Friday’s Modelling Diatribe of Questions #18

[Twokidsnosleep]

How you model

1. How do you prepare for a model build? How do you decide what to build?
2. Take us through your process when you are opening a new kit box; examining the contents laying it out, wash sprues??etc
3. Do you build for fun, profit, medals, internet acknowledgements, cat purrs??
4. Do you build to exact perfect duplication or take more artistic licence approach?
5. Is there an area of modelling that interests you but you haven’t explored yet?Why?
6. How do you see yourself in 10 years wrt modelling ?

[DRUMS01]

1. How do you prepare for a model build? How do you decide what to build?

This is a neat question for me. The first thing to do and from what I've seen is to thoroughly clean up the modeling area from the previous build. Next is to make sure I have enough of the expendable or perishable tools like paints, cleaning supplies, abrasives, adhesives, and the lot. In any case I need to be excited about the build. That excitement can come from many sources such as history, movies, marvel-beauty-awe of the real item, motivation from other builders (inspiration), etc. Once I have the mental "buy-in" I begin researching and educating myself on the real item versus the best kit to represent that build and my budget. Then I pull the trigger on any necessary purchases of the kit and after-market to achieve my goal.

2. Take us through your process when you are opening a new kit box; examining the contents laying it out, wash sprues??etc

Well, you pretty much laid it out in the question but I can add a little more. I like to open the boxes carefully to keep the box art and carton intact. Before I inspect the sprue and lay it all out I like to look through the instructions first. When reading through the instructions (including the after-market instructions) I create a plan for subassemblies, conversion work in the sequence, painting details and when for what, etc. Often I make notes on the instructions regarding the stuff mentioned. I also compare my research information with that of the kit and to verify the accuracy my end product. Depending on the complexity of the kit I lay out each sprue alfa-numerically to aide in finding parts. While laying it out I look closely and take note of the mold quality, flash, seams, ejection pin marks, etc. Depending on the amount of sprue I will catalog them in a file method in a large packing box. When it comes to washing the sprue I think it depends on how delicate certain parts are. I prefer to "soak" some of it versus "wash or scrub" to avoid breakage or lost parts. They are then rinsed well to remove any detergent. Most parts are left to air dry unless the complexity of the part will hold water, then I blow it dry with either an empty airbrush or canned air if its on hand.

3. Do you build for fun, profit, medals, internet acknowledgements, cat purrs??

Fun absolutely, like a painter, carpenter, or sculpture watching my work in progress and the end results. Profit, heck no. There was a time I built models by commission, but then it is no longer a hobby, it becomes WORK. And if its profit you have to manage the investment in product and build hours versus the commission costs to try to get a profit. It is my experience that if you are not in the top 5% of "professional" builders with a strong list of clientele, you really cannot sustain any kind of profit throughout the hobby. IF you can do it, then it is not a hobby, but rather a business. Then there was a time years ago when I built nothing but contest models, but once the after-market arrived, it was who had the bigger wallet and club affiliations or connections (politics). Contest building for medals will burn you out eventually and could even drive you away from the hobby if your not careful. As far as internet feedback, that is one of the few ways we all can reach out to peers to get their feedback. Internet acknowledgements can also introduce new builders who can become friends and increase our camaraderie thus enriching our enjoyment in modeling. So internet exposure for me would be a yes. To be honest, I build for me and for fun, I think of it as a relaxing therapy. If in the end it make others happy, then that is even better. I would be lying if I didn't say that a minimal amount of positive feedback is a nice perk too.

4. Do you build to exact perfect duplication or take more artistic license approach?

Yes and yes, depending on the subject. For example, I tried to duplicate my build of the USS Arizona for numerous reasons, and most importantly the data was available to authenticate the steps in my build. On the other hand, my build of the IJN Yamato takes some artistic license simply because much of the factual information is not available. Another example would be building a specific race car of a specific period, driver, and sponsor versus building a production auto in the color and variation I would like to see it in. One would have to be exact while the other has no limits.

5. Is there an area of modelling that interests you but you haven’t explored yet?Why?

Not really, been there and done that; got the t-shirt or coffee mug to prove it.

6. How do you see yourself in 10 years with modeling?

I hope I have all my faculties, vision, dexterity, and motivation I have today. That combined with more modeling experience and friends, I hope to be whittling down my stash in a relaxing and sharing way. I feel I have nothing to prove to anyone and the limits that are there are placed by me. I am by far, not a world class modeler and there will always be superior modelers that I really enjoy following. Modeling is no a competition for me. I guess I would like to think that somewhere, some day, there will be fellow modelers that perhaps I could inspire or bring more modelers into the hobby through my experiences.

