[StephenLawson]

Originally posted by Rob_Owens@Dec 2 2003, 08:16 PM
[b] Yeah, "fetching". . . that's the word I was looking for. The possibility of finding a technique, a process, a combination that no one else has stumbled upon before. . . (think I'll leave the willow rods to Achim, though). So, I'll never be able to replicate Stephen Lawson (sorry to single you out, Herr Jastafuehrer), who cares??!! But, through reading Forum posts, The Spirit has been rekindled: I'm now excited about completing a model according to my own personal vision of what it should be. Thanks to all Forumites, Rob

RobOwens; no sweat old ma. Besides you don't want to imitate me Though I appreciate the compliment. B) Truth be told we are only competeing against individual ourselves to the aim of becoming better modelers. Not wanting to take myself too seriously here as Ginger and PeterL will be close behind me with a boot in my behind. (thank you sir may I have another...)

How do you escalate from ‘Nice’ to “WOW!” First you have to decide that you want to improve, especially if it’s a stretch of your talents. This may be a large step for some but recognizing you want to improve your skills or technique is the first step. As a modeler you want someone to see an image of the original item in a scaled down version. The oldest means we have of this is photography. So looking at a two dimensional image is the basis on which you can construct your developing skills.

The Splinter in the Minds Eye of a modeler is that intangible and sometimes inescapable concern that your mind readily tells you that an object is or is not a model. But before you start singing the Metaphysical Blues, there are ways that you can recondition your view point. Start by looking at the real thing or at least photos of it. Focus on the finer details and the relative size of each object or fitting. Next, talk to other modelers. Internet sites, model clubs and contests all provide excellent opportunities to hear other modelers relate their insights and techniques. Finally, read about other modelers and what they do. The vast amount of publications available to the average modeler is at an all time high. Personally I recommend anything by ComSam Publishing. They cater to the modeler by supplying them with all the best information...The following was a shameless plug, thank you.