forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
Modelers Lounge => Time to relax => Topic started by: Oeli on November 05, 2015, 05:40:52 AM
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Hello,
I'm still fairly new here. And I have not searched all Posts.
But there are no beginners here? ;)
The construction reports are always all so perfect. That is a quite dizzy.
Not that it's not fun to look at this, but there are 2 aspects.
It can be very inspiring when you see what is possible in the modelbuilding.
However, it may also cause the opposite. This one is very depressed, that it does not work with your own model.
So where are our beginners in the forum? So, don´t be shy and show your projects.
You can only win. You will receive targeted tips and tricks to build the models and beginners can build up mutually.
It's just so, it would sometimes beautiful, not always so to see perfect work and also to observe how a modeler developed.
Do not get me wrong, it is of course always super these little works of art to look at.
I just mean, "beginner", if there are those here, comes out of your holes. ;D ;)
Only some thoughts during building my Albatros. ;)
Kindly regards
Jörg
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I agree wholeheartedly, Jörg. Bravo for posting this!
This is perhaps the most comrade-like and mutually supportive bunch of model builders, regardless of skill level, I have ever come across. I have yet to see anyone post a nasty or disrespectful comment on this website. Were they to do so they would be shouted off the forum and disappear in a puff of sulphur smoke.
I would encourage anyone that considers himself or herself to be a beginner to post pix and ask for feedback, if that's what you want. If nothing else, you will receive positive encouragement and I can speak from experience that a group of other folks cheering one on, in what is basically a solitary pursuit, can do wonders for ones desire to keep slogging away on a project. And, another set of eyes can help spot things that are own eyes have seen too many times and, therefore, are now blind to.
So jump in all you lurkers. There are no sharks here.
Cheers from NYC,
Michael
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Thanks very much Jörg for posting this very interesting topic.
We were all beginners at some stage of our modeling life and we all know what it is like to show off what you consider to be not so good in regards to modeling compared to those who have mastered the art and display extraordinary work.
Since starting this forum only a few short years ago I have seen many of our members struggle to get a model completed but now they produce superb examples of WW1 aircraft in miniature. With with the encouragement from our fantastic member base "beginner" modelers have climbed up to be excellent modelers, no disrespect or harsh comments were needed, just a few hints and tips to help fellow modelers achieve their goals.
Any questions asked by beginner modelers have always been answered in a very polite and detailed and non sarcastic way with many comments coming from our most experienced modelers, but these experienced modelers treat everyone the same knowing full well that they were once in the same situation.
A few new members who have asked questions usually start off by stating that they are a beginner or newbie, this is great to point out that you are only starting with WW1 aircraft models and you could do with some help, this is nothing to be ashamed of and the question will be embraced by all the forum members.
Keep in mind that we are all modelers, we are all here wanting to achieve the same result, with practice that result will be achieved.
Des.
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Very good post, Jörg! I know I felt the same way about being new at this
and still do to some extent when I see the amazing results of the "masters".
The really good thing is no-one judges abilities here and everyone is
happy to help if you need it. Thanks for writing what we have all felt, my friend. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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A great post, gives many courage to post images I hope. Yes I've seen peoples work get ripped to bits on other forums by self appointed experts. Here however there's a far gentler encouraging air to everyones approach.
As said above everyone was new at this once, we've learned our techniques over time and always are willing to share what some others hold as treasured secrets.
Plus theres the fact that a new guys own approach to things can teach old dogs new tricks we hadn't considered too ;D
Keith
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I think that the responses you've already had, Jörg, will have sent out very positive signals of encouragement. All I can add is that I was incredibly nervous about sharing photos of the models I'd clumsily laboured over and which seemed barely to stand comparison with what I saw in magazines and on other sites. I know and understand that I'll never reach the highest echelons, but this wonderful, friendly forum has given me the confidence to take on new challenges and recognise the things I can achieve.
Best wishes
Nigel
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I belong a to another forum where they have a "brutally honest" area where your work is analyzed by other members with honest criticism in the spirit of helping you to improve your modelling technique and /or ability. The comments are not hurtful or "put downs" but express maybe another way or a better method of achieving your goal. I find it very useful reading this section, as it helps all modelers trying to improve their skills. Thoughtful and honest comments help us all in the end.
