Sprue Cutters Union Topic - Is the Hobby Dying??

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This months SCU topic asks is the Hobby Dying?

Looking at it from the amount of young blood out there coming into the hobby. I do see kids making models and Games Workshop kits are always a big hit with the younger crowd. Until recently this was the main demographic of the retailer.

My Father is a big model maker too and I got into the hobby from him when I was young (the wargaming side of my hobby sort of just happened). He is a member of a club and he reports that most of the members are late 30's to 70's. There is few teenagers there. But then looking back to when I was that age I don't think I would have wanted to spend too much time with older folks.

One thing we should all be aware be it Wargaming or Scale Model Making or Trains is that this hobby isn't for everyone. It takes patience, skill and a eye for detail. It make also require an interest in history. One thing that is often overlooked is the imagination to picture what you can do with that kit. There are other requirements of course such as time and an understanding partner/family.

As a model maker and wargamer I see both hobbies biggest threat is popular culture. You will often notice that in movies and media there is a trend to make anyone who makes models much less play with them as social misfits. Even the Die Hard baddie Hans Guber talks about his love of scale models as a child. The art in what we create is often missed (or ignored) and we are sneered at ironically usually by those people who can't walk past a mirror without trying to kiss their own reflections or live by putting a cost on everything & everyone. Our hobby will always be underground until some one "cool" pushes it out into the public eye. Maybe one day it will happen and our art will be appreciated.

So what about sales? It has been well documented that there is many small stores closing and there has been major model store chains vanish from shopping centres and malls. Looking at the issue its not that sales are down that is causing this but the fact that our shopping trends have changed. We now shop online because we can get our addiction cheaper or find more variety that what is available locally.

Is there a decline in model kits production? Having a trawl through the web there seems to be more and more interesting looking kits and models to choose from. There is also plenty of other products available for the modeller to use too. Looking at wargaming there is many figure producers out there providing a plethora of figures covering just about any conflict real or imaginary. In short I can only say that I think that we are in the Golden Age of both Scale Modelling and Wargaming.

Lastly I will look at technology and the future. We are in a age of computers and a culture of want it now. Which not only effects the model making hobby but hobbies such as Custom Car & Motorbike building. For us as modellers the dawn of the 3D printer is exciting. The ability to print our own parts would be great for replacing bits or for those extras that made a model. We can for a price get custom figures made up. The technology is in its infancy and costs are high. At present it used mainly for prototyping. However I can see in twenty years or so 3D prints being common place. How would that effect us? In addition to making bits I foresee us downloading our kits from the manufacturer and printing it off in situ. (the lazy may want to just print the model off complete ). That would (probably) mean cheaper kits and less storage space of the to build cue (and hopefully a happier partner).

In short I think we are living in the golden age of our hobbies and the future is bright. It is far from dying. While there is someone with imagination and a need to build something physical this hobby will stay alive. It will remain underground until popular culture pushes it forward and the art of it is recognised.

Read Some More!

Part of being in the Union means you must include links to fellow contributors' posts within your own response. If you liked this post, then perhaps you'll enjoy what some other modelers have to say about this topic!
The Combat Workshop

Kermit's Bench


How to Join...

Want to join the Sprue Cutters Union? Its simple. If you model and have a blog that is all you need to start. Just write a post in response to the weekly topic, copy the link in the comments section for that week's assignment and you're in! Check out more detail about joining the Sprue Cutters Union.

SCU Topic:- Old Dog New Tricks

Welcome back to my Blog and I would like to say to you all Happy (belated) Year.

Once again the Sprue Cutters Union (SCU) is back. For those of you who don't know what the SCU is about, it's a group of model and wargames bloggers who write a monthly blog post on a certain topic. They put up links to other SCU members topic posts in a effort to share knowledge, ideas and blog traffic. More details can be found on the Sprue Cutters Union Page

So what is this month's SCU topic?

"SCU Topic: Old Dog, New Tricks

The market is saturated with products that modelers would not have dreamed of just decades ago. We can count on high quality kits of much desired subjects in a plethora of scales and there are countless options of paints, washes, and decals to finish them. Never the less, we get pretty comfortable in our ways, sticking to the tried and true techniques and familiar products we've handled for years. But its a new year, so.....

What New Products/Techniques Will You Purchase/Attempt This Year?"

After a great deal of thought (can you smell the burning?) I have some ideas. My forte has always been 28mm (1/56 to 1/50 ish - wargames scales tend to drift between manufactures and even product lines!) Post Apocalyptic and Science Fiction Wargaming and model making. In the recent past I have diversified into 15mm (1/100 to 1/110 ish scale) SF model making & wargaming. I learnt a great deal from the transition and I like to think that my 28mm figure painting skills have sharpened as a result. I would like to attempt the following in the coming year. 