Sorry for so much writing. I hope I didn't miss-spell too much, apologies if I did.

DRUMS01 / Ben

[RangerNeil]

1. How do you prepare for a model build? How do you decide what to build?

In reverse order:
* Whatever takes my fancy
* Clear the build area, wash the sprues in warm soapy water and dry on paper towels. Get the basic tools out and placed in a ready use location.

2. Take us through your process when you are opening a new kit box; examining the contents laying it out, wash sprues??etc

Open the box. Look at the instructions and if there is a sprue map check it against the individual sprues. Check the paint requirements, check decal options.

3. Do you build for fun, profit, medals, internet acknowledgements, cat purrs??

Fun only

4. Do you build to exact perfect duplication or take more artistic licence approach?

As accurate as possible usually.

5. Is there an area of modelling that interests you but you haven’t explored yet?Why?

No, not really. I've tried most things.

6. How do you see yourself in 10 years wrt modelling ?

Probably 6' under pushing up daisies.....

[Twokidsnosleep]

Awesome answers guys

[digger303]

1. How do you prepare for a model build? How do you decide what to build?
Whatever takes my fancy as I'm finishing the last one.I'll often change my mind 3 or 4 times at least.

2. Take us through your process when you are opening a new kit box; examining the contents laying it out, wash sprues??etc
I always check the contents when I buy a kit and then maybe a few days before I start. This is happening earlier now as I decide if I'm going to buy aftermarket for it. I don't wash the sprues any more usually before a build unless it seems oily. I now leave that until just before priming and go over it with isopropyl. Do have a good look through the instructions which doesn't help me much and then start gluing parts together although I am a bit anal in trying to remove all the mold lines from every part. This takes more time I know , but the worst thing is some cast parts on a vehicle actually do have a seam line for real. Such as suspension arms and I have been known to make these disappear when they should not have been touched.

3. Do you build for fun, profit, medals, internet acknowledgements, cat purrs??
My motivation isn't to win medals or accolades although it is nice to hear it when something deserves it. Getting claps on the back when I know it's not great I don't find helps me much as a modeler. I like a few kind pointers to enable me to do better.
Mostly I just like gluing stuff together cause I like to build while trying to do better.

4. Do you build to exact perfect duplication or take more artistic license approach?
No I'm not trying to duplicate a exact copy of a vehicle on the 23rd June in southern Italy 1944 built in the left corner of shed B of the Ford factory. I do like to buy kits that are as closely modeled as possible on the subject they are modeled after.I don't like kits that are wildly inaccurate.

5. Is there an area of modelling that interests you but you haven’t explored yet?Why?
Space and Ships.....I think I would like to build a spaceship of some sort, but when I look at them I am less than inspired so I haven't bought one. Naval ships I have bought , but haven't built any because the detail is so small and to upgrade them costs a small fortune. However I may do a out of the box build at some point with just replacing the barrels as some of them on the kits are just nubs of plastic.

6. How do you see yourself in 10 years with modelling ?
Never thought that far ahead. I guess I''l still be doing it and I would like to forge a bond with a grandchild who may like it too.....who knows.

[aur0ra145]

1. How do you prepare for a model build? How do you decide what to build?

To prepare for a build I'll open the box, inspect the sprues, read the directions and make annotations for subassemblies. Make sure I have the paint I want and order a canopy mask (for airplanes) or a metal barrel (for tanks.) Additionally, I'll clean up the modelling space to keep things tidy. Stick all my blue tack back together and find all my alligator clips. Clean out the paint water cup and put new parchment paper on the wet palette. I'll also find whatever support equipment I'll need, think aircraft stands, paint handles, tank turn tables, etc.

As for what to build I have 3 methods.

Method 1: Impulse buy a kit at the model shop, and rip into it once I get home.

Method 2: Pick a smattering a kits that I have interest in but can't decide which to do. Have the wife pick which kit from the selection. This serves two purposes. First, I don't have to make a decision. Two, the significant other is somewhat invested in the project and is a bit more lenient on the super late night modelling sessions.

Method 3: Pick out a couple of kits, assign them a number and roll a dice. I've seen this method for mini painting to choose a model, theme and paint color. It's sort of fun, and forces you to try something new.

