I went the other way, Lego's back to models. Something I learned, a good Lego set, not top of the line like the Falcon or Titanic Ultimate's (which I actually did put together). Just the basic good set for $100 to $200 I could easily put one together in less than a weekend. A model costing less than $50 can last me weeks. I got back into modeling last December It took me till 2 days ago to finish only 7 models. After initial investment with an airbrush, compressor, paints and tools it probably cost me around $400. Buying models I have probably only spent $150. I am happy I went back to models and am having a blast. Like you I only do it for myself.
u/AveragelyBrilliant
I am not proud of this but I have waaaay more unfinished models I will likely never touch again than finished ones. Don't feel bad about it - you are not alone with that tendency. I also get distracted, especially whenever I reach a point in the building or painting phase that requires a lot of effort for very little return or when I commit a mistake I consider to be a major one. That's when I usually 'fall out of love' with the kit and feel the need to start something new from scratch. I usually open up a different box and never come back to the original project again.
If it is important for you to finish stuff, try and come up with a strategy to hold yourself accountable for doing so. After a decade of feeling down as a result of my lack of persistence in modelling, I started a youtube channel because this way - even though there's very little following at this point - I feel pressured to continue the current project and not start a new one whenever I feel lost. There is probably a way for everyone to force themselves to soldier on. Also, we always learn something new from every project - finished on unfinished.
But if someone doesn't find their way - then what? Who cares? Is the 'plastic police' going to catch them?
In other words - life is short and we should not be feeling crap about a hobby we chose to pick up. At least that's what i'm telling myself with dozens of boxes with unfinished projects on my shelf. :)
I guess it's an advantage that I have a small space to work so I don't really have the room to sideline projects. I only have one unfinished kit which was total dog food that I turned into a paint mule. That said as I get closer to finishing up a model I tend to get antsy about starting the next project.
I’m mostly doing sci-fi related stuff. Moebius 2001 models, Alien. Currently trying to finish a 3d printed Thunderbird One. I insisted on lighting the Moebius EVA pod and based on that experience, I’m not lighting the Pan Am Clipper. I guess you could call that progress. I need someone to teach me good airbrushing techniques.
The problem with YouTube is you watch five different videos on technique and you end up with five different ways of doing something, three of which contradict each other.
Example. Video A says make sure you press trigger for air then pull back for paint and release paint when finished followed by releasing air trigger. That way you won’t end up with paint that splatters on the next stroke. Video B just goes back and forth doing air and paint at exactly the same time.
A says 80% thinner 20% flow improver should be the basis for your thinning. B says no flow improver required. A says Vallejo Air can be sprayed directly from the bottle, B says it MUST be thinned. I’m not saying I won’t figure it out eventually, it’s just frustrating.
Having said that, I did find a great YouTuber called Barbatos Rex who I think I’ll stick with and see if I can get some good techniques from.
I currently have 2 unfinished models and started a new one. I usually work with 1 model a week then the next one. But it all depends on my mood and willdom. Don't make models if you're not felling good or too tired.
I'm pretty much the same. I'm completing a model that I started 15 years ago. I don't force myself into completing stuff but roll with the waves as my interest waxes and wanes. But, what has been a great help to me personally, is joining a twitter modelling group. There's no pressure, just support from folk, and it's working for me, hence the resurrection of my 15 year old kit besides completely other kits. My display area is now looking good with finished stuff opposed to started stuff.
I also make plenty of mistakes/errors. Ive learnt to live with them and not beat myself up trying to achieve some sort of perfection. I understand where you come from about procrastinating in a build and sometimes it's not helpful seeing some of the builders on youtube etc. It's not an easy path but somewhat meandering but I'm happier now than I've been previously.
Good luck with whatever path you choose.
(sigh) I have unfinished models sitting for DECADES... No very proud but, hey, it is MY hobby and I don't take orders from anybody.