If every model is described as "Great" or "Looks Perfect" how does that really help someone?
Chuck
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I belong a to another forum where they have a "brutally honest" area where your work is analyzed by other members with honest criticism in the spirit of helping you to improve your modelling technique and /or ability. The comments are not hurtful or "put downs" but express maybe another way or a better method of achieving your goal. I find it very useful reading this section, as it helps all modelers trying to improve their skills. Thoughtful and honest comments help us all in the end.
If every model is described as "Great" or "Looks Perfect" how does that really help someone?
Chuck
That is a really interesting idea, Chuck. As long as the "honesty" is contained in that area and doesn't spill over and poison the rest of the forum it could be a very useful arena. Everybody likes an "attaboy" and it is very important to be encouraging, especially when you're new to this hobby and nervous about your efforts. But if it's understood that by posting in that area you will get a no-holds-barred critique, then I'm all for it. Nothing will improve your modeling faster than good, honest comments delivered in the spirit of constructive help.
George
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Two thoughts: Does Jörg want to rename the post so more newcomers to our little world will be sure to see it?
Secondly, I am all for a Brutally Honest section on this website, as long as those folks weighing in have the credentials to do so. "Cause I saw it on another forum", doesn't count as a credential. We have among us some very serious aficionados of WWI aero history as well as some of the finest model builders I have ever encountered. I trust these people to give me an honest opinion and welcome it, as I am seriously devoted to becoming a better researcher and model builder. But the self proclaimed Experten, the likes of which closed down the Aerodrome model building forum, and which now so populate Hyperscale, can stay mum.
Just my two cents worth.....
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Two thoughts: Does Jörg want to rename the post so more newcomers to our little world will be sure to see it?
Secondly, I am all for a Brutally Honest section on this website, as long as those folks weighing in have the credentials to do so. "Cause I saw it on another forum", doesn't count as a credential. We have among us some very serious aficionados of WWI aero history as well as some of the finest model builders I have ever encountered. I trust these people to give me an honest opinion and welcome it, as I am seriously devoted to becoming a better researcher and model builder. But the self proclaimed Experten, the likes of which closed down the Aerodrome model building forum, and which now so populate Hyperscale, can stay mum.
Just my two cents worth.....
I agree and would like to add, since Micheal mentioned the old 'drome, that I stumbled upon the Aerodrome when I first came back to the hobby seven years ago and had the great good fortune to meet the likes of Beza (Des), Umflaumotor (Bertl), Uncle Tony (Bo), Przemo, Gregory, Jamo, Carpo, Brad and many other very talented modelers who gently guided me and others to a point where I was confident enough to display my work. As Des has pointed out, we were all beginners once, many of us not so long ago, and we can only hone ours skills through practice and that includes photographing and posting our work. I look forward to watching your projects come to life on this forum, Jorg, and don't be shy. We are all our own worst critics and I'm sure that the models that you produce are far better than you think they are.
Cheers,
Bud
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I would say that feedback from members tends to take into account your experience, so a newbie will get loads of encouragement just for gluing the wings on facing the right way!
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Great post Jorg. I must admit, I'm a total beginner when it comes to World War I aircraft. Shouldn't say I've never built one, I built the old Testors Nieuport and SPAD when I was a kid in the 1970's. I only built World War II aircraft. Having said that, I haven't built a model in about 20 years. I was bitten by the First World War aviation bug about 6 years ago. I have the following Wingnut Wings kits in the stash - Gotha G.IV, Fokker E.I (Early), Fokker E.II/E.III (Early), and the Rumpler C.IV (Early). Planning on getting the A.E.G. G.IV pretty soon. Having said that, after seeing you guys and gals work on here just blows my mind. Just beautiful work. I know that it's just me, but I'm SCARED TO DEATH to try and build a WW I/Wingnut kit. I know I shouldn't be as this is the finest forum I've been a part of, but I don't know why I'm so scared to start one. An example would be, is that I have the Jagstaffel 30 book published by Aeronaut books. After reading it a couple of times, and seeing here that Rowan in doing a Jasta 30 decal sheet, I immediately wanted to get it to do a Pfalz D.IIIa or two and one of them being Bethge's plane. But then the thought of me getting the Wingnut Pfalz and decals just scares me in that if I try to build it I would screw it up bad. Same thing with the Jasta 17 decals and wanting to do a Jasta 17 aircraft or two.
