It depends more on which kits you have in mind - I've seen some absolute shockers - but why is it that you always seem to refer to those who build from kits with such undisguised contempt? It says more about you than it does about anyone else.
There may ultimately be no room in your own timetable for them, Bryan, but I sincerely hope that they are made welcome at your club or the club (and maybe the hobby) will surely disappear.
Well - are they?
DM
Well now, "Inertia".
What gives with this "always seem" business? Nothing I said can be construed as derogatory.....much less your use of the word "contempt".
You don't know me, so how can you judge and use such language?
For many years now I've encouraged and helped fellow club members with their problems...be they "kit" or "scratch". I also make no apologies for attempting to persuade people to build their own choice of model, rather than buy whatever is on offer. With some success. Building a hull is probably the main obstacle for many of those who have contemplated the "switch"......but many hulls are available that can be converted into something else.
No problem there.
I'd also agree with you that some kits are monumentally difficult.....and some are simply rubbish.
But the final result should at least bear some resemblance to the original, surely.
Many of the "semi-kit" models we have on our lake have been built to very high standards....built by those who quite often decide to climb upwards and actually spend some time reseaching the prototype. Others, of course, do not.
Any form of modelling, be it railways, dolls houses, aircraft and so on places an onus (or should) on the builder to "get it right". Not rivet counting. Not everyone wants, can or needs a "museum quality" model.
The essence of building any model is surely to build it to the best of ones ability with the tools one has available and a modicum of realisation of what they are attempting to achieve.
My misgivings all centre around those who only want to put something together quickly just so it can be "on the water". I can understand the desire.....but I can't understand the Who gives a hoot" attitude shown by some so-called modellers.
What camp are you in?
BY.