| Welcome to 72nd Aircraft. We hope you enjoy your visit. You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. Join our community! If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
- Pages:
- 1
- 2
| Offshoot topic: How do you decide what to model? | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 29 2016, 03:41 AM (527 Views) | |
| kingofmen | Sep 29 2016, 03:41 AM Post #1 |
![]()
Least
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
This is an offshoot of the rather interesting thread on what type of modeller you are. In the last couple of posts there was a bit of discussion on what triggers your desire to make a model. Since I'm the one posing the question, I'll give my take. I tend to start with the model itself. Sometimes it is a new one, sometimes I start a little mini-project that causes me to dig kits out of the stash (right now I'm mulling a postwar large transport project since I recently bought an Italeri C-27 and already have an A400, C-160, C-130, and An-12). Next I'll start searching (or will already have) an interesting decal scheme picked out. I'll take a commemorative or unusual scheme over regular old greys any day. Planes are typically built clean, because I have little interest in the loadout. |
|
Kevin Callahan Auburn WA USA Visit the re-energized 72 Land blog at http://72land.blogspot.com/ All hail 1:72! | |
![]() |
|
| jvenables | Sep 29 2016, 04:49 AM Post #2 |
|
Hawk
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
More often than not, it is a period photo that inspires me. Provided the markings are available in either kit form or on an aftermarket sheet (or fairly easily cobbled together from the decal spares box), then I'll go with it. Often the subject I choose will be to fulfill part of a "theme" of some sort, such as: inter-war "Yellow Wings era" USN aircraft, Vietnam era aircraft operated over Laos, pioneering aircraft in Australia and New Guinea, or aircraft operated by a particular small air force. Sometimes it is an example included on an aftermarket decal sheet that coaxes me to research, locate, buy and build a model kit of the decal sheet subject. Occasionally, but rarely, box art may attract me enough to buy and build the kit, such as some of the more recent Airfix kits (or even older Airfix kits in their new and attractive boxes). And less frequently, it is the kit itself that inspires me. This usually only ever occurs if I find the kit particularly challenging (eg. Mach 2 kits) and therefore more rewarding to finish, or a particularly well engineered kit (eg. Tamiya F4U), or something that does not necessarily fit my usual interests but looks like an easy change of pace in which I can do a quick OOB build and not care too much about detail and accuracy (eg. Airfix Bf-109E). EDIT: Just wanted to add that every so often the motivation/inspiration comes from a combination of two or more of the above considerations. |
|
James from Brisbane, Australia Now living in Laos Nil illegitimi carborundum | |
![]() |
|
| Chuck1945 | Sep 29 2016, 05:25 AM Post #3 |
|
Hero
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
In the last 4-5 years my choice has usually been spurred by a new release (typically Airfix). Add to that my compulsion to get every WWII decal sheet Hannant's produces and it becomes first a new WWII release, then scrambling through decals to find markings. Not always though, the Eduard Fw 190A-8s prompted a buying spree of RC and overtree versions, but while I have started two (cockpit only so far) I have no clue yet what the finish will be. Likewise I started an Eduard Spitfire IXc planning to mark it as JEJ's other Spitfire IX (MK392) and went ahead and started painting the interior of a second Spitfire IX as well with no idea yet which one it will up representing. Long way of saying that in last few years, my choices have been almost 100%prompted by a new kit and deciding 'I want to build one' and then figuring out the specific aircraft to represent. This doesn't bode well for actually reducing the stash unfortunately |
|
Chuck Eastern WA, USA Finished 2018: Eduard Spitfire IXc, VIII, Monogram/Starfighter BFC-2 On the active bench: Eduard Bf 110C, Hasegawa B-24D, SH P-40E | |
![]() |
|
| jimmy brown | Sep 29 2016, 06:42 AM Post #4 |
|
Beast
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Big fan of WW2 aircraft, over the past 50 years I've done most of them so I look out for "under new management" versions. Free French P47, Aussie P40 & VVS Boston were some recent builds. Big brother Tommy still has his Aircraft of WW2 book by Keneth Musson even though he packed in modelling in the early 70s. I often look through it & something catches my eye, had a long time interest in the Sea Otter, B32, Corronado, Albemarle & Buckingham/Buckmaster but not got round to them though I've asked about Azur's Sea Otter on here. Mrs Jimmy always get's me a kit for my birthday as does my daughter. Occasionally the boys get me a kit when they're stuck for ideas |
![]() |
|
| RJ Tucker | Sep 29 2016, 11:16 AM Post #5 |
|
Ack, Oop, THPPFFT Baby
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I'll see something on TV, the internet or read about something that sparks an interest; BANG! I'm off & running! |
|
RJ Phantoms phorever! Flag Plot: My virtual model display shelf | |
![]() |
|
| dknights | Sep 29 2016, 01:16 PM Post #6 |
![]()
The court of LAST RESORT!
