Finding time to model
Ed.: In a “FineScale Modeler Weekly” video that went live in January, Tim Kidwell and I talked about how we find time to build and, by extension, regaining your modeling drive. We received a bunch of responses from viewers, including these. – Aaron Skinner
I am retired now, so finding time is much easier. But when I was working, I found two things really helped with finding time to model.
First, I always have a dedicated and permanent space for modeling, however small. In my case, this [space] has been as big as a 1-meter x 2-meter workbench in a garage or as small as half a desk in the spare room. Having a dedicated space means you can sit down and do even five minutes of modeling without having to set anything up. As they say, eat that elephant a small bite at a time!
Second, at the end of a session I decide what I want to do in the next session and prepare for it. If I find myself with 10 minutes to spare, I can jump on the modelling desk and tackle that task without having to work out where I was last time. A quick bit of planning at the end of the task and I am ready for next time.
As always, thanks for the great mag. It is always a good read, and I learn something from each and every issue. – Graeme Molineux Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
With two grand kids now, it’s even harder to find time to get to the bench. So, I schedule it daily. I get up at 3:30 a.m. and spend one hour daily until 4:30 a.m. modeling. No phones, no TV, no noise, and no one else is awake. It’s complete silence other than the heater or air conditioner. It’s my quiet time when I can zone-out the daily noise of the world and commune with styrene. (I am in bed asleep between 8-8:30 p.m.) It’s my time when I get time. Try the silence and serenity of 3:30-4:30 a.m. You’ll be amazed at what you can finish! I just wrapped up a Monogram ‘69 Dodge Super Bee. – Brad Wolfgang Midland, Mich.
One way I keep my modeling mojo is building at work during my breaks and lunch. I have a small assortment of supplies I keep in my desk — a hobby knife, files, clamps, etc. Then, for example, I’ll bring some glue and an engine to assemble. – Ronald Neuendorf Waukesha, Wis.
I have been modeling for over 50 years. During this time, I have gone through various phases from building a model in a day to taking a few weeks to complete my model. How do I maintain my modeling mojo?
For me, construction is a joy, which is not to say I don’t love painting my models. For many years, I have been in the habit of building multiple models at the same time.
When I build a model and I must stop to let glue dry or [wait for] a part I’ve ordered to arrive, I simply put it aside and work on something else.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I built my models up to the painting stage and set them aside. With all the lockdowns and no club meetings, I ended up building more than 200 models, all finished in Tamiya white primer — my own “Ghost
Division,” if you will. Since then, I’ve spent relaxing hours painting each one and placing them on wood bases with appropriate groundwork.
My simple rule is do what you like. If during construction, you lose interest or can’t continue, collect the information you have and shelve the model. Never force yourself as it invariably won’t come out well.
Don’t focus on building the model in one go; instead, assemble it in sections. It’s more rewarding and satisfying.
You do not need to spend hours at your workbench at a time. Spending half an hour here and there at various times during the day or evening will give you the same result if not more than trying to fit a build into one long evening session.
Balance between your modeling, work, and family is key. Doing this ensures your modeling mojo will not suffer and that you will continue to get the enjoyment and satisfaction modeling gives all of us. – Raymond Attard Sydney, New South Wales, Australia