Not trying to sound pathetic or like I'm whining, just sharing why I haven't built one yet and maybe there are other newbies on this forum who have the same fears, feelings, etc.
James Sontag
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Hi,
I agree with you Michael.
I think that a hard critical area is only for our experts. They want the last to get out of their abilities.
I think for beginners it would be counterproductive. I guess the majority would rather quit the hobby. Because if now hardly dare beginners to post something that hurdle would be even higher.
I also think that if one really takes the trouble and the construction of a beginner look, there will be construktive criticism here.
It can also happen because you do not speak here face to face, but only by Scripture communicates, it can lead to misunderstandings.
And I guess just the very polite and nice tone here in this forum.
So, long story short sense, as we say in Germany. I mean that it is not for good for beginners to elicit.
And you can ask for in your post, not to keep up with criticism behind the mountain. and I think that would happen this also.
The problem is, as in any forum that there are many posts, and you do not just right, all just to look at.
But this problem is again another matter.
Kindly regards
Jörg
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Great post Jorg. I must admit, I'm a total beginner when it comes to World War I aircraft. Shouldn't say I've never built one, I built the old Testors Nieuport and SPAD when I was a kid in the 1970's. I only built World War II aircraft. Having said that, I haven't built a model in about 20 years. I was bitten by the First World War aviation bug about 6 years ago. I have the following Wingnut Wings kits in the stash - Gotha G.IV, Fokker E.I (Early), Fokker E.II/E.III (Early), and the Rumpler C.IV (Early). Planning on getting the A.E.G. G.IV pretty soon. Having said that, after seeing you guys and gals work on here just blows my mind. Just beautiful work. I know that it's just me, but I'm SCARED TO DEATH to try and build a WW I/Wingnut kit. I know I shouldn't be as this is the finest forum I've been a part of, but I don't know why I'm so scared to start one. An example would be, is that I have the Jagstaffel 30 book published by Aeronaut books. After reading it a couple of times, and seeing here that Rowan in doing a Jasta 30 decal sheet, I immediately wanted to get it to do a Pfalz D.IIIa or two and one of them being Bethge's plane. But then the thought of me getting the Wingnut Pfalz and decals just scares me in that if I try to build it I would screw it up bad. Same thing with the Jasta 17 decals and wanting to do a Jasta 17 aircraft or two.
Not trying to sound pathetic or like I'm whining, just sharing why I haven't built one yet and maybe there are other newbies on this forum who have the same fears, feelings, etc.
James Sontag
James, I understand your fears with the WNW kits. They are so good that the fear is that one would not do it justice and it needs to be perfect. But because it is so good, it goes together like a dream and the accuracy and detail makes it hard to ruin. Just slapping a coat of paint on it, gluing it together as instructed, and maybe adding a touch of weathering will create an amazing model, even if you aren't an experienced modeler. I say jump in with both feet and build one! You won't regret it. You already have the kits on your shelf, what do you have to lose?
George
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Hi,
James I feel with you. Sometimes you have to just sit at the table and work as Red Baron says.
And then I realize how much fun it really does. And if you imagine something in the forum, then it is sufficient if only one, already looks quite good, comes from the "old hands".
It will certainly take several years until I reached a level with which I am satisfied, but I am also the way I have to go by then.
I am sometimes not happy with my result, because that looks different than in the models here in the forum. But then I say to myself, no matter, the main thing you have fun in the matter. And the development and success come by then, almost all by yourself.
I hope I could help a little.
Greetings from a just also beginner
Jörg
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, the main thing you have fun in the matter.
Bravo!! Most important thing...have fun....it is, after all, a relaxing hobby!
