Modeling Bias

[DRUMS01]

OK Everyone, this is being created to learn about our modeling culture. It is not to judge each other or created to be used to try to convince each other to an opposite way of thinking or values.

We all have modeling bias's as it related to the modeling subject(s), manufacturers, origins, tools, and more. This string is to speak out about the reason why we choose or avoid things in modeling. All I ask is to keep the politics out of it and keep it rated "G / PG".

I'm excited to hear everyone's perspectives, so.....

I'll start... Modeling subjects can be impacted by many things. While I remember stories from some modelers now passed and gone, they said they would never build a German WW2, Korean, or Vietnam was model being veterans from those era's and having experiences they did not want to remember. For me, I do not suffer from that. As a matter of fact, participating in previous group builds both here and on other domains, I've developed an affection for most all types of subject, other than the off putting sexual or gore. I cannot explain why I do not build sci-fi because I find it interesting (?). Everything else is in the stash.

I'm not sure how each of us choose our manufacturers of choice (?). For me it is subject matter, build quality, accuracy, and detail; but not necessarily in the order. For most of my years in modeling I built automotive competition subjects, but for the last several years I've branched out into WW2 ships, numerous aircraft and armor, and even some space and figure items. I really think that is the joy of modelling; you can build was suits you when it suits you. Obviously, some of my favorite manufactures would have to include Tamiya, Das Werks, Takom, Hasegawa, and several more.

I do not find myself tied to one kit origin, such as Japan (Tamiya). As often, with a larger global industry, I find that depending on the subject, my needs end up traveling to the company that makes the product I want. There are exceptions to that statement but due to political restrictions or military aggression I will not state them here.

As for paints, I've now become used to using Vallejo and Tamiya paints. I do still dabble in other manufacturers based on what I need, but those are my two main sources.

Wow, for tools where do you start? I think based on over 50 years of modeling I'm leaving this one alone. I can say that I do have my "Go To" airbrushes, compressor, modeling cements, brushes, putty, and so on; but I'm eager to hear everyone elses picks on this one.

So that's may start, now let's hear from everyone else.

[RangerNeil]

Era - I don't hold anything against "the other side" from my era. I can understand WW2 veterans views as "the other side" for them did some pretty despicable thing. So for me I'll build anything that saw service with regular military forces in any era. Anything to do with terrorist/"militia" - no, those subjects I won't touch with a bargepole.
Like anyone I have favourite topics - helicopters generally & Mi-24's in particular, armour generally & Tigers in particular - and Saab aircraft. Mustn't forget the Viggens as there are about 14 still in the stash. Also sci-fi in terms of the Gerry Anderson productions (I have to.admit to retaining wicked thoughts of Gabrielle Drake in UFO and Catherine Schell in Space: 1999 )

Manufacturers - as a rule of thumb Tamiya is the Gold standard but other manufactuers are encroaching on that. Takoms armour for example. For myself the subject is what matters though so I'm not overly bothered.about who makes the kit. The Viggen I just finished came as a pleasant surprise as I'd never built anything by Special Hobby. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet if the subject you want to model is only made by a firm with a less than savoury reputation for quality. Its the nature of the game.

Paints - mainly I use Tamiya or Hataka's Blue Line. Sometimes for a particular colour I'll go off-script so I have some Ammo Mig and Vallejo. Even got a bottle of Hannants Xtra colour because it was the bestbmatch for the British Armys Deep Bronze Green.

Tools - one of my varied jobs was engineer (Toolmaker) so I had a lot of fine files etc carried over from that eta that are now getting used for something completely different. Over the past few years I've found 3 different types of blade in thevknife are useful so now I have 3 knife handle such that I can tell by feel which is which. Fairly adept at making jigs for "one off" jobs like cutting track pins to length for Friuhl tracks.
Airbrushes etc - I'm still using the cheap Feng-Da compressor I got from Amazon about 10 years ago - its bee reliable - only issue I've had in all that time was one of the unions on the feed pipe from the compressor to the tank coming loose and leaking. A few moments with a spanner fixed that and nothing since. Likewise the airbrushes are the one that came with the compressor. A more advanced Feng-Da with 0.3, 0.5 and 0.8 needles. And an Ultimate Apex - I don't know what size the needle is in that - I thought it was a 0.3 but ot puts a LOT of paint out so maybe its not! A nice brush to use though. For hairy sticks I like the Army Painter range - comfortable handles and good quality bristles.

