The best models
By Mario Covalski
This editorial is specially devoted to newcomers to this activity; of course if you are an experienced modeler, perhaps you may agree or not with it, but it's quite clear that I'm not writing this thinking on advanced modelers. It's more than obvious and I will not list the possibilities modern technology offers nowadays to modelers, and if you've arrived to static modeling about 5 years ago, you'll find as usual the etched sets, resin detail parts, dozens of decal sheets for different versions of the same kit, etc.
But it was not always like that, I think that since long time ago, let's say centuries, the man has been creating with the help of different tools and his hands, objects that might be considered like static models.
Now well, it was in the 20th century when technological advance allowed that former plastic modeling companies started offering sets to build static models, which are usually called kits, thus, the wood and knife gave rise to plastic and glue, and being an artisan was not necessary any more to build a model.
This produced a real revolution, and in a decade, the activity has grown from a few hundred to thousands of people, it was really surprising, anyone with basic skills could build a scale model and see a dream come true. This brings back wonderful memories of my childhood, I can remember my dad coming home from his office handling an Airfix bag to me, and with not so much work, I had already built the airplane I had seen on service in an action book or movie.
The most vivid memory I have of my first ten years of modeling, is that the finish did not worry me too much and a good paint job meant just to paint.
Hey! please, don't misunderstand me, I think it's great that today there are a lot of resources within everyone's reach that allow us to get super-detailed models and I also believe that you can get superb models built straight from the box, painted with the standard paints used in modeling, and with a lot of love for this hobby: The cover note of the January 2008 issue is a clear sign, a 1/24 Porsche 911 that looks incredible, just with the kit, patience and talent.
I personally, have built super-detailed models with many etched parts, and the best of my F1 models has just 10 etched bolt heads, the rest are tiny details made out of plastic, bits from my spare box and huge passion.
If possible, I want to let newcomers know that modeling is the passion for building, there are no rules imposed when constructing a scale model, anyone can detail it to his/her liking, adding just a few or lots of details or extra parts to their models.
There's not obligation to buy all the available aftermarket for a model that costs US $20 but if you do so, and you're satisfied with it, it's your decision, anybody should be free to decide and enjoy what he's doing…that's the way to create the best models.
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