Hi everyone. I didn't even search to see if this had been discussed recently, so here goes...

How many of you are building their models Out of the Box? I have found, after returning to the hobby several years ago, that I have felt as though I'm somehow 'cheating' myself out of detail if I don't get the most aftermarket stuff, and in this I mean primarily, photo etch, that I can. It seems I can't be happy unless I do the maximum. However, I have, conversely, found that this pressure I have put on myself to do this heavy detailing has mostly drained a lot of pleasure of the hobby for me. I get to the point, on most of my models (well, let's be honest, ALL of my builds) that I simply stop the build and set it aside when I reach a point where I need to do a lot of photo etch work. Then the model sits, until/unless I get motivated to take on the super detailing.

What this means is that I don't finish models anymore. I have about 8 tanks in various stages of build, and I'm getting frustrated. I know the detail, even on OOTB builds, is pretty good these days. And, in many cases, though photo etch does add a lot of detail, oftentimes, the fact that I am not an expert at PE means that the quality of the work suffers. Yes there may be more detail, but many of those details aren't done very well. I find myself thinking that maybe the model would be even better, because the kit parts are at least not 'messed up', though they may lack detail. Thus, not only am I getting stuck due to the drudgery of photo etch, and not finishing models, I am not getting to the part that I am kind of feeling is one of the most fun, the painting.

Does anyone else feel this way? Am I along in feeling like I'm not doing 'enough' if I don't go crazy with aftermarket items? Is there anyone who build almost all their models OOTB? Are you happy with your models?

I'm also feeling frustrated at my lack of skill with weathering. I know that many of you will say that you need to practice to get better, and I agree with that, but does fear of not doing it well enough stop any of you form completing builds?

I've found that sometimes, when a build is not going all that well for me, even if I have photo etch parts, I will not use them, thinking that I'll eventually get another of that same kit and build it 'better' the next time, and use the super detailing parts later, on the next build.

So, am I alone in feeling this way? Should I just force myself to go OOTB? I know I'll probably be unhappy either way, but maybe just finishing builds so I can get to the point of painting and weathering will do me some good. What are all of your thoughts on the subject? Anyone?

Hi Curt,
No, you're not alone. I build mostly OOB because I never had strong skills when I was younger and now that I'm older my dexterity and eyesight have suffered. I also build on a budget so very often I can't afford the aftermarket stuff. I've made a few attempts at using PE (mainly ship railings so far) with moderate success. Sometimes I'll attempt to scratch build some additional details, just to see if I can. I too get discouraged when the build gets really complicated so I tend to build simpler kits and try to use them to try out new techniques to see if I can accomplish them. I don't enter contests. I do occasionally join campaigns here that cover areas I'm interested in, mainly to learn new things, and to spur me to actually complete some builds For me, this is simply a hobby. For some here this hobby has become a lifestyle. I'm not saying this is a bad thing. It's just for me, I have other things in my life that have as much, or more meaning for me.

The neat thing about this site is there are lots of people here with varying levels of skills, talent, interest, and abilities. We all can learn from each other and encourage one another. We make new friends and learn new things. To me, that is more important in the long run than whether a kit I have built has the right number of rivets or is dimensionally correct.

So build what you want to build, the way you want to build. At the end of the day, you are the one you are trying to please the most.

HTH
John

I build OOTB mostly because my budget doesn't permit me to buy after market

hi guys ,I build out of the box all the time ,I only have one hand that works ,and my money does not to far . have a good day .

Modern kits are often so well detailed that "OOTB" - or almost OOTB - is quite feasible even if you are seeking a high level of detail on a build. And for many newer kits, one can effectively improve kit details by doing relatively simple mods and stuff with the supplied parts or with very small amounts of scratch work and add-ons.

As I get older, I find myself being more and more selective and careful about what kits I buy - I select for higher "native" detail-level when and where I can, and avoid things which I think I'll need (or want) to add on and do lots of extra detail-work to in the hopes of saving some time and money on builds. I too have found myself stalling-out on overly-complex builds where I have set off down the OCD / lots of AM stuff path, and have decided to seek kits which offer good detail OOTB in hopes that I'll actually complete more. I do NOT select kits for simplicity - complex kits with higher parts-count and included PE are fine - I more look for substantial "completeness" OOTB.