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I'm glad this thread was spun off as it makes an interesting discussion. This is a complex question without an easy answer. My two main sources of inspiration are probably reading history and then wanting to build an aircraft of a particular pilot or time period and theatre that I'm reading about. Decals are my other main source of inspiration. I have well over 400+ decal sheets. (Hi, My name is David and I am a decaloholic. Hi David!) I rarely use kit decals. I can only think of two times I've done that. I also, like many modelers have a bunch of themes that I'd like to build a collection around. (Small Air Forces, NEI in WWII, Russian, Romanian, ANG aircraft, Naval Squadrons with Knights in the unit name, etc.) My three most recent starts are an Airfix P-51 that was inspired by this years Nats decals. It is a SC ANG bird and that will help to fill out my ANG collection; a Meng F-106 that was started because the F-106 is the coolest plane ever and I've been waiting 30 years for a new kit of it; and A Hawker Hurricane because I've always wanted to do a 1940 France airfield dio and I love the new Airfix kits. So, short answer is, it varies. |
|
David M. Knights Fortes fortuna adiuvat 14 Finished: Special Armor V-2, Airfix P-51 15 Finished: SBS Gladiator engine 16 Finished: Brengun C2 Wasserfall, Merit SS-N-2 Styx, World's smallest diorama, Airfix Hurricane. 17 Finished: Japanese Carrier Deck, 18 Finished: NONE The bench:Platz T-33, Trump. T-34/85, Meng F-106, Airfix P-51 #2, Airfix P-40 Revell MiG-21F-13, Ace Citroen V-11 | |
![]() |
|
| InchHigh | Sep 29 2016, 01:19 PM Post #7 |
|
It's a good day to build.
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Jeez what a question. Can I pick all of the above? |
|
Jeff Time spent modeling is not deducted from your lifespan. I spent most of my money on beer and women. The rest of it I just wasted. | |
![]() |
|
| dknights | Sep 29 2016, 01:35 PM Post #8 |
![]()
The court of LAST RESORT!
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
From watching you model, I'd say you seem to.
|
|
David M. Knights Fortes fortuna adiuvat 14 Finished: Special Armor V-2, Airfix P-51 15 Finished: SBS Gladiator engine 16 Finished: Brengun C2 Wasserfall, Merit SS-N-2 Styx, World's smallest diorama, Airfix Hurricane. 17 Finished: Japanese Carrier Deck, 18 Finished: NONE The bench:Platz T-33, Trump. T-34/85, Meng F-106, Airfix P-51 #2, Airfix P-40 Revell MiG-21F-13, Ace Citroen V-11 | |
![]() |
|
| stimpy | Sep 29 2016, 02:30 PM Post #9 |
![]()
Is It Safe?..... Nope
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I have 12 large clear plastic boxes with lids. I look at the stash and think what have I just been building, do I want to do some more of the same or break the monotony and try something else? Do I want a fairly straight forward OOB build or tackle a short-run kit? Once that's been asked, I pull out the kit and transfer everything to one of those plastic containers and throw away the kits box. That's the beginning, now it may still take months or a week or so to complete, but the idea is that until one of those boxes is empty, I can't start something else, so WIP always rotates and gets finished. 12 gives me ample choice of subject. I currently have 12 WIP boxes: Tu-12 Tu-2 Spitfire IXc Mustang Mk.IV Mirage F-1B Boston A-20B Yak-1 F-86E Ar-234P Il-28 Wellington X Beaufighter X Stimpy |
| No more plastic | |
![]() |
|
| Mark Schynert | Sep 29 2016, 04:44 PM Post #10 |
|
Yeast
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I've got a list of priorities, running out to 120 kits. I don't follow it, but it does serve to remind me what I have and what theoretically excited me in the recent past. Maybe half of the kits I start are from the top 20. The other half? Club contest, or something clicks because of a photo, or some detail comes clear, like a good decal sheet, or even just looking for a test airframe to try out new materials or equipment (the Supermodel Re 2001 I built was solely because I just got my first jar of Mr. Dissolved Putty, and I needed something with lots of sink marks!). I've got six kits underway right now, but only four of them have had much work, with the other two still at the parts clean-up stage. Not a one is a Spitfire, so I'm likely to start one of those next. |
![]() |
|
| Ruudster | Sep 29 2016, 05:52 PM Post #11 |
|
Hero
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
2 parts: what i buy: based on the kits available (i am a slow builder, so i pick kits that build up well) and the decals available. I like certain planes/squadrons/air forces/schemes. So when Tamiya's 1/72 Viper came out, i had decals ready for it. Other times i "win" at a auction or see a fun deal at a show. Then i look at the kit quality and schemes available before buying. what i build: does depend on degree of difficulty somewhat (BMF or Hasegawa 2 engined jet fighter vs Tamiya) but also what i am ready about at the time. Still once i start it, i try to finish it... but not that that thinking has helped me keep up my production pace, sigh. |
|
Ruud van der Salm SW WA OMS-IPMS, Portland OR | |
![]() |
|
