What tier are you?

I got to thinking about the way the forums are nowadays, and I've developed a list of tiers that you guys can use for reference.

1. Unaware - Someone that has interest in a hobby, although not decided. Occasionally you see one of these stumble on the forum asking questions here and there.

2. Passive Newbie - One that plans on modeling, just isn't doing it at the current moment. These are the guys that sit back and think up plans for cars, and usually question finished projects to see how X or X was done.

3. Active Newbie - A beginner modeler that might have one kit and a few supplies. Unless they've done intricate hand-work before, they usually have a very shaky hand when painting. Many times they lack the obvious such as masking off areas, painting after gluing, or using sparing amounts of glue. Many times they will ponder customizing the model, but will usually build it box stock and use horrible color schemes or the wrong paints on the wrong parts. It seems they have a tendency to disregard the forums as a place of actual discussion and use bad grammar and sentence structure. IMO, they are quite annoying.

4. Progressing Newbie - This is an active newbie that has been modeling for 1-3 months. They display the skill of planning out the build of the kit, and try to use the right colors on the body. Although many times using gloss on interior seats/doors/carpet and using the wrong size brush when hand-painting large areas. These are the modelers that show strong potential.

5. All-Around Modeler - One that has been modeling for 3 months to a year, sometimes more. These modelers display a thorough understanding of the hobby, and are willing to spend an extra dollar on quality vs quantity. They understand what paints to use on what, although they are still developing their detailing hand. At this point is when they usually decide between going spray-can all the way or switching to airbrush. They will have a fair collection, and their progress is displayed in each kit chronologically as small details become noticable. At this point the modeler has a very sufficient amount of supplies to model; sandpapers of varying grits, polishing compounds, various paints in acrylics and enamels, a few spray cans, airbrush and supplies (if applicable), different size brushes, precision glues, and varying hobby knives.

6. Professional Modeler- You will generally find these modelers in the older age bracket; 20 years and older. They display a very thorough knowledge of modeling, ways to approach kits, what to look for in kits, and when to buy kits. They have an eye for following the lines of a body, and are willing to spend hours detailing the engine and interior to factory/custom specifications. Many times they are also crafty, saving money on premade modeling accessories, by purchasing the materials at a general store and modifying them to their needs. These modelers have ventured into customizing suspensions, bodies, etc, and go in 110%.

7. Guru - This is the level of modeler that has been a professional for a while, and lacks interest in box-stock. They will tend to modify bodies to their liking, mainly because over the years they have developed their own style of model. This modeler does not need to spend hours on a kit, mainly due to tricks he/she has learned over time.

8. Master Modeler - This is the modeler that has done many models in the past, and enjoys modeling for the feeling of 'doing it right'. They are past the level of guru, and tend to have more interest in detailing down to microscopic levels. Their finished projects can easily imiate the 1:1 version.


It would be interesting to see how you guys categorize yourselves.

I think i'm right in between a 5 and a six, more to a 6(even tho i am 17) because i do all of the resons on #6cause ive been modeling all my life non-stop and love the hell out of it and detailing my models very well.
Now i just need a new camerasince my ols 1 broke. lol

There seems to be a pretty large gap between 5 and 6. So I'd have to place myself somewhere around the 5.3-5.6 range. :D

Great idea you have, I've thought about trying to create a "rating" system for my kits. Maybe just placing each finalized kit in a thread with a poll. That way you guys could be the judge and tell me how I'm progressing.


-Rick

Im #5:sun:

I think I'm in the 6 to 6.5 because I have been modelling for 8 years now and almost all of my models are not straight from the box. I tend to modify at least its suspension, rims and exhaust. Airbrush is a must.

5.5 here.. on some kits i go up to 6.5 and sometimes i drop to 5. so 5.5 all around... :D

I'm an 'All-Around Modeler', but it looks like I have the skills of an 'Active Newbie' :bloated:

I'm a 4. Progressing Newbie.

My perfectionist personality will not let me do a crappy job. Maybe that's why I still haven't finished my first model. I want it to look like the ones in the pic gallery here. Maybe I should realize that that is just not possible on the first try.

5 and a half here !
Nice description, TheSyndicate!

olivier

I'm a 4, still trying to get some of the results that you guys have on your models.

between 5 and 6 and i dont plan on moving any further either.

5

Between 5-6

Pushing a four at this stage, supplies are building, knowledge is building thanks to AF and i certainly dontthink I am annoying.

Dublin

im definately a 6 maybe a tiny bit higher.

even tho i have only been doing this a while i would say 6.5 - 7 as far as the level at which i tend to modify and the speed at which i build????
im not trying to sound up myself tho, as i still have lots of new thigs to learn

Although I practice modelling for about 23 years I’ll go for a 5 category.

I would say I'm a 5.5.

5.
This description is very accurate (for me at least).

Well, I'm a "in between" in this situation:

3 for shaky hands, bad grammar and sentence stucture.. just hope not to be so annoying.

4 'cuz I often use the wrong size of brush when handpainting.

5 'cuz I've been airbrushing a lot more than hand painting... see #4 and #3 to understand why. And the fact that I've been doing this for a long time.