1. Textured Basing Paint. 

A good base can make for brake a well painted miniature or model. I have always found my own basing materials. I can be quite frugal at times and I believe that making your own teaches you new skills. However in this the "Golden Age" of figure collecting and painting there are some new products out there. Special textured basing paints. I have invested in some by Games Workshop/Citadel and Vallejo. I will be trying these in the coming months and hopefully reporting my findings as I go along. 

2. 1/24 Scale Post Apocalyptic Vehicles. 

I have mastered Post Apoc vehicles in 28mm (well I think I have ha ha). However the 1/24 scale work of Barry Harker's Post Apoc vehicles left my jaw on the floor. Unlike my 28mm stuff these will be purely display models and wont see game table action. 

3. Air Brushing 

I hope to save my pennies and pick up a air brush mainly for Terrain and Vehicles. It has been a long standing wish to use a airbrush. If my skills improve to a point that I am happy I may even attempt some figure painting with it too. Of course I may be tapping other bloggers and hobbyists who use air brushes for advice on masking, cleaning and so on. 

4. Play some new rulesets. 

I have a few new rulesets but I seem to default to the same old offenders as time is usually short. The old veteran ruleset Warhammer 40K Rogue Trader for my 15mm SF games using cm instead of inches. GASLIGHT for 28mm Victorian Sci Fi, Neutron York 3000 for 28mm Post Apoc and Skank for quick games where I do not have the time for paperwork. In the last 12 months I have acquired several games I have not yet tried. Dreadball for SF sports, Scavenge Skirmish Survive and Across the Dead Earth for Post Apoc. On the SF front there is No Stars in Sight and Hammer's Slammers. There is plenty for me to try when I decide to dip my toe in. 

5. Write my own ruleset. 

One of the things you soon learn when you War Game is that some rule sets you gel with and others you don't. One universal rule is that some rulesets will not handle everything you want to do. Some will not have vehicle rules, others may not handle mutants or beasties and so on.Some rulesets may even use the wrong dice, for instance I like 10 sided dice (D10) rather than the more common 6 sided dice (D6).

In the past I have often gotten around this by writing new rules for the rulesets to bridge these gaps. I have even had add on rules published over on the Combat Zone Chronicles site for the Combat Zone game. 

In time it occurred to me that maybe I should write my own ruleset that suits my game style preferences and will cover everything I want it to. So that is a aim. 

So that's my new skills list. Lets see how 2015 goes. 

Read Some More!

Part of being in the Union means you must include links to fellow contributors' posts within your own response. If you liked this post, then perhaps you'll enjoy what some other modelers have to say about this topic!

The Combat Workshop

Doogs' Models

Yet Another Plastic Modeller

The Museum Modeler

Kermit's Bench

Motorsport Modeller

Shutter Ace

The Eternal Wargamer

Scale Model Soup

A Scale Canadian

DKnights

How to Join...

Want to join the Sprue Cutters Union? Its simple. If you model and have a blog that is all you need to start. Just write a post in response to the weekly topic, copy the link in the comments section for that week's assignment and you're in! Check out more detail about joining the Sprue Cutters Union. 

Sprue Cutters Union #26: Glue.

This week's Sprue Cutters Union is a hobby basic - Glue. 

We all use the sticky stuff both Wargamer and Model Maker alike. So what glue's do I use and what for? 

The majority of my model making is done in the living room. This allows me to enjoy my hobby while my wife watches TV (usually sports!). We get to spend time together, which is the important thing. Now the problem with this is I cannot use glues with a smell. So for all my figures and kits I use good old Super Glue. 

As I use them for Metal, Plastic and Resin kits & figures thin glue is out. I find it runs everywhere and the figure or my fingers get stuck together. The glue of choice is Gel super glue such as Loctite Ultra Gel. It also comes in handy for filling small gaps. 

Another staple for me is good old PVA (white) Glue. I use two types. The first is the craft glues you find in most stores. This is great for basing and allows me to stick sand, girt, (clean) cat litter, Static Grass, Flock and bits of cork to my figure bases. The smaller bottle is handy for getting glue near the feet of the figure. I use a sliver of plastic card to spread the glue around the base. 

The other PVA glue is the stronger Builders PVA which is just as cheap but can be found in Hardware/DIY stores. I use this for gluing bits of polystyrene foam, making textured paint and basing terrain. 

