Just wanna make sure of my sanity
Jeff
Hosted by Darren Baker
how long to complete a typical model
Seahawk
Joined: May 29, 2016
KitMaker: 61 posts
Armorama: 56 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 12:24 AM UTC
Just curious what a typical build time is for a model (yes depending on complexity and part count) I find myself jumping from kit to kit due to boredom. Right now I have four kits in various stages of build. Do you guys and gals find yourself hopping like this or do you start and finish a single kit then move on ?? on average what is a enjoyable build take to finish ??
Just wanna make sure of my sanity
Jeff
Just wanna make sure of my sanity
Jeff
Vierville
Joined: April 05, 2014
KitMaker: 384 posts
Armorama: 372 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 12:41 AM UTC
Hey Jeff.
You're not abnormal in having a few kits on the go, I can assure you!
I've got a P-51 build that's been ongoing since 2007! And an FW190 that is semi-complete from 2009. I have a few incomplete figure sets too.
I tend to jump from kit to kit exactly for the reason you gave-I tend to spend ages on the research (technical and colourscheme stuff) and eventually start the build only to find something more 'interesting' at that moment.
Having said that, I find that I don't do this with armour kits. For some reason I get those done in one shot but it will typically take me a month to six weeks to complete an average kit. I'm away a lot for work and when I'm off I spend a lot of time with family commitments so that doesn't help.
You're not abnormal in having a few kits on the go, I can assure you!
I've got a P-51 build that's been ongoing since 2007! And an FW190 that is semi-complete from 2009. I have a few incomplete figure sets too.
I tend to jump from kit to kit exactly for the reason you gave-I tend to spend ages on the research (technical and colourscheme stuff) and eventually start the build only to find something more 'interesting' at that moment.
Having said that, I find that I don't do this with armour kits. For some reason I get those done in one shot but it will typically take me a month to six weeks to complete an average kit. I'm away a lot for work and when I'm off I spend a lot of time with family commitments so that doesn't help.
McRunty
#491
Joined: April 06, 2016
KitMaker: 602 posts
Armorama: 191 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 12:48 AM UTC
Depends on the kit and whats going on. Also depends on my mood. For instance if I am hard by the bug I can build a kit over the weekend (which I just did with my Tamiya Matilda III/IV or my Dragon T-34/76) Other kits languish in an unfinished state for months.
For me the better question is how long to build AND paint. Because painting/weathering is not my favourite part. I tend to build several kits and then paint them all in one go.
For me the better question is how long to build AND paint. Because painting/weathering is not my favourite part. I tend to build several kits and then paint them all in one go.
maximus8425
Joined: May 12, 2006
KitMaker: 331 posts
Armorama: 320 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 01:00 AM UTC
I'm fairly disciplined when it comes to kits and won't start a new one until I have finished one.That being said I take a while with my kits and can stall for a few weeks when building so my builds can last months.
Bodeen
#026
Joined: June 08, 2002
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,359 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 01:05 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Just curious what a typical build time is for a model (yes depending on complexity and part count) I find myself jumping from kit to kit due to boredom. Right now I have four kits in various stages of build. Do you guys and gals find yourself hopping like this or do you start and finish a single kit then move on ?? on average what is a enjoyable build take to finish ??
Just wanna make sure of my sanity
Jeff
You are not alone my friend. I find myself juggling several kits at once due to boredom. Right now I have 4 kits waiting to be finished. Every time the stash grows my projects get pushed further and further behind. You may not be sane but you're not crazy!
Jacques
Joined: March 04, 2003
KitMaker: 4,630 posts
Armorama: 4,498 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 01:21 AM UTC
When I did 1/35 customer work in the past, using kits like the Tamiya/Esci M60A3 or the Tamiya FAMO, Italeri Elefant, etc...I figured 40 hours to completely build a kit, with about 10 more hours work to research anything special or add on things like Photo-etch or resin conversion bits.