Well - thats my input.

[bfrd]

I think there is sometimes a blurry line between bias and preference. Generally, I would say that bias is preference without reason. Or at least without a subjective reason. For example, I prefer Tamiya model kits because they fit together without much filling or sanding. I am biased against Eduard because one of their representatives insulted me for asking a question about their product line. (That last part is true, btw)

Sometimes there are both. I originally bought Dspaie products because I thought they looked cool; now I buy them because they are well-built and not super expensive.

Onto the products...

Model subjects are not really an issue for me. I did originally have a funky feeling about building Axis things, but I have come to realize that history is history. I am not making a statement or pledging an affiliation, only making a model. That said, I respect those who choose not to build certain things or display certain markings. This is a hobby, so you should do what makes you happy. My skill and patience levels pretty much mean I am not ready for most floaty things, especially those that come with sails! I never really liked armor, but the little tank I just made was a lot of fun.

Kits, I will always go with Tamiya if possible. After that, it comes down to who has what I want to build on the right scale. There are plenty of good kits that fit just as well (or almost as well) as Tamiya. But there are still some kits that really need a warning label.

Paints will depend on what needs to be painted. Cars and Bikes and other shiny things will probably get Splash Lacquer. I like Zero, but they are too hard to get where I live. Splash Paints are a good quality (yes, they are hot), relatively inexpensive, and easy to ship. As a bonus, I like the size of the bottles. I still have half a bottle of some of the first Zero Paints I bought. I want some variety and won't keep painting things the same color just because I have a ton of it. Everything else that needs color will get Vallejo. They were my first acrylic paints, and I think they are great. For metal colors, I prefer Alclad and then AK Extreme metal for the colors I don't have in Alclad. The AK sprays beautifully, but isn't as resilient as the Alclad lacquers. If I need a dry brush, I love the Citadel Dry range. However, I hate the bottles and their shelf life. For oils, I like Abteilung 502. That one is probably more of a bias. I bought the entire line when it was on sale for $3.50 a tube, with an additional 40% off that. Based on my current usage, I will run out when I am about 300 years old. Primers, I like Mr. Surfacer or Stynylrez/Ultimate.

Paintbrushes, I like Princeton brushes. They are not Series 7 expensive, but still feel like a step up from no-name budget brushes. I can generally get them at a discount from a local craft store, so it isn't a crime when I forget to take care of them as well as I should.

Airbrushes are a bit of a different story. I think a big part of bias is needing to justify a purchase to yourself. Like most of us, I started out with a no-name airbrush that I immediately outgrew. My first "real" airbrush was a Pasche Talon. This was a good airbrush, maybe not great, but good. I got ahead of myself and bought a Harder and Steenbeck Infinity next. I convinced myself that this brand was the best. This was purely to justify the cost to myself. In reality, there are plenty of good brushes, and my skill level probably can't find the limit of any of them. I recently purchased a pair of Mr. Procon Boy trigger brushes because I find the trigger easier to use. I still have the H&S for fine detail work.

The tool and consumables market is probably too varied. I have stuff from all over the place. I am biased toward Ultimate products and against Ammo by Mig. Other than that, I will use just about anything.

[Stokesy44]

Gosh, we are a well reasoned bunch on here. Good respect being shown all round

My build preferences are in line with my interests in history. WW2 military to present day and Sci-Fi / Space flight.

I do have a 1/32 Red Baron Tri-plane with a 1/12 bust of the pilot but that's the exception that proves the rule.

Nothing sexual, no gore and no glorification of fanatics. You will not find a Michael Wittman, for example, in my stash. I also choose not to build WW2 Japanese subjects, this is a gut reaction and probably requires further analysis as I am happy to build German subjects.

Manufacturers - My choices are, hopefully, based on quality and value. I like manufacturers that have proven their quality to me or have been well reviewed by people I trust.

I will not build the following:

Dragon - too expensive and too much 'emperors new clothes'

Revell, Italieri, Hobbyboss - based on experience I no longer build these subjects. I don't believe the engineering or plastic quality is good enough.

Zvezda - enough said.

Kittyhawk - too many poor reviews - which is gutting because I would love to build their MH60 and Little Bird kits re Blackhawk Down.

I dont like PE but I do like coloured PE and resin aftermarket stuff.