Many of you may have seen my addiction to adding posters to my terrain. These are often printed off on my printer. The problem is that good old PVA often causes the inks to run. So I use a Sailor Glue Pen which can be found in many card making stores. It is ideal for applying the glue and it doesn't make the ink run. 

Finally the last weapon in my glue arsenal is the good old Hot Glue Gun. This tool is great for sticking large items together when making terrain and dioramas. In addition it is quick unlike PVA which can take hours to dry. Some times I use the hot glue to secure  the piece whilst the PVA dries. 

That's all I hope my guide to the sticky stuff has helped get you unstuck! Thank you for reading. 

Read Some More!
Part of being in the Union means you must include links to fellow contributors' posts within your own response. If you liked this post, then perhaps you'll enjoy what some other modelers have to say about this topic!

The Combat Workshop
Fill 'n Sand
The Garage Gamer
Yet Another Plastic Modeller
Miniature and Model Painting

How to Join...
Want to join the Sprue Cutters Union? Its simple. If you model and have a blog that is all you need to start. Just write a post in response to the weekly topic, copy the link in the comments section for that week's assignment and you're in! Check out more detail about joining the Sprue Cutters Union.

Spruecutters #25 Time Managment

Welcome back to my humble blog. This weeks Sprue Cuttters Union question is: 

When do you find the time to model?

Like most of us out there I do not do this hobby full time. I wish I could. It is a hobby and I do it because I enjoy it. Like most of us I have similar time pressures such as work, commuting, family life,chores etc etc. Even though we are unfortunate enough not to have children we do have four cats which despite reputation like to pester me for constant attention. 

Now as there is only the two of us, not including the cats of course, I like to spend as much time as possible with my lady who is my best friend. When I first got into the hobby the time spent locked away did cause some problems. So I came up with a happy compromise - I got a folding TV table. I use this to paint and build as I need while watching TV with my Wife. This way I can spend time with the most important person in my life and enjoy my hobby. Its a win win. 

From time to time I need to do something messy or that smells. So I just grab a bit of time while my good Lady is at work or out & about. 

Actual games get played as and when. Usually weekends or when I am off work. To be honest I wish I had more time to play some games. Maybe one day. 

Like this blog post? Why not see what the other Union members say about this subject? 

The Combat WorkShop
Fill 'n Sand
Miniature and Model Painting
Doogs' Models
Greg's Models
Yet Another Plastic Modeller


How to Join...
Want to join the Sprue Cutters Union? Its simple. If you model and have a blog that is all you need to start. Just write a post in response to the weekly topic, copy the link in the comments section for that week's assignment and you're in! Check out more detail about joining the Sprue Cutters Union.

Spruecutters Union #24: Pet Peeves.

Welcome back to my meandering blog. This week's Sprue Cutters Union topic is Pet Peeves. The question is: 

What is it about other modellers do that gets under your skin? 

Before I start this is just about what annoys me. It is not intended to start a flame war and I do not intend to offend anyone reading this blog. This is just my opinion of how I see the world. 

As a Wargamer I find that I have a foot in each camp. One as a Wargamer, the other in the model makers camp. To me it is a way to be more interactive with the models I create. This blog post is written from the the prospective of the Wargamer. 

There are many things that have annoyed me over the years. Another Sprue Cutter, The Eternal Wargamer (Go Frank!) has hit most of these in his Pet Peeves post. So I will hit another one of mine. 

In this post will be looking at the inability of certain Wargamers to expand their horizons. 

When I returned to the hobby I found that it had changed. In 10 years GW had rolled 40K from 1st ed rules (Rogue Trader) to 3rd ed (soon to be 4th ed). Many of the figures had gone. The 40K Squat race had been removed, which was a shame as I wanted to build that army next. The game and even background had changed in feel. Imagination had been removed and many money spinners put in place. My other old favourite GW title Dark Future was also gone. 

This forced me to explore further afield. The internet was (& still is) filled with wonderful figure making companies. Some make their own rules too. Many of these rulesets do not require a specific miniature line. Quite a few of them are available freely.

I championed two games back then. Combat Zone by EM4 and now sadly lost to the mists of time - Babylon's Burning. CZ is a near future game and Babylon's Burning was a modern Post Apocalyptic game. Both games had figures to use but didn't limit the game lines you could use. My old 40K RT figures saw some action. 

Later I found a great free online ruleset called Skank that was written to allow any miniatures to be used. I even played Orks Vs Space Marines with these rules. Some of the Grognards out there may even remember the campaign I ran with 40K Space Orks arrived in the Modern World, which I used these rules for. To be honest I have had a lot of fun playing all three of these rulesets.