2. Take us through your process when you are opening a new kit box; examining the contents laying it out, wash sprues??etc

Open box, find sprues, inspect sprues, look at directions, verify I have paint required. Not a big sprue washer, though, I may start if the first sprue shows signs of release agent.

3. Do you build for fun, profit, medals, internet acknowledgements, cat purrs??

I model for fun and to take my mind off things. It's a great escape. As a rule, I don't do commission builds. At that point, the build is work and that's not much fun for me.

While I don't build a kit with the intent to enter into a model contest. I do like winning medals at the local competitions. Though, building a sole competition piece could be setting yourself up for disappointment. With me, I build the model for personal enjoyment and it's a bonus if it wins something.

Internet acknowledgement while not required is nice when received.

4. Do you build to exact perfect duplication or take more artistic licence approach?

Both. Duplication if I can for historical stuff. Artistic license for just about anything sci-fi. Mini painting is wholly artistic license for me.

5. Is there an area of modelling that interests you but you haven’t explored yet?Why?

I would like to do a surface ship at some point like the Bismarck, Scharnhorst, Yamato, etc. Tanks, planes and sci-fi is what I really like. Cars and motorcycles don't interest me much. 3d printing models that aren't available in styrene is another place I'd like to get more into. The TIE Phantom is my first project wrt to this.

6. How do you see yourself in 10 years wrt modelling ?

No idea. Probably a bigger stash. Hopefully I'll continue to improve my skills.

[cor]

1. How do you prepare for a model build? How do you decide what to build?

Clean up the workspace, buy paint, glue knife blades etc, ie the essentials for any model kit, then research to find out any special items, like paint colours and specific tubing etc to detail the model.
I also start building it in my mind before I make any start, like go over how to add extra detail, and try and see the finished model on display, specifically the parts that I am looking forward to detailing up.

As to what to build, like the others have said, whatever takes my fancy, but usually something different to the last model built, so as to try and keep it new and interesting for me.



2. Take us through your process when you are opening a new kit box; examining the contents laying it out, wash sprues??etc

Check out the level of detail on the parts. Make sure all the parts are there. Check clear parts for damage or faults. Check decals for quality, and to see if new decals would be required, like printing a new set on decal paper with extra detail.



3. Do you build for fun, profit, medals, internet acknowledgements, cat purrs??

For mental stimulation / fun / relaxation, and perhaps most of all, to have an awesome model of something I'm interested in on display.



4. Do you build to exact perfect duplication or take more artistic licence approach?

I just try and make them look real. If its not exactly as the real thing was engineered, I wont lose any sleep over it. But I am trying to make it as close as I feel I can manage more and more.



5. Is there an area of modelling that interests you but you haven’t explored yet?Why?

Big scale battleship or sailing ship, because 1. they are very large and need to be put somewhere... and 2. need a lot of skill and time to get one done properly.



6. How do you see yourself in 10 years wrt modelling ?

Ive only been back into it for a year now, after doing from ages 4 to 17. So no idea really. If I keep at it, I'd like a proper work area and a decent stash. I only have one model in my stash now . . . I'd also like to be building models that look like a shrunken down version of the real thing - oh yeah, also like to me making my own to a degree with 3D printing technology. At least modifying and detailing them, as I already have the 3D design skills.

[Stokesy44]

1. How do you prepare for a model build? How do you decide what to build?

I clear down the bench, put everything back in its proper place. If I need anything by way of supplies I'll order them but that's about it.

2. Take us through your process when you are opening a new kit box; examining the contents laying it out, wash sprues??etc

I dont wash sprues and I will have already looked inside the box, either in the shop, or when it arrived at home. Its still a nice moment to get the prelim photos done and posted on the forum as I know, then, I'm on my way.

3. Do you build for fun, profit, medals, internet acknowledgements, cat purrs??

I build for fun and to relax. I post on the forum because I find it adds to the build. Its nice to share, enjoy the banter and it keeps me on my toes, knowing someone other than me will be casting their beady eye over my work.

4. Do you build to exact perfect duplication or take more artistic licence approach?

I like the build to be correct, especially if its a subject where I know exactly what its supposed to look like. Some liberties are taken with painting, especially with armor but then camo was field applied in many cases so who knows what the real thing would have looked like anyway. I'm not a fan of rivet counting because they're not actually out to help, they're out to build their own self-esteem and I dont need those people around me.

