Maybe the problem is ther are two kinds of people who go beyond OOB...a true builder adding what they want to make the kit better and then the guys who get the label of "rivet counter" who seem to enjoy only putting it in others faces that some detail is remiss.

As for the accuracy issue OOB, I think the model companies try to slid some stuff by us from time to time...look at the whole Zvezda/Italeri/DML/Revell circle of kits. I just wish each company that reboxed the kits would make a minor improvement, LIKE THE REAR DECK DOORS ON THE BMP-2.

(sorry, sorry...)

I agree also only thing is some kits are totaly wrong and need after market parts tracks and Gun barrels are my big thing if they look like crap then this will effect the final model.

Hi buddy, I agree. Mainly to us, the beginners. Since I still don't know the difference between a Tiger and a Sherman (I'm kidding, hehehe), the more between a such turret, a larger or smaller barrel, or more or less rivets here and there. Therefore I only worry in building OOB. Just I like to put a lot of things over the AFV, and after some models, I already have some things that remained from others projects, to get better my work, if necessary.
I hope you understand what I wrote.
#:-)

Next time u write to me something, Gaucho, u gotta say :
"Sir, Yes Sir" (hehehhehee...just kidding) :-)

U know Gaucho, after all of these comments i feel very good. And i dont think anymore how accurate is this or not, off course if they're not totally crap like "sgtreef" says; and i'll keep on doing OOB.
Highly suggested, buddy ! :-) (If u wanna feel more comfy).


Sometimes i miss 20 years ago, the ages we were painting models by brush
and sharing the pleasure with some others without offense.
Hmpff..good old days

The thing i was talking about in the e-mail, was an "M8 Greyhound" but ..heheheheh..the wheel, buddy, the wheels ! Inaccurate ! Oh my God ! :-) :-)

Happy modellings

LMAO, I don't believe we are still talking about this, the time we had discussed this rather vague subject, I had done the following:

I finished 30% of my KV II for the barbarrossa (with Eduare PE, Friul Tracks, and a resin barrel)
I finished 40% of the build of my T50 for the barbarrossa (with eduard PE, and Judio barrel)
I started an Kit of F86F, and is now working on the engine (OOB)


So I guess, let's just move on, and do whatever you like with the kits, if you are happy with just building OOB , do OOB, if you are happy with AM stuffs, do AM stuffs, or if you are happy merely owning the kits, do that too.

#:-)

I am so glad to have found this thread! I agree that accuracy has its place but this is supposed to be a hobby! I recently attended a model show and listened to two "expert" modelers bash an M4A3 built by a nine year old kid! The kid's model looked far better than anything I built when I was nine! I build for enjoyment, and to show examples of stuff to the kids I teach. A model is much better than a picture. Anyway, praise to all of the OOB builders! We don't NEED aftermarket parts to make OUR models look good (haha)!

I'm curious why a thread which is nearly six years old, has been resurrected?

There is no 'Moral High-Ground' because you use (or don't use) AM parts. Actually, if we didn't need AM parts, there wouldn't be the market which exists for them. The AM manufacturers do a GREAT job. Sometimes, the kit-manufacturers do a lousy job.

Modeling is a broad church, there are researchers, those that build OOB and finsih it the way they want, others who modify and accurize. No-one is superior to the other although, personally speaking, I like good research, accuracy AND good finishing.

Hi Guys,

I like to build OOB too but I also like to know what's wrong with the kit and if I can, try and fix it, as for me that's part of the fun too. The more accurate I can make a kit the happier I am as I see the changes and additions as a challenge.

I tend tyo fix what I can and leave what i can't. Adding stuff like PE and working with resin has given me a lot more confidence to try things out, so for me it's all part of the learning experience.

Does it make my models better, I have no idea as in the end they are what they are. Just makes me poorer lol, lol.

Do what makes you happy, this is a hobby and a lot of fun, kick back and enjoy it; the good, the ba d and the ugly If you're happy with the end result then it doesn't much matter what other folks think.

Al

I go by the 2-foot rule myself. My audience doesn't know the difference between a Sherman and a Tiger anyway. When you get right down to it, this is just a bunch of plastic, glued together and painted for personal amusement. We're not curing cancer or anything. The world will not stop spinning if one bolt is out of place or one weld seam is too small.

I usually do OOB builds with perhaps a few detailing mods such as drilling out barrels, using tissue paper for texture and other details, thinning fenders and maybe adding a wire or two. I like PE for some details, but have never used an entire PE Set. I find that my pen vise, xacto blades, sandpaper and floss/thread and paint can add much detail with virtually no added cost.

Just paying attention to details and removing casting lines and bit of putty can turn an "average" model into a nicely detailed model. If I have the extra time and $$$ I may add a set of aftermarket tracks or some PE. My goal is a nice little representation of the vehicle not a magus opus that takes me into a struggle of completing the model (I've done this several times, as most of us have I imagine). I just say take your time and have some fun, do a little research and learn. Its all fun.

Having said that, I really love to see some superdetailed models, most are amazing indeed. I also love to see a well done OOB build, both styles of building are appreciated and admired!

Keep building all!

I, like most modellers build for my pleasure. I have absolutely no ambition to even enter a model in a show - let alone win with it!
So I fiddle/improve to my satisfaction and so far I've always ended up with a vehicle that looks like the subject and not like half a brick. Which is good enough for me.
As to dimensions...
Who's doing the counting? Did they measure to the end of the protruding tow shackles on the real thing or just to the mudguard? (was the mudguard in its 'normal' position? Did the measurer and the modeller even measure from the same points!)) A lot can be lost in translation. To coin a phrase.
TTFN
Tom

More than listening to others complain about inaccuracies, is the fact that a model company creates it wrong to begin with. I can see subjects like the Stryker or Abrams being "off" because of government "classification" status on current production armor. But a Sherman!? There is no excuse! There must be 1000's of technical drawings and factory photos of this tank, so inaccuracies should be unacceptable.

I am not talking about the limitations of the media - plastic - either. I am talking about blatant hull, turret and gun barrel dimensions. Improper drive sprockets, either in design or tooth count.

Now that models are costing as much as they are, it is so much to ask?

From time to time, I'll chuck a bit of PE or a turned barrel at a kit if I think it'll improve the overall "look" of the finished article and add some extra detail, but I don't loose sleep over whether a gun barrel is a millimetre or two too short or long, or if a glacis plate is a degree out - stuff like that. Getting hung up about glaring errors (such as a KT painted all over light grey, or a gun mantlet fitted upside down) I can understand. But for the most part, I'm an OOB guy, and am quite happy to remain so (not least for financial reasons).

If I can achieve a nice clean build and a realistic paint & weathering job afterwards, I'm happy. And most of the new kits coming out today from the likes of DML and Tamiya build up onto impressive and realistic-looking replicas anyway.

As far as I'm concerned, if it looks (to the "educated / interested layman") like a reasonably accurate representation of the real thing, that's good enough for me.

- Steve