provided by snapper reminds me of my building space when I was a teen back in the 60's. I used a typewriter table with folding sides and made some shelves around it out of balsa wood. It was in a corner of the room right next to my bed. So, that picture really hit home. I am all in with this idea.

[tim]

Beautiful build Earl! I like this idea also, wanna relax a bit...I'm in!

[ewaskew]

Thanks Tim for your comment

As it has been said on here.
Build for yourself and its a lot more fun that way.
As for contest builds I went that way of building once before
and it turned into BS for me.

I went as far as scratch building 230 pieces to come up with the parts for a 69 Chevelle and 260 Hrs of time.
I kept up with all the imfo as I built it.

It was built just for the NNL show.
Never again but what I got from building it was improvements on scratch building skills,frame's,air bag shocks,interior's,custom trunks.

And yes it was fun to build and it has flaws also.
Earl