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Frequently
Asked Questions FAQS |
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There
are wood kits and products throughout the website. Mentioned in
the various categories (in the left menu).
Not
all plastic model model builders are familiar with wood models
- so to that end, I mention more about those types of kits here.
Q: Are
these models already assembled? Or do I need to build them?
A:
These are kits and have to be assembled. They sometimes need to
be painted or stained, depending on what you're building. These
kits are for adult hobbyists who like to create and buiild things
with their hands. But don't be discouraged. Some of the kits are
quite simple, with just a few parts (the Quick & Easy categories),
then there are the complicated ones with hundreds of pieces. The
important thing is to HAVE FUN and enjoy your project. If you
enjoy building and painting the simple kits, go for those. Not
everyone wants to spend months building a model, though that's
very popular too.
Q: Are
these kits primarily designed with men in mind?
A:
Ha! Far from it. The first modeler I met as a kid who built early
sailing vessels was a young woman in her 20's. (she was a co-worker
of my mothers). We visited her house and she had some incredible
ships. She said it was a hobby to help her unwind after a long
day at work. Also, when you think about wood Crafts, women pretty
much have that covered. And think about all the wood doll houses
they've worked on. Trust me, it doesn't matter if you're a man
or a woman, you can build wooden models. Go for it Ladies!
Q: Is there
a difference between a wood model and a wood "puzzle"?
A:
Personally, I think companies use the word "puzzle"
instead of "model" because it sounds less intimidating,
and probably sells them more products. A puzzle to me sounds like
something you have to "figure out". For instance, when
you get a traditional picture puzzle to put together on a table,
they don't give you instructions on how to assemble it. You figure
that out on your own, piece by piece.
I like to
think a model at least has instructions to help you know where
the pieces go, and how they assemble. In the long run, it might
say puzzle, or 3D puzzle on the box, but we sort of still think
of it as a model. Wood 3D puzzles are usually unfinished wood,
so you still might have to paint them, and use small nails, glue,
or screws to assemble them.
Remember that
building a model is a thought process. It's using your mind to
solve an issue, just like a puzzle in some ways. Nothing really
falls together on any kit. But the challenge is part of the thrill,
and it can really make your day when finish a model, and know
you conqured it!
Q: What's
the difference between a "Toy" and a "Model"?
A:
This is an old argument, but essential. Typically, a toy is something
you play with. A model is something that's static, meant to just
look at (once built). There's some overlap, sometimes a model
can be played with, but that's rare. And it's important to know
the difference when choosing a model. If a model is a gift, you
want to be sure the recipient is expecting a model to be played
with, or a static model to look at.
Also, a (scale)
model is expected to be very accurate. It's ok on a toy to make
it close to something in real life, but model companies (and builders)
go to great lengths to make a (scale) model look exactly
like the real thing. Just like in a museum you may have
visited.
Q: Are
these models hard to build?
A:
I've been building models since I was maybe 9 or 10. Way back
around 1970. So I've got quite a few years at it. I've built models
from many different materials, and many different types. So for
me, the average model is no problem. But EVERY model will challenge
a builder in one way or another, even me. Especially if something
goes wrong during the process (Murphy's Law).
So, if you
are new to model building, start out small and cheap. See if you
enjoy it. Then move on to harder (but usually better) model kits.
Buying a kit that is way above your experience and skill can be
frustrating, so why put yourself through that? Do a kit because
it interests you and you want to enjoy it. It's a hobby, have
fun!
Q: What
are the benefits of building models?
A: For some
people, it's relaxation. People think it takes a lot of patience,
but that's not entirely true. You're building for yourself, so
there's no deadline, no stress. Take as long as you want to. Even
if you glue on one piece a day, that's fine.
For some people
it's the challenge. They like problem solving. Looking at a box
of sticks, they know there's a ship in there somewhere. They just
have to build it and figure it out.
Many people
are just naturally creative. Models incorporate a variety of talents.
Gluing, cutting, painting, sewing. Good skills to have at any
age. Some people make furniture, some bake great pies, some folks
make clocks out of hubcaps. Modelling is just another outlet for
creating something.
Studies have
shown that building models helps stimulate the problem solving
areas of the brain.
Some women
think it's great their husbands model because they always know
where he's at. He's working on models in the basement or in the
garage. (Hmm, wait a minute ...)
Q: The
last time I built a model it didn't go well. Will that happen
again?
A:
Everyone's skill level is different. If you don't know your ability,
start out small and cheap. Get a quick & easy wood model.
If you are handy with tools and hobbies, go for something that's
a medium challenge. Remember, it has to be enjoyable, it has to
be fun. Otherwise, why engage in a hobby you don't like?
There's no
need to be in a hurry, so from time to time if you get frustrated,
walk away. Even I do this, and usually an idea will come to me
on how to move forward with the model, or solve a problem. Walking
away gives you a clear mind to think about it. Ask your spouse
or a fellow modeler. You would be surprised how other people look
at problems. If you try and force yourself to build a model within
a certain time frame, that will often suck the joy right out of
the project every time. Even the best and most experienced
modelers get frustrated building sometimes. So don't get discouraged.
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