The Little World

Or, how to classify your hobby.

Nathan Robinson, the schoolteacher on the Flory forum, mentioned an idea several episodes ago that is interesting and valid. He was counselling Flory forum members not to become discouraged in their modelling when they encounter problems that are going to affect the outcome of the build.

He said that some models will only ever be “B” models when finished, but should nevertheless be completed for the experience they provide. I heartily agree. And I wonder if we should consciously rate our work as we go? Here’s a possible table:

a. “A” model. A result that is as perfect as it can be. Every part in place, every seam hidden, every painted or weathered surface free of any blemish. Geometry correct and construction sturdy enough to never pose any danger of breakdown.

We all have this as a shining light to aim for…but our aim may be awry.

b. “B” model. Built model that has flaws. Flaws we know about, but cannot correct. They may be conceptual, structural, or aesthetic, but the fact that we know about them niggles at us. We continually look at them and forget to look at the rest of the model.

c. “C” model. Well, by now the faults are visible to others. They can be anything that stands out as a flaw important enough to notice and comment upon. This is a model we might keep in the background of a diorama or photo shoot to bulk up the scene. It is not bad enough to throw away, but not good enough to brag about.

d. “D” model. What I call a utility model. A rough sketch of something that doesn’t bear much closer examination. A model that has parts missing and excuses added to disguise them. The classic missing canopy that needs to be tarped over is a prime example…or the workshop model on stands that disguises the fact that the wheels and landing gear have been lost. Surprisingly useful for filling spaces, and as long as you do not have more than one in a collection, you’ll get away with it.

e “E” model. The aesthetic disaster that has a paint scheme so wrong that you have to treat it as deliberate satire. Best entered in comedy competitions, even if you did a great job on it. Box art can be wrong and profile illustrations can be even worse.

f. F” model. The unbelievable item. Either so far up the whiffery tree as to be embarrassing or so improbably loaded with weapons and accessories as to suggest that you just don’t care.