I believe in having the right tools so I have good sanders, micro drills and knives. I started with a cheap airbrush and compressor, the airbrush has been updated to an Infinity but the compressor is still jogging along. I love Tamiya acrylics for spraying as they just seem to suit me. I also have a number of Vallejo model air and colour sets.

I use Ultimate clay based washes and Alclad Aqua Gloss, Vallejo pigments and beginners oils for filters.

So those are my parameters. Provided I stay between those lines I'm usually happy

[cor]

Interesting stuff.

I have never built Japanese military due to the stories I grew up with and my older age studies into their antics. However I recently acquired a Tamiya 1/32 zero. One on the best kits I've seen. So as I grow older the Japanese stuff is perhaps coming to the table.

Paints almost always Mr colour lacquer. Just great quality. No other reason.

Kits. Doesn't matter so much as long as I can see the end result as being worthwhile. Sometimes you can polish a turd.... Especially as my skills have improved. I like obscure makers because of the rarity factor, but like others have said, Tamiya is a no brainer. Hasegawa is also very good.

Subject. I guess we all have our faves. I lean towards F1 large scale cars. But I'll build anything if I like the way it looks. Not so much dioramas though. Might get into figures, especially as I'm seriously considering a resin 3D printer.

[Stokesy44]

Interesting stuff.

I have never built Japanese military due to the stories I grew up with and my older age studies into their antics. However I recently acquired a Tamiya 1/32 zero. One on the best kits I've seen. So as I grow older the Japanese stuff is perhaps coming to the table.

Paints almost always Mr colour lacquer. Just great quality. No other reason.

Kits. Doesn't matter so much as long as I can see the end result as being worthwhile. Sometimes you can polish a turd.... Especially as my skills have improved. I like obscure makers because of the rarity factor, but like others have said, Tamiya is a no brainer. Hasegawa is also very good.

Subject. I guess we all have our faves. I lean towards F1 large scale cars. But I'll build anything if I like the way it looks. Not so much dioramas though. Might get into figures, especially as I'm seriously considering a resin 3D printer.

Interesting stuff. I think my position on the Japanese is very much in line with yours. The 3D printer and figure issue is also on my radar. Much investigation is required.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Ok well

Subjects:
I am mostly a car and motorcycle guy. Not really a war subject, but can respect that genre.
I like sci-fi and space, oh and helicopters and some jets, sailing ships as of late.
Some figures are fun too; historical or movie/tv figures are super.
Despite being a pervert, I don’t find the sexual subjects very appealing.
TV or movie based models I find really fun to reminisce of childhood, mostly vehicles.

Manufacturers:
I am same as most, big Tamiya fan boy. I will venture to other makers if the subject is right.
If you want to try sci-fi, get a Bandai kit they are amazing. I like large scale cars, so venture into scary Pocher territory.
I can 3D print or scratch build almost anything using different media

Origins: nothing important for me there
Paint: again a Tamiya lover, decant their spray cans and use airbrush. Their paint pots are good too; adding a laquer mix to dilute.
I can’t get Mr hobby products in Canada anymore due to new regulations, so that sucks as love those

Tools:
Ya well I have three workshop areas at home. Tools all over the place. I hate cheap poorly made stuff so avoid that trap.
Ya that’s a good start about me

[digger303]

Ok I'll break down and spill my innards.

Kits
I dislike kits that don't fit so have a bias towards for kits after 2004 and stay away from almost all eastern European.
I tend to stay away from Italeri,Zvezda, Revell,Academy
I look at Trumpeter,Border,Special Hobby,Masterbox,Hobbyboss, with a careful eye and research

Genre
I mostly went for WW2 armour or soft skins to start with and avoided aircraft I think mainly because they were what I botched up when I was young and had less of a idea on how to build. As time went on I did venture into WW2 aircraft and have now progressed into WW1 armour and more so with the early aircraft from around that era.
I guess I'm biased against bikes, cars including modern trucks,busts,toon kits, Gundam, SiFi although I like the films and real space.
I sort of steer away from large naval ships because the detail at 1/350 is limited and the cost to upgrade is huge, but as a subject It does have a fascination.

Subjects
I don't like death/gore and even though I was a healthy male sexual subjects are not appealing either.
I also have a personal bias against buying anything new made in Russia to date, but splitting hairs I will buy second hand from a third party.

