Research...how much is too much?

[panzerdodge]

Hey guys just wondering how much time you put into researching a build. Recently I have noticed my reference book collection is taking over my stash shelves and I find myself spending more time reading about the subject than I do actually building them. Don't get me wrong I like the research part of it as much as the builds themselves but like I said "how much is too much".

[Coen]

I spend as much time as it takes to answer all of the questions that I have about what I'm about to build.
Sometimes that takes hours, sometimes weeks.
I think the only time that you're doing too much is when you never get to your build because of all the research you're doing
Haha.
To be honest, it's very subjective. The more involved the project, the more involved the research normally. And once I answer all of my questions, three more will pop up to undo half of what I thought that I knew.

[OliveDrab]

I would echo Coen's comments completely as each project will vary. I suppose if I had to put a number to it, I spend about 1 hour of research for every 2 hours of modeling time on average.

[mannloon]

I build essentially as hands on physical research, so I can't get enough research.

[panzerdodge]

Just to give an example of what I am talking about. I am doing a build of a Das Reich Tiger and have given myself a three week time span for this build. I have a few books but didn't find all of the information I was looking for so I purchased the Das Reich Tigers book(an $80 hit to the wallet) and after reading this and buying another smaller less costly book I am just over 2 months into this build. My guess right now is I am about 70% complete. To much? or am I just under estimating this build.

[Avgas]

I guess it depends what you want to do as a modeller, there's no too much or too little. I like to read up if possible on the subject of my build, not particularly to make a more accurate model, but to give the kit some history, I enjoy reading about the real aircraft or crew that flew the kit I'm making. I'm not that interested in making a faithful replica although I do try and make them as accurate as I can but not to the extent of spending hours researching the colour of the rudder pedals etc. But that's just me, if you want to spend hours doing that then that's absolutely fine, we all get different things out of the hobby.

[jamesc88]

Personally I think the whole big thing for me is the research (though I did do a research based degree at university) I do think though that you get a better understanding and better model from doing research.

Mine is usually done in the lunch hour at the office takes me away from Excel and Outlook for an hour its welcome! I also find that you can find the flaws in model kits by research - I also like to change around my builds too look different from the research I have commissioned for example the Airfix 1:24 Hawker Typhoon I will be doing will be based on one from a local airfield too me. Due to this obviously will need to get new decals etc.

To me it is all about personal opinion and is open to interpretation

Knowledge is power!

[burnie43]

I try but end up just going with the flow....I have a pretty big range of books but I only seem to look at the pictures and then build.....I'm afraid that I don't seem to get the same satisfaction if I spend too much time researching as I am always then second guessing myself....!!! I would love to be able to research more but that ship has sailed now..
Any questions that I can't seem to find the answers to the ISM members have kindly helped so that I can at least have a fair representation of what I want to do.
I am absolutely in awe of some of the guys knowledge on here....and their willingness to share.
Cheers
mark

[panzerdodge]

So I have decided to slow this build down even more by purchasing my first air brush (never used one before) Don't worry going to practice on an old crappy Panzer4.

[Stokesy44]

I tend to use the 'standing on the shoulders of giants' approach. I'll research the kit itself as to whether its any good/accurate by reading the reviews of those far superior in their knowledge than I.

That way, when I buy a kit I know its close enough to what it should be for me not to worry. I'm not a Luddite, I love history books But I don't see myself buying ones about particular vehicles. Each to their own though. Whatever floats your boat. Its all part of what makes us do this dance of the plastic puzzles!!

[qeialto]

Hi all,
Being an hobby that should be fun, well sometimes is a bit frustrating, I know..., anyhow, being an hobby I normally have some readings if I've the mood for it, otherwise I go with inspiration and with what I feel being the right thing to do at that moment, in my view creativity is more important than accuracy.
Cheers