Hawkeye’s Squawkbox

Why not, it seems to be the thing to do, slam a manufacturer for a kit that doesn’t meet one’s muster. Why should I plunk out my hard earned dollar for a model that, to put it bluntly, sucks. I’m a bit frustrated by those out there who continually lambaste a model because it doesn’t meet their “standard” of the quality. They’re of the option that a model kit company has failed because they could make or is capable of making something much better.

All models are not created equal! A company, any company cannot be all things to all people, that is a fact. Regardless of what product a company designs, develops and produces it isn’t made for everyone, thought it would be nice if everyone bought it. Not only are we talking about models but television programs, games, movies, automobiles (the list is infinite), but everything on this planet. Snow isn’t your thing, you move to a warmer climate. A Dodge Neon doesn’t suit your preferences, then buy a Lexus (both represent a car with different sense of accuracy and quality).

If a model doesn’t meet your expectations, don’t buy it. Models are not produced for all levels of modeling. An expert or experience builder is rarely satisfied with a entry level kit. So those kits are left for modelers less experienced. Models are representations/replicas not exact copies, though many are very accurate compared to others. But there are exceptions, there are experienced modelers who will take a simple kit and add details rivaling those “high end” kits.

Economic factors come to play with what models modelers purchase. In the past couple of years we’ve all heard about the shortcomings in Dragon’s 1:32 P-51 family of kits. Then again there are the 21st Century Toys offerings as well. They lack a certain amount of sophistication some modelers have come to expect from newer releases. But the fact is they do make up into some pretty nice looking large scale models for a affordable price! Those who have build any of them did find certain issues, but they still look impressive when completed. The more skilled the modeler, the better they look. However, dollar for dollar they’re worth the price.

The diatribe of negativity doesn’t do anyone or anything any good. Many of the youth and returning modelers we are hoping to attract, can be quickly disillusioned by the amount of negativity they find around our modeling communities. This negativity is expressed by a vocal minority. This is the time of Web 2.0, the socialization of the world via the internet. It has proven effective to promote as well as to destroy.

Over my nearly forty years of scale modeling I have seen a great deal of quality levels in kit offerings. We’ve all probably purchased kits that were less than stellar for the high price we paid. But if you wanted a representation of a specific subject and that was the only show in town, you bought it. Look at the kits that we bought some twenty years ago compared to now. If you haven’t noticed many of those same “substandard ” kits are returning to the market. Why?

Because they do have a place in the market and in our hobby. When I was younger the Monogram 1:32 P-51 with all of its features was ultimately cool. I managed to assemble it, complete with gobs of glue everywhere yet it still managed to capture my attention and I felt a sense of accomplishment when it was done. Which I might add has lasted all these years. Hey look they are still being sold too!

Looking at those entering into our hobby of scale modeling, it is important that they find the subjects they want to model, be able to afford them and have success in their experience of assembling them. For a kid, regardless of age, a large scale model is impressive. If you can purchase that kit at a bargain price it makes it even better.

Yes there are kits still being made that lack accuracy, detail and have assembly issues, but they were not necessarily marketed with you in mind. Do not expect all things in life to be to your liking, just as not everyone sees you in the same light.

Just because a kit isn’t a “perfect” or “shake n bake” kit, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a place in our hobby. Modelers of yesteryear did more with a whole lot less. I encourage you to express your opinions, but please don’t continue to show discontent for products you disapprove of…there are those who actually might find them satisfactory and enjoyable. There are those folks who appreciate a new Neon as much as some appreciate their Lexus.

Let’s make a concerted effort to promote the hobby and the industry that makes it possible in a positive manner. Negativism just takes an otherwise enjoyable hobby down. It also sends a strong message to the producers whom continue to produce kits in this time of uncertain economics.

Marketing is centered around perceptions. If the perception is that what they are producing isn’t wanted or appreciated, then a strong probability exists they will redirect their energies elsewhere, which may not include model kits.

Remember it is a hobby and it is suppose to be FUN! As far as the Dragon Mustang, well I found it to be a fun build, in fact I built two. The 21st Century Toys, well those two are a quick builders dream. As a modeler with some advanced skill sets I also found it to be a canvas with great potential, accuracy aside. That’s my opinion.

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This entry was posted on Monday, June 16th, 2008 at 11:45 am and is filed under Editorial. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.