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I agree with what has been said so far but would like to add one point which is close to heart. Not just in kit building but generally in most hobbies where there is a community there is often one or more people that overwhelm a beginner with 'must doos' or 'must haves'. On another forum what I believe was a young lad put in a post saying he had just acquired a 1/32 kit of something I cannot remember and asked for advice on what he needed to build it and he was on a budget. I replied to his post stating this can be a really cheap hobby if you want it to be and gave a few basic things needed for a kit and included in the advice using a few things that would already be in a household and would save him purchasing anything more. What then happened was he got a torrent of advice from other members telling him to get all sorts of stuff much of which I don't even have after doing this hobby since I was about 5. Needless to say we heard no more of him. I could tell you similar stories of other hobbies but they would make this post too long and I am sure you get the point. I know this is a really easy going site and no-one would intently upset or discourage anyone but the point of this is please do not kill anyone with kindness, we really want new people to take this hobby up and it can be fun and rewarding at any level.
Alan.
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Jorg,
Thank you for posting this blog. If you care to look up my introduction you will read that I described myself as an "average or below average" modeller, which is how I considered myself at the time. I had picked up modelling again after a lapse of over 30 years and had attempted a couple of kits to see if I wanted to revive an old interest. Des' reply says it all - it really is true that this site welcomes with open arms all modellers whatever their skill or confidence level may be. I have also read many comments from modellers which make good constructive suggestions about how to tackle a particular issue or problem with a given model, and more general hints and tips - all of which can help individuals to improve their skills and their models.
There are however a couple of things that any beginner might like to consider which I honestly think apply to all modellers regardless of their skills.
The first is that very often we are our own worst critics: we can see what others cannot and we worry about those things unnecessarily. No model is perfect, nor will it ever be, but sometimes that is difficult to take on board. What I have found in the 3 1/2 years that I have been modelling again is that sometimes my ambitions exceed my levels of skill. Then I have to ask myself why am I doing this? Is it to give me a sense of achievement or is it because I have the naive belief that I should always be doing something better than the last time? Sometimes I am a beginner too, such as when I try out a new idea or technique: then I try to share my experiences with members of this forum and in almost all cases I receive constructive comments describing/explaining how to do the same thing differently or better. This is a truly generous and positive forum, with many well informed and skilled individuals but no "experts". (Definition of an "expert": ex is an unknown quantity and spurt is a drip under pressure). I do not consider myself to be either as well informed or skilled as many on this site, but I can live with that.
Secondly not every modeller is good at explaining what they do - I write this as a retired teacher and I know that trying to describe/explain something so that all will understand is not as easy as it may seem. Therefore when a modeller asks for help/guidance/constructive criticism not everyone will feel able to provide a suitable answer. If you have a question or want some help or advice, just put it in a post and sit back and be pleasantly surprised by the responses that you will receive. In short do not be frightened to post your builds and models because the very act of posting will help you to boost your confidence. Even if something goes wrong post that too because the person who never made a mistake never made anything. It takes courage to admit to one's mistakes, especially in public, but as I used to (repeatedly) tell my students, it is by making mistakes that we learn the most.
A third point which I would make which I also learned as both a student and teacher is that it is so easy to underestimate what we are capable of doing and difficult to be consciously aware of how much we have learned. I used to build conversions (kit bashes) but have since changed to scratch building. I also enjoy building pushers types. Although there are times when I find conversions or scratch builds challenging, I have never considered them to be especially difficult. However when I restarted modelling I did not consider for a moment that I would ever be able to scratch build a model, let alone a pusher or multi-engined type. Now I look at a picture or drawing and think do I want to build one of those, not can I? The key to improvement in anything is small steps not giant leaps - just try out something new now and again when the urge takes you and not necessarily because you have to - you may surprise yourself as to what you can do. Skills once learned are never forgotten, they just need practice to restore and improve.
I want to echo want Jorg has written: "beginners" please show us what you are doing - you can only gain from the experience and so can the rest of us. I know that this is true because I have experienced it at first hand.
Stephen.
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Hi,
@Alan
Of course you are right that one sometimes gets a lot of advice and it can overwhelm one. However, I find that you already have to expect that you get more than one answer. Such a forum can have 1,000 or more members. I find rather an a bit more friendliness as, "everything has already been posted, use the search function" ;)
And Stephen, you speak to me from the soul.