I tried a couple of times to get folks interested in playing Combat Zone in the local clubs. But 40K & Battletech seemed to be the only interest. In fact if it didn't have all the spit and polish of a massive marketing campaign there was little interest. 

A friend of mine has been to a couple of shows recently helping Miniature Mojo promote their Scavenge Skirmish Survive game. In a recent conversation he revealed that despite the beautifully painted miniatures and amazing table people walked away because the rule book was not shiny (its a free online ruleset) and Mojo isn't a big company. Okay, I do understand that Frozen Post Apocalyptic may not be to everyone's taste but these people took an interest in SSS until they realised that this is not by a Corporate owned firm. 

He also revealed to me that even folks playing Historical games seemed to stick to the game manufactures figures. I can understand with Sci Fi and some fantasy games you may have trouble stat lining a figure but with WW2? A German figure with a MP40 is still a German with a MP40 regardless of the manufacturer. 

While I can understand folks wanting to support the company making their favourite games & figures but many of these companies are large and will survive unless they do something really stupid (recent GW events spring to mind). There are a whole ton of figure manufacturers that can be used in your games - even unofficially. 

Companies such a Ral Partha Europe, Heresy Miniatures, Hasslefree, EM4, East Riding Miniatures, LAM, Artisan, Prince August , Ground Zero Games, Ramshackle Games and Copplestone make wonderful figures which can be used for various games (there are many many more companies but I won't list them here). Often they are cheaper and better quality than the figures produced by the big companies, who in my opinion treat the customers with contempt. Remember the only thing that says you can't use other figures in your games is the company making them. This not only limits what you can do as a Wargamer but it also limits our imaginations to the backgrounds that these games and figures are set in. Its ironic that the same imagination used to create these worlds are being limited by the fat cats looking to make money from it. It also leads to the snooty look down their noses attitude of some gamers because what the figure you field isn't "in accordance to the rules" which some fat cat sat in a office some place told them that was the "law". Wake up son, this is a GAME not building a nuclear reactor which could kill thousands if you mess it up. 

Back in the day Babylon's Burning producers Hetzerdog went under because they couldn't muscle in on the big companies action. They couldn't get people interested, despite my best efforts to promote the game. A great figure line is now gone forever. The people who ran the company lost all that they had put into it. All that time, effort and money. 

So that's it. My pet peeve is Wargamers who follow the big games companies blindly. Who refuse to explore new ideas and possibilities. Who will not try other figures or games other than the "chosen" games. If we all use unofficial armies in our games sooner or later we will force the big companies to take note (I have often fancied fielding a Copplestone/EM-4 Sci Fi Troopers army or a force of Ramshackle's Iron Warriors troopers in a 40K game). 

By supporting smaller games and manufactures you are helping smaller companies survive by helping keep our hobby diverse but allowing us all more freedom, which in my opinion can only lead to more fun. Go on give it a whirl. Try some new stuff. Don't let the man tell you what you can and can't do with your figures and armies. They are yours. You bought, assembled and painted them. The only people who can lose out are the fat cat Bankers and the Corporate kiss ass brigade who's only aim is to get even richer on your gaming buck and regard you as cattle. In my opinion the less of them in our world the better. 

Read what the other Sprue Cutters say!

The Eternal Wargamer
Yet Another Plastic Modeller 
Miniature & Model Painting
Motorsport Modeller


How this works:
All it takes is a passion for this hobby and a blog to go along with it! All you have to do is write a post in response to this topic by Sunday and you can be a member of the Sprue Cutters Union. Take a look at the Sprue Cutters Union page for more detail. 

Sprue Cutters Union 23: Something to Talk About

Its been a few weeks since there was a Sprue Cutters Post. As 2014 has arrived and we all settle into back into our lives the Union is back. This week's topic is:

What three topics would you like to see the Union address? 

So here is mine: 

1. Good Manufacturer Vs Bad Manufacturer - What in your eyes makes a good model, war-games or even hobby tools/accessories manufacturer or supplier? What makes them bad? 

2. Why do we do what we do? Just what inspired you into this hobby? Why do you focus on a certain subject? - WW2 for example

3. Bad Experiences Vs Good Experiences - Have you ever had a bad experience/reaction when you tell a friend, colleague  or stranger of your hobby? Have you ever had a unexpected good reaction - such as someone being inspired by you to take up the hobby or develop into new genres? 

Thats my list. I am sure there are more. I was tempted to put a post up about the Hobby vs Cats. Or maybe Pets in general. I know Wargamers often have problems with Cats when gaming at each others houses. 