Resin kits, like Hobby Fan, Verlinden, or Real Model, I figured 40 hours to just clean up the bits, deal with fit issues, and get the model ready for priming.
With todays NEW kits, like Trumpeter, Hobby Fan, MENG, and RYE Field, I would double the workload. You are getting a LOT more kit in the box so not only is there more actual build work, but there is also a fair amount of detail painting and such. I would call it 80 hours now.
Resin kits, like Hobby Fan, Verlinden, or Real Model, I figured 40 hours to just clean up the bits, deal with fit issues, and get the model ready for priming.
With todays NEW kits, like Trumpeter, Hobby Fan, MENG, and RYE Field, I would double the workload. You are getting a LOT more kit in the box so not only is there more actual build work, but there is also a fair amount of detail painting and such. I would call it 80 hours now.
OldWarloke
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 2,663 posts
Armorama: 2,649 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 02:24 AM UTC
For me it all depends upon how much time I have available, I've just finished my build on Takoms M48H w ERA. I'll be posting the Pics as soon as I get done here. It took me from January 23 to today March 6th. to finish it
Regards.
Donald
Regards.
Donald
Bodeen
#026
Joined: June 08, 2002
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,359 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 02:36 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextJust curious what a typical build time is for a model (yes depending on complexity and part count) I find myself jumping from kit to kit due to boredom. Right now I have four kits in various stages of build. Do you guys and gals find yourself hopping like this or do you start and finish a single kit then move on ?? on average what is a enjoyable build take to finish ??
Just wanna make sure of my sanity
Jeff
You are not alone my friend. I find myself juggling several kits at once due to boredom. Right now I have 4 kits waiting to be finished. Every time the stash grows my projects get pushed further and further behind. You may not be sane but you're not crazy!
On average, working a couple of days a week (that's about all the time I have), it takes about a month to complete a kit.
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 02:43 AM UTC
I usually work on about 3-4 models at a time. The kit I've had on the bench the longest is the Revell "Everything is Go" Atlas launch pad that I bought about 1973, it's an original 1962 kit with the LVM studios launch tower added later, and I've been working on it off and on (with a 30 year break to serve in the US Army!) I also have a wooden ship kit I've been working on occasionally since 1976. I'll pull these models out, spend about 15 minutes tinkering, then put them back. Progress is made, and I'm happy, but there's no rush--it's just for fun. Fastest I've finished a kit recently is the Meng F-102 and F-106 fighters for a "Northwest Defenders" theme I'm working on-- military aircraft in the Pacific Northwest. Those models were done in about 3 weeks of steady work. But generally speaking, I work on a kit for an average of 2-6 months depending on whats going on in life. I'm slower in the summer because I'm outdoors more, and slower in the dead of winter because my workbench is in an un-heated garage.
VR, Russ
VR, Russ
americanpanzer
Joined: May 12, 2014
KitMaker: 542 posts
Armorama: 539 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 03:01 AM UTC
Tamiya kits take a shorter time than Dragon or Trumpeter (the 3 main brands in my stash); I've never timed a build but I'd say 3-4 months for Tamiya, probably 4-6+ for Dragon or Trumpeter; figures take less (mostly Dragon, Master Box, Tamiya); when I was doing more aircraft the Accurate Miniatures Vindicator (early war) took a year; fit and other issues made it a pain; walked away a couple times from it (at least) but finally finished it; came out all right; and I often do 2 or 3 projects at a time
warmonger
Joined: November 08, 2006
KitMaker: 217 posts
Armorama: 117 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 03:30 AM UTC
3 years, 2 months, 11 days, and 10.35 hours give or take.
RobinNilsson
TOS Moderator
Joined: November 29, 2006
KitMaker: 6,693 posts
Armorama: 5,562 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 03:38 AM UTC
When I was really active in the late 1990'ies I finished 4 kits every month. Those kits did not have so many parts as modern kits.