Thank you for your detailed explanation. One can see that you were once a teacher. ;)
kindly regards
Jörg
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This is an interesting topic. When I joined this forum, around 18 months ago, I hadn't built a model aeroplane for over 30 years and had never rigged a model before, so I was very much a beginner.
I learned how to rig a plane, in 72nd and 32nd scales, from members of the forum and after around 60 models I'm no longer a beginner but I'm still learning new things all the time.
People on here are always helpful and encouraging and I wouldn't like to see an area where "experts" criticise the work of others, even if it is constructive criticism. I think it could cause a split, a sort of "them and us" mentality.
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I guess all I will add is if you are looking for a Shark Tank type experience, this might not be the right place. Somehow Des has managed to build a corner of the internet where information is shared in a friendly and respectful way, quite an unusual and remarkable fealt. I wouldn't want to see that change for anything. If we err on the side of excessive back-slapping, so be it.
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Two thoughts: Does Jörg want to rename the post so more newcomers to our little world will be sure to see it?
Secondly, I am all for a Brutally Honest section on this website, as long as those folks weighing in have the credentials to do so. "Cause I saw it on another forum", doesn't count as a credential. We have among us some very serious aficionados of WWI aero history as well as some of the finest model builders I have ever encountered. I trust these people to give me an honest opinion and welcome it, as I am seriously devoted to becoming a better researcher and model builder. But the self proclaimed Experten, the likes of which closed down the Aerodrome model building forum, and which now so populate Hyperscale, can stay mum.
Just my two cents worth.....
Unfortunately Michael, being a forum format, that replies would be open to anyone regardless of their "expertise". That said, keep in mind that it would be up to the modeler to decide to start a thread in this section and weather to "use" or "disregard" the input from the so called experts.
I offered the "brutally honest" concept as an idea that could possibly help improve the forum in general as well as the individual modeller. From my experience the replies to these critique threads are usually very positive and helpful. I have never seen one that degraded the model or the modeller's abilities.
Chuck
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I guess all I will add is if you are looking for a Shark Tank type experience, this might not be the right place. Somehow Des has managed to build a corner of the internet where information is shared in a friendly and respectful way, quite an unusual and remarkable fealt. I wouldn't want to see that change for anything. If we err on the side of excessive back-slapping, so be it.
Bo, I couldn't agree more. Do you think it would really turn out that way? Would any member here really put down another modeller's work like that? :-\
I think that maybe many of the older members that are familiar with the "Aerodrome Meltdown" were dealing more with members that were steeped in the historical aspect. Here it's more of a "Modeler's Aspect". :)
Chuck
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I guess all I will add is if you are looking for a Shark Tank type experience, this might not be the right place. Somehow Des has managed to build a corner of the internet where information is shared in a friendly and respectful way, quite an unusual and remarkable fealt. I wouldn't want to see that change for anything. If we err on the side of excessive back-slapping, so be it.
Bo, I couldn't agree more. Do you think it would really turn out that way? Would any member here really put down another modeller's work like that? :-\
I think that maybe many of the older members that are familiar with the "Aerodrome Meltdown" were dealing more with members that were steeped in the historical aspect. Here it's more of a "Modeler's Aspect". :)
Chuck
I honestly have no idea whether it would or would not. I am just going on the observation that no one thing can be everything to everybody. This place had a certain gentleness about it that I think most of us here rather appreciate. I understand that that vibe might not suit everybody.
I sat through a lot of group critiques in art school. I can remember that many times they ended in (real) tears for someone. "Well, you asked for it!..wait...come back..."
That said, posters asking for specific constructive here criticism will often receive it. Myself I try to offer advice in the few areas that I am knowledgeable about. Otherwise when I see something that I think merits sincere praise, I'll comment. Beyond that I try to keep my mouth shut.
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Thank you for your post Jörg.
As a very inexperienced beginner I can identify only too well with what you are saying.
However, all the replies are supportive and encouraging which is heartening.
