I've seen on most of the current emergency diecast boards that Newcomers are asking questions. A very good thing.

My problem is that they think by asking a couple of questions, they will instantly be able to produce a model like those who have spent decades in the hobby, and have acquired their skill over many years of trial and error. Some of these Newbies ask a question, get an answer, but can't comprehend what the experienced modeler is telling them (even after three additional explanations, and private message correspondence). Too bad on the other boards you have to log in and leave a name, so you can't just tell them how it is (then get banned).

But for myself, I'm about to post what I think. Adding to the problem is the Newbies constantly posting a piece of pond scum, and everyone telling them what a great job they've done. No constructive critiszim at all. Believe me, doing this will not help those new to hobby improve, plus several obviously will never develope passible skills no matter how long they stay in the hobby. Too much PC for my blood. And what's worse, these Newbies are placing their monstrosities on ebay, thinking they've become the next DiVinci. Adding numbers to a Code 3 Pumper is NOT Kitbashing. They don't even attempt to get numbers and stripes horizontal. They just don't know any better.

And too many Board Operators just don't care about improving their subscribers, as long as these people are purchasing their decals and parts.

My 2 cents.

Location: HOBBY REALITY LAND

Where you born a proffesional model builder or did it take years to perfect your bitterness to young modelers. They learn by their mistakes. You don't tell a young modeler that his stuff sucks and belittle them, as adults it is our job to bring them along. I have taught model building skills to many a younins and some turn out and some do not. Please post some pics of your first attempts at model building. And let us be the judge of your skills. And pleas don't hide behind Have skills put your money where your mouth is. Is this another shot at Larrys board ? f so be a man and stand up don't hide behind a false name

Liberal excuse maker George. Oh, is that the famous Beatle George Harrison (opps, he's dead), Father of our Nation George Washington (opps, he's dead also, a real long time), or George of the Jungle (opps, he was never alive, like your argument)?

PS: Who is this Larry? Larry Bird, Larry Zonka, or Larry the Lounge Lizard?

There are two senses of the word "troll." In the original sense it meant someone, usually an outsider, who deliberately stirred up fights in a forum by saying controversial things. For example, someone who didn't use a certain programming language might go to a forum for users of that language and make disparaging remarks about it, then sit back and watch as people rose to the bait. This sort of trolling was in the nature of a practical joke, like letting a bat loose in a room full of people.

The definition then spread to people who behaved like *******s in forums, whether intentionally or not. Now when people talk about trolls they usually mean this broader sense of the word. Though in a sense this is historically inaccurate, it is in other ways more accurate, because when someone is being an ******* it's usually uncertain even in their own mind how much is deliberate. That is arguably one of the defining qualities of an *******.

Wow, that almost sounded edge-a-micated. But I stand by my origonal remarks.

Skills,

You do raise some valid points. However they are undermined by your comments about other boards. It is a thinly veiled attempt to drag others into a battle of words not about modeling but board moderators etc. As the board owner I don't like this. Please stop.

As for modeling skills. It took me decades to get to be a decent modeler. I made some crap. I know it is crap. So do others. But that is how we learn. Honestly today I can tell you more about how to build a great model but still can't do that on a consistent basis.

Modeling in small scale is quite difficult as errors are magnified. This becomes more exaggerated with 10 MP cameras and high def monitors. I see mistakes on models on the computer i never picked up with the naked eye.

Here are some of my earliest models
http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a54/Sirentoys/Customs/Early%20Models/

These were mainly done in the late 80s and early 90s. I have since upped my game but I am not a contest winning modeler.

In my opinion, modeling is a solitary hobby. Most modelers build for their own pleasure. The fact they get some recognition or accolades is often icing on the cake. As for PC and no negatives regarding "crap" models, that is often the best way to handle random posts or pictures. Unless the person is asking for a review I won't give one. Too much bad mojo out there in internet land to be picking a fight about a silly model we make. Even if I comment, I would offer constructive criticism. Also remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and everyone can be a critic.

If I could offer advice to modelers it would be to get the magazines Fine Scale Modeler and Scale Auto Enthusiast. They offer tons of tips and skills that carry over to all types of modeling.

As far as Kitbashing, well that term became abuse a while ago. I think that Code 3 modelers may even be the ones who *******ized the term. When I started modeling, there were 4 main classifications for models.
1. Box Stock which was building a model straight from the box with no modifications. You could change the paint, decals, etc but it was essentially the way you got the model. So a First Gear model stripped and re-decalled would be a box stock.
2. Modified was taking an existing model and modifying it in some manner but essentially it remained the same model. Converting a Code 3 rescue from a tandem axle to a single axle is a modified model.
3. Scratch build was making a model basically from the ground up. Most often this referred to only a portion of the model. So making a rear module for an ambulance would be a scratch built component.
4. Kit bahsed was combining parts from 2 or more kits to create a new model. So using a Code 3 cab with an Ertl rear section would be a kit bashed model.

But I have learned to accept that the majority just use the term kit bash to refer to any modeling that involves an existing piece.

Have fun.

Jeff

Location: NW Pennsylvania

Well said Jeff... Very well said.!!..... With that, I believe this subject is closed.

I expressed a point of view. George (another person I have never heard of before) had a hissy fit and got snarly, and I chose to shut him down. Tell me its not true some board operators care more about corporate sponsorship and making a buck. It just seems to me you can't make a comment about any manufacturer without one of their minions going off on the poster.

And, I was not refering to Jeff Webster in my origonal comments. Plus I still have no idea who Larry might be.