I say this because I don't fall into the category of a 'real' modeler from what I've seen over these past few years - at least in my estimation. Why? Because I could care less if the shape of this or that isn't "quite right" or the tires have the 'wrong' tread design or some part is a centimeter or two off. I've been modeling for 50 years and none of this mattered until fairly recently. I don't know exactly WHEN it changed, but apparently I didn't change WITH it. One could spend twice as much as the kit costs simply buying all these resin "corrections" and "improvements" and photo-etched add-on's (much of which are hidden once completed). I have an air brush, but couldn't tell ya the last time I used it. I've pretty much mastered the art of the rattle can over the last 25 years and can achieve the [read: MY] desired results satisfactorily. I remember when "after-market" meant a different decal sheet. Maybe it's just my generation that has this mindset or it could be just ME - but I'm willin' to bet there are others who feel exactly this way and are still "in the closet" - lol - and speaking of the closet, that's another thing I just don't get... why on earth have kits that number in the hundreds - many even duplicates - when you know damn well they'll never all get built? Seems like money down the drain to my way of thinking. I know - some folks collect baseball cards, stamps, coins, etc - and some collect model kits I suppose. Well...that's my "editorial" for the day. I'd like to hear YOUR views - pro or con. Thanks.

Loaded topic for sure.

Modeling is what you make of it. No more, no less. As with any other hobby or pastime. You see the very sort of thing you describe with any other hobby activity today.

I see the attitude of "well, you're not a real (insert your favorite hobby here) unless you do (this) or (that) and no one can take you seriously" with R/C, model railroading, shooting, rocketry or whatever. ( I happened to list other hobbies I'm active in) EVERY (and I mean EVERY) activity has its self-appointed experts on what they think the ideal participant should be like and what sort of behaviors they should exhibit.

I really think the increased proliferation of the internet has fostered this outlook. The web has the ability to make anyone an 'exspurt' and provide them with a platform to make their proclamations from. I have also seen whereby if you are seen as a 'casual modeler' you are literally shouted down and browbeat by the vocal few who sometimes take their hobby waayyyy to seriously. Perhaps it's the feeling of anonymity by hiding behind a monitor screen or lack of social skills, a superiority complex or just a bully attitude. I'm not sure but in the past 10 years it's got more and more pervasive. There is a constant NEED for some folks to make sure others know that they are ALWAYS correct and that THEIR word is gospel and that THEIRS is the only true path to enlightenment.

There's room enough for everyone in what we do. Unfortunately not everyone feels that way and that's a shame. I'm glad there are 'rivet counters' and hyper-enthusiastic subject matter experts and aftermarket resin/decal/PE makers. In the end however, it's my choice what I want to do with my model and how I build it. Does that make me less of a modeler? No. But the sad fact is there are those out there, in this and every other hobby, that feel you need to conform to their ideal of what a real 'modeler' is.

As far as 'kit collecting' that's really an individuals choice. I know I'm guilty of it. But I do it more from experience that if I don't get a certain kit I want now it may not be available later. Will I be able to build all I have in my stash? Not a chance. But I also have a crapload of RC planes and model railroad stuff in my stash that I know I won't get to either. I know other guys that collect guns or ammunition like there's no tomorrow but that's them. I don't judge them for what they do. Their money, their choice.

And finally, I don't know of ANY kit maker that has ever made 'the perfect kit' that doesn't have some sort of problem or issue. I have issue with the price I may have to pay for the level of quality I receive. But I have that expectation with anything that I buy, from toaster ovens to large screen TV's to automobiles. So I read reviews, consult my pocketbook and then make a decision. Once again a personal choice. But sadly there are those out there who want to make the choice for me because THEY don't feel I'm a competent enough modeler to do so and THEY need to shout it at me over and over and over and over until I capitulate and tell them just how awesome they are for making the hard decisions for me in my life. No, I don't think so...thank you very much.

The late Al Superczynski said it best; "It's YOUR model, build it the way YOU want." Wise words that only a few in our community cannot seem to grasp.