Like this post? Why not read what other Union members came up with :

Yet Another Plastic Modeller
The Eternal Wargamer
Greg's Models
Digital Sprue
Fill 'n Sand
or check out the comments at this topic's hub at The Combat Workshop.

Sprue Cutters Union 20 - The Wish List...

 
 
Welcome once again dear readers to my blog. I missed the last SCU post.
 
This week's Sprue Cutters Union asks the seasonal question....What do you want?
 

Well the silly season is here. For me all hobby activity stops as I get ready to celebrate. It gets a little manic. Still I have managed to set the man cave up the year so I can do  a little bit of model making here and there. Mind you that is still very much WIP in there.
 
Although I am a Pagan I still celebrate the season and the many pagan aspects of the holiday. My holidays are filled with the same fun and games as others. Food, families, friends, cards, gifts, parties and decorating with all the things that go with these. In addition I celebrate the Winter Solstice, which is a quiet time for me. Difficult in a world that seems to want to party.
 
Like other modellers out there I consider myself pretty easy to buy for. Any kit has bits in it I can use for a conversion or terrain. As I model in 28mm (1/56 ish) and 15mm (1/100) most scales can be used. The same applies to figures. I like Sci Fi, Victorian Sci Fi/Steampunk and Post Apoc. One of the great things about Post Apocalyptic is any figures can be used. A little conversion work you have a great bunch of new figures. All it takes is a little imagination. I have used historical and fantasy figures in my conversions in the past. This can be really rewarding. Another nice aspect of the hobby is if you have already got the figures or kits in your collection its not a big deal. It gives to a chance to grow your armies or convert.
 
My family sometimes buys me kits and other hobby stuff. My wife is a real star buying me stuff she finds on Amazon or Games Workshop. Paint, Brushes, Figures & Models. Sadly she doesn't visit the other wargames vendors I like to visit online. She even gets me stuff she thinks I would like to convert. As I say she is a real star.
 
As this is a want list I think I should go a bit "I Want" like the proverbial spoilt child. So what do I want Father Christmas to leave me on the 25th?
 
4. Mantic's Dreadball. I have always fancied a sports game. When Mantic brought out Dreadball I was drooling as its a Sci Fi game.
 
3. Lead Adventure Miniatures. LAM makes some great Post Apoc and VSF figures. I have a couple of blisters of figures from LAM. They are characterful and great to paint. I have never had enough spare cash to buy them. So dear Santa.....pleeeeeeasssssseeeeee!!
 
2. Scavenge Skirmish Survive Figures by Miniature Mojo. These are great Frozen Post Apoc figures set here in the UK (hence the lack of firearms). They also make some nice additions such as dogs, scenery and vac formed building parts.
 
1. Big box of tank kits. For a long long time I have wanted to build a Sci Fi tank armoured company in 28mm. So a bunch of 1/48 or 1/35 tank kits would go a long way to starting this.
 
So that's it...there is much much more I could add but I don't want to be greedy.
 
Dear Santa, I have been a good boy all year....and I know where you live!!
 
If you like this post, you should check out what the other Sprue Cutters have to say about this.


Yet Another Plastic Modeller
Migrant's Wanderings
The Eternal Wargamer
The Combat Workshop

Remember, all it takes is a passion for this hobby and a blog to go along with it! All you have to do is write a post in response to this topic by Sunday and you can be a member of the Sprue Cutters Union. Take a look at the Sprue Cutters Union page for more detail. Once you've written your post, either email me the link or drop the link in the comment section below.
The goal is to send new readers to our sites, so don't forget to include the links to other modelers' responses when you get an opportunity. Feel free to grab the badge!
Spread the word.
Join the Union 
 

Sprue Cutters #18 - Inspiration

 

 

Welcome once again to my blog. This weeks Sprue Cutters Union question is:
 
"- Where does the inspiration for your next build come from? - 

How do you decide what hits your work surface next? This doesn't need much more explanation than that. Just let us know your decision process in choosing your next project." 

 

Once upon a time I used to work pretty much randomly with both figures and models. This would be inspired by the figures/models themselves or what had inspired me that week. It could be movies, novels, chatting with friends or where my mind had rambled that week. Some times it is just a random pile of junk that should go to the rubbish bin and I get hit with inspiration. Put that there, glue this here...and suddenly there is a new project that seems to be taking a life of its own.

 

Things still work that from time to time. But these days I have plans of what I want to work on. You see I have several themes and settings. A wargames table needs a lot of terrain and a army or faction a lots of figures. So the only way to stay on track is to make some plans. The next figures and models are chosen from that plan. Of course that doesn't stop me doing the odd figure or model for fun when the impulse takes me.

