The Little World

There is no such thing as:

a. A completely accurate model. Do it never so well, there will always be a detractor who will pull up an MAP plan from 1959 to prove that you’ve made a mistake. Don’t try to argue the case as their criticism is not intended to make the model look better, but to make you feel worse. It’s a dominance game and you’d be well advised to reach for the doorknob or a pole-axe early in the piece.

b. A cheap model. No matter how inexpensive the kit is, the paints, cements, tools, and accessories will raise the price to your boiling point. Accept the fact that you have to pay for your pleasures and take comfort that plastic kit building does not cause running sores or unwanted children.

c. A model that is too expensive. Price it as high as you like – there will be someone who will pay that price. This principle also applies to the sale of photographic equipment or luxury motor cars.

d. A paint that will go on perfectly. Every formula has a problem built into it somewhere and you will be the person who finds it. In the end, let it dry, sandpaper it off, and try again.

e. A kit that fits 100%. Some of the high-end Japanese ones come close – up in the middle 90 percentile. Some of the European kits can be boxed with a chance of low 30’s.

f. A working feature. It may be a movable feature, or a feature that moves ( a difference of intention…) but it will not work well. Make it move, move it a couple of times, marvel at the silliness of it all, and then don’t press your luck.

g. Correct weathering. The very nature of the weathering process is fluid – but so is cat pee. Do it if you like, or don’t do it if you don’t like. Just don’t do it on the rug.

h. Too many tools. You can make a sort of model with a sharp stick and a piece of tissue paper but you’ll have more fun if you use a hundredweight of specialist tools.