Getting an Education in Modeling...

[Jeeves]

I have been spending some quality time going through some master modeler pieces- like Shep Paine and Bob Letterman online, as well as taking visual notes. I recently picked up a large set of The Weather Magazine(s) from a flea market and have also been reading through these as I have become an admirer of Mig's since meeting him at AMPS around 6 years ago or so. Pairing these with the work of all the excellent modelers here and in other forums I frequent, I have been trying to redefine my philosophy and how I go about what I do in the Sheep's Pen. Maybe it's all the time doing research as a field biologist and now going on 20 years teaching- but I really enjoy delving in and learning as much as I can.

What I have found more than anything is that I really have some ADD (not official) when it comes to modeling. I don't have any specific genre I associate myself with anymore- although I do try to stick with 1/48 aircraft- but also enjoy 1/35 armor (WWII to start, but modern more so than ever now), autos, and figures when one suits my fancy. I also tend to get tunnel vision when I am in a build- always focusing on what's next and the finish line...but have been realizing that when I consider one "finished", I look back and think about what I missed or could've done better.

With Mig's magazines, there are things I don't ever even think on when I build- like zenithial lighting, or how filters can be used effectively. Reading these techniques now, I really want to start playing around and modifying my approach. My fear is I will get stuck or bogged down and lose interest- hence the ADD reference. I live in a pretty awesome place- but one that is a pretty vast wasteland when it comes to things like model shows and clubs. The nearest one is in Albany and a good distance away- so I am pretty much solo- so entering a show is not even on my radar...plus the desire to do so is not really there. Other than sharing with all of you, and/or the occasional model I build for someone else, I am really the only one who sees my work. Nevertheless, the drive to improve is still there- I just need to slow it down and intensify my focus I guess.

I've picked up a few of Mig's AMMO line to try out, and plan on reading and researching more- but was just bouncing my thoughts off on you all. I plan on putting this into my blog as well but I was just wondering if anyone else shares my scatteredness...

On a side note-- these Oilbrusher products of AMMO's sort of bewilder me...I mean it kind of seems like buying the 50/50 antifreeze....sure it's ready to go- but aren't you just paying more for a thinned down product? I suppose it works for those who don't know much about oils- but I just don't know...

[KSaarni]

That was a very interesting post to read Mike, very good !

Cannot at this moment comment so much, except that I can see many similarities with myself, like the comparision with ADD, fits also in some degree with me & my builds.

And regarding Mig and Ammo stuff, their weathering magazines are really intersting to read! And a lot of good products, those guys know how marketing works!

- Kari

[Jeeves]

So in the spirit of learning and my newly inspired desire to improve, I am asking advice on this build. As much as I thought I had the cabin area all aligned on my Rhino, when I went to add the top, I ran into this along the bottom edge--

And this gap where there isn't supposed to be one....



I am up for suggestions....was thinking of trimming the front plate so it fits the gap.... :idonno

[speedgraflex]

I relate as well; I wanted you to know that I read this with respect for your candor and admiration for your ability to research. I stumble a bit over "scattered' as a description for myself, but I do know that I have certain typical subject pursuits (Thunderbolts n Mustangs) with atypical approaches (old, oddball kits for example) that get me into the kind of trouble that does a mind and body some good.

As far as offering my advice on your issue, from what I just read and visualized, you are well on your way to resolution. Not that I am trying to weasel out of a decent answer. Personally, at any stage, paint or weathering both, if something is not joined, I will cover the areas that are finished and attempt to finesse the join with big guns. My classic TOS Enterprise was always popping her nacelles due to the design all the way into painting stages just like where you seem to be; what I ended up doing was layering CA over the joins until they fused into a solid little hump then sanded the whole mess down to the diameter again.

[Thomas_M]

I second what has been said about an interesting opening post! I also have some of those MiG and others modelling manuals, but barely have read them so far. What I for myself really don´t dig is this "zenithal" lighting stuff that has been created by MiG and others. All builds I have seen being done by this simply look so wrong to me... Take a wartime picture, or have a look at the car out there; do you really see such an exagerated gradient of light and colour? I don´t... So, I take everything with a grain of salt what I see by in those promotional magazines.

Btw: what is ADD?

On the top hatch of the Rhino: did you follow or read other builds online or in a mag? Maybe the same spot has been mentioned? Is the opening possibly narrower than the hatch´s contour? I here and there force pieces together using some copious amounts of Tamiya´s finest...

[KSaarni]

Btw: what is ADD?

ADD or ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or "Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung" as it is called in German!

- Kari

[Thomas_M]

Sorry, Kari, I didn´t pay attention what you said... Uuhh...

...


Thank you! Good German!

[Medicman71]

I've become a bog fan of Ammo's stuff as of late. I've gotten a lot of the books and especially the weathering products. It's been a big help as I suck at weathering.

[Duke Maddog]

Great post Mike! Most interesting approach to your modeling.

I have a different approach to my modeling. While I do a bit of research now and then, I never spend so much time at it that I lose the chance to build something. Occasionally, I'll research something to see how certain parts go together; what parts to use, or where they are supposed to go. Later, once the build is done, I'll research it's history, use and variations. I find reading that stuff is far more fun when I'm looking at the finished model right in front of me.

I am a visual learner myself. When it comes to learning new techniques and processes, reading helps; but if I cannot effectively turn those words into pictures in my head; I have to see it done in front of me. That is why I love building in the presence of other more talented modelers so I can watch what they do and take it all in.

I don't use Mig's products or read his material. I mean no disrespect to Mig when I say this; but I feel his products are a bit high priced for one such as myself. His marketing is outstanding, but with an average yearly income of $2500.00 a year, I'd rather spend what little money I get on more models or some other basic supplies like glue and more affordable paint. In reference to his techniques; like Thomas I don't like the "zenithial lighting" technique as it doesn't look realistic to me either. Yes it is artistic and surely guaranteed to get your model noticed on a contest or show table, but to me it just doesn't work. Also, Mig seems solely focused on aircraft that are 1/48 scale and larger, and 1/35th scale armor with his techniques and products. A friend and fellow 1/72 scale modeler (and a Master at that who makes my 1/72 scale armor look like toys!) had tried Mig's products and techniques on his small scale armor once as a demonstration at our local AMPS meeting. The effect on his model was way too heavy, even after he 'scaled it down' to account for the smaller scale. It looked too heavy and overdone, despite him being very spare. Therefore, while Mig's products and techniques would work for you, they are not for me.

Mike you are quite the expert modeler because of your ability to take these products and techniques, as well as others; and utilize them to the fullest. Therefore, don't worry about my opinion about Mig so much, after all these are your models and you should build them the way you like to and have fun doing it. That overall is the most important thing to remember in this Hobby. I do believe that the fix you're looking for will be an easy one. I don't know enough about that model to tell you what I would suggest, but I'm certain others here and elsewhere will be able to help more fully.
.
Bring it on Mike, and keep the faith. I'll continue to follow all your builds.

[Jeeves]

Thanks everyone for the discussion- it's great to read everyone's different perspectives. At the very least, there's enough movement in that spot to be able to start a fix for it so that gives me hope.

Mark- I totally get it...I was able to find a Amazon merchant that gave me a great deal on shipping if I ordered a number of the washes so in the end it was a good deal. Also I think one of the magazines I have is on 1/72 scale models so maybe there's a method they suggest- I'll have to search through...