Just some Thoughts

[Oeli]

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.

Only some thoughts during building my Albatros. 

Kindly regards

Jörg

[Michael Scarborough]

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

[Des]

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.

[Ernie]

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.

Cheers,
Ernie

[kornbeef]

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 

Keith

[Nigel Jackson]

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

[skeeterbuck]

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

[Pgtaylorart]

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

[Michael Scarborough]

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.....

[coyotemagic]

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

[Kai]

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!

[James]

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

[Oeli]

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

[Pgtaylorart]

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

[Oeli]

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