Wow, well, this has been an epic and entertaining read. Here’s my (long) take:
I’ve been a professional model maker for my entire nearly 40-year career. I got a degree in Industrial Design in 1986, knowing I’d be a model maker, not an actual product designer. I’ve been a scratch builder for all of that time, building countless product models from scratch. I’ve been working with 3D parts -SLA - since 1995, when it took 30 hours to print a half a cubic foot sized model. My clients all pivoted to that over the following 10 years and my shop literally turned into auto-body work. Clients would hand me their 3D stuff and ask me to finish (ie fill and paint) it. I finally told them to find someone else as even then I could tell it was going to drastically shorten my life.
I’ve used laser-cutting since 1987, early in my professional career, for architectural work, and still do, and own an amazing professional Universal VLS 3.50. Is it scratchbuilding? I think so. It’s just a cutting and engraving tool, no more.
I tried to pivot to 3D back in the mid 2000s. Took three semesters of Solidworks, passed with flying colors. But never really mastered it, and don’t care, as I’m still a 2D CAD guy. I’m happy with that; and can find a dozen hungry 3D designers if I really need them.
I’ve been a hobbyist since 1969 when I was 6 (early in my career, when he was still around, my dad used to call it my “motorman’s holiday” - all day I’d build models and then I’d come home, and… build models…).
I am literally tired of having to scratchbuild stuff. I don’t have the time any more. Tempus Fugit and all that. When people ask me what I want for Christmas or my birthday the only answer they ever get is “time”. I rarely get it
As for the aftermarket phenomenon, I don’t see what the real gripe is. Who doesn’t want to “pimp their ride” as it were? That’s why I buy AM - because to me it’s cool. In some cases it’s also necessary. My favorite AM is metal barrels and tracks; I also like photo-etch but as well do not like it when it’s unnecessary. I also truly dislike poorly done and way-too-thin PE (here’s looking at you, large Czech ‘E’ company). I enjoy the new Quinta stuff but that bloom is also fading - some of their components are comically tall - like putting a tuna tin on a dashboard.
Contests - nope. I don’t need a bunch of knuckleheads judging my work. I’m my own worst critic, thank you. More power to those that enjoy them, they’re just not for me. I’m pretty much a solo flyer anyway….
Anyway, like many have said, you do you and I’ll do me. For me, it’s all about TIME. I’ll never have enough of it.
James ‘Jimbo’ Harr
High Bridge, NJ
www.jamesharrmodelmaker.com