Other 'niche' hobby forums I have frequented tend to be biased towards the more gifted and experienced members when it comes to demonstrating or talking about their work. This can be off-putting. I used to follow both a botanical illustration forum and a violin making forum for a while but the very high quality of the work and the vast experience of the contributors had the effect of demoralising me from ever really getting going. They formed quite a tight clique.
This forum certainly seems different as experts are willing to share failures and also share techniques in addition to some excellent step-wise builds. I might just venture to post some photos if i ever have anything much to share ;)
Suzanne
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Two thoughts: Does Jörg want to rename the post so more newcomers to our little world will be sure to see it?
Secondly, I am all for a Brutally Honest section on this website, as long as those folks weighing in have the credentials to do so. "Cause I saw it on another forum", doesn't count as a credential. We have among us some very serious aficionados of WWI aero history as well as some of the finest model builders I have ever encountered. I trust these people to give me an honest opinion and welcome it, as I am seriously devoted to becoming a better researcher and model builder. But the self proclaimed Experten, the likes of which closed down the Aerodrome model building forum, and which now so populate Hyperscale, can stay mum.
Just my two cents worth.....
I agree and would like to add, since Micheal mentioned the old 'drome, that I stumbled upon the Aerodrome when I first came back to the hobby seven years ago and had the great good fortune to meet the likes of Beza (Des), Umflaumotor (Bertl), Uncle Tony (Bo), Przemo, Gregory, Jamo, Carpo, Brad and many other very talented modelers who gently guided me and others to a point where I was confident enough to display my work. As Des has pointed out, we were all beginners once, many of us not so long ago, and we can only hone ours skills through practice and that includes photographing and posting our work. I look forward to watching your projects come to life on this forum, Jorg, and don't be shy. We are all our own worst critics and I'm sure that the models that you produce are far better than you think they are.
Cheers,
Bud
Amazingly I agree with Bud on this one ::) In My opinion we have a pretty well rounded selection of modeling TALENT. I have said before that I represent the Mediocrity. I am a modeler with average talent that knows his limitations. I have also said I think my place here is to show work that is achievable to others, especially beginners. My techniques are simple and basic. A NEWBIE can look at my work and think, I can do that! As for the "Brutally" Honest section, I am not in favor. I wonder how one can be Brutal and constructive at the same time. To me it is simple. If you want Help, Criticism, Opinions, etc. Ask in your build log. I often ask for thoughts on colors, or techniques. I do however know where my faults lie, I just don't let them stop me from posting ;D Filling and sanding is one such issue. IMHO, it is the lack of Brutality that makes this forum great. Ernie has commented on his progression and I can think of others like Patrick that have really progressed by asking questions and looking at build logs, and are now using techniques and producing Models that I envy! So as others have said, Please show your builds in progress NO MATTER WHAT LEVEL you THINK you are on. All will appreciate them, and many will learn from them! Don't be shy!
RAGIII
PS: I have also, on a couple of occasions received Private Messages that addressed something I had missed. One was regarding silvering in a tail code on my Doomed SE5a project. The message was polite and constructive, and was appreciated. I had actually noticed the issue when I posted the photos but was grateful that someone was interested enough and took the time to point out the issue in a constructive way. This was done in a PM in order to spare me any potential embarrassment !
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I agree with what Rick (RAGIII) has said about the Brutally Honest aspect of things. It is a good solution for those who want more of the "art school" style of critique to either ask for that on your own thread, or ask for it in a private PM. There is a common response in everyone's answers that Des has created such a friendly and welcoming forum. It would be very unfortunate to do anything to change that vibe.
George
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an unfortunate typo in my last response:
This place had a certain gentleness about it that I think most of us here rather appreciate.
Of course I meant this to be has, as in the present tense, as in that gentleness still (remarkably) exists...
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There is a common response in everyone's answers that Des has created such a friendly and welcoming forum. It would be very unfortunate to do anything to change that vibe.
This place had a certain gentleness about it that I think most of us here rather appreciate
I've been absorbing this commentary from the beginning, some very well thought out and well presented thoughts here and more. My thoughts are well represented by the two quotes above, with the addition of a comment of my own. I believe it's all about "tone", constructive criticism (better called assessment) is OK when solicited and when presented in a non critical manner. I'd add the caveat that the first factor to be taken into strong consideration must be the subject's experience level; my best efforts may be OK in my eyes however when measured against some of our wonderfully impressive "experten" they are very much open to criticism!