I went the other way, Lego's back to models. Something I learned, a good Lego set, not top of the line like the Falcon or Titanic Ultimate's (which I actually did put together). Just the basic good set for $100 to $200 I could easily put one together in less than a weekend. A model costing less than $50 can last me weeks. I got back into modeling last December It took me till 2 days ago to finish only 7 models. After initial investment with an airbrush, compressor, paints and tools it probably cost me around $400. Buying models I have probably only spent $150. I am happy I went back to models and am having a blast. Like you I only do it for myself.
u/AveragelyBrilliant I am not proud of this but I have waaaay more unfinished models I will likely never touch again than finished ones. Don't feel bad about it - you are not alone with that tendency. I also get distracted, especially whenever I reach a point in the building or painting phase that requires a lot of effort for very little return or when I commit a mistake I consider to be a major one. That's when I usually 'fall out of love' with the kit and feel the need to start something new from scratch. I usually open up a different box and never come back to the original project again. If it is important for you to finish stuff, try and come up with a strategy to hold yourself accountable for doing so. After a decade of feeling down as a result of my lack of persistence in modelling, I started a youtube channel because this way - even though there's very little following at this point - I feel pressured to continue the current project and not start a new one whenever I feel lost. There is probably a way for everyone to force themselves to soldier on. Also, we always learn something new from every project - finished on unfinished. But if someone doesn't find their way - then what? Who cares? Is the 'plastic police' going to catch them? In other words - life is short and we should not be feeling crap about a hobby we chose to pick up. At least that's what i'm telling myself with dozens of boxes with unfinished projects on my shelf. :)
Thanks for that. Nice to know I’m not alone and just need to enjoy myself, rather than feeling guilty.
I guess it's an advantage that I have a small space to work so I don't really have the room to sideline projects. I only have one unfinished kit which was total dog food that I turned into a paint mule. That said as I get closer to finishing up a model I tend to get antsy about starting the next project.
Have you tried any other models? I had the same trouble with cars, and switched to gundams for a bit and am now back on 59 Chevy
I’m mostly doing sci-fi related stuff. Moebius 2001 models, Alien. Currently trying to finish a 3d printed Thunderbird One. I insisted on lighting the Moebius EVA pod and based on that experience, I’m not lighting the Pan Am Clipper. I guess you could call that progress. I need someone to teach me good airbrushing techniques.
YouTube bro! So much content for skill dev on you tube it’s crazy
The problem with YouTube is you watch five different videos on technique and you end up with five different ways of doing something, three of which contradict each other. Example. Video A says make sure you press trigger for air then pull back for paint and release paint when finished followed by releasing air trigger. That way you won’t end up with paint that splatters on the next stroke. Video B just goes back and forth doing air and paint at exactly the same time. A says 80% thinner 20% flow improver should be the basis for your thinning. B says no flow improver required. A says Vallejo Air can be sprayed directly from the bottle, B says it MUST be thinned. I’m not saying I won’t figure it out eventually, it’s just frustrating. Having said that, I did find a great YouTuber called Barbatos Rex who I think I’ll stick with and see if I can get some good techniques from.
Yeah I think that’s the trick, is sticking with one teacher if they have good products finished it’s a pretty safe bet to just learn their techniques
I used to leave them unfinished but the last few years I’ve been very diligent in finishing all the kits I’ve started.
I currently have 2 unfinished models and started a new one. I usually work with 1 model a week then the next one. But it all depends on my mood and willdom. Don't make models if you're not felling good or too tired.
I'm pretty much the same. I'm completing a model that I started 15 years ago. I don't force myself into completing stuff but roll with the waves as my interest waxes and wanes. But, what has been a great help to me personally, is joining a twitter modelling group. There's no pressure, just support from folk, and it's working for me, hence the resurrection of my 15 year old kit besides completely other kits. My display area is now looking good with finished stuff opposed to started stuff. I also make plenty of mistakes/errors. Ive learnt to live with them and not beat myself up trying to achieve some sort of perfection. I understand where you come from about procrastinating in a build and sometimes it's not helpful seeing some of the builders on youtube etc. It's not an easy path but somewhat meandering but I'm happier now than I've been previously. Good luck with whatever path you choose.
Thanks. What’s the name of the group?