Procrastination in modelling...

[Impisi]

Ten or fifteen years ago, I was infected with the bug of participating in model-building exhibitions and competitions. Back then—as I realize now—I wanted to make a statement with my models, and I wanted recognition. In the truest sense of the word, it burned me out completely. It stopped being truly fun; it was "only" about striving to go higher, faster, and further. At that point, I quit entirely; I sold off a large portion of my collection and didn't build a single model for several years. Then came COVID... and ever since, I’ve been back in my corner regularly—listening to an audio book and tinkering away. It’s pure relaxation. I have a fairly stressful job, and I bought a very old house—built sometime between 1905 and 1950—that I’ve been restoring for six years now; but those evenings spent in my corner, that’s how I recharge my batteries. It doesn't matter how long it takes me to finish a model. Of course, I do want to turn out something decent; my judges are my grandchildren, and they are almost always very lenient. Naturally, presenting a model on a forum is also partly about seeking recognition. But anyone who has ever entered a competition knows that presenting a model on a forum is relatively easy to pull off; seeing it in the flesh, however, is a completely different story. I also make a point of building only one model at a time—I wouldn't even have enough space in my corner to work on two or more simultaneously.

Ultimately, Stuart—at least in my view—it all comes down to what you associate with the hobby of model building. If it’s just a hobby, then it should serve to relax you and bring you joy. If, however, it’s a form of self-expression—or if you’re using it to seek recognition—then it becomes something more than just a hobby; it becomes a personal statement, much like a painting created by an artist who wishes to convey a message rather than "merely" painting for the sake of painting itself and this, as I wrote above could burn down the joy, like it happens to a lot of artists.

[BlackSheep214]

As much as I love going to IPMS shows or local model kit shows and admire the work of model entries, I never entered any of my kits. Why? Its not worth the energy or the hassle. I've watched a few judging at Syrcon in the past and I've seen some disagreements amongst judges. Too political and they are die hard rivet counters to the core. Nope. If I were to enter a kit, maybe I'd enter a Gundam kit instead. Why? Who's to tell them it's not accurate. Who knows. None of them gets awarded a trophy anyway so why bother?

Build to satisfy yourself, not some blowhard judge know
it-all at a model show.

Sure, once in a while I'll lose a bit of mojo and step away from the bench for a bit. I like to think of it this way... it's a hobby, not a job.

[Stuart]

Good points Martin and Tom - and I agree with them all. I could never do that - I find anything that puts pressure on modelling makes it feel too much like work and sucks all the fun out of it. Even GB's can be tough.

[Stuart]

I've been mulling over the whole lack of focus thing recently. I have a lot of kits in WIP, mainly because I keep getting sidetracked into other things - the whole too many ideas, not enough time thing... to combat that this year I've been trying to just focus on one model/build at a time - and so far its working.

It also makes me wonder on just how long it takes me to build something, especially in larger scales - I don't think I've ever built a 1/35 kit from start to finish without interruptions - most of the builds I have on the bench have been kicking around since 2024 or early 2025. I have this idea that once I've finished my Ferret build - I might pick out a non-started kit and just focus on that until completion. It'd be interesting to see in what space of time I can actually build one.

[Stikpusher]

As much as I love going to IPMS shows or local model kit shows and admire the work of model entries, I never entered any of my kits. Why? Its not worth the energy or the hassle. I've watched a few judging at Syrcon in the past and I've seen some disagreements amongst judges. Too political and they are die hard rivet counters to the core. Nope. If I were to enter a kit, maybe I'd enter a Gundam kit instead. Why? Who's to tell them it's not accurate. Who knows. None of them gets awarded a trophy anyway so why bother?

Build to satisfy yourself, not some blowhard judge know
it-all at a model show.

Sure, once in a while I'll lose a bit of mojo and step away from the bench for a bit. I like to think of it this way... it's a hobby, not a job.

Tom, it sounds like those judges are not following organization(s) criteria for judging. I’ve judged at IPMS contests, and sat thru AMPS training classes on judging. Accuracy is not a criteria. First and foremost is basic construction- alignment, mold seams, gaps, etc. Then comes finishing, decals, weathering, etc. these criteria eliminate many from the winners early on. Accuracy can’t be a criteria because most judges cannot be subject matter experts on every potential item in a given category.
Besides, you never know what is gonna show up in a category. If there are only three entrants in a category, each one is guaranteed to place and get a medal. It can be feast or famine.

[BlackSheep214]

Last year's Syrcon, I left when the judging was getting underway. Maybe they changed last year. I don't know. Didn't want to stick around for the drama again.

[Stuart]

Last year's Syrcon, I left when the judging was getting underway. Maybe they changed last year. I don't know. Didn't want to stick around for the drama again.

[Stikpusher]

I know that guy… seriously… he is a member of Pendleton AMPS who also is in IPMS. I have worked alongside him at the past couple of Modelzonas, and he occasionally attends AZ AMPS meetings here. But that photo did result in some directives from IPMS USA regarding judging and handling of models. There is actually a backstory to the photo in that supposedly the builder of that kit asked him to look at the undersides of the model. But I’m sure that the photographer had no idea of that, he just saw a judge doing that action there.

[Stuart]

Seriously? Small world. That's interesting to know that there's a backstory to that whole event. It just goes to show that whilst a picture tells a thousand words, they aren't always the right ones.

[BlackSheep214]

Yeah, I’m surprised he actually picked it up and examined it. I knew it was a “look but don’t touch” rule at most model shows entires. Imagine had he dropped it by accident.