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Frustrated

I have 2-3 going at a time, some hull phase, some rigging, some in just pondering what to do next.

As for glue issues, use small brush, toothpicks or small applicator bottle, I found a set of small bottle with thin metal needle like tips at Hobby Lobby, but other craft stores may have them. I also use Micro Brush to dab small bits of glue on joints. Then keep moist towels handy to wipe excess off before it dries.
 
BlimeyBob said:
Was wondering if anyone works on more than one model, I like modeling but am getting really frustrated with the one Im on. Also in the topic, how do you keep the glue neat and clean on small parts. Thanks for letting me vent.
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Maybe you tell us on which model you are working and where are the problems, so maybe we are able to solve and maybe reduce the frustration ?
If it is too much, than it is soimetimes better to stop with this project or make a longer break and start another one
I have also several models in the same time in the pipe - but my problem is, that I like sometimes to start a new challenge
 
BlimeyBob said:
Was wondering if anyone works on more than one model, I like modeling but am getting really frustrated with the one Im on. Also in the topic, how do you keep the glue neat and clean on small parts. Thanks for letting me vent.
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Each of us ship builders seem to have different approaches to building and how we deal with frustrating challenges. I just finished building the worst kit ever. The Santiago de Compostela by Disar. The Instructions and diagrams were horrible. A number of parts that should have been in the kit weren’t. It is these kinds of problems solving aspects of ship building, although frustrating, I find are the most rewarding. I force myself to stick with my build until I can completed it to my satisfaction.
 
I started my HMS Victory about 12 years back but parked it after a couple of months as life got in the way. Picked it up again 3 years ago, parked again after a year as it was doing my head in. Currently working on a Cutty Sark and fully intend to park that once I'm ready to rig. Or rather, to do the rigging concurrently with other projects, as I know this will become very boring.

FWIW, I took a mini-break a few months back and built a plane. Although I enjoyed the break, I made such a poor job of it that I threw it in the bin literally the moment I finished it.

I think you have to do what works best for you, but in my book (evidently) there is nothing at all wrong with parking stuff, even indefinitely.
 
I’ve got two, three or is four ?? builds going at the same time:D. Yup I get frustrated, upset and even ugly when things go “SOUTH”. But I have other interests, like reading a good book, a monster Model Railroad layout, a backlog of LEGOS, etc. So it’s walk away, do something different, let the frustration die out and imagineer a fix.

Jan
 
BlimeyBob:
I wondered about the same thing as you. Many years ago, I thought I was less than diligent for having 2, 3, or even 4 models in the works simultanously. This insightful lady told me it is absolutely fine to have several ships, dollhouses, carvings and so on going at the same time because humans need a change-up in order to maintain the love we have for our hobby. She reasoned it was far better to have a few projects going than to waste a ridiculous amount of time trying to get a recharge when I could be productive doing SOMETHING!
Go ahead and start a new project! It is far better to start afresh on a new project than to develop an aversion for the hobby you previously loved so well.
 
This is a very familiar story for modelers. I think we all strive to learn the things we don't know and improve the skills we do have. That sometimes comes at a price, frustration. I would venture to say EVERY modeler, even the masters, has become frustrated at least once on EVERY model project. I have experienced countless times I've made the same piece/component more than 3 times. With each new version is better, but costs so many "frustration points". I think "how" a modeler works through this frustration largely depends on their personality and experience.

There are a few options.

Option 1: (recommended)
Uwek's suggestion. Share the challenge your currently faced with. There is an incredible amount of knowledge amongst the members of this site. They are very happy to help!