I have also become much more discerning about what add-ons I will undertake - some things give one a lot of "bang for the "enhanced detail" buck", and focusing on doing those fewer tweaks gets you greater improvement for minimal additional effort and time. I focus on doing a few small tweaks that will show up nicely, and avoid doing a lot of detail enhancement that nobody will actually see (or recognize as enhanced even if they do see it).

Fortune continues to smile upon me as kit-makers continue to put out nicely-detailed "substantially complete" kits of subjects I am keen on.

We - even if (maybe specially so) you seek quality "OOTB" - really do live in a PLATINUM AGE of plastic modeling!

Hi guys - I don't really follow a pattern - some projects are full on scratch and aftermarket stuff - others almost completely out of the box. I suppose it depends on what my intent is. I typically build dios - which sets the tone for the build. My last project had a T34 stuck in the mud - I'd never tried mud before, and I wanted to try a few painting techniques I'd thought about for a while - so the project is very minimal - the tank, almost straight OOB, some inexpensive figures, and mud! I like the results and am now onto something else.

I like to build to get my mind off work - as there's no boss but me, I just build what seems right at the time. As easy or complicated as I want - heck - it's supposed to be for fun!

Cheers
Nick

I don't necessarily build strictly OOB, but I don't buy all of the aftermarket bits either (unless I find cheap substitute tracks every now and then). I will make additions to kits using styrene stock, wire, etc if I feel it is within my capabilities, or will dig through the parts box for this or that. My big hang up is painting...I have about 8 kits in various stages of completion and the only reason why is it is time to paint some sub assemblies or such. I just can't seem to get fired up about painting for some reason.

I am building a museum. I want a collection of vehicles showing development history, multitude of variants (what does a Sherman tank look like ....), re-use/re-builds (Israeli re-use of Centurion chassis for instance), the variety of vehicles needed by an army (there is a lot more than tanks in an armoured battalion).

OOTB if possible but I will get AM-stuff if it is necessary to add larger missing details or correct substantial faults.

Painting: I keep it simple, avoid camouflage if possible and I have even been thinking about simplifying the painting even further (think Kubinka museum).

I buy conversion sets to get those "missing" variants but the east asian manufacturers have realised the potential in doing all the "easy" variants of a vehicle (maximise the usage of the molds) so now I tend to wait a while before buying conversion sets.

When I build I try to make sure that I build without sloppy fit, gaps where there shouldn't be any, keeping roadwheels aligned et.c.
My opinion: It doesn't matter if some small details are missing or if there is no weathering or if there isn't a quarter pound of PE as long as the work has been done carefully. Lots of extra details will not compensate for a badly performed work (sloppy workmanship)

/ Robin

When I first stared building, I had grand ideas of doing tons of AM. Once I started to mess with big PE sets.. I said screw it. It's not for me.

I build OOTB -- it's the quickest way to get that satisfaction of finishing a kit.

I'd rather put the money on another kit than AM stuff. If the kit offers an option between a plastic and a PE component -- I'd go for the former. More than 2 bends on a PE is something I dread. The farthest I went for AM stuff were individual links -- but these were the cheap, plastic ones from Academy, Master Box, yeah even the old Dragon winterkettens. Voyager ostkettens as well.

I build OOTB. I gave up most aftermarket and most definitely photo-etch way back in 2003. If the kit comes with PE I'll use it, otherwise I avoid it. I have waged a losing battle against superglue for decades. I am definitely on a budget and only in the last year raised the my limit on how much I will spend on a kit. I refused to go above $30 always hunting for deals but I finally broke down an got a handful of Dragon kits.

I actually prefer older, less detailed kits because I look for ease of assembly. On the other hand I even have quite a collection of "loser, it SUX" Russian kits like Alan and Zvezda that I like to do because they're challenging to assemble but no photo-etch and they're CHEAP. They bring me back to the seat of my pants stuff I used to do 30 years ago when I really enjoyed the hobby.

Some years ago I gave up airbrushing because of space constraints and hand paint everything. But the number of 1/35 scale kits I've built and the fun I have has increased. I can do 30 kits a year and enjoy every minute because I cut out the parts of the hobby I couldn't stand. And I have a collection of oddball kits so I never get bored with subject matter. Stuck on roadwheels? Okay a wheels up airplane or star ship.