Tools
Yep love good quality tools, but sometimes I get seduced by a cheap price on what looks ok and sometimes its good and sometimes not so much. So I have RPK quality tools and cheap crappy tweezers which I curse every time a part takes a lesson in flying and camo. However I've remedied that just recently with much better quality set from Stedi.
There are more quality tools I want , but I'm not feeling that rich just yet.

[NoelSmith]

Modelling bias for me is Automotive and Period Ships I guess, but sometimes I get side tracked by another subject altogether that might take my fancy !

Noted a few comments in this thread about kit quality differences between manufacturers products. Some like shake the box kits that build perfectly with no issues like Tamiya's for example, whilst others enjoy the challenge of making a silk purse from a sow's ear. Bias can also depend to a certain extent on the depth of a model maker's wallet too when it comes to preference.I
Subject bias however can be quite prevalent at local club level if the majority interest of members is really skewed towards one particular genre, particularly if the club runs it's own in house competitions regularly. It is just natural I guess for folks to vote for like models to their own particular interest at club level. Often models that have done well at a major show and judged by their peers there can often get side lined at local level.

[digger303]

Modelling bias for me is Automotive and Period Ships I guess, but sometimes I get side tracked by another subject altogether that might take my fancy !thread

Noted a few comments in this thread about kit quality differences between manufacturers products. Some like shake the box kits that build perfectly with no issues like Tamiya's for example, whilst others enjoy the challenge of making a silk purse from a sow's ear. Bias can also depend to a certain extent on the depth of a model maker's wallet too when it comes to preference.I
Subject bias however can be quite prevalent at local club level if the majority interest of members is really skewed towards one particular genre, particularly if the club runs it's own in house competitions regularly. It is just natural I guess for folks to vote for like models to their own particular interest at club level. Often models that have done well at a major show and judged by their peers there can often get side lined at local level.

Interesting.
I have noticed some FB pages which are open to all genres tend to have more of one genre than others and that's ignoring the relevant popularity of different genres. It's strange because with FB a lot of people don't even know each other on a face to face level.

[Stokesy44]

Interesting.
I have noticed some FB pages which are open to all genres tend to have more of one genre than others and that's ignoring the relevant popularity of different genres. It's strange because with FB a lot of people don't even know each other on a face to face level.

Agree. I've seen exactly the same thing. One particular genre gains some traction and people who build other subjects tend to fade away, especially if their posts get little attention or replies on them. Broad spectrum sites tend to narrow as a result.

[RangerNeil]

Interesting.
I have noticed some FB pages which are open to all genres tend to have more of one genre than others and that's ignoring the relevant popularity of different genres. It's strange because with FB a lot of people don't even know each other on a face to face level.

Agree. I've seen exactly the same thing. One particular genre gains some traction and people who build other subjects tend to fade away, especially if their posts get little attention or replies on them. Broad spectrum sites tend to narrow as a result.

It seems to be a human "thing". When I owned that OT-90 it was stored at a transport museum that had everything - road, rail, aviation. After a few years the founder sadly died and the bus owners effectively took over and everything else was edged out. I've heard similar tales from car storage facilities where they become exotica or single marque only.

[cor]

Interesting stuff.

I have never built Japanese military due to the stories I grew up with and my older age studies into their antics. However I recently acquired a Tamiya 1/32 zero. One on the best kits I've seen. So as I grow older the Japanese stuff is perhaps coming to the table.

Paints almost always Mr colour lacquer. Just great quality. No other reason.

Kits. Doesn't matter so much as long as I can see the end result as being worthwhile. Sometimes you can polish a turd.... Especially as my skills have improved. I like obscure makers because of the rarity factor, but like others have said, Tamiya is a no brainer. Hasegawa is also very good.

Subject. I guess we all have our faves. I lean towards F1 large scale cars. But I'll build anything if I like the way it looks. Not so much dioramas though. Might get into figures, especially as I'm seriously considering a resin 3D printer.

Interesting stuff. I think my position on the Japanese is very much in line with yours. The 3D printer and figure issue is also on my radar. Much investigation is required.

Re 3D printer. The resin is incredibly toxic, so I'm kinda backing off. So many chemicals on my bench already.

[Portman]

A really interesting subject and discussion chaps - I've only skim read some of your responses as I'm a bit short of time, but I'll go back and read them properly when I can - interesting stuff as I said.

Genre...