An Italeri Leopard 1 would take 4-5 evenings to get ready for decals. I have spent 8 hours on a Dragon Pz III, 6616, and I'm still working on the lower chassis. The wheels, tracks, all the topside is still untouched. The next one will be quicker since I can skip the working torsion bar suspension and go straight for a fixed suspension, this will save cleanup on 12 small parts and on most of the 12 torsion bars.
/ Robin
An Italeri Leopard 1 would take 4-5 evenings to get ready for decals. I have spent 8 hours on a Dragon Pz III, 6616, and I'm still working on the lower chassis. The wheels, tracks, all the topside is still untouched. The next one will be quicker since I can skip the working torsion bar suspension and go straight for a fixed suspension, this will save cleanup on 12 small parts and on most of the 12 torsion bars.
/ Robin
RLlockie
Joined: September 06, 2013
KitMaker: 1,112 posts
Armorama: 938 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 03:40 AM UTC
I find the ‘13 years and over’ guideline on the kit boxes to be a good starting point for guidance. Then I add a few more to be on the safe side.
I don’t enjoy the result if I rush it.
I don’t enjoy the result if I rush it.
Iraqiwildman
Joined: November 24, 2008
KitMaker: 93 posts
Armorama: 81 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 03:46 AM UTC
This past winter, I was finishing them in 3 weeks or about 15-20 hours per kit. I slow down in Spring and Fall to work outside. but in the heat of summer, it is back up to 3-4 weeks.
Scarred
Joined: March 11, 2016
KitMaker: 1,792 posts
Armorama: 1,186 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 03:57 AM UTC
When ever I build a tank I don't build in the order that is stated in the instructions. I always start with the running gear because it is usually the most repetitive part of the build and I can set it aside and work on the hull and turret when I need a break. Painting is the longest part of the build. Not putting down the paint itself but drying time between stages. So while one is in the booth drying/curing/airing out I'll have another project on the bench.
Tojo72
Joined: June 06, 2006
KitMaker: 4,691 posts
Armorama: 3,509 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 04:09 AM UTC
Hard to say,things have bogged down for me in the last year or so.I only did 3 armor kits last year because of time constraints,this year about 2/3 of one.
When things are normal,probably 6 armor or planes a year
When things are normal,probably 6 armor or planes a year
BunkerBuster
Joined: March 29, 2017
KitMaker: 157 posts
Armorama: 122 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 05:14 AM UTC
I used to be sloooowwww at building in the early 2000's. Everything had to be perfect and I piled on all the AM I could. 2 to 4 months per tank or 1/48th scale aircraft. I took over a decade off from modeling and got back into it about a year ago.
It was tough at first getting back into building, but now I'm flying with the building part. I can get about 2-3 armor kits per month ready for paint. I'm doing mostly Meng, Dragon, and Takom kits at the moment. I love the insane parts count that some kits have now. I also have a very unhealthy addiction to MasterClub tracks. Other than tracks, I avoid AM unless there's a major problem area with the kit.
My paint shop is backed up at the moment. I have a backlog of ~18 builds waiting to roll into my paint shop. After I finish this current block of builds, I should be averaging 1.5 per month.
It was tough at first getting back into building, but now I'm flying with the building part. I can get about 2-3 armor kits per month ready for paint. I'm doing mostly Meng, Dragon, and Takom kits at the moment. I love the insane parts count that some kits have now. I also have a very unhealthy addiction to MasterClub tracks. Other than tracks, I avoid AM unless there's a major problem area with the kit.
My paint shop is backed up at the moment. I have a backlog of ~18 builds waiting to roll into my paint shop. After I finish this current block of builds, I should be averaging 1.5 per month.
d6mst0
#453
Joined: August 28, 2016
KitMaker: 1,925 posts
Armorama: 601 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 05:21 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Just curious what a typical build time is for a model (yes depending on complexity and part count) I find myself jumping from kit to kit due to boredom. Right now I have four kits in various stages of build. Do you guys and gals find yourself hopping like this or do you start and finish a single kit then move on ?? on average what is a enjoyable build take to finish ??