| RexTN | Sep 29 2016, 06:29 PM Post #12 |
![]()
Accidental CAG
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I have a lot of models that are all ready to go. The deciding factor of what is built next is something random, since I refuse to build this squadron thing in numerical order. What pulls a model out to the front and onto the bench is something like an aftermarket part that seems like it will be fun to use on a build. When Jeffrey released his McD tanks and they turned out to be so much better than the old Revell tanks that I had hoarded for years, an early Phantom jumped to the top of the list. Mark's Mk 7 moved a Skyhawk to the top of the "build soon" pile, too. Finally finding a good photo of the 5" rocket modified to serve as a target rocket on the Phantom has one of those waiting in the wings for "very soon." The only thing that slows me down is providing all the "yes, they did" photos to go with a model to answer the "they never did that" guys. |
|
yep, one of each USN squadron http://hangardeckview.blogspot.com/ http://z15.invisionfree.com/Hangar_Deck_Re...dex.php?act=idx | |
![]() |
|
| Greenshirt | Sep 29 2016, 07:19 PM Post #13 |
|
Tim Holland, Southern MD - USA
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Another great topic. Provokes me to think a bit, but I'm pretty simple when it comes to my models. What I'll buy: anything aviation related from its dawn to about 1955 that fits a few priorities; such as Naval Aviation (all countries), warfighters (some support aircraft), and the "right" one-offs (prototypes and historical significance). This includes some ships. What I'll build: always 5-6 Spitfires on the go completing one per month. The club's monthly theme build, if I can match the theme to my priorities. One large kit (multi engine), one biplane and one ship each year. Some years I do multis as they fit a theme build. Lately I seem to be doing projects for museums (I don't like the pressure). As an example, this year so far I've bought a few Eduard Fw-190 and Spitfire IX kits, Monogram F11C-2, Hasegawa SBD, Tamiya Zeros, and some MPM, Sword and AZ kits. I've completed FOR 2016 or have in WIP:
For next year I'm planning to do a Spitfire each month plus a Yellow Wings each month. |
|
Tim Holland I'm a "green shirt" because I work on the carrier's flight deck and maintain US Navy aircraft. Safe sorties are my life so we can be anywhere, anytime -- from the Sea. http://greenshirt-modeler.blogspot.com/ | |
![]() |
|
| Sky Keg | Sep 29 2016, 08:11 PM Post #14 |
|
Hero
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Excellent topic of discussion Kevin. I enjoyed reading each of the entries and I have gotten a better idea of what makes us "tick" as what to choose to build. As for myself, this is one of the most difficult aspects of the hobby. The problem being is that I truly intend to build all of my in-stock kits so deciding which one is next becomes a problem. Me and some of my fellow aviation modelers here like to refer to making the decision as "short circuiting". Basically here is how it works for myself ( not in any particular order )………………… 1. Type and markings 2. Historical significance 3. Inspired by others 4. Group project builds 5. Appeal of design 6. Color schemes 7. Real life capabilities of aircraft 8. Uniqueness of type 9. Kit manufacturer / reviews I just completed the Special Hobby Mirage F.1 and this was because I was inspired by our friends Drewe, Stangeways, and Stimpy. Seeing their F.1`s made me want to add one to my collection ) along with my preference of the type and not having one on the shelf ). For my next project, I chose the Airfix Dornier Do-17. I wanted something different on my shelf and I noticed that I am lacking bombers, in particular Luftwaffe WWII types ( none at all ). The Airfix kit has excellent reviews and good friend Giampiero has greatly assisted to provide valuable information on the kit for me. This is a wonderful website to connect with others from all over the world to share ideas and help foster our passion for this hobby. I am indebted to everyone here for their kind words, encouragement, and support from my past and future build projects. With much respect to all, Mike aka…... Sky Keg |
|
Sky Keg Mr Dorfman……..Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life. -Dean Wormer | |
![]() |
|
| Mark Schynert | Oct 3 2016, 12:19 AM Post #15 |
|
Yeast
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
And here's another permutation of the issue of what to build. A great kit with too many schemes. Particularly on point for me: the Airfix C-47 and the Revell C-54. In both cases, the planes have so many alternatives (with more appearing all the time) that I am at something of a loss to come to grips with the choices. This is only compounded by the fact that they can go civil or military. I look at either of the kits, type in a search command at Hannants or some other sight, gape at the piles of choices, shrug, and look for something simpler. |
![]() |
|
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · General Discussion · Next Topic » |
- Pages:
- 1
- 2






![]](http://z4.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)







7:24 PM Jul 11