Although I prefer British and US WWII and Cold War aircraft and Military Vehicles, I'd like to say I'll have ago at most things to be honest, military of civilian. I never used to touch German and Japanese subjects, like some of you that's changed over the years, even if I'm not greatly inspired by them I might have a go. I probably wouldn't build anything Argentinian to be honest (I had an uncle in that war), and I would never touch anything graphic/horror or sexualised subject as others have said - in fact I question the mentality of people that do.

I know this sounds daft, but some times I get a kit because of the kit, rather then the subject - that's why I've ended up building a Tamiya P-38. I've heard such good stuff about it I wanted to give it a go.

Kits...

I used to build anything and had a bias towards older kits and manufacturers like FROG, Matchbox, vintage Airfix and Monogram - I was big into nostalgia. But these days I much prefer decent modern kits, I'm done with nostalgia - I've missed too many modern kits. I like stuff such as Tamiya, Gecko and modern Airfix. I detest Italeri and Revell and I'm not a big fan of short run kits, although I've seen some interesting subjects coming out form the likes of Sword that might have to change that. I think Eduard are massively over-rated.

edit: whist I hate Italeri aircraft kits, I do actually think their 1/35 armour kits are ok- I'm enjoying the Crusader I'm currently building.

Paints...

As I brush painter with two Autistic kids in the house with smell issues, I prefer anything water-based and in a pot. I HATE blooming dropper bottles. I am getting into using Tamiya Acrylics for airbrushing though.

Tools...

I have a mix of old and new although I'm recently upgrading to better quality stuff - what ever works really. I like Tamiya glues and I still use good old fashioned tube glue if the need arises.

[Portman]

Re 3D printer. The resin is incredibly toxic, so I'm kinda backing off. So many chemicals on my bench already.

We had one in my office when I worked for Lockheed-Martin - I used to get awful headaches ever times they used it.

[digger303]

Re 3D printer. The resin is incredibly toxic, so I'm kinda backing off. So many chemicals on my bench already.

We had one in my office when I worked for Lockheed-Martin - I used to get awful headaches ever times they used it.

Yes I wouldn't have it inside if I ever got one.

[Stokesy44]

Re 3D printer. The resin is incredibly toxic, so I'm kinda backing off. So many chemicals on my bench already.

That's a good point. I'm wary of anything stinky and only use acrylics when painting - and always with the spray booth on.

If I buy resin aftermarket stuff I'm careful with sanding anything. That might put actual 3d printing out of my reach.

[Stokesy44]

A really interesting subject and discussion chaps - I've only skim read some of your responses as I'm a bit short of time, but I'll go back and read them properly when I can - interesting stuff as I said.

Genre...

Although I prefer British and US WWII and Cold War aircraft and Military Vehicles, I'd like to say I'll have ago at most things to be honest, military of civilian. I never used to touch German and Japanese subjects, like some of you that's changed over the years, even if I'm not greatly inspired by them I might have a go. I probably wouldn't build anything Argentinian to be honest (I had an uncle in that war), and I would never touch anything graphic/horror or sexualised subject as others have said - in fact I question the mentality of people that do.

I know this sounds daft, but some times I get a kit because of the kit, rather then the subject - that's why I've ended up building a Tamiya P-38. I've heard such good stuff about it I wanted to give it a go.

Kits...

I used to build anything and had a bias towards older kits and manufacturers like FROG, Matchbox, vintage Airfix and Monogram - I was big into nostalgia. But these days I much prefer decent modern kits, I'm done with nostalgia - I've missed too many modern kits. I like stuff such as Tamiya, Gecko and modern Airfix. I detest Italeri and Revell and I'm not a big fan of short run kits, although I've seen some interesting subjects coming out form the likes of Sword that might have to change that. I think Eduard are massively over-rated.

edit: whist I hate Italeri aircraft kits, I do actually think their 1/35 armour kits are ok- I'm enjoying the Crusader I'm currently building.

Paints...

As I brush painter with two Autistic kids in the house with smell issues, I prefer anything water-based and in a pot. I HATE blooming dropper bottles. I am getting into using Tamiya Acrylics for airbrushing though.

Tools...

I have a mix of old and new although I'm recently upgrading to better quality stuff - what ever works really. I like Tamiya glues and I still use good old fashioned tube glue if the need arises.

Fascinating post. So much I can identify with. It also shows, looking at all the posts, that modelling is like rugby, its a game for all shapes and sizes with room for everyone.