The Little World

A well-known set of modellers discuss their builds on the internet regularly and show how they apply weathering, washes, oils, staining, filters, and a whole armoury of pictorial effects to their models. The results are indeed grimy and realistic – one has to applaud them for that.

Yet, they fall into a habit of describing other techniques as “ toy-like “ and “ similar to die-casts “…and pooh-poohing this. It reminds me of someone who might go to a smorgasbord and then tell everyone else that they should eat the same things – no variety.

Well, I’ll make a confession and statement of faith here and now; I like toys*. I like die-cast cars and aircraft. I like clean model railway trains. I like layouts and play sets and dioramas that do not need to be dusty and dirty. I like doll houses and Christmas villages.

I like model kits as well, and I do see the point of the weathering and wearing…but I like to think of the kit as a starting point to make a wonderful toy. If I can achieve that level of finish of a custom-built diecast, I am more than satisfied.

Oh, I will weather and pre-shade a bit. But no more than a fine collector’s toy would require. The visual is a reward for me, and I like my visuals clean.

*   I also like smorgasbords…particularly the ones with rye bread and herrings.