 

If you enjoyed this post why don't you see what the other Sprue Cutters contributors have to say on the subject.

 

The Combat Workshop
Yet Another Plastic Modeller
Miniature and Model Painting


_____________________________________________________


Want to join the Sprue Cutters Union? Its simple. If you model and have a blog that is all you need to start. Just write a post in response to the weekly topic, copy the link in the comments section for that week's assignment and you're in! Check out more detail about joining the Sprue Cutters Union.

Sprue Cutters Union 17: Go Big or Go Home

The theme for Sprue Cutters #17 is Go Big or Go Home! Would I if I had the time go Super Detailed or take on a Large Project? This week I hope not to delete the post accidently like I did a couple of weeks back. Doh!
 
As some one who makes models for Wargaming I could say that every new project to me is technically a Large Project. Where as a modeller may build a massive diorama, a  Wargames Modeller will be building  to fill a table. Many of these will be several small vignettes made with common elements and styles so a gaming table hangs together. These can be vehicles, wrecks, buildings, statues, small details or walls. In fact just about anything  that can be found in the real world. Of course some objectives for the gamer's forces to fight over are needed too. The other issue is that these collections will never be finished. You will find yourself adding more and more models to the collection for various reasons....or just for the hell of it.
 
For me part of the hobby is to make it visually appealing. It has to look good and as realistic as possible, which given that I love to build Sci-Fi stuff is another challenge! The models must also have detail able to survive the rigours of Wargaming. Unlike display models they cannot be fragile. They will be knocked, mauled and dropped. Some may even get attacked by giant Mutant Cats...
 

 
I have made a few large projects over the last few years. When I make them I like to have enough time to get the majority of the work out of the way or I will lose interest. Other projects and ideas creep in or real life raises its ugly head.

There was my Mars terrain for Victorian Sci Fi/Steampunk games.

 
 

 
Then there was the tunnel system inspired by the tunnel networks in the Stalker and Metro2033 computer games. These feature a modular approach to enable a maximum of variations for gaming. The tunnels can be used for access tunnels, secret labs and bunkers. The big issue with the tunnels is that they are addictive to build. I could happily build more and more rooms for this set.

 

 

 
Another big build was my Post Apocalyptic Fortress which is designed to cross a four foot table.
 

 
 
Of course this hasn't really answered the question. You see there are BIG projects to be seen out in the Wargames world. These are normally built by clubs and Wargames companies for displays & demo games at Wargames shows. I would love to build one of these. If I had time to focus on the project in hand.

A multi levelled Post Apocalyptic table with openings into the sewer or underground systems would be a good start. A Frozen world. A version of a Hadley's Hope colony from the Aliens Movie or a table of the interior of a spaceship are also projects I would  love  to make. In fact I could ramble on for days (and days) of the different models I would love to build. I guess that I am a model making addict.


______________________________________________________


Part of being in the Union means you must include links to fellow contributors' posts within your own response. If you liked this post, then perhaps you'll enjoy what some other modelers have to say about this topic!
The Combat Workshop
Yet Another Plastic Modeller
Motorsport Modeller
_____________________________________________________


Want to join the Sprue Cutters Union? Its simple. If you model and have a blog that is all you need to start. Just write a post in response to the weekly topic, copy the link in the comments section for that week's assignment and you're in! Check out more detail about joining the Sprue Cutters Union.

Sprue Cutters Union #14 The worst part is......

I missed last week's union post due to real life gettinga little busy. This weeks Sprue Cutters Union theme is the what we don't like about our hobby.....

I have stated before that I see this hobby in a positive way. I wouldn't say a really hate any part of it but there are time when I find things frustrating.

As I have also mentioned before I dislike rivet counters, fan boys, rules lawyers and (to quote Neil from the Young Ones) negative vibe merchants in general. This hobby is meant to be fun.These people kill it for me.

Lets start with the miniatures shall we. Firstly I don't like mould lines on figures that run over highly detailed areas. By the time you have removed them you have lost the detail. A good example of this is GW Genestealers. A mould line runs right over the ripples on the critters back. You would think the manufacturers of these figures will have found a way around this.

The other thing that amazes me is the amount of flash you get on metal figures by certain large manufacturers. They seem to have few quality controls.They are happy to charge through the nose for a inferior product. Smaller figure suppliers such as EM4, Copplestone, Heresy and Hasslefree supply figures with very little clean up. They take pride in their products. EM4 even undercoat some of their metal figures. GW and Mongoose take note.

