Simple rules of model making that I always break...

[aliluke]

Hi
I just introduced my nearly retired brother-in-law to WW1 models and he is excited to have a go. Then he asked "What does it take to do this?" That prompted me to ask myself? What are the best laws for making a model - a WW1 plane, a ship or any other thing? My ten rules are:
- Patience
- Don't panic! - you can fix it - patience
- The paint isn't dry yet! - patience
- Look after the part first, then the brush and then the paint pot.
- Carpet eats parts - work above a floor that isn't furry.
- There is no such thing as a perfect model - that's the next one you make.
- It's your model - it can look however you want.
- If you only want the end product - go and buy one - the process of making is what you need to enjoy.
- There are much better model makers out there than you. There always will be. Learn from them and enjoy seeing their patience...
- If you make a mistake - walkaway - you can fix it later...and now is not necessarily the right time!

Most of those laws are the same...but they hold for me. Do you have others to share?

A

[mike in calif]

Start with a subject that appeals to you.
 Don't be afraid to read the instructions more than once.

[Mark]

Well said.

I would emphasize striving to make each build better than the last but, above all, build for yourself. This is a HOBBY--let others get the ulcers chasing those trophies if they want. (Not trying to offend anyone--if that's what makes them happy--go for it!)

It's taken me years to realize this (Read abide by this  .

[lcarroll]

My personal top of the Rules List:
    When it just isn't working or things are going sideways, walk away for a good while. It's amazing how things seem to get resolved after a good break from the problem!
Cheers,
Lance

[aliluke]

Have to agree on the "walkaway" tactic - that goes into my top ten. And I should have done that today  .

[Joe Hegedus]

Build it the way YOU want to, not the way someone else thinks you should build it.   (disregard this if you are building on commission)

You are under no obligation to follow the latest trends or what "they" think your model should look like.

[aliluke]

Totally agree with that one Joe - I think it's number eight on my list in effect but they aren't in order except for number one - patience. But none I realise I only wrote nine so will have to add "walkaway from a mistake" to take it up to ten.

Cheers
A

[Cimmerian]

My model room is full of 'walkaways'. I do come back to them at some point and make full use of the patience rule.

[Nigel Jackson]

Hello All

The main rule That I keep breaking is ....... I' must finish this model before I start on another.

Best wishes
Nigel

[Clunkmeister]

My favorite rule is:

"Don't fret the exact color match on your model, it's just about perfect, and nobody from back then is going to tell me you're wrong".

[DeLano80]

I walked away 15 years ago. I haven't made a bad model since...

[aliluke]

That's brilliant DeLano! But it is time you made a bad model - I am right now -  but it is still fun!

Cheers
A