And yes I even worked to overcome obsessive-compulsive behavior. While working in education I discovered that my supposed relaxing hobby of model building had all the earmarks of obsessive and potentially self-destructive behavior. So I sought professional help. Simplify and rediscover the sense of awe and wonder the hobby held for me when I started. I went out a bought kits I had wanted but never did when growing up and BUILT them. Just build. Strip down the process as much as possible and HAVE FUN. Perfection doesn't matter. And I know lots of ways to hide mistakes so the kit is good enough. It's only plastic. Entirely too much plastic.

I used to buy the latest kits and even started buying PE and resin stuff, but I got to the point of realizing it was all too much and sold a lot of it off. I realized I am just a casual builder and so I build OOTB (mostly Tamiya). I do have a few kits with PE parts (AFV Club's Wiesels) so eventually I will try PE out. I doubt if I will ever get after-market items, except for when I mess up decals.

I also am not a stickler for the EXACT color of paints. So many modelers are obsessive about getting the right shade. Painting has become too complex with filters, pastels, and now oils. It's not for me. I want a nice relaxing hobby, not another source of anxiety.

What also helped in my decision is failing eyesight, failing dexterity, and much lowered income. I, for one, will work on the basics of building, painting, and decals. I will be happy with that.

For the most part everything that I build is OOTB. The only after market stuff that I bought was for Dragons newer kits because of wrong size barrels, mantlets, and searchlights. I don't have the time or the patience to mess with PE! I also don't buy kits with interiors because they are more expensive and I always button up my kits anyway. That's why I like alot of Mengs kits like the King Tiger and the M3A3 because they are good kits that don't cost alot and they sell the interiors seperate for those who like doing them!

WOW, its as if you read my mind!! You are not alone at all. For YEARS all I did was OOB builds, and then I got this kit that came with a nice set of PE and figured why not. Since that first kit (which was a great learning experience and a fun build) I have felt the need to update just about every kit I have tried to build, often leading to frustration and not as "clean" models (glue shmuts, parts all bent up). It was literally sapping the life out of my HOBBY! Remember that first... if its not fun, its not a hobby. Grab a kit, and just put it together! pay attention to the simple things, like seams and sprue gate marks. Take the time to sand things and just enjoy the lines for what they are (might want to find a good quality kit). Build it up and paint it. Dont sweat that the M-48A3 didnt have this or that, just build it. Tracks rubber and horribly represented? so what! Does it look good to YOU.... thats all that matter right there!

I don't build OOTB at all, however I don't bother getting all the aftermarket crap because I've found that most of it is unnecessary. I work over what I want with Evergreen stock, wire, solder, and tubing. I will get barrels if needed and tracks if the kit only comes with rubber bands.

I also find no benefit to interiors, and detailing them is a complete waste of time unless you are going to have the tank opened up. In fact, I've seen guys decide to open up all the hatches - contrary to their original plan - simply because "it would be a shame to hide all that interior work". Feeling compelled to do something is a surefire motivation-killer.

KL

I used to drive myself crazy getting the latest kit and then spending sometimes as much or more than the price of the kit on aftermarket stuff for it. I finally figured out that I'm building for fun and relaxation, not to win the Nationals, so why spend the kit price or more on aftermarket goodies? Rivet counting can be fun but what real difference does it make if the drive wheel has one too many bolts molded on? Once I cured myself of AMS I've found modeling more enjoyable and build mostly OOB now. I pick and choose my kits more carefully. I am willing to wait and save my pennies and buy a more expensive, and better detailed kit over the cheaper alternative. A good example are the AFV and Panda Husky kits. The Panda kit is about half the price of the AFV kit, but with a lot less detail. The time and money it would take to bring the Panda kit up to AFV's OOB standard would definitely cut into that price difference. I find my modeling is more fun, and my shelf has built kits on it by going OOB.

I build mostly OOB. Rarely purchase AM PE although I will go for the occasional resin update. Like many of you I find that the time it takes and the frustration that PE often engenders is simply not worth the effort in most cases. That and the fact that in many instances a good portion of the PE goes unused, is so tiny as to be impossible to work with, adds little to what the kit provides, or just simply makes more work without really enhancing the build.

