The Little World

Leaving time and energy for your new problems.

Whenever you meet with an obstacle in your road to scale modelling you must stop and try to figure out what went wrong. Go to reference works – whether they be on-line or in magazines – and then talk to other modellers who have had the same experience.

Try to be intuitive or scientific about the processes involved. See where you made a mistake – and don’t be afraid to admit to your own errors. That is the best way to fix them in your mind and let you see that things need to improve.

Then test out the new product or procedure that will avoid the problem. Use test objects or models to prove the concept. Once you are convinced that you can do better, commence the next build …and apply the new knowledge at the point of the last error.

Then go on to the next botch-up that will spoil everything. Because there will be a new thing arise, as sure as the sun rises in the East. Take heart – you are helping the owners of the model companies, paint makers, and hobby shops. Every time you make a mess, you will spend 2 to 3 x the amount of money next time to avoid it. Your blunders are their dinner.

If you are feeling generous, make the same mistake three or four times running. They will not laugh at you until you are out of the shop.