Craig, I know I'm a modeler, but after serious consideration, I think I'd rather drink beer and procrastinate . That seems to be the latest extension of my hobby, and is much less expensive (and rewarding) than aftermarket parts, or today's kits. Remember the bottom line, at any level, is supposed to be FUN.

I don't know what it takes to be a real modeler, and I'm not worried about it. I assemble kits, build and produce models and enjoy most of the process. I get frustrated at times but always get back to it. I started modeling again 8 years ago, and quickly found the internet and the various forums. Some individuals are 'off putting', but I don't have to read their postings. I have never purchased any aftermarket items for a kit; the only PE, resin, or aftermarket decals I have used either came with the kit or were given to me with a kit, or in a swap. The only contests I have entered were as a member of a group build, and my contributions probably kept our group from winning. Some of the best relationships I have ever had were developed through this hobby, either via the internet or upon joining a model builders club that meets 82.3 miles from here. I enjoy this, sharing my efforts with friends and acquaintances, and realize that I will never be described as a great modeler. I do ascribe to the concept that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder', and every model I have done has won best of show since my wife has judged each and every one of them as 'that's beautiful'.

I agree with all the prior comments on this topic, especially regarding the beer.

Ignore the naysayers, enjoy the journey. There are plenty of folks here who will help you with the enjoyment and not try to bring you down. Put what you want in your builds, be it OOB, aftermarket or scratched out of beer cans, baling wire and chewing gum [can be shaped/molded into seat cushions].

OMG! Craig DO NOT blaspheme thou shalt make ALL corrections to fatally flawed kit or not build at all 😉

Only kidding guys, Craig like we have always said its only a hobby and its supposed to be fun at the end of the day too! how far do we need to go? it can be super accurate in shape but it still don't have a working engine, hydraulics, cooling system etc etc IT IS A MODEL end of.

And yes you would have been crucified then hung, drawn and quartered over on another certain site we frequent lol

You certainly have a way with the written word, my friend. I really enjoyed reading your response. I'll have to show it to the wife and see if HER "creative juices" get to flowing. 🙁

I pretty much have to agree with the general consensus here.

Lately I've grown tired of the accuracy police and have decided to take it back to an early time in my modeling past.

I'm getting into more "What If" type modeling.

What If air racers, and air tankers, that sort of thing.

What If the Nazis had not been such a bad bunch and developed the same airplanes, but used in a different way ?

What if someone ran a P-47 or Spiteful or ? at Reno ?

What If I actually quit procrastinating and BUILT something (naw, that one's probably TOO far fetched).

But you get my drift.

Enough of the YOU GOT IT WRONG crowd.

It's MY hobby, you don't like the way I did something, get off yer butt and build a better one !

Craig I've been at it as long as you. I can remember building in '56 & found a Lindberg Cutlass that I don't remember building at my Grandmother's house after she passed so I guess I'm qualified to have an opinion.

I've been primarily a car builder through the years but don't finish a lot. My enjoyment comes from figuring out the engineering required to either make modifications or correct kit errors & blemishes no matter what I'm working on. I could probably find something I wanted to correct with the perfect kit if such a thing existed. The more fatal flaws the better. I buy aftermarket items & then don't use them. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has bought aftermarket accessories then had to go out & buy the kit. Once it's time to paint I seem to lose interest & start thinking about the next challenge. I feel I'm reasonably competent with an airbrush but just lose interest when I get to that stage.

I will definitely admit to having AMS.

Does this make me any less of a modeler. I don't think so. Any hobby is what you make of it whether you study reference material,collect kits, build or just go to meetings & talk models.

As far as collecting kits I'm guilty as charged. I enjoy looking at kits in their boxes, especially the car kits from back in the '60's when manufacturers were still using pure colored plastic.

Enough of my rambling. Some day I'll post my tribute to the rivet counters of the world. I did this to annoy my fellow IPMS members. Mission accomplished.