Category: Model Building

Perfectly Flawed

As all competitive people, I LIKE TO WIN. (Thank you for that clarification, Captain Obvious.) When I play a board game, I want to sink the battleship, land on Boardwalk first, and know the trivia questions.

As a competitive swimmer, I was pretty damn good. I didn’t always win, but I was usually a pretty safe bet in the events I entered. I won a lot of trophies and medals as a kid (way back when there was no such thing as a “participation award”,) and I set a few records in my age groups. I qualified for the State Championships as both a junior and a senior in high school.

Now, this sounds like I’m just bragging (and in a sense, I guess I am,) but I do have a point– stick with me while I get there.

When it comes to building plastic models, I’m a hobbyist. I’m not a professional, an expert, or a master. I have gained a lot of useful skills over about 50 years, and I am pretty comfortable at putting together a kit, painting a miniature, or even building a diorama. But it is never perfect. I have entered several competitions. I have picked up an occasional recognition, but it certainly isn’t the norm for me, and only once was it a first place. When it comes to the tiny details, I’m just not that precise. I honestly don’t notice the tiny imperfections that are required to be a master. I would have made a really crappy engineer or architect. First aid? I’m your Huckleberry. Brain surgery? Absolutely not!

When I make a model, I’m actually what I would call an IMPRESSIONIST. I want my completed creation to evoke something. I want the viewer to FEEL the nostalgia, or pride, or fear. I want to show precisely what it REPRESENTS, or is SUPPOSED to be; not necessarily what it IS. It’s why I often gravitate toward less expensive projects. It’s not because I’m cheap. (I AM cheap, but that isn’t why I gravitate there.) I can be creative or edgy with a technique. I’ll use unconventional tools or kitbash pieces that could more effectively be used as is. Mine won’t look like the other ones. The projects other people build will probably be more accurate. I sometimes take it as a given. My satisfaction – my JOY in this activity- comes from both doing MY best (knowing fully well that it isn’t a good as others,) and from doing it MY way.

It might not look like the box art. But if I succeed, I will FEEL exactly what it represents.

-Toph

To Open, or NOT to Open?

The world of toys, model kits, and comic books have so many aspects as hobbies. I have been involved in both local – in person-groups as well as online communities. When someone finds a great item – a “Holy Grail” for their particular passion, the question often arises:

“Do I keep it pristine, or use it?

It all really depends on your particular interest. Some people have boxes upon boxes of GI Joes, numbered limited edition memorabilia, or vintage model kits. Some enjoy the feel of being in a store- surrounded by the magical things they love. Others buy them as investments, with the intent to “cash them in” at some point when the collecting market is right. There is absolutely nothing wrong with these activities. I have friends with wonderful hoards of treasure.

My approach is somewhat different. I have a motto.

Kits were created to be built, comic books to be read, and toys to be opened and played with.

I realize this isn’t everyone’s style. To each his own. But it makes it convenient when I come across something at a garage sale or thrift store. I’m way less concerned about something being “mint in box.” I’m going to open it anyway. They saved me the trouble (though busting something out of its cardboard prison is also strangely satisfying!)

I also enjoy finding toys that are used, somewhat “played with,” or missing a few parts here and there. It is sometimes my intent to alter them. I’ve spent countless hours detailing action figures. I drill out gun barrels, add details to uniforms, kit bash parts, and re-flock heads. Part of my “head cannon” (the internal, fictional back story of my stuff) is making different characters. I don’t want to see 12 identical 1972 Land Adventurers in matching camo uniforms. I want each to have a personality (even if I’m the only one who ever knows it.) That means that, in the minds of some, I’ve “ruined” them. And for their hobby, I have. It’s ok. I have a (real world) Jeep Wrangler. It’s about 20 years old, and has 210,000 miles. Many of them were BRUTAL on its appearance and overall resale value. I didn’t buy it to show it off as a classic car. I wanted something to take camping, go off-road, and get dirty. Mission accomplished!

I also have a strong appreciation of re-releases and knock-offs. The “inherent value” of the toy is already less. But to me, it’s even better. I got something great, and didn’t have to spend premium prices on an original. $35 is WAY easier to accept for a re-release than $350 for a “vintage, in box, never opened, still sealed in cellophane, and never exposed to the light of day.” I’m going to open and build it anyway!

The bottom line is – Do your hobby. It’s your money, your time, and your passion. Don’t second guess yourself. Trust me- you’re doing it right!

-Toph

Yep – An early 1970s Aurora Witch.  BUT WAIT…She’s built, and no longer pristine!  And that’s ok.  Really.