5. Is there an area of modelling that interests you but you haven’t explored yet? Why?

I'm a rubbish scratch builder, that's why I tend to buy modern kits. I've no interest in old, poorly detailed kits because I dont have the skill set to bring them up to standard.

6. How do you see yourself in 10 years wrt modelling ?

Hopefully the same, may be a bit up-tempo but that's all. I love it as it is right now.

[Garion77]

Wow that a really nice set of questions !
First, I think that we should all thanks Scott for that wonderful series ! It most be a lot of work to find them and it's fun to see everyone's answers and all the different subjects we had.

1. How do you prepare for a model build? How do you decide what to build?

I don't decide ! I let my son choose the model he wants me to build from my stash. I give him a choice between 4 or 5 kits each time. It's my way to get him involve slowly in the process of the hobby. I'll show him the progress I make and explaining how it was done. And having shared custody (6 days with his mom/8 days with me), every time he comes back from his mother's, we sit down together and look what I've done in the past week. It's the first time, with my 2 current projects, he does not choose which one I do.

2. Take us through your process when you are opening a new kit box; examining the contents laying it out, wash sprues??etc

Not much process for me. Each time I get a new kit, I love to open the bags and look at the details, instructions and decals. I don't wash sprues, I think it's a waste of time. It's not like the kits of the 80's now...But I would still do it if would still be doing cars. But I don't anymore.

3. Do you build for fun, profit, medals, internet acknowledgements, cat purrs??

For fun only and accomplishment...in the sense of doing something of my time instead of watching tv ! I don't want internet acknowledgements but I realized recently that I like sharing it here with everyone and looking at everyone else work. I also a big geek about history, so it's another way of learning it.

4. Do you build to exact perfect duplication or take more artistic licence approach?

I don't but am slowly tending too... As my skills are slowly improving, I'm always trying to replicate a bit more. And trying too is for me another way of learning about history or learning something new. I love learning...

5. Is there an area of modelling that interests you but you haven’t explored yet?Why?

For sure it would be armor modeling. I've been a big fan for years of that but never tried too. I was building cars before, and would buy armor kits and magazines... but wasn't equip for it first. After I stop for a few years and got back with planes as I always had a big interest in them. But would love to start an armor kit in the near future and stop being intimated them. I have 8 or 9 kits of them in my stash. A few that I would surely never built as I don't like them (m113 or an Osorio), another few that are really old kits that were given to me more then 10 years ago. But I also have a few that look pretty nice like 2 different Jagdpanzers and a Sherman from Tamiya ; and my 2 favorites, a King Tiger from Dragon (so much details in this one) and a prize from ISM, a Miniart SU-122

6. How do you see yourself in 10 years wrt modelling ?

We'll I hope to be better in every aspect for sure ! Would love to get really better with oil paints as I love using them but still am struggling a bit. I would love to have a better space too for my hobby. I don't complain much as I have a really nice one already but I would love to have the space for a bigger desk, more room to store all the supplies and an area for a spray booth....may be when my son doesn't need is playroom anymore or when we make the bedroom of the oldest in the basement (on my modeling room)

[Twokidsnosleep]

Francis, my friend, Thank you very much @Garion77
That was very kind of you and I appreciate your acknowledgement
A very special cheers to you

[Stokesy44]

Yes, well said. Thanks for putting these up, Scott.

Always good to read how others view the hobby and also to question oneself as to the things that get us going about the thing we love.

You're a fine chap, for a dentist

[Carles]

Hello everyone again..
I guess I won't say anything you didn't mention in the other comments.
In my case I can say the following:

1. How do you prepare for a mock-up construction? How do you decide what to build?

I think it comes from the inspiration of when I want to make a model that I like with the desire to be able to have it done as soon as possible, although this often takes longer than expected.
Obviously it accompanies the moment in which you prepare the workplace, the tools and you make the selection of the model that best suits my requirements .. (quality, price, delivery time, etc ..)

2. Send us your process when you open a new kit box;
examining its contents by arranging it, washing its beaks, etc.

Open the box as soon as possible to inspect the contents.
Read the instructions to analyze the assembly phases, the paint, the layers, the different versions … then I examine the beaks in case there are any defects (it happened to me before)
I don't like to wash them.