Just wanna make sure of my sanity
Jeff
Jeff,
I work on several kits at one time but not due to boredom. When it best to let the glue or paint cure for a day or two I would then pick up on a another kit and continue where I left off.
I do get burned out sometimes when I am working on ship kit with a lot of PE. All that PE wears me down after awhile and I have to put the kit aside for a time.
Mark
Neo
Joined: January 20, 2005
KitMaker: 916 posts
Armorama: 758 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 05:50 AM UTC
Weeks? HaHa.
Months? LMAO
Years? I laugh at years !
Decades - that's about right.
Months? LMAO
Years? I laugh at years !
Decades - that's about right.
obg153
Joined: April 07, 2009
KitMaker: 1,063 posts
Armorama: 1,049 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 06:19 AM UTC
A couple other factors apply as well. If the kit is resin, clean-up usually takes me longer. More time gets added if the subject is going to be part of a diorama. And if the dio is "busy" it can really become a 6-8 month project.
grunt136mike
Joined: November 24, 2012
KitMaker: 1,896 posts
Armorama: 1,858 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 07:40 AM UTC
Hi Guys;
As for Me; It starts with research, I will spend sometimes A Month or even longer before cutting plastic.
Now I'm not A normal type of Builder, or maybe bordering on lunacy.
My fault is I spend to much time trying to add missing detail's that should be there ! ie;) The Tamiya T-72. 
CHEERS; MIKE.
As for Me; It starts with research, I will spend sometimes A Month or even longer before cutting plastic.
Now I'm not A normal type of Builder, or maybe bordering on lunacy.
My fault is I spend to much time trying to add missing detail's that should be there ! ie;) The Tamiya T-72. CHEERS; MIKE.
Removed by original poster on 05/13/19 - 21:38:56 (GMT).
WhatToBuy
Joined: May 11, 2016
KitMaker: 24 posts
Armorama: 13 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 08:47 AM UTC
I'm at about 1 per year mostly due to time more than anything. Just finishing weathering a Leopard 2A6 - https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/264619#2239864
I've got a Maz-537G just barely started and a M-978 fuel truck about 3/4 built...
I've got a Maz-537G just barely started and a M-978 fuel truck about 3/4 built...
Armorsmith
Joined: April 09, 2015
KitMaker: 1,063 posts
Armorama: 1,000 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 08:50 AM UTC
For me my building life has never been better. I am retired(mostly) and both of my kids are off my payroll and out of the house. I'm usually working on at least 2-3 kits at a time at different stages of completeness. Usually one is near ready to be painted or already painted and the others in various stages of construction. As a result I always have something to work on while I'm waiting for something to dry or trying to decide on a paint scheme. I am generally able to get at least 3-4 solid hours of bench time a day at least 4-5 days a week. While I don't really keep track of time, it takes me about 4-6 weeks to complete a build from the time I nip the first part from a sprue to the final weathering and final matt coat.
panzerbob01
Joined: March 06, 2010
KitMaker: 3,128 posts
Armorama: 2,959 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 - 10:49 AM UTC
It was, up 'til retirement, taking me perhaps 3 - 4 months per armor build start-to-finished-and-on-the-shelf. I retired 2 years ago... Big plans to finally get a bunch of kits done now that I would have gobs of nice free modeling time. 
I have managed to start 5. I got one small Hobby Boss Russian T-38 completely built but no paint, and a Trumpeter T-64 mostly built - again, no paint. There are 3 others in various partially-built states... NO kit has fully completed since I got started on all that free time!
Maybe I should go back to work so that I'll actually get something DONE!
Bob
I have managed to start 5. I got one small Hobby Boss Russian T-38 completely built but no paint, and a Trumpeter T-64 mostly built - again, no paint. There are 3 others in various partially-built states... NO kit has fully completed since I got started on all that free time!
Maybe I should go back to work so that I'll actually get something DONE!
Bob
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