How Do You Cure A Modelling Slump?

[Chap]

Brian, I find that a good movie always gets me in the mood to build something. It doesn't have to be a war movie, just something with planes. After I saw Flyboys I was motivated to finish my D.VII. Might I suggest a few:
-The Indiana Jones series (plenty of aviation in all three of them)
-Final Countdown (F-14s vs. A6Ms B) )
-Always (good shots of PBYs and A-26s)
-Flyboys (horribly inaccurate but still a neat movie)
-Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (P-40s )
-High Road to China (Tigermoths or Stampes, I can't recall)
-Laurence of Arabia (Tigermoths made to look like Fokker C.IIIs)

~Steve

[marek]

What I do is I start a new model. I simply look for something easy and attractive. I build a half of it and after a few weeks I find some nice kits "almost done". For me it's much easier to finish something that was already started then building a new one.

That is why I have 11 kits started, but none of them was finished  :dum:  

[jcf]

-High Road to China (Tigermoths or Stampes, I can't recall)

Stampes in the film, Bristol Fighters in the book.
Build a Roden or Eduard Brisfit in the markings of the film Stampe.

Cheers, Jon

[Archibald]

Dang, got a similar problem with this Zvezda MiG 1.44... on the stash for so long, and no hope of building it soon...

Archibald:

I have the Revell version of this kit.  I am planning on putting Peruvian decals and camouflage on it, although painting FLANKER styled camo also seems appealing.  Cuban camo just seemed too colorful for my tastes.

Brian:

Don't concentrate on the slump.  Don't concentrate at all.  Keep your mind open until something grabs your imagination and doesn't want to let go.  Let the muse, mania, or compulsion take over after that.  Just think: "What if ______ was (circle one or more) a) painted differently b ) was built differently c) was the core for something completely different ?"  Do try to supress the giggles when thinking like this otherwise you will end up on Dr. Phil's couch.

Sigh... I'd like, too, painting this model in whatifs colors, but I just can't do it. Why ? just because I've made my F-22 and Su-47 as non-whatif machines... on the other hand the YF-23 ended as a British machine (but its an old model, I've to buy another F-23 and build it correctly).

Thanks to Dragon I know how to find inspiration for this MiG 1.42. Hope this method will help you, Brian...

There's a fantastic website call "prototypes.com" which has a good section on the Mig 1.42. It is full of high-resolution photos of the MiG prototype... think I'm going to read again this article and watch photos    
My  imagination will do the rest of the job...  

[NARSES2]

Don't think about it to much to start with. Real life does get in the way and is important. Read a good book, visit a model shop and just pick up something simple. Hobbyboss are good for that. Just go for a nice simple markings change - USAAC Hurricane for instance.

It'll come back of it's own accord - you can't force it.

All the best

Chris

[Rafael]

It seems I'm also in a slump....
Real Life and work have a way to get in the way.....
But even though I have not been in the mood or able to cut plastic or junk or cardboard (Cardboard, Yum!!!), I have not stopped researching and planning the next models.
When my brain and corresponding wetware come out of this loop, I will be ready with something to whif.
....Just don't force it. Let it flow and it will solve itself in time for you to start anew, with a greater impetus.

Saludos.
Rafa

[datguy]

Build something.

[snip]

So, I started writing just a single, realistic modelling goal on the fridge's white-board for the next day.  Very basic, like "PSR P-40" or "Primer Tucara" etc.  The idea was that I had made a promise to myself that, no matter what, that single simple objective would be met that night.  I started looking forward to getting home from the long drive from work and picking up my daughter, knowing that I would get at least one little sign of progress accomplished.

Within a week, I started realizing that I was getting ahead on five or six projects and loving every minute of it!  Even though we're currently swamped with final stages of the new house's construction and selling the old one, I'm still making considerable progress on multiple projects.  One actually got done (gasp!) a week ago but the weather's been just terrible for the outdoor pics I need to take.

I have adopted a method very similar to JHM's.  I found that the size of projects and the amount of required work would keep me away from the bench.  I then started to write down the remaining tasks and try to accomplish at least one every day.

Having multiple "open" projects makes this method work a bit better, since something like "sand tires" or "paint wheel hubs" can be done quickly, and not seem so overwhelming as "rebuild interior."  Then when motivation is high and time allows, I can finish a bigger task.  I sometimes stall on a specific kit when no little tasks can be found, and a big or intimidating one is next in line.

Otherwise, those little steps help move the project, and I find that they keep my motivation high to complete the model.

DG

[Nick]

I've just grabbed the last 3 kits I bought and started them in a hope to have at least one ready for Perth next weekend. One is a ready made whiff (F-19 kit) and the other 2 just need their decals swapping for an easy option.

But it's not that easy. A Norwegian F-18C is the easy bit and the camo scheme will involve various shades of blue and grey. The F-16 will be either Swiss, Canadian or Spanish, preferably in that order. Grey is the simple paint scheme but greens could be in there.

I have not touched a kit in at least 2 months and need a quick win. Since I started my new job (same place, very different hours) life has gotten in the way but now I get home at 4.30pm or leave for work at 1.30pm I can now see more hours in my day for building. Of course, this could all change if I finally move out of home and in with a mate.

Nick B)  

[Sisko]

Hello Brian,

Don't despair evrybody gets in a slump. I have to agree with everybody so far.

Get a kit that does not require much work and slam that baby together!! B)

get a revell 1/72 scale me-262 requires virtually no filler, fit is good, detail is good and you can use any marking you see fit.

I built one in a weekend.

Go forth and slam.

[Dork the kit slayer]

Real life should get in the way........it means you have a life.

Living just to build kits is rather sad.

My "slumps"sometimes last months ......no problem ......I enjoy comming back (when it happens)...and no doubt we will enjoy your return.

[Brian da Basher]

Thanks for all the kind advice, gents. You've certainly given me a nice variety of approaches to take and I'm hoping to have the time to try some of them this week. After reading the replies here, I got a few ideas for new projects that just await a little motivation.

Brian da Basher

[royabulgaf]

Pitch the damn computer out the window, close your eyes,  pull something off the shelf, and build it more or less OOB.

Kim M

[Captain Canada]

Beer yourself into oblivian, and then when you wake up the next afternoon, you'll have forgotten all about that nasty slump !

Your head and stomach might hurt a little, tho........



I'd go with the general consensus of building something simple, and finisjing it. Then fly it around the room, doing lots of touch-and-goes. That'll get you in the mood again !

You could also hang out on MSN a little more, see if any good ideas pop up for you to chase.......

[Shasper]

BdB, Dont get down mate. I've been in a modellin slump since '04, with brief splurges of production (revolving of when my then-GF would dump me, great therupy tool). Rightnow I'm in a literary slump as well, I've lost all creativity for crafting stories like I use too.

Just hang in there brotha Spatman, this too shall pass. . .


Shas B)

[B777LR]

Snap tite kitss you say? Only snap together kits around here are the tiny revell 1/200 (or so i think) kits with 6 parts....

Of course, you could also go explore all the past builds on modeling madness...