Oh...didn't realize that, Martin - thanks for the 'clarification'.

I agree, Darren...it IS a relaxing and informative atmosphere here on iModeler. I think we ALL owe a debt of gratitude to Martin and his staff.

Well put, sir...couldn't have said it better myself.

Choose planes. Choose a tank. Choose a kit. Choose an airbrush. Choose a dremmell 4000. Choose a big f**king variable speed rotary tool, long nose pliers, a compressor, industrial precision craft knife set, and a milling set. Choose cut proof mats, cantilevered tool boxes, and mini precision drill kits. Choose laser cut aftermarket parts. Choose a Tamiya paint stand for 30 f*king pounds (other brands also available). Choose acrylics. Choose a Wilton Fondant & Gum Paste Modelling Tool Set. Choose an illuminated headband magnifier. Choose Wing Nuts and wondering who the fk you are on a Sunday morning. Choose sitting at that bench watching mind numbing, spirit crushing YouTube videos on pre-shading and how to do a 'proper' pin wash. Choose rotting away at the end of it all, with a hundred and fifty eight models in your stash, your brats laughing at your glue encrusted clothes, wondering how much they'll get for your precious f**king models when you die. Choose to be a 'real' modeller.

...with apologies to Trainspotting, using bad language, and 'real' modellers everywhere. I think if you do it for the fun this hobby will always pay you back. Thanks for a great forum!

A 'surreal' modeler. I love that!

Somehow I've missed this topic in the past, but here goes.

I suppose I'm a "real" model builder. Real in that I have mass, occupy space, and am perceived by others. I should qualify the term "model builder" to mean "model assembler", at least that's how I believe I would be classified on (ominous music..) "that other site".

Seriously though, I've been putting models together, by myself, since I was 6 years old in 1962.

So here I am in 2017, and I get together with my buddies 5-6 afternoons a month for a couple of hours and we build and solve the worlds problems. The closest thing I get to building for somebody else is participating in Group Builds here on iModeler. From my shelf of doom it's readily apparent that I'd rather build than paint. Probably a holdover from my initiation to models back in the '60's. Could also be that I'm a better builder than a painter. Go to the occasional contest but don't enter any more, I did the contest loop for a while and I don't need any more "pot metal". I'm a pretty good assembler that builds mostly out of the box. I have been known to use some aftermarket parts, especially resin seats, if they A: require minimal effort to use and B: can be seen without a microscope, a mirror and a klieg light.

As I said I'm a better builder than painter and if I can get a good paint and decal job done I'm generally happy. My goal has and will be to capture the look of the subject as realistically as I can. I'm not a fan of the "style" that's currently in vogue, with all its exaggerated "lights & darks" but if that's your boat, sail on, I won't be in your face telling you "it's wrong".

All said and done because I build models, for past 20+ years I've enjoyed the company and friendship of other people that build models, some of whom have absolutely amazing talent which they have always freely shared, that I otherwise would never have known. So, am I a real modeler? I don't know, but I do know that I know a few, and am happy to call them friends and that's close enough for me.

Hello everyone !

I just noticed this posting too, just like Greg did. Like some others here, I had thought about joining several other web sites. But like most of you all here, after looking around at what was being said in the forums, like "this kit is off by .002 MM, wrong shape of the nose, wingtips are not just quite right" (and what ever else there is to cry baby about), I decided not to.

Now I am VERY glad that I decided to join here on I-modeler. From the very beginning I received a very warm welcome, and this continues to this day. Thanks everyone !

I have made some friends on here too, for which I am thankful. What I try to accomplish when I build something is this:

I have a vision as to what I want the model to look like once it is completed. Then I do a lot of research on it to get it as close as possible to the real thing at the time I build it. Most of the time shortly after I finish something, new information comes out that shows I have built something not quite right or the colors are off...

But that's OK. I know I did my very best when I built my model, AND I had FUN doing it. I could really care less if I didn't use the very latest after market or photo etch what ever parts when I build. Most of the time I like to build mostly from the box or with a few minor alterations.

Am I perfect with my builds ? Heavens no. Not even close by a long shot. (We are all human and I have yet to meet anyone who is perfect...).

But my skills have come along quite a ways from way back when... This hobby of ours is in what I call the "Golden Age" of modelling. I can remember when all we had available was an old 1/48 "birdcage" AMT Corsair, or the Monogram one with the folding wings ! Now look what we have available for us ! We are very lucky...

One can build whatever he or she desires to for the most part. At what level they decide to take it to is simply a matter of choice (and how much pain you want to suffer in your wallet...)

Here on I-modeler we have been blessed with some great people who share the same interests for the most part. I have been helped out with several recent projects by other members. Without this help my plans would have been at a stand still. (Thanks Guys) I also try to help out when I can, as a way to kind of promote good will with our hobby. I offer advice, but in the end it's only that. I will not be upset if the person doesn't follow the information I provided at all. It is their choice to do what ever they decide.

Like Greg stated, "Build On !" But remember to have fun while doing it, and encourage others to do the same, especially the younger generations.

If not, we will end up just as the dinosaurs did many eons ago... extinct.

and our kids will sell off our giant hoards of plastic.

Thanks again everyone. You are all great...

I believe I fall into this same camp of building more for myself than for others. I happen to like looking at models and if I can have some at my home to look at, then I feel good. I typically build a plane because I want to hold it in my hands and admire the beauty of the vehicle. I am less concerned with who flew this particular craft (although I have the utmost respect for what these fellows went through). I only just returned to the hobby after 8 years and in the first month started visiting some of my old haunts. Almost immediately I encountered some of the reasons why I left the hobby previously. I'm not going to get into a rant about any particular type of modeler because I feel that there's room for all of us and as long as I can enjoy the hobby, I will participate. I am glad that there seems to be a sizable number of other builders (all "real" modelers as far as I am concerned) who believe modelling is for fun. Thanks for restoring some of my faith in humanity.