The Fear to Build

[Guest]

Any one else suffer from the fear to build? :P

I have a decent collection of models sitting at home waiting to be built. Including a 1/12th Tamiya Tyrell and a 1/20th Tamiya Lotus Type 78. I do have couple of planes sitting in boxes too, and one ready for paint. I can't bring myself to make progress on any of them because I want to practice some more techniques first Those models I'm really wanting to a great job on. I've only completed a couple since I got back in the hobby. Plus I've been teaching myself how to airbrush as I never did that previously.

So if you've suffered from that how have you gotten past it? Tonight I slipped out and bought another model that I would likely care less about, a '66 Shelby Mustang. Going to practice some new techniques on it. I've also heard of the painting plastic spoons to practice airbrushing and trying out new paints. Any other good advice out there? The thing I'm trying to avoid is buying model after model to practice and going bankrupt before I get to the ones I really want to build!

[flyjoe180]

I think we've all had that Andrew. Most of us no doubt continue to have concern that we can't do justice to a particularly special kit that means a lot to the owner. Practising on cheaper kits is a great way to hone the skills required to boost the confidence to get stuck in to a special or expensive kit. I have a range of kits I have yet to build and won't until I feel confident I can do them justice. But it is a shame to have them in the stash unbuilt when they could be adorning the display shelf in pride of place. Sometimes I think we should just back ourselves and get stuck in.

[Guest]

I agree, I still have the first kit I bought ( a Fujimu Phantom ) and because I spent a time working on them I wanted a good model of one. I still haven't worked up the courage to have a bash at it though. I think part of the problem is that when you know where all the little flaws are in your models you never think you are good enough to build that special model and as Flyjoe says we are probably better than we think and should just have a pop at it.

[papa 695]

I feel like that with every kit i start.You will never know unless you give it a go. You can only practice so much,and at some point you will need to bite the bullet as they say

[Guest]

I think it is the scare of making a mistake. Like plunging your feet into a cold sea after standing looking for 10 minutes. Not as bad as thought & enjoyable after taking the plunge.

Some things both in model making & life I have to gear myself up to perform. But when I do I go thro' the gears I never stop until the deed is done.

I also like to have everything just right before I start. The work area with all things in their place. All paints needed on the shelf etc etc. Then I start. Not ever before.

Not up for practicing before I start a model. But I do try new techniques, during building, before applying to the model. Find it is best to hit the difficulties as I build as I am sure of having to I get a better result.

I will never ever, however bad the model, leave it half finished before starting the next. I only have one on the go which must have my undivided attention.

I am also just the sort of bloke a young Psychologist needs to practice on early in his career. The danger is after this experience he may wish to change careers.

Laurie

[Alan 45]

I only have one fear of building and that's figures ! But I'm about to tack the plunge into this murky water and have a crack at it ,

I also not so much a fear but a worry , traveling across land and see is an Academy 1/350 warspite but this one comes with all the PE and also has a wooden deck , two points of consern , one is I've never really done any PE just bits here and there so it's going to be a new thing for me , the second is the deck , now I could just paint this as normal but then it would look just like every other battleship I've built so I'm going to do it properly and varnish it so exspect quite a few questions on this mater.

[spanner570]

I understand your quandary Andrew, but the problem might arise where the longer you delay building the 'good' models, the higher your confidence wall might be to climb over - practice or not - even leading to a 'block'.

Ian makes a good point. You don't know how the model will turn out 'till you start.

But if you start with any initial anxiety, then things might not go well.

Also, you might be subconsciously thinking "What will others think of the build?" Put that to one side, it's your model.........

I'm a firm advocate of feet first and 'Trust in the lord'...But that's just me.

[Guest]

I get edgy when I start off but I think its a combination of wanting to see the finished item and foreseeing any problems during the build (mainly cost I always have to faff about with them)

If I'm scratch building anything ill be trying to get to sleep with the next stage buzzing round my head..or thinking what to use for certain parts.

Its just natural hesitation which we all suffer at some stage for some reason .... as said above sometimes just biting the bullet is the way to go.

[Guest]

Hi Andrew

Are you a perfectionist? I am. I have been modeeling now for about two years and often consult the gents on this forum for their kind help. I'm never satisfied with the finished results and that's why i never publish my results. I wrongly compare my work with the work of the experts in this forum. My modelling gets better each time but still I am self critical. It's part of my make up I guess.

I also know that were I to show these models in this forum, I would not be judged, but I am my own critic.

This will not help you resolve your issue but at least you may know you are not alone. I now, while still critcal of my self, enjoy what I do and particualrly enjoy it when I get somewthing right after much practice. Making a mess of the painting is not the end of the world - one of my models was stripped six times with oven cleaner before I got the effect I wanted.

So I'm not helping much but wanted you to know that you are not alone.

Very best wishes

[spanner570]

I'm off on a bit of a tangent here....

Aidan, please post your stuff on S.M.. I for one would like to see your work.

Surely showing models and getting help with certain aspects is the way to improve our modelling skills.

One thing is for sure this is a great forum for honest and constructive advise. It's not referred to as the friendly Forum for nowt.

Should you need help, until we see we can't .........

[Alan 45]

I agree with Ron , my builds have improved since joining a year ago , show them to us I bet there not as bad as you think , we are all our own worse critique.

[PaulTRose]

theres definatly a few in the stash im scared of tackling.............HMS Victory cos its so big and sooooo different from anything ive done before (rigging!...aaaargh!).........a Lancia Stratos that i was given with some aftermarket decals thats one of my fave cars...scared stiff of cocking it up cos of the fancy decals.....a large scale Jaguar SS100 that i want to detail up under the bonnet by scratching lots of bits and pieces

my abilities have definatly improved over the years but i very often look at stuff in the stash and push it back thinking 'nah....not yet'............but one day

[stona]

Every time I open a box I get the heebie - jeebies.

I have to talk myself into making a start, and it can take a couple of days, particularly after a long break. The thing is, once I do start the damned thing I have a great time and wonder what the hell I was worried about!

Cheers

Steve

[mossiepilot]

I definitely know how you feel Andrew, as I get it all the time. I want each and every model I make to be perfect, I know I am being overly self critical, but I have found talking to the guys on here helps me at least try, and I find that as Laurie says, it's not so bad once you take the plunge.

I hope you will take a stab at some of the more difficult kits and post the results. I've had some really bad results on what on the surface seemed simple builds, and I have a stash of kits I have bought and put away for the time I will be good enough to do them justice, but I got there in the end with the support of the great guys on this forum.

Go on mate have a go, the next build will be better.

I think, looking back at the first, second and even third one I built, I am doing so much better now.

Tony.

[Guest]

I understand this feeling Andrew...

In my case, the problem comes when I have started the build, then I always thinking about it, sometimes so much..., and then I don't see anything clear.

All turns a problem...the paint, the airbrush, the weathering I don't see correct...

Just don't worry mate, a modeller have to listen his instinct.

Can seems rare, but the first step is to leave the imagination and the hands flow. Later the skills will come (take your time)

Maybe this response don't serve you, but think about it.... how do you know will do a good model if you doesn't know your limits...?

Cheers