The Little World

Well…more or less…

This famous fashion dictum also applies to a lot of scale modelling. Those of us who model in smaller scales are often unable to apply the same structures or details that other people can achieve. We have to paint suggestions rather than cement on actual structures.

We also spend less on individual models. Don’t let that suggest that we spend less on the hobby – we just buy more models. Which need more tools and more paint. Those who buy aftermarket parts may fork out far more than the big-scale builder does on a full kit.

I found out that less can be more when building dioramas and airfields. The first one I exhibited had far too many models and a structures, as well as an overbearing number of labels and signs. Later ones made more of fewer components and attracted better attention.

The same applies to basic paint schemes. We’ve all seen the airliner or commemorative air force scheme that overwhelmed the actual aircraft being shown; a triumph of show over substance. A similar model with a more modest scheme rings far more true.