A certain manufacturer produces very nice Sci Fi figures but they are festooned with Imperial Eagles and skulls. This limits the other game systems you can use them in, not  that is stops anyone. In the early days the figures required the emblems to be painted on or applied from decals. Now I like this companies figures but I have to spend a longtime shaving off these details. My finger tips have been shredded. Maybe dropping all the dumb details will help sell more figures to those who require figures that can be used for other systems? It would make them easier to paint too.

Lets look at kits shall we. One thing I dislike is kit parts that don't fit. Not just a fraction of a millimetre you can fill.I am talking about those kits where two parts are miles apart. Or like the Mitsubishi Zero I got for a terrain idea recently warped at the tail end. Another irritation is single track pieces for tanks. They are fiddly and take for ever to assemble. What sadist thought that up?

Now lets look at the other thing the Wargamers face....rule books. I dislike those rule books that are deliberately aimed at certain figure range. Rules for me must allow people the freedom to use what figures they have, although it will not stop the home gamers who play for fun. Why cant I use Victorian Era or WW2 figures as the armies of the dark future? Why cant the old breach loader or bolt action rifle be a laser rifle? Why cant I mix figures from other manufactures in my armies? This is annoying for me. Not all manufactures do this however. GZG's Stargrunt & Full Thrust, Neutronyork3000, EM4's Combat Zone among other rule sets state that you don't need their figures line to play.

So that's my grumbles about the hobby. I think I am becoming a grumpy old man!
 


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Part of being in the Union means you must include links to fellow contributors' posts within your own response. If you liked this post, then perhaps you'll enjoy what some other modelers have to say about this topic!
Doogs' Models
Kermit's Workbench
Martin's Scale Models
Yet Another Plastic Modeller
Eternal Wargamer
The DogChuffers Scale Model Workshop
A Scale Canadian
David Knight's Weblog
Lt. Smash's Models
Build the World With Me
Migrant's Wanderings
FalkEins
The Combat Workshop
Miniature and Model Painting
Jay's Scale Model Adventures
Motorsport Modeller
Scale Modeling My Way
Bill Weckel
Martin's Bench Corner
Fill 'n Sand
Scale Model Soup
The Classic Kit Junkie
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Sprue Cutters #12 - I like what I like.

This weeks Sprue Cutters topic is a simple one......
 
I like what I like.
 
So what do I like?? I could go on about the things I like beyond the hobby but I suspect that everyone will start to avoid me thinking I am some sort of deranged weirdo. So I will talk about the hobby. Kind of....
 
For me I like my subjects to be of a mainly Post Apocalyptic or Sci Fi vein. Oddly I outgrew fantasy when I was a teenager. It has never really appealed to me since. Victorian Sci Fi and Steampunk genres also appeal with some of my collection being in this genre.  
 
 I like the freedom to be creative in my chosen genres. Letting my imagination run wild. Beyond the figures my building tends to be as inspiration hits. That kit or toy I have in storage would make a great terrain piece or vehicle. That bit of junk destined for the land fill (or in these enlightened times - the recycling) would make a great building.
 
I have created all manner of models in this manner. 1:3000 scale star ships, Buildings, Ruin, battle cars, vehicles and more this way. I am sure that some people view me as a Dr Frankenstein figure cackling and ranting as I dismember a toy or kit for my latest creation! 
 
In the early days I found my terrain pieces followed an industrial or ruined theme. I have a love of abandoned industrial sites and ruins. This is sometimes reflected in my model building. I grew up in the recessions on the 70's and 80's in Liverpool. There was lots of abandoned buildings, factories and industrial sites back then. My home city still sports some cool looking industrial buildings around the docks. It seems that this may have inspired my models over the years. It may even help my interests in Victorian Sci-Fi & Steampunk as Liverpool mixes Georgian through to modern buildings often side by side. I wonder how many other Sprue Cutters are inspired by where they grew up or live?
 
But I came from a model making background originally and  before my mind was warped by Sci Fi (I was lost before I discovered 40K back in '87when I figured out how the space ships & bases where built in certain TV shows) I used to build all manner of kits and dioramas. I still like kits and I have my loves.
 
So if I was still kit builder where would my tastes lie?
 
 I like Aircraft but I have real love of WW2 aircraft. Maybe the Battle Of Britain Flights flying low over our house as a kid left a image in my brain. I still love the sound of a Merlin engine. Like other Sprue Cutters I also have a soft spot for the 1950's fighter jets. They have a certain classic style.
 
Armour is another favourite with me. I like mainly  WW2 stuff here. I am not sure why. Russian cold war vehicles have a certain appeal too.
 