Option 2: (not recommended for fist time builders)
If you feel the need to pause your work, do so. But I would offer a small warning. Starting another model could actually add to frustrations. Keep in mind you will now have 2 sets of wood, small intricate parts, all needing to be kept separate and organized. Also, keep in mind, as stated, "EVERY modeler, even the masters, has become frustrated at least once on EVERY model project.", it is just a matter of time when you run into that little or big challenge on the new model where you have to once again work through it. Hmm which option will you choose? ;)

Option 3: (viable)
Pause your work on the area you're having difficulty with. Instead of starting a new project, focus on another element of your ship that can be done independently. Perhaps guns and carriages. Maybe you can prepare the masts and yards ahead of time and store away. This is what I do. Sometimes while doing these other things I have an epiphany on how I can solve the original problem. Personally, I know starting another model will most likely cause me more frustration. I am currently working on three areas of my current model project simultaneously. Not my default mode, but my "frustration management mode". ROTF

I really enjoy problem solving, always have. At 67, it helps exercise my mind and keep me mentally sharp. Well, I guess "mentally sharp" is a relative term. Let's say sharper than if I didn't model. ROTF There is this old saying; "the harder the squeeze, the sweeter the juice". Which I truly believe and experience often. The more difficult the challenge, the more rewarding the feeling of accomplishment is once I've worked through it. Hence, I attempt to work though things on my own. I do request help when I've become completely stumped. But before that, I attempt to research, google, read anything I can to find the answer I am currently seeking. This certainly slows my progress down. But, I'm not building a model ship for a sales order with a deadline. I do it for myself. :)

I hope this long post helps is some way. Don't let the frustration sour you to the hobby. Post, share your issue. I can guarantee there will be many folks that have experienced the very challenge you're facing and you will most likely receive more than one possible solution that they found worked.

Cheers,
Ken
 
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I have a very large shop with every tool imaginable for model building, but in no way could it support three or four separate projects on the go at the same time. My hat is off to any of you that can do this. Your organizational skills must be fantastic.
 
If you get frustrated with your model go watch the news for a few minutes. Your frustration with the stupidity and greed of the world will build to the breaking point in those few minutes and you will be happy to go back to your little cave and sort out your problem. :)
 
I have two or three projects started, but not work regular on all of them.
When I loose some interest on one model - I start a new project and work only on this new project for months (or even years) - the old one is stored and not touched during this time - maybe once I restart the old project and bring it to an end
- maybe once or never
 
Until this past winter, I had always worked on one model and ground through it till it was finished. Then on to the next. That mindset has now changed, and I'm thankful for considering dual concurrent builds.

Back story: I started a Corel 1:98 scale HMS Victory close to 30 years ago. Got about a third into the first layer of planking and parked it. And so it sat for three decades. This past winter I decided to put on my big boy pants and get on with it. No more excuses. So as I was working on the first layer of hull planking, and since I was only laying two planks per side per night, I decided to tackle one of the kits I' had stashed away in the closet. That other kit was much smaller and should have been an easy build and something I could putter around on to get more modelling hours in. That other kit is the Artesania Latina Chinese Junk "Red Dragon". It was a purchase from decades ago as well, and in line with your current frustration you're facing with your model, this one too has had more than a few "challenges". I notice they're done a second version of the kit, so hopefully the parts have improved with the second one. The things I'm alluding to are things like poorly fitting parts (lanterns that you're supposed to fit a brass ring through to hang, but don't have any holes pre-drilled to do so), and in general not the greatest materials or instructions.

Now as I progress on the second layer of planking on the Victory, the goal post is in sight on the Red Dragon, and I envision she'll be completed before end of August.

What I would recommend, as others here have, is to toss your issue out to the forum and seek suggestions. I've done it, and the folks here are a great resource. If you're stuck trying to figure something out, just try to look at it from a fresh perspective... when you're not frustrated. When you're relaxed, grab a coffee and slowly peruse your plans and instructions and you may find you'll be able to figure out the solution. Also consider searching for photos of the completed kit, as those images may also provide insight into how to address or fit something. Additionally, sometimes it doesn't hurt to deviate from the plans or instructions, so long as the end result works for you. Specific to the Red Dragon, the instructions and materials call for the use of a lot of fine steel wire to connect blocks to other fittings. IMHO, that's crap (pardon my language), so I've switched up to using rigging line.

