I think I'm finished, or am I?

[alextheblue]

I wanted to pose an age-old dilemma that I always seem to have and see how everyone else deals with it.

Whenever I get near to the end of a build, I can never seem to get to a point where I think, "it's finished!" There always seems to be something else that needs doing, or an error that needs correcting. What usually tends to happen is that the current model gets put to one side and I start on the next one! I've always been the same and in the past when I used to paint & sketch, I never considered anything that I did as actually finished as I could always see something that needed some attention. A huge problem when trying to fulfill a commission!

I never used to have this problem with model building though. To give you some background, I got into scale modelling a couple of years back and bought a tank on a whim that I saw in our local craft shop. For me back then it was more about the process and it provided a way for me to detach myself from everything else that was going on and focus on just one thing. I literally used to stick it together, paint it and chuck the decals on - done! I'll even admit, and this is just between you and me, I didn't even paint the tracks, as in my naivety I didn't think it would adhere very well to the rubber-band type tracks!!

I then started to take a bit more notice of what I was doing and whilst searching the web one day, stumbled on this great forum (cue heavenly fanfare and chorus of angels signing!). I now know about, ahem, primers, as well as pre-shading, weathering, filtering, pin-washing, chipping, modulation etc etc, but I don't know when I'm finished anymore!!

How do you guys get to a point where you think, it's done, or maybe you're like me and the madness will never end!!!

[Gav0909]

Sometimes I have a similar issue. But you just need to force yourself to say, right its done, put it on the display shelf and leave it. If after a while you keep going back to it for the same reason, fix that thing, then call it done.

As I get near the end I sometimes make a check list as well of things to do still. That can help convince your mind that you have reached the end point.

[alextheblue]

That's a great tip Gav, a checklist, I'm going to give that a try. Will also help me to decide in advance exactly what I'm trying to achieve and once the last thing is ticked off - finito!!

I can still see me looking at the "finished" model and thinking, "ummmm, I could just add another chip to that hatch........."

[Paul]

The best way to do it is do all the weathering in stages and don't move on till that stage is complete.

[alextheblue]

Another great tip, but I find that one person's idea of complete is another person's almost complete.

I was following Lee's BSG Viper build and he got a bit carried away with the chipping (albeit alcohol induced over exuberance! ). I seem to have the same problem even before hitting the bottle!

I guess with more experience I will start to get a feel for when it's done - shame there isn't a "PING!" sound like on the mocrowave!!

[gosselin2112]

Interesting topic. I used to make checklists (because I would often forget to do things on the model). I find that each and every model I build has a goal or technique I want to try. I avoid trying to do everything. Mostly because certain skills are not yet developed. Always remember that model building, like everything else, is a journey. Heck, I still have models on the shelf that I consider done, but really haven't been washed or weathered.

Russell.

[Gav0909]

I def need checklists sometimes as I have a habit of forgetting stuff.

Case in point, my recently finished Challenger 2. Got it "finished", took final pics, made and uploaded a YT video, stuck pics up here. Then the next day I noticed that I hadn't put the rear light clusters on...........they were still on my desk needing final painting etc. And they are still there.....

[alextheblue]

I've got to agree, checklists are definitely the way to go. So here goes with my very first one.........

Checklist #1

1. Make a checklist.

Done!

This finishing things is easier than I thought!

[Gav0909]

[Paul]

Lmao, as I very rarely follow instructions to the letter, I follow the build guides I just don't do them in the order shown I'll do it so I'm spraying stuff together and assembling in sections, especially if I'm filming it as I have to make sure there's something to film, not just me sat there sounding confused.

So what I'll do if I'm not following it in order is circle anything that needs adding or painting etc so when I've done a section I go back and can still see what needs doing.