End of project routines?....

[BarryW]

Do you have a routine at the end of a project?  if so please share it...


After finding a space on a shelf for the new one, perhaps by relegating an old build, I want to record my build and take photos of it, which I load into a file on my pc.  I then post photos first on this forum, then Facebook and Scalemates.


Its then clean up time...   I do a massive deep clean of my work area and can take a few hours over it.  That includes not just the spraying and build areas but all my tools such as paint brushes and airbrush.  I also check through my sanding sticks and knife blades replacing any that need replacing from my supplies.  I top up my 200ml bottles of i.p.a., white spirit and window cleaner mix (it suppliments the airbrush cleaner) from the much larger bottles in which I store it.  I then order any replacement tools/materials that are needed.


next up is prep for the next build...


....there tend to be a lot of sprues with the 1/32 aircraft I build so I label the for easy idenification with small post-its taped to the side with some cellotape.


....check over the paints needed. I list the paint codes from the instructions on a seperate sheet of paper for easy reference and will identify the equivilent I will be using.  I call it my 'paint plan'. This is particularly important for Tamiya as their painting instructions are not very helpful.


....I make sure I identify the specific aircraft I am building, make sure I have my references and any aftermarket I need.  I then run through the instructions and make any notes, often crossing out sections that wont be needed.  I like to identify any potential issues at this stage.


.....based on that check make sure I have the equitpment needed and if necessary order what I need.  It might be a tool, more or  different aftermarket or more paint.


That is it - all ready to start the build.....  about where I am at now ready to start tonight....


This is how my work area looks just before labelling the sprues and praparing the next build.





the main airbrush is in the sonic cleaner for its final deep clean session before being removed and wiped over and reassembling....


This is my next project:





This will be a fairly straight forward build. I have all three of these Tammy Spits to build in all, one of each version XVI, IX and VIII).  I decided to start with this one as it was the first I bought years ago and is, in my opinion, the nicest looking of all the Spits.  With three to do, this one will be fully buttoned up to show off the clean lines, so I will just be assembling the Merlin for fun but not painting it, sealing it inside.  


With the MkVIII I will include some aftermarket in the build and my intention will be to have the cowling panels removable using the magnets they supply with a fully painted and displayed Merlin, but I will do that as my last of the three Spit builds sometime next year.


Anyway that is where I am at now ready to start my Spitty....


So what is your routine?

[stona]

I have a more relaxed post build routine, certainly not as rigorous as yours


I do have a good clean up of my work area and I do try and put most of my tools away. I keep those that are routinely used out and handy for the next build. As far as brushes, blades etc. go, I keep them in order as an on going routine and do nothing particular between projects. The same for any airbrushes used, if they are working well they just get stuck on the stand and await further use.


I do research my next project and ensure that I've got the necessary paints etc available, but this too is an ongoing routine. I acquired the masks to spray the markings on my He 219 months ago, so when I finally get started I'm confident I'll have all I need!


In cleaning up I target dust. Dust is the enemy of good paint finishes! I spend more time with the Dyson in my work area than in the rest of the house, at least according to SWMBO


Cheers


Steve

[Guest]

My end of project routine is all about getting the build post and completed post in order. I don't really have a routine for my modelling desk as that happens on the fly. 


With the completion of a build. 

1. Take final photos, and if I want do up a video as well (which I upload to youtube)
   
   
2. I will first do up a completed post, making sure I detail the build summary and any new things I learned / tried, this will be linked to my build post. 
   
   
3. Link my build post to the completed post. 
   

Once all that is sorted I move on to the next project.


I usually put everything in place right after I use it during a build or at the end of the day. With my airbrush I clean it every few days and not usually after a build. I clean up and sort everything out once I feel it is a bit messy, I would do that sometimes after a few builds, and even during a build. So if I think about it I dont really have a physical routine, just an online one by finishing up my post and doing up the photos and making a video. 

[Ian M]

Hmm end of build routine...I didn't think I had one but I guess mine is a combo of Barry and Stona. 


Long straight sprues get saved for paint stick holders, and scratch build bits. I used to salvage left over "optional" parts but to be honest I have started to bin them. I have three boxes of them, No four. One with spitfire bits, one with mossie bits. one with Modern aircraft and one with Armor. Hardly ever touch them!



I mostly know what extra parts I want when I get the kit. Paints are normally checked at the time as well. If needed they get supplemented along the way.
Build and paint benches get the once over and the hoover comes out.

[papa 695]

My end of project routine is throw the old sprues behind me and get the next kit on the table. 

[Snowman]

My end of project routine is throw the old sprues behind me and get the next kit on the table. 

Yup, I'm pretty much in Ian's grouping. I just spread out over a number of surfaces and just keep moving things around as I go along......


Barry, I wish that I could be as marshalled and organised as you are (envious), but I go with the ebb and flow of creativity.

[spanner570]

I envy no one. I don't have a routine. I just shift all the debris to one side of my bench and start a model when the feeling takes me.


I've been a free spirit all my life, and I guess it rubs off in my attitude to 'routines'. I just take a picture of the finished model, then either re-cycle bits or sling them up in the loft and let my sons do as they please with them when I'm not around anymore.


I guess I'm just a useless, untidy, come day go day, waste of space.........and I wouldn't have it any other way.  


All the best,


Lonnie Donegan 

[PaulTRose]

1....take pics and post them here and there......and over there too


2.....throw out any remains on the bench...........box, sprues, general rubbish


3.....put away all the paint pots i got out to do newly finished kit (i have several smallish storage boxes to keep paint in, one for each brand)


4.....pick what im doing next


5.....pick out paint pots im going to need and put in 'ready box' right in front of me


6......and start!

[dave]

I tend to take a few photos for here and my records and tidy up my work area, I also file away any unused parts and decals for future use.


I tend to start research for my next project whilst I am still building, whilst paint is drying or while travelling.

[Peej]

I have not got a set routine but I normally decide what the next build will be before the present one is completed. Once complete, a space is found to display it. Then the new kit is opened, checked and washed. Whilst drying the work top is tidied up of all rubbish. Any spares are removed from sprues and put in the spares box, just in case..... 


Boxes, old sprues and bags are binned. Instructions are put away in a drawer. Everything wiped down. Once new kits is dry, it's time to start again. Happy days!

[Bigfoot57]

I've never had a routine just build the kit taking pictures during the build and at the finish then clear the bench for the next kit I do keep sprues etc for scratch building etc but a set routine no as can been seen from my bench set up in the basement below built from a wardrobe door and 5 packing crates 4 for the bench and 1 to sit on

[Guest]

If I ever finish a model I will let you know!


Well, I recollect I take and post some  photos. Sooner or later I put the leftovers in the bins {parts or trash}. If I am particularly pleased with the final result I get out some old models in the same scale and stare at them all side by side and purr.

[yak face]

Ive usually got two or three on the go at the same time so theres no end and no beginning! It just sort of flows in a random chaos . I jump from one to the other during builds  and dont follow any pattern. Once in a blue moon i might tidy up the bench , mainly when the area im working in gets to about four inches square ! I suppose the only thing thats the same everytime is that once a build is complete  I take pictures and post them on here  , but as theres always another one ongoing its straight back into the cluttered bombsite that is my bench. Hopefully a bit of chaos doesnt affect the end result , i mean take Einsteins hairdo for example !!!! Cheers tony