Not expensive and of reasonable quality;
Inexpensive and enjoyable or pleasant;
Not of bad quality, or otherwise enjoyable, despite being cheap;
Cheap but good or enjoyable;
Simple and inexpensive;
I've been taking a bit of criticism for my lack of 3-D printing, laser cutting, cameo cutting, and airbrushing. Not to mention my penchant for balsa, love of old-school projects, lack of club joining, and being rejected for even just asking to listen-in on fine-scale forum musings :-) I'm not against 'advanced' methods, they just don't come up as necessities. I'd buy things manufactured using 3-D printing or other modern manufacturing techniques; I'm just not interested in the expense and learning curve associated with doing those things myself.
Being stashed away at home these days has certainly helped me focus on what my thing is modelling-wise, and I think it's best summarized by: Cheap & Cheerful. But, on the other hand, I do use DCC, and have started to build high-rises with acrylics and plastics, going well beyond my comfort zone. Not to mention that modern plastic kits and associated accessories aren't that cheap. Cheap is a relative term I guess. So, maybe my philosophy regarding techniques and methods is: Cheap & Cheerful+. Maybe over time I'll expand the + part as needed. My philosophy regarding aims, motivations, and subjects is something else entirely. Maybe over time I'll delve into that in more detail :-)
Jim,
ReplyDeleteDuring the lockdown I've found a German model builder who goes by Pin Nuckel on YouTube. His methods appear to be in the same vein as your own - cheap and cheerful as you describe it. While he is an N scaler, and thus already at a disadvantage (ha ha), his technique is thoughtful and his scenes are well executed to good effect. I enjoy his videos, plus it helps me practice my German. I would say he doesn't let conventional wisdom stand in the way of what he wants to do - this is a compliment for both him and you.
Galen
Thanks for the kind words! I'll have to check out Pin today - sounds interesting. This little bit of whining on my part did me thinking about Bill Schopp, what with casualization and HOc and all. He was probably the most prolific of the mid 20th century model railroad writers (I think he died in '73 or '74), and yet there seems to be next to nothing out there about him (certainly nothing in wikipedia). He did a lot with trolleys and streetcars, and also had a brief collaboration with ELM, so there're some interesting entry points to his story for me.
Delete