Another case of burn out?

[Paulw]

I hope not but lately it seems as if there is nothing that I can come close to finishing. If it isn't a build that doesn't seem to want to cooperate or one that just stalls and is going no where fast. They wind up on the shelf and point what ever resembles a finger at me taunting that I just don't care. Hardly the case, though.

I don't have a huge stash as some others do and there are some interesting subjects in there. I just wish I could put a finger on the problem and do something about it. Maybe buy another kit, yeah that sounds like a winner. Maybe I should just go back to an old Monogram or Revell kit and do something simple but then again there is no such thing as a simple build any more.

When I find out what the problem is Ill knock it out and come back swinging and produce something good.

 

[Old Dog]

Been there, done that, got the Tee shirt ! My big stumbling block of late is finish, I end up debating on color schemes, amount of weathering, etc. After struggling through the build process I hate the thought of screwing it all up.

Get yourself an egg plane or one of the other caricature kits. Most are easy builds and nothing to take seriously, some don't even require paint and come with both stickers and decals. Or do a what if, no way to screw those up, just tell folks that's the way it's supposed to be.

And sometimes you just need to step away from the modeling bench and give it a rest. Sooner or later the kits will start calling you again. :zen :zen :zen

 

[Swordsman]

Been there, done that, got the Tee shirt ! My big stumbling block of late is finish, I end up debating on color schemes, amount of weathering, etc. After struggling through the build process I hate the thought of screwing it all up.

Get yourself an egg plane or one of the other caricature kits. Most are easy builds and nothing to take seriously, some don't even require paint and come with both stickers and decals. Or do a what if, no way to screw those up, just tell folks that's the way it's supposed to be.

And sometimes you just need to step away from the modeling bench and give it a rest. Sooner or later the kits will start calling you again. :zen :zen :zen

Great advice Gary ... I'm in the same boat ... need some heat in the modeling room I guess ... but today I'll look at the LED's in the Voyager ... it must be lit-up to be a contender ... Paul I'm here for ya ... my excuse is that I commission too many things for other modelers ... that could be because I'm good at what I do ... and Paul seen your work ... it is very good and your builds inspire me to get some extra socks on and a coat and get to it ... :salute

 

[moon puppy]

Just sit back and let it come to you again. Read a book, catch up on some tv (like there's anything on).

That or get a SNARK. one of those old kits that are easy and something you don't have to worry about getting JUST right. Smack it together and ahve some fun. :zen

 

[Heavens Eagle]

Paul your stuff has been looking real good lately! Don't worry about it. I have several decent builds in process and they are all just setting at the moment. Mostly due to "having" to do some other stuff. Still have a batch of "other stuff" to finish up, but will jump on one of them again here real soon.

 

[ausf]

I have more slumps than I build, so I can tell you what works for me.

First off, it has to be OOB. Even better if it's not in your normal wheelhouse, grab a cheap Weird-Ohs or something.

Second, zero (or very little) research. Build like a kid, not an adult overcomplicating everything.

Third, if possible, buy it new. Best case is to go to the LHS and grab something that speaks to you, go home and build it. If that's not possible, order something at the beginning of the week that'll arrive before the weekend and pre-arrange time for it. In both cases, make sure you have or buy any needed supplies so it doesn't sit waiting on a color.

Fourth, build it like the zombies are coming, you don't have unlimited time. Clean those parts and glue 'em. Get paint on that sucker. Don't add anything, don't make it your opus, don't really wait for the paint to completely cure before you get that Future coat on. Overnight, hah! Decals in a few hours if if fits your schedule. Just enjoy the process. This is where a new genre is good. If you're an AC builder and the wing root isn't perfect, you won't get past it until you fill it. If you have to fill it, it becomes a chore or a hurdle, then it's a reason to move along.

Finally, when it's done, that a photo, post it, then stick a firecracker in it or give it away or something. This wasn't about filling your trophy case, this was supposed to be fun and relaxing.

 

[Brokeneagle]

Hey Paul I know exactly what it's like. I haven't built anything for about 18 months but I slapped together and old monogram Me 110 G yesterday; no paint, horrible fit but I just put it together as a reference for a future painting and the act of a carefree build after having a break has really worked for me.
I have the fire back now.
So I would step away completely for a while, then when the feeling comes back go with the flow and just concentrate on the one topic and forget the rest until your finished. After that you should be back I reckon.


goodluck
Ian

 

[Heavens Eagle]

It has been about 2 years since I set aside my 1/32 Revell Ju88. Not for any partticular reason. The kit was moving along well and I was making nice progress on it. Just wanted to do something different I guess.

Thing is it has been calling to me for the last several months. One of the big things I want to do is cast the inside of the canopies. Have an extra rear canopy so I will use it as an experiment and pour the resin in to cast it. If it works I am good, if not the extra comes out and I try something else. That is actually the big hurdle that caused it to be put away. (I'm not telling at this point why I am doing it) My observation is that resin doesn't bond to clear acrylic very well. Have something I want to try but wasn't really brave enough to go for it.

 

[bob letterman]

Back in the day, we had a name for this. AMS. Advanced Modeler's Syndrome. Everybody gets it sooner or later. I've had it a couple of times. It is caused by various things. For me, too many builds going on at the same time. When I would get to the point where every model has to be better quality, better researched and better detailed than the last one. I have seen great modelers take that too far and doggedly stick with it until the thought of all that work becomes overwhelming and their modeling enjoyment is procrastinated away. I have seen a couple of world class modelers drop out because of that. The hobby should always remain fun. I know how overstated that is, but it's true! If it becomes a dreaded chore, why do it in the first place?

I have experienced it a couple of times, not when you'd think, I get so involved in those big dioramas, I never seem to burn out. In fact, they take so long to build, I keep getting interrupted with everyday life and that keeps me anxious to get back to the bench. Kinda like right now! Because of the massive move that took the last year, I haven't touched a model in 14 months and I'm dying to get back to it. I definitely will this month!

When i used to build models for competition, that became a problem for me. I'd try to have 50 models built in various categories in an attempt to sweep the IPMS Nationals and that many highly detailed and varied subjects would burn me out. To get out of my AMS, I took a break, went on a vacation, then went back to a large, but single diorama. I suppose everybody has to do it in their own way.

Maybe just toss a few of those projects, purposely force yourself not to model for a month or so, and then the excitement will return. At least that works for me! If you can focus on a single model or diorama, and not have those other ones pointing their fingers at you, you just might get back in the groove!

Bob

 

[JSteinman]

Just let it go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moSFlvxnbgk

It tends to cure itself, eventually...

 

[Heavens Eagle]

Thanks for that Bob! I needed to hear that too! This last couple of months have been other stuff besides hobby work and I am really wanting to get back to it myself.