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Author Topic: Why do we bother building models....  (Read 2778 times)

Brian60

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Why do we bother building models....
« on: August 16, 2018, 08:22:50 am »

After seeing all of these. But the thing that did come to mind was surely there is not enough demand worldwide for so many model ships? Graupner really have a Chinese production line on full speed here!

Tug Fanatic

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #1 on: August 16, 2018, 09:21:21 am »


That somehow puts the idea that modelling is a "cottage industry" into perspective. It somehow looks surreal.


Great photos that I had not seen.
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malcolmfrary

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #2 on: August 16, 2018, 09:34:35 am »

We bother because we want the models that we want, not what some marketer has said will be what we want.  A production line row is impressive, but look at the variety on any club stand at a show.

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gingyer

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #3 on: August 16, 2018, 09:50:24 am »

Would like to know where these are available though....
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TailUK

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #4 on: August 16, 2018, 10:13:47 am »

Because the model isn't an end in itself.  The actual process of building what we like and if we get to sail or fly or drive the model afterwards that a bonus.  Of course there are many facets to any hobby, some people don't build they just sail, some don't sail they just build and everything in between. 
As for RTR models, the production line is the only way to make bags of money building models for sale unless you're so good that you get commissions from people who can afford to pay what your time is worth. 
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Tug Fanatic

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #5 on: August 16, 2018, 10:14:44 am »

We bother because we want the models that we want, not what some marketer has said will be what we want.  A production line row is impressive, but look at the variety on any club stand at a show.



This argument has gone on for years. Researchers reckon that plans are limiting, plan builders reckon kits are limiting, kit builders reckon ready builts are limiting etc etc etc.  Each stage reduces choice.


I am happy to see any models & if this helps to achieve that then fine. Personally I don't want any of these models but that is my choice, just as despite my forum name I don't want a Southampton. 
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Steve Dean

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #6 on: August 16, 2018, 10:53:14 am »

Hi Gingyer,
The models are widely available and the top end ones are sold under the Graupner/SJ 'Premium' brand. Howes in Kidlington near Oxford usually have them in stock and so do other outlets who advertise in 'Model Boats'
They of course are not budget models and need installing with speed controllers and radio gear. Due to their length and narrow beam some of them require a lot of ballast to get them down to the water line and further effort to get them stable. On some of them the super-structure is heavy and as built they are very unstable. I'm currently carrying out a lot of mods to a 'Titanic' as it is very top heavy.
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tigertiger

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #7 on: August 16, 2018, 11:45:08 am »

I should imagine that the main target market is China. There are parents with money, and not time, who feel guilty and want to buy the biggest toy in the shop. There will also be bragging rights (face culture is important here) pond side, for the dad whose kid has the biggest toy.
There is also a big demand for plug and play (anything). The parents (often both) work long hours, kids often board (even in the local school), and get plenty of homework (daily and at weekends). Also at the weekend a lot of kids will have private lessons (maths, English, Chinese, piano, dance, or something else). A lot of middle class kids will have upwards of 4 hrs of private classes on the weekend. Homework starts at about age 6, and they get 2 hours per night, plus weekend.

Even 10 years back, before model boats took off, I went to model stores and found that most of what was on display was Raptor helicopters (not for novices) costing lots, and fixed wing models with 2m wingspans (also not for novices). Basically high price tag items. I imagine a lot of this stuff was taken out and crashed once. I can see the Graupner Premium range fitting in nicely. The model shops will also earn well out of fitting the radio gear and maybe trimming the models to float correctly.
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gingyer

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #8 on: August 16, 2018, 12:02:57 pm »

Thanks Steve,
I saw a couple I know some people may be interested in
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sabre

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #9 on: August 16, 2018, 01:08:54 pm »

I like all sorts of models from big tanks to aircraft and boats whether stationary or rc and even oo gauge railways.  For weeks I have been dribbling over a Trumpeter 1/200 Bismarck which is now on its way north and I have a Billing Bluenose 2 awaiting completion, somewhere in between that lot will be a Fairmile but that's when the big 4 wheeled plastic fantastic in the garage is up and running and out on the road or sold.
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meechingman

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #10 on: August 16, 2018, 06:43:28 pm »

Personally I don't want any of these models but that is my choice, just as despite my forum name I don't want a Southampton.
True, but it was a Southampton RTR that rekindled my interest in the hobby and led me down the slippery slope to fully refurbishing and converting two more non RTR tugs into what I wanted them to be.