If it comes in the box I generally use it but as Curt observed it can become an obsession of sorts. I will echo Brian that this is supposed to be fun, relaxing, and rewarding. Fun in that it is something that you enjoy and look forward to doing on a regular basis. Relaxing in that it helps you escape daily life and helps to relieve stress. Rewarding in that you derive satisfaction from the process of building and ultimately completing something in a reasonable amount of time and that you are happy with the results. I would advise you to to go cold turkey on the PE stuff to see if your enjoyment doesn't increase. Better yet, if you have a more recent Tamiya kit in your stash just build it OOB. This is something I will do fairly regularly, especially if I have built a couple of kits that have high parts counts or were particularly difficult, or coming off a commission build. The ease and simplicity of a Tamiya kit kind of brings me back to the time when I was a kid and just built for the sheer joy of building. Sounds korny I know but it does have a therapeutic and refreshing effect and helps to readjust my perspective on modeling.

Wow, guys, I guess I hit a nerve! I'm so glad to see so many of you either always have, or have gotten to thinking that too much is often too much. I so very much agree that feeling pressure in trying to make something to a particular standard can really suck the joy out of something that was started for enjoyment. If ultra detail trips your trigger, great. If not, I'm learning, why go there? I have definitely pushed myself beyond where I really want to be.

Like some of you, I know I'm not building for competition. And I know that to get better will take lots of practice. Not spending weeks on tiny detail. I spent most of yesterday on the cupola machine gun mount for a Dragon Tiger 2. Is the detail worth it? Not sure, as it took a whole day for me to do... I'm not really learning much in terms of the most relevant skills, which FOR ME, is painting and trying to address some details in weathering, like painting chips. I don't think I'll ever be able to plan sufficiently to do the hairspray thing, even though so may posts and videos make me feel as though if I'm not in the cutting edge with materials and techniques, that making the model isn't worth it. I need to understand that I'm doing this for myself. Would I like to be able to get appreciative nods from you all when I post pictures of my latest tank? Sure....but that shouldn't be what it's all about...should it?

What about kits that come with AM included - like Flyhawk? I'm in love with their kits, both 1/72 armor and 1/700 ships. Both genres come complete with sufficient PE (and occasionally resin castings) to super detail the kit, and are usually incomplete without the PE as plastic alternatives are not always included.
I realize this is not a ship forum, but a ship model without PE railings, or radar arrays, look very incomplete.

I do both tho lately it's been OOTB as I learn to use my new airbrush and learn to use acrylics after decades of enamels and laquers. And yes there is a learning curve with those. I have over a dozen old Dragon T-72‘s of various types, Dragon T-80‘s of various flavors and Kirin's tanks that I can knock together in a few hours and then practice on. A couple months ago I got the new Tamiya M51 with all the included aftermarket goodies bundled as a single kit. It was less expensive than buying everything seperately. It took me several months to save for my airbrush, and since I just have my pension I plan all my purchases carefully. So aftermarket parts are bought less often nowadays but todays kits are much better detailed than 30 plus years ago. Back when I built cars nothing was ootb. I wired engines, made working butterflies and linkages on blowers, working steering, chopped tops, cut open door and trunks and made working suspension and shocks out of ballpoint pens and soda cans. You could find me in the metal shop during lunch making a lot of the hardware I needed for hinges and springs. Kept me out of trouble. Kinda sorta.

Budget.


Plus fear. Never used PE, but I hear about bending/soldering/gluing/painting issues. But I am in the same boat with those that are confident that a little Evergreen sheet/tube can be sufficient.

I will admit that I am starting to wade into PE with the Eduard ProfilePacks

I do build OOB, but I think most of my builds are "almost" OOB. I might buy resin tires to replace rubber ones. Or I'll use Fruil tracks instead of the kit tracks. Or I'll add after market stowage. But I don't go overboard.

Every once in a while, I'll get a wild hair to heavily modify something, but that is more likely to be an automotive or sci-fi subject.

It really depends on what comes OOTB. I am about to start a P-61 that will be 'OOTB' 100%. The B-17 that I'm working on is almost more AM and scratch than it is OOTB. I have two armor projects planned for this fall/winter that will be almost fully OOTB if not fully OOTB.

It just depends on what I'm trying to achieve and what the box gives me to work with.

I pretty much stick to what the kit gives me. On occasion, I look to the aftermarket for something (antenna bases, seatbelts, etc.) because my scratch building sucks. I'm also notoriously CHEAP. so spending almost what the kit cost me on PE and whatnot just rubs me the wrong way. For people who build at the master level, I can see where the extras are almost necessary. But one look at my stuff, and you know that ain't me. OOB is fine with me.

I build OOTB often especially if it's a Kitmash and/or fictitious project. I like the challenge of actually using the materials included in the box only. Including the box and plastic wraps.