3. Do you build for fun, profits, medals, internet recognition, cat purrs?

I build the kits for personal satisfaction and have a good time while doing what I enjoy and relaxing. You let your imagination run wild many times thinking about the real model you are reproducing.
I'm not making a replica of the original but I'm trying to make it look like it.

4. Do you build for perfect duplication or do you use a more artistic licensing approach?

You let your imagination run wild many times thinking about the real model you are reproducing. Sometimes trying to make an exact replica ends up becoming the subject of criticism or diversity of opinion so try to avoid it 100% (usually they come from modelers who have the shelves crammed with kits but have never assembled any) ... He, He, He ..
I'm not making a replica of the original but I'm trying to make it look like it.

5. Are there any areas of modeling that interest you that you haven't explored yet? Because?

I have always had priority for airplanes, but it is true that I was once tempted to make a diorama with an armored vehicle and 1:35 scale figures that did not materialize in the end.
I must say that there have been several stages in which I have spent a lot of time on jet fighters (from a young age) and I have finished with the piston engine.
I admire the patience of boat makers that I haven’t tried either.
And the cars and bikes I haven't tried either.
What I also like are the electric trains, which I also have a few.

6. How do you see modeling in 10 years?

I hope to be able to get there by keeping the same desire and also getting my son to fall in love with it (now it's just starting)
and always keeping in mind that even if in the end it doesn't look the way he wants it to, it will have served to improve and this is the part he has to stay with and that he will use to do the next one.
We all know that and you can always learn something from someone you don't like because they thought or did something you didn't know ... and that's what counts.

Regards.
Carles.

[chops1sc]

1. How do you prepare for a model build? How do you decide what to build?
I try to make sure the mat is clear and clean and all paints and other supplies from the previous build are put away. Deciding what to build all depends on what I am into that the time (cars, tanks, aircraft). Sometimes a GB will be determining what I am building.

2. Take us through your process when you are opening a new kit box; examining the contents laying it out, wash sprues??etc
I generally cut open each sprue bag and look things over (rather quickly). I then put them in Letter order (if they are labeled) and look at the instructions and decals. I do not wash sprues.

3. Do you build for fun, profit, medals, internet acknowledgements, cat purrs??
I definitely build for fun but I also enjoy showing my builds off to my peers and my family.

4. Do you build to exact perfect duplication or take more artistic license approach?
I like to find a happy medium between accuracy and artistic license. It all depends on the subject.


5. Is there an area of modelling that interests you but you haven’t explored yet? Why?
Dioramas. I am not sure my skills are ready for that level.

6. How do you see yourself in 10 years wrt modelling ?
Hopefully building some dioramas or vignettes!

[Twokidsnosleep]

Really great answers so far guys

I watched a you tube video where a guy building a motorcycle fully assembled as is, out of the box. Then he tore it all down, painted and re assembled. I have not ever built like that but might stop me from messing up all my paintwork

[Tomcat64]

How you model

1a. How do you decide what to build?
This year I've set myself a tentative plan based on the forum Group Builds, but I'll also find myself pondering my next build as I get to the end stages of the current one. Sometimes if I get really bogged down I'll succumb and crack open the next build before finishing the first but that can also lead down a rat-hole. At the moment I'm on a bit of a mojo-building exercise with some armour but I've not built an aircraft for a while and also want to do some more figure painting so they'll both feature at some point when I feel the time is right.
1b. How do you prepare for a model build?
Like just about everyone else has already said, I'll clean up my work area from the previous build - I'm fairly tidy during the build but the bench gets really cluttered up during painting & weathering as I like to keep the materials out so I can grab them without going looking (or trying to remember what I used). I'll also check the filters on my spray booth and swap them out if they're clogged up.
2. Take us through your process when you are opening a new kit box; examining the contents laying it out, wash sprues??etc
The instructions are always first out, when I get the kit and when I'm getting ready to build it I'll take a couple of run throughs primarily to work out sub-assemblies for painting purposes. I don't wash the sprues unless they're resin and will leave them all bagged until I'm ready to take the sprue shots for a build thread.
3. Do you build for fun, profit, medals, internet acknowledgements, cat purrs??
Fun and cat purrs Although I'd be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy the motivation from positive comments on here as well. I've never entered a competition aside from the GBs on here and the Friday Night show & tell section.
4. Do you build to exact perfect duplication or take more artistic licence approach?
I don't have the patience, skills or interest in building an exact replica of any subject but that's not to say I don't admire the work of those who do go that extra yard. For me as long as the end result looks "right" then I'm generally happy with it.
5. Is there an area of modelling that interests you but you haven’t explored yet?Why?
At some point I'm sure I'll enter the dark world of 3d printing and all that goes with it. In terms of actual kit subjects then I've build a range of genres since my return to the hobby (armour, aircraft, car, sci fi, figures, dioramas, locomotive ) so I guess ships/boats is the one thing missing from that last - I was down to do something around that for the "Scary Build" last year but time just didn't work out so that'll be done at some point when the mood takes me.
6. How do you see yourself in 10 years wrt modelling ?
All being well I hope to be doing more of the same, just better with any luck.