So if an RTR can bring people into the hobby that's got to be a good thing, IMHO.
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TomHugill

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #11 on: August 16, 2018, 08:46:51 pm »

Most people at bury buy not build now anyway, so high quality rtr models like this can't be a bad thing.
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Neil

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #12 on: August 16, 2018, 10:12:42 pm »

 >>:-( <*< they've nicked my design for a watertight flush deck hatch on the tugs aft deck in the first photo...……...I designed that watertight flush hatch for my trawler builds in the 1970's...………..is there nothing these little people wont nick and plunder...…….. >>:-( <*< :police: {:-{ {:-{
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Bob K

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #13 on: August 16, 2018, 10:23:46 pm »

Those of us that build our own should be thankful that these RTR models are available for those who do not wish to try to build their own, or maybe not confident of their skills to do so.  There is quite a steep learning curve in model building, requiring a workshop and specialised tools.  I would not try to build a car from scratch, although it may be possible. 

There is a also very large second hand market with plenty on offer.

Don't knock it, it brings more enthusiasts into our activity and more ships on our lakes. 
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derekwarner

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #14 on: August 16, 2018, 11:04:16 pm »

That group of US Arleigh Burke Class destroyers all awaiting the 5" fwd gun mount look menacing from afar  :-)) ....

For interest I will try & find a cost for these from the Garupner/SJ 'Premium'  line of product...

OK...the Arleigh Burke Class destroyer @ 1:100 scale model is 1,200 EURO...
[if it were purchased from Germany [for export], technically the 19% VAT would not apply]

The Specification 32 page Down Load locks up ...will try again later

Derek
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Derek Warner

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BrianB6

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #15 on: August 16, 2018, 11:37:11 pm »

They need the production lines as most of the models appear to be out of stock  %%
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unbuiltnautilus

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #16 on: August 17, 2018, 02:59:40 am »

>>:-( <*< they've nicked my design for a watertight flush deck hatch on the tugs aft deck in the first photo...……...I designed that watertight flush hatch for my trawler builds in the 1970's...………..is there nothing these little people wont nick and plunder...…….. >>:-( <*< :police: {:-{ {:-{


Greatest respect to your design skills, but rather like rounding off the sharp edges on the first wheel, and putting the prop at the opposite end of the pointy bit of the boat, they may have come up with this by just using their brain cells :} .
I have even used this design once on the rear deck of a Sentinel Customs Cutter back in the day, and I can assure you, I have only ventured ooop north once, and the locals were scary, so I headed back south pronto, with no secret designs to show for it :-))
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Peter Fitness

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #17 on: August 17, 2018, 03:37:03 am »


Greatest respect to your design skills, but rather like rounding off the sharp edges on the first wheel, and putting the prop at the opposite end of the pointy bit of the boat, they may have come up with this by just using their brain cells :} .
I have even used this design once on the rear deck of a Sentinel Customs Cutter back in the day.


As have I, perhaps it could be said that great minds think alike :o {-)


I scratch build models simply because I enjoy doing it, plus, in many cases, it's much cheaper than buying kits or RTR.


Peter.
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derekwarner

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #18 on: August 17, 2018, 04:43:28 am »

Just back to the Graupner Arleigh Bourke Premium range  %) , which I originally thought looked pretty good...however looking more we see

Graupner appear to have installed twin 3 bladed inboard rotating propellers in their Premium range 1200 EURO version of the Airleigh Bourke destroyer

The original DDG51 Arleigh Bourke trailed contra rotating propellers during original tests, however settled on twin 5 blade variable pitch propellers with outboard rotation for powering ahead

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,57474.msg598428.html#msg598428

For EURO 1200, one would have expected a little better accuracy...I still have no joy in opening the specification page, however seeing this obvious major error...will not look further

Derek
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unbuiltnautilus

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #19 on: August 17, 2018, 08:12:56 pm »

Don't quote me on this, but I think they are packaging a pair of five blade props in with the model. They are fitted with the standard three bladers on the model though. We have one at work and I am sure I saw five blade props in the packaging when we put the model on display. Will check when I get back in..next Friday!! Yay, time off to build things!!
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derekwarner

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Re: Why do we bother building models....
« Reply #20 on: August 17, 2018, 10:24:10 pm »

Just back to the Graupner Airleigh Bourke Premium range  %) the Specification is a 32 page document....the English translation starts on page 13......my earlier attempts to read this resulting in the .pdf freezing on about page 15....%% 
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