discussion What aspect of modelling do you enjoy most

[LeytonO]

I have come to the conclusion that the actual model building is very secondary to the painting and weathering for me.
Don't think I really enjoy the putting together, sanding and gluing very much at all.
Real fun for me starts when the airbrush comes out and the plastic gets transformed.
Have to be careful because I think I could become a collector of high quality airbrushes.
Really nicely made precision instruments, even enjoy stripping them down, cleaning and then reassembling.
What aspect do you enjoy most?

 

[PaulTRose]

The research and planning before the build starts

I love finding out the history of what ever the subject is

 

[pjgtech]

Hmm, interesting question, not sure what the answer is for me?
I enjoy the actual build process. Washing and cleaning parts, assembly, gluing, filling, etc.
I also enjoy the painting process, from priming to weathering.
Recently, I have also enjoyed doing a bit of (light) research into some of my builds.
In fact, I also enjoy the actual buying bit, looking at auctions, in model shops, online, etc....
Plus, I quite like the peripheral stuff too, eg: building a nice model making area/set-up, obtaining various tools, paints, washes, brushes, etc.
So its the whole process for me.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

I do actually enjoy most of the building process but like you Rich I really love the painting and then then especially the decals. When they start to go on the model really starts to come to life.

 

[Airborne01]

The build with (brush) painting the detail and main structure; watching the finished model evolve and reach completion. Most of all I like the Zen-like calm of my 'man-cave', the sounds of the music I play whilst modelling, and the feeling of achievement and satisfaction as I watch the sub-assemblies emerge. I need to work on dioramas more but that's work in progress!
Steve

 

[Tim Marlow]

My take on this is a little strange. I enjoy having “done” the model, rather than any individual part of the process. There are times when I do enjoy part of the build, sometimes the build, sometimes the painting, sometimes the decalling etc, but mostly it’s having completed the model. I think that is down to having the attention span of a gnat and absolutely zero patience .

 

[Jim R]

Having thought about it I reckon I'm like Steve. I enjoy all aspects of the hobby but I really enjoy spending time at the bench. Music on and I go into my "zone", away from all the mundane stresses of modern life.

 

[Geoffers]

I don’t enjoy any stage better than others, I enjoy the whole process .

I enjoy the research and sourcing of a kit and any extras needed and find it deeply satisfying to start with a bundle of plastic parts and (hopefully) finish with a reasonable replica of whatever it is I have built.

Although having said that sometimes some tasks can be a bit of a chore, masking multiple clear parts I’m looking at you

Geoff.

 

[Valeron]

I love the whole process. Yes, parts can be frustrating at times but i like seeing the model evolve. I like that I'm Learning new skills on every model.

i find the modellibg process very therapeutic and relaxing. I really does make me focus.

I also love the chat and discussions around modeling so especially enjoy Group builds.

 

[yak face]

As peter said above , i suppose its a bit of everything really . I enjoy the research and learning something new but I also enjoy the build especially when an airframe comes together and you can see the shape . I enjoy the challenge of painting too , about the only bit that might be a chore is decalling sometimes , especially if theres hundreds of stencils ! But then when its all done thats soon forgotten

 

[Richard48]

I enjoy building and dont seem to get to the painting stage often.Ive got so many shelf queens to paint and finish and i admit its always the fear of messing up a model that adds to the anxiety.I learnt to paint models after reading Francois Verlindens books.I tend to go for a more subtle finishing and not into covering things in mountains of mud and filth.I detest Photo etch and dabble with a bit of Plastic card and shapes to enhance kits as mountains of etch just ps me off and lose interest I find the company of others here and at shows theraputic and inspiring.
Richard

 

[minitnkr]

I enjoy the research & build the most. Dioramas are my favorite, hence the 1/87 scale. I found airbrushing difficult at my scale so all are hairy sticked. I've built company level units, but prefer squad or platoon level. My WWII US Engineers have elements combined to comprise a mixed Bridging Battalion. There is also my Conrail HO scale model railroad that has had many iterations.

 

[Nicko]

I think my favourite bit starts when I've decided to commence a build and lasts right up until I cut the first piece off the sprue because up til then I still have a picture of the masterpiece I'm going to create in my mind and no mistakes have yet been made.

Seriously though, I think I enjoy the inner calm that results from absorbing myself at the bench whether that's indoors building or down the workshop painting..

And there's always the next one to achieve that masterpiece....

Nick

 

[scottie3158]

The fun for me is to try and achieve something that looks convincing to the eye, and hopefully improving with each build.

 

[flyjoe180]

The only part of the modelling journey I don’t thoroughly enjoy is masking

 

[boatman]

WOT Fliyjoe said above but i love the challenge of buidling the kits an painting an fiittin lights but hate smaskin up
chrisb

 

[Tim Marlow]

I think my favourite bit starts when I've decided to commence a build and lasts right up until I cut the first piece off the sprue because up til then I still have a picture of the masterpiece I'm going to create in my mind and no mistakes have yet been made.

Seriously though, I think I enjoy the inner calm that results from absorbing myself at the bench whether that's indoors building or down the workshop painting..

And there's always the next one to achieve that masterpiece....

Nick

You are so right Nick. That sense of anticipation when it’s all still bare plastic and imagination has to be the best bit….

 

[spanner570]

Realising this usually dormant organ which rests on my neck is still just about capable of producing a reasonable looking model.

Also, I find staring at a blank base board waiting for a diorama inspiration to come along, quite fascinating.

Usually, nothing happens, so I make a cup of cocoa and go to bed!

 

[LeytonO]

Some great replies, can feel an affinity with those who enjoy the calming effect of the workbench.
Spent a couple of hours today mixing up some paints, varnishes and primers.
Had some music on and definite felt relaxed, been a bit later I might have had a beer too.

 

[Steven000]

I love opening a new box and starting a project probably the most : D after that I enjoy airbrushing the model most of all. Less fan of gluing/sanding.