I love Muscle cars too. I suspect that I would have a few 1:24 kits....that's if I managed to resist Mad Max-ing them.
 


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Part of being in the Union means you must include links to fellow contributors' posts within your own response. If you liked this post, then perhaps you'll enjoy what some other modelers have to say about this topic!
The Combat Workshop
Martin's Bench Corner
Yet Another Scale Modeller
Scale Model Soup
Fill 'n Sand
Migrant's Wanderings
The Eternal Wargamer
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Want to join the Sprue Cutters Union? Its simple. If you model and have a blog that is all you need to start. Just write a post in response to the weekly topic, copy the link in the comments section for that week's assignment and you're in! Check out more detail about joining the Sprue Cutters Union.

Sprue Cutters Union #11 - My Hang Outs

This weeks Sprue Cutters discussion is all about our Modelling Hangouts. It has been interesting to read where other Modellers and Wargamers go to hang out. Its mainly clubs or online. 

So what about me?? 

Outside the hobby I normally hand around Rock/Metal/Biker pubs or meet friends in cafes/restaurants.

I have not (yet) done the social thing of going to Wargames shows or modelling clubs. 

Sadly the one or two wargames clubs I have attended there was little interest in my brand of war-games or models. In fact it was purely focused on GW and Warmachine. I remember some 40K fanboy berating another played because his Imperial Guard figures where customised (eagles removed, berets and LAW missile launchers added) and not a proper 40K IG army. He forced the guy to play as a planetary defence force or a chaos force. This guy was foaming at the mouth about it. Luckily for the fan boy the squaddie was there to enjoy himself and was chilled out about it. 

The incident left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I played 40K a couple of times but the lack of interest in my stuff from the other members lead me to build terrain for the club. I stopped going and I never really bothered with a club after that. Maybe a bad experience tainted it for me? 

Going into the local GW shop was also a no no. My interest in GW games stopped at 40K Rogue Trader, Necromundia and Dark Future. I had no real desire to try the current version of 40K or Fantasy Battle. I am looking for bods interested in romping around post apocalyptic wastelands. On top of that the other gamers in the store where noisy early mid teen boys. I wondered how long it would be until I wanted to strangle one of them? 

Work left me too busy to really get involved socially with the hobby. Long commute and long hours/shifts left my social life somewhat unpredictable and chaotic. I mainly game solo using adapted rules to enable solo play or with gaming with visiting friends. My good Lady Laura is showing some interest in my games and we get the occasional game in. Talking to my other friends about the hobby leaves looking at me like I am insane. There is little interest in playing a game from many of them. Football (Soccer) seems to be the main topic of interest in this city. 

Recently a model making club has started. Its a little out of my way but my Dad is a member. Sadly my work keeps getting in the way of finding time to go. They are looking for more Sci-Fi modellers so I may join when I get more free time. 

One new development in Liverpool is the Scythe and Teacup gamer cafe. I have not yet made it there to check it out but from what I have seen online that you can use tables to run your own games. Now if I can clear a regular hole in my schedule I may try to run some Post Apoc games and see who gets interested. I have enough terrain to make a real eye candy table which should attract attention. Who knows I may find a few new gamer buddies too. 

Most of my socialising hobby wise has been done online. The Babylon's Burning and Combat Zone Yahoo groups was a good starting point. Later I got into other online forums such as The Miniatures Page (TMP) and the Lead Adventures Forum. These days Twitter and Facebook are great places to chat to like minded folks and I have made a few good friends over there. 

As time wore on I was feeling a little out there as there was no generic Wargames or modelling forums catering to the Post Apocalyptic genre. So I set one up. I am proud to say I am the Owner of the Post Apocalyptic Wargames forum. Its my place out there. Its a great little forum with some amazing work on display. The members are friendly and helpful. The feedback I get is always positive. As far as Wargaming and Model building goes I would say its my favourite on line hangout. In the last few years running it I have made some great friends from all over the world, who (when I win the lottery) I will visit one day for Post Apoc gaming madness! 

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Part of being in the Union means you must include links to fellow contributors' posts within your own response. If you liked this post, then perhaps you'll enjoy what some other modelers have to say about this topic!

The Combat Workshop
Migrant's Wanderings
Yet Another Scale Modeller
David Knight's Weblog
Martin's Bench Corner
The Eternal Wargamer
Motorsport Modeller
Scale Model Workbench


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Want to join the Sprue Cutters Union? Its simple. If you model and have a blog that is all you need to start. Just write a post in response to the weekly topic, copy the link in the comments section for that week's assignment and you're in! Check out more detail about joining the Sprue Cutters Union.