SPA Modeler

Ceaser_Sa1ad wrote:You all have no idea how many times I whack myself on that thing. I REALLY wish I could get rid of it, but I don't know if it is actually weight bearing.

Most likely it is. It’s the only thing that’s holding up the floor ceiling. No way should you even try removing it otherwise you want the ceiling in the basement come crashing down.

Ceaser_Sa1ad wrote:You all have no idea how many times I whack myself on that thing. I REALLY wish I could get rid of it, but I don't know if it is actually weight bearing.

They probably didn't put it there because they thought it looked good, my guess it's loadbaring.

Its more then likely load bearing. Your home looks to be from the early 1900's That pole,was added later to beef up the floor joists above it which had probably started to sag over time

tempestjohnny wrote:Its more then likely load bearing. Your home looks to be from the early 1900's That pole,was added later to beef up the floor joists above it which had probably started to sag over time

You all are most correct about that. The house had a whole new half added to it, the portion where that pole is, is where the stairs to the basement used to be from my understanding.

I am putting a freeze on my bench for now.
As the year has progressed, I am finding that my frustration is increasing at my table rather than it being my relaxation place. I am seeing more of other peoples expectations in my work than my own. No ones fault of course, but I am finding that I am trying to impress people here and on other forums instead of building just for myself. I am a very passionate person, the downside to that is when things don't go as planned, I get very upset.

Along side that, I have a job that I despise and I really need to find a new one soon while I still can. Being young has its perks and one of those being more flexible job options. This takes my mind off of modelling somewhat, and there is an odd pressure from my family to be getting a job that satisfies their interests more than mine. Another contributor to my frustration. What I really need is my old airsoft pistol back and a few empty cans...
I will still be participating in the group builds I signed up for, however I think I need to take a break. I am burnt out

On a somewhat illogical note, my skillset is far outmatched here, and everywhere else I look (other forums). I love watching all you guys build and just that teaches me a thing or two. I should not be surprised that most everyone has more tested skills than I, having only been doing this for 6 years. Yet sometimes I feel embarrassed to present my work here, regardless of all the kind and positive things you all say. I am just not as competent. This is another of my character flaws *of which everyone has*. I always want to be as good as everybody else. Silly? Yes. But who isn't?

To put this whole rant plainly: I'll be back.
I apologize for the longevity of my explanation; I felt it was necessary to say something before I exploded...

Declan, never model for someone else's appreciation or approval. Easy to say, harder to do. Most of us are here because we like to share, and to help others. That's the best part of sharing, the helping. How we gonna help you if you ain't here?

Sure, we all like to have others say they like our work, but that has to be secondary to appreciating that we have a little more confidence today than yesterday, and the masking we did on the canopy today is better than what we did yesterday. Small victories are the best and not the feeling that you have failed if your current model isn't as good as it might be.

I'm no master builder myself considering I've been doing model kits for over 20 plus years. I like to lsbel myself as a "Jack of Trade, Master of None" type of builder. Am I master builder? Far from it. But im usually happy with my builds 99% of the time. There are a lot of methods I'm scared to death to try... preshading, hair spray chipping methods, mottling on Luftwaffe subjects, advanced weathering methods, working with PE parts, the list goes on and on. Hell, I've got a couple of dual action airbrushes I haven't tried using yet.

As others had mentioned, build for your own satisfaction, not for anyone else's. If you like how your build came out and you're happy with it, that's all it matters.

Don't let those who are master at their work intimidate you. Learn and ask questions to try new methods if you see something you want to try.

We all burned out sometimes and need to take a step back away from the bench once in a while.
Don't beat yourself up over it. Remember... this is suppose to be a relaxing hobby. Don't overthink or stress over accuracies or thinking it's not good enough. It's not worth getting stressed out or frustrated over it.

We'll all still be here when ever you decide to come back.

Declan I feel like your work is well worthy of this place. In many ways and many times you have surpassed my meager skills with your work. I also build for myself; I will post my work and show it but if I'm happy with it, I place it on the shelf and move on. Others. I'll see what I can do to improve if I feel it needs it; but only to the extent that I want to improve it. I have never tried building for other's approval or for awards; if it comes and the awards come; well that is just cream on the cake. What is most important to me is :A) I got it finished and B) I had fun doing it! As Bruce said, that is the most important thing you yourself can do too.

I shall be praying that you get a job that you are happy with and that gives you a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. What is most important is what is best for you.

I do hope you stick around and I'm glad you'll be continuing with the Group Builds you've committed to. I love looking at your work! I've even learned a bit from you as well.

Hang in there my friend and keep the Faith!

Declan, long story short, this hobby, like every other activity, has a learning curve. No one is a master when they first start out. Only time and practice will make you better. As the others have said, build for yourself. You may not do as well as you want on the current project when it’s finished, but the next one will turn out better. In your head, keep track of what went well, and what needs improvement, and then tackle that on the next one. Above all, don’t quit. Step away when you’re not feeling the muse to build in you. Don’t force anything, that leads to sub standard work. Take a break. But when the muse returns, jump in with both feet and run with it. Experiment and try techniques. If they dont work out, or your don’t like that particular method, don’t use them again. If they do, incorporate them into your style. Mistakes tend to produce the more memorable lessons. Try some simple inexpensive kits for your experiments. That way, if things go sideways, no big loss.

Above all, remember, this is only a hobby. It is for enjoyment and relaxation. The fate of nations, lives, or the world, do not depend upon our hobby work. A little perspective in that respect helps out.