Bottom line, is the Modeller having "fun", if so were doing things right and so is he/she!
This Forum is a special place, it's nice to see that everyone seems unanimous in wanting to keep it that way.....
Cheers,
Lance
UPDATE
Of course I meant this to be has, as in the present tense, as in that gentleness still (remarkably) exists...
Believe it or not, Bo, I missed it, I read "has"!
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This Forum is a special place, it's nice to see that everyone seems unanimous in wanting to keep it that way.....
Cheers,
Lance
I completely agree Lance. The atmosphere on this forum never gets old. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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I guess that I must be too trustworthy to think that any member would harmfully criticize another member over a scale model. :(
Chuck
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If this has been mentioned before, then I missed it, and I offer apologies.
As to folks belonging and not posting: not all of us have a nice digital camera that can take good, tight, close up shots. I'd love to have the ready cash to spring for one, but don't, and I'm sure there are others here in the same boat.
Aside from the many great models being posted, obviously built by folks with tremendous talent, there are also some really great photographers as well. Some of us are neither great modelers or photographers.
Just my two kopecks,
Warren
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personally i agree with your views on more beginners posting. i do not agree that there is only perfect work presented here.yes there are a handful of masters that border on genius. these guys either scratch build or heavily modify and replace kit parts.theres also another tier where the the guys do mainly aftermarket mods. such as using taurus engine parts and others as well as aviattic ,pheon and master cooling jackets.next there are guys who do a nice job of doing out of the box builds using mainly whats included with the kit. then there are intermediate modellers who are learning and experimenting with techniques to find what works for them.these guys do a good job but there are obvious rough edges.i have seen a few who are only average and are happy to build in their comfort zone.these guys do it for the love of the hobby and not to impress anyone.of course there are some that are straddling 2 different levels on the way to improving their techniques. i have not seen many true beginners though. but i encourage any and all who feel they want to post to do so. it can and will help you improve to have your work examined and questions answered.
myself personally i am somewhere near the upper end of the midrange, i do use aftermarket items as well as scratchbuilt details and my models have a better than average look when finished but i choose not to post for a couple resons. 1. i am not good with digital photography and 2 because i dont want to be constrained to having to entertain others with every step of the process. its too time consuming in my opinion and i dont wish to take my limited time modelling up with posting every step. i do occaisionally post completed works.
in the end this is a laid back environment tht accepts all and is very helpful to any requests. welcome
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Hello,
I'm still fairly new here. And I have not searched all Posts.
But there are no beginners here? ;)
The construction reports are always all so perfect. That is a quite dizzy.
Not that it's not fun to look at this, but there are 2 aspects.
It can be very inspiring when you see what is possible in the modelbuilding.
However, it may also cause the opposite. This one is very depressed, that it does not work with your own model.
So where are our beginners in the forum? So, don´t be shy and show your projects.
You can only win. You will receive targeted tips and tricks to build the models and beginners can build up mutually.
It's just so, it would sometimes beautiful, not always so to see perfect work and also to observe how a modeler developed.
Do not get me wrong, it is of course always super these little works of art to look at.
I just mean, "beginner", if there are those here, comes out of your holes. ;D ;)
Only some thoughts during building my Albatros. ;)
Kindly regards
Jörg
I'm quite happy to say I'm a beginner, and a crap modeller. I have posted a few photos of my still to be completed models and have had nothing but great comments and help from the modelling masters who are on here every day, showing people like me what can be done. Don't be afraid, this is a great place for someone like me to sit back and try to learn.
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Hello all,
I was a lucky guy when about two years ago, when I decided to give modeling of WW1 aircrafts a try, the first site on the internet I visited was that so nice site of Des. I immediately mailed him to ask a few questions which he kindly ( as he always is) answered and he also asked me to get a look on the forum, something which I did. So this was my start as a complete beginner in modeling.