[NoelSmith]

It would take me too long to answer this thread, but it has made interesting reading, and I would only be repeating a lot of what previous posters have contributed anyway!

[BigWall]

1. How do you prepare for a model build? How do you decide what to build?
I usually find the inspiration for the next build on the forum, Instagram, in the hobby shop or in a magazine. I like subjects that look odd to me. There were no lack of those in WWII.

2. Take us through your process when you are opening a new kit box; examining the contents laying it out, wash sprues?? etc.
When a new kit shows up, I'll open it up and check out the sprues, leaving them in the bags. When starting the build, I'll take them out of the bags, give them a closer look and then go thru the instructions. I've never washed sprues.

3. Do you build for fun, profit, medals, internet acknowledgements, cat purrs??
I build for fun and I guess internet acknowledgement. I appreciate everyone's feedback here.

4. Do you build to exact perfect duplication or take more artistic license approach?
Definitely artistic license.

5. Is there an area of modelling that interests you but you haven’t explored yet? Why?
I don't think so. I've modeled about everything over the years

6. How do you see yourself in 10 years wrt modelling ?
Hopefully still kicking!

[Twokidsnosleep]

1. How do you prepare for a model build? How do you decide what to build?
What catches my fancy, influence from friends, forum sigs and gb’s
I research on line, books, magazines, YouTube videos and lots of Google photo searches

2. Take us through your process when you are opening a new kit box; examining the contents laying it out, wash sprues??etc
I love a new kit. The box Art, the fresh instructions and decal sheets. All the the sprue bags. I open and drool over the kits, look through the instructions and do a check of sprues to make sure I have everything
For old retro kits from E bay, I make a sticky note for cost and shipping and re-bag sprues so they are protected well and of course do a thorough look through that there isn’t anything missing.

3. Do you build for fun, profit, medals, internet acknowledgements, cat purrs??
100% car purrs
I do really like the online support from forum members and the camaraderie and silliness of build threads. You guys certainly motivate me. I do not enter formal competitions, but have gone seen some local ones.

4. Do you build to exact perfect duplication or take more artistic licence approach?
Both. Not too anal but mostly realistic. I have gone off the deep end and done builds both full artistic licence and also as detailed and accurate as possible

5. Is there an area of modelling that interests you but you haven’t explored yet?Why?
I have an interest to build an old sailing ship…from scratch. Doing a plastic pirate ship kits, but think building all in wood would be cool
Will be a big learning curve

6. How do you see yourself in 10 years wrt modelling ?
Hopefully freaking retired and modelling like a madman

[Panzón]

1. How do you prepare for a model build? How do you decide what to build?
My stash is too large to make choosing a kit to build an easy decision. Sometimes, I know just what I want to work on, and sometimes it can be a bit of an agonizing process to choose. In the end, though, I generally find that one project calls out to me a little louder than the others.

2. Take us through your process when you are opening a new kit box; examining the contents laying it out, wash sprues??etc
Usually, I just go through the instructions a couple of times to familiarize myself with the subassemblies, then I just start building, usually following the order of the instructions, but not always. I don't wash sprues because I don't often paint parts on the sprue, and I figure I'm going to be handling the parts as I build, getting skin oil on them, so I wash subassemblies when they are ready for paint.

3. Do you build for fun, profit, medals, internet acknowledgements, cat purrs??
Fun.

4. Do you build to exact perfect duplication or take more artistic licence approach?
I build what's in my mind's eye.

5. Is there an area of modelling that interests you but you haven’t explored yet?Why?
No

6. How do you see yourself in 10 years wrt modelling ?
If I'm still alive, and physically able to build models, and haven't yet gotten through my stash, I expect I'll still be building. It'll be interesting to see if the quality of my builds improves with experience, or declines as my body ages.