Lastly, if you want to make life easier in some regards, consider buying a small lithium battery powered rechargeable drill. I found a nice one on Amazon that holds a charge for a decent amount of time and has a good variety of drill speeds. I also sourced a good collection of small drill bits pre-mounted in collets and colour coded to size. Also from Amazon as a reasonable price. If you want more info, just PM me and I'll give you links to the ones I purchased. I still have a small hand held manual jeweller's drill that I use in situations where I need more control over what I'm doing.

I hope the suggestions provided by myself and others helps, and we're always here for you if you need us.
 
I started building Revell's USS Constitution as I first began building boat/ship models in August of 2022. I got "stuck," and put it aside. Next was the $10 China kit: fishing boat--planking looked interesting. I had not yet found sites that show how to plank, so this first one was a bit "wonky." Went to a Midwest skiff, used, thinking I could buy cheap, learn a lot, and not feel bad if it failed. I was very happy with the results and was hooked on wooden boat models. That's when I started having at least 2 projects going with one on hold. We visited BlueJacket, and I came home with a couple of their kits. Failed miserably with the side planks cracking; no instruction to soak them, but I trudge onward, figuring another learning experience to repair, and learning other things--e.g. wood glue leaves a "ghost" when staining, superglue doesn't work well on everything, etc. Found I really liked the wooden boats better than the plastic. Got "unstuck" with the Constitution question, but still kept on hold--wooden were more fun! At this time, I rearranged a dormer for a 2nd boat building work table (giving me 2 stations). The one I use downstairs (kitchen is a 1960s oak office desk with the typewriter well, limiting boat sizes there, but this is where all the sanding, shaping, and the conversations of "drats" and "fudge" occur. Upstairs is used for rigging, paint drying, and a 1:12 dollhouse started "too many years ago." (6ft cafeteria-type table).

So, yes, always at least 3 different model projects going, all at different stages. After BlueJacket and learning how to use a rigging "thimble"(?) that looks like a donut with a yo-yo edge, I rigged a rendition of a Mayflower and a few other simple "primitive" model kits. Then, in May of this year, I was ready to tackle the rigging on the Revell USS Constitution--successfully!

In the beginning I bought several "used" model kits, inexpensively and purposely, that had been started -to correct mistakes, learn how to repair on those, so I would be somewhat ready when I needed to repair a boat I started myself.

I try to work at least 2-hours a day to keep projects going, even if just tiny goals for a day. I am still at Level 1 with Midwest and BlueJacket, but have many level 2 and level 3 kits in the queue to be there when I feel my skill level is there. I watch Ebay very closely--e.g. just got Model Shipways Taurus tug, brand new, for $16 w/ free shipping.

I do projects (not just models e.g. knitting, x-stitch, embroidery, book folding, etc) to avoid RX for RA (blessed): then donate finished projects to bless another--usually my hospice patients.

It took me a while, after reading many build logs, before I joined a couple of forums. Just starting to participate, as here.

I grew up 32ft from the high water mark. Dynamite Payson (Payson dory) only lived a couple of doors down. My dad had been a boat builder before he married and built his own lobster boat. At retirement he built Monhegan skiffs for the local campsite owners. (I wish I had paid more attention back then!)

Blessings!
 
Presently working on the Duchess of Kingston, almost finished the hull and all the decorations. Never worked on a rigging that complicated so I will build a "practice " mast which will allow me to see where I run into problem. Meanwhile I take occasional brakes working on Wing Nut WWI airplanes, much less rigging! Also redo some of figurines from Andrea and Pegaso (54 and 90mm) strip the paint and repaint them. Switching back and forth allows me to think for a solution when running into problem.
 
I typically only have one model at a time under construction. That being said, I will often have the next one on the shelf. When I need a break from physically building, I research the next one making notes about things I want to remember. Sometimes when I am in the latter stages of rigging, I will start the next one as there are 2 different skill sets involved in these tasks.

I have been keeping small amounts (around 0.5ml) of thin CA glue in microcentrifuge tubes using a forked metal tool to apply small amounts of the glue. For white glue I use an old screwdriver to remove excess glue that gets pressed out when parts are squeezed together.
 
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