Until this moment I haven’t been meeting but very gentle people, which is such a great thing (I have seen other forums where many verbal battles have been fought). So nothing but my most thankful thoughts of this creation of Des. Without him all this would not have been possible.
But ( a very small “but” )the thing is that the degree of modeling abilities on this forum being so very high, makes a beginner think that this is quite normal and that he ( well maybe I should only speak for myself ) should produce the same quality of work from the beginning on. That is what I tried to do and of course this brought me a number of terrible failures, and I think that it is still shining through in my finished models. So the thing is to quickly know what one’s limits are, and maybe just trying to improve as much as possible. Even if I certainly know that everyone on the forum gives help, appreciates the efforts done and no way will ever be pejorative about a model, I am still a bit shy and reserved to show my work. It is so very hard to obtain a continuous and steady degree of modeling, so my most spoken words are every time “next time better”.
I would like on this occasion to say “Thank you Des” for having created such a lovely island of friendship.
Kind regards
Patrick
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This may seem somewhat tangential but it really isn't:
I listed an item on eBay a while back that hasn't sold but keeps being relisted. In my description I noted that a similar item had just sold for considerably more than I was asking for mine. Apparently, another similar item has sold for less since my initial posting. item Well, I got an email through eBay yesterday from some guy, clearly a model builder, who blasted me in a very insulting manner, flat out called me a liar, and wanted to know how I maintained a 100% approval rating when I made such "outrageously untrue and misleading claims". If the man had simply asked about the info I would have been glad to explain it to him. But it was the tone that riled me. In the end, I did the smartest thing...ignored him.
My purpose in relating this saga is that this sort of readiness to pick a fight and just plain nastiness is sadly pervasive of model building websites. I don't know why that is. Initially I thought it was a generational thing but some of the more interesting personalities we encountered on the old 'drome site (R.I.P.) were of advanced and what one would think would be "mature" years. Sometimes I wonder if it's the solitary nature of model building, which suddenly becomes social on a website, that causes socially challenged people to become insecure. Perhaps it's the solitary nature of sitting at a computer and not really interacting socially, like with a breathing human being whose feelings might be hurt, or, who might smack you in the mouth, fro what you say.
Whatever, I say again God bless Des for giving us this forum and for keeping it jerk free. It's just sad that his model building time is cut into by having to monitor things.
Cheers all,
Michael
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OK, I hate to take a tangent and vector it even further off course, but I've got a burning urge to reply to Michael's post.
No, while it may have something to do with the solitary nature of modeling, I have found the same thing true of living history/reenacting forums. They're just as bad. In fact, I'll call it worse, because the very same people you might see at a display/event on a weekend would get online on Sunday night or Monday morning and blast you and your historical impression all to you-know-where. Didn't have the nerve to say something to your face, but the safety of a keyboard, I've found, brings out the absolute worst in people. We call them "keyboard kommandos".
Meanwhile, back at the farm . . . . .
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OK, I hate to take a tangent and vector it even further off course, but I've got a burning urge to reply to Michael's post.
No, while it may have something to do with the solitary nature of modeling, I have found the same thing true of living history/reenacting forums. They're just as bad. In fact, I'll call it worse, because the very same people you might see at a display/event on a weekend would get online on Sunday night or Monday morning and blast you and your historical impression all to you-know-where. Didn't have the nerve to say something to your face, but the safety of a keyboard, I've found, brings out the absolute worst in people. We call them "keyboard kommandos".
Meanwhile, back at the farm . . . . .
I couldn't have said it any better, Warren. That's why I don't frequent most forums anymore. They are a bunch of you know what's sitting behind their computer screen thinking they know everything and are tough. Give me a break. I'm 48, I'll be 49 in January, I'm no angel, believe me, just ask my wife, but what happened to common decency and respect in this day and age? This IS the ONLY FORUM, where there is no fighting, wars, or B.S. and it is truly nice to be a part of that in my own small way. I don't think I've EVER seen anything like that on this forum and that is a tribute to Des and the wonderful site he runs and all the wonderful dudes and chicks that take part in this forum. It is so nice to see common decency and respect for each other on here.
That's my two cents anyway,
James Sontag