I rank myself as: 6

Here is why:
I'm 27 y/o and I am into modeling since I'm 19. I've done all categories of modeling: military, aircraft, sci-fi, trucks, figures and now cars.
I've done figures for 5 years and have won quite a lot of gold medals I've then a different approach of car modeling. I'm also president of a club, it makes me feel more like a "father" with newb's, trying to give tips and tricks, following their work from far but carefully, ...
It gives me another approach of this forum too, I only reply to threads only if I have the right answer or only if i really enjoy the work. I don't want to make noise.
I try to detail my models as much as possible ( see my sig ) and have passed through the "box stock" stage. I'm approaching a Guru, but I have still a lot of work to realy become professionnal. Hope it will clearly resume myself.

Thanks to TheSyndicate for this "serious" thread, it changes of all we can actually read.

:sun: ;)

I'm too weird to fit into any category:alien: but I'm definitely not a pro modeller!:)

6 - I do it for a living so i guess that makes me a professional:D But with elements of 5 and touches of 7 and 8:ylsuper:

I view myself as a mix of 6 and 7 in that I don't mind building box stock now and then. :)

4~5

:p

count me a 2 or smtn, modellin for 6yrs no progress in skills, LOL

I'm just a model dork, I am not sure what category I fall under. I guess I am a little professional since I have built kits to Sale.

After 22years in modeling, I think I still in #5. But might going to #6 soon.:D

5 and a half.

Long time modeler [20 years+] without the super-detailing and modifications

Have also worked part-time in hobby stores over the years.
President of a model club and run a contest.

I belong between 6 and 7.
I'm doing this over 25 years.
selling finished models and accept custom orders as a side line.
but sometimes I still confuse with modeling.
something like 'how to make this shape?','how to mix this color?'.
essentially I believe that most important thing is 'how to express my passion'.;)

i would definately fall between 5 & 6.

I am 24 and have been building cars (seriously) for about 4 or 5 years.

I was not that good at painting the outside finish, always getting orange peel or worse. I still don't have this skill mastered by any means but I have improved and my newer models do have a pretty good finish. I will make things out of styrene and do a lot of customization to my kits. I don't enjoy building box stock generally. I feel I exhibit attributes of both a #5 and a #6 modeler. My kits tend to turn out nice, but I am not a professional.

definitely 6-but i haven't posted any of my kit in the forum.:o

Originally posted by kunta
I belong between 6 and 7.
I'm doing this over 25 years.
selling finished models and accept custom orders as a side line.
but sometimes I still confuse with modeling.
something like 'how to make this shape?','how to mix this color?'.
essentially I believe that most important thing is 'how to express my passion'.;)

Very wise man! :D

I'm a 5. :)

I'd fall somewhere between 5-6

Originally posted by primera man
I'd fall somewhere between 5-6

That is the funniest thing I've read in a LONG time! I'd have to give you a 10!

-Rick

im not sure but i think that i might fall between a 3 and a 5 maybe a 4. depends on what im doin. sumtimes i want every detail that i think is important and other times i dont. so i guess it have to be like a 4

Originally posted by tonioseven
I'm too weird to fit into any category:alien: but I'm definitely not a pro modeller!:)

dont know about that i check your website i would say 6-8 area

so if you are over 20 you should be reasonably good
i must be an 8 cause im 45
anywhere between 6-8 some kits i build pretty much stock and others ill totally modify

thanks for the addvice i received on modlers block im well on the way to finishing a new kit,heaps of mods and its a japanese kit a first for me

I would say Im in between a 6 and a 7. Although I feel sometimes like a newbie at painting.:rolleyes:

Scott

5.99999999999 and im only 15. ive modified many of my cars. turning regular 2500 pickup trucks into flatbeds and turning a normal 1994 Impala SS into the all around good look car. good stance(back bumper: about an inch to an inch and a half off the ground. front bumper: less than quarter of an inch off the ground.) black windows and headlights, one front seat, 454 Chevy engine out of an old Chevelle, hole cut in the hood for the air cleaner and even a hood that opens up corvette style. less importantly is the NASCAR style rims and racing slick tires.

Originally posted by primera man
I'd fall somewhere between 5-6
NO WAY!! you must be joking Pman, ur definitley a 7, or 8 at least
i on the other hand am a 5-6
:)

I'm a 4 but can drop to 2 anytime.

Originally posted by fullbloodchop01

NO WAY!! you must be joking Pman, ur definitley a 7, or 8 at least
i on the other hand am a 5-6
:)

Ditto, on both matters :p

id rate my self 4-5, because, ive been modellin, but don't realy have special glues, or good brushes..., i make stupid mistakes sometimes


but i know what to do, i just don't do it right...


meh..

I think I'd have to call myself a firm 5, with a margin of error of 0.7. :D

depends on the subject.

If it's collection building, then it's 5. But some subjects in the collection get a "6"-er threatment. And more often it's a "9".

9.
Older modeler who might have skipped tier 7 and 8. You'll see them on all contest buying too many stuff, drinking a few beers, talking about the Airfix/Matchbox days. They have a stock pile of kits at home large enough to start a shop and they will never be able to build them all. Spends probably too much time on AF as well, sharing tips and tehcniques with "1's, 2's, 3's and 4's" to make sure the future is secure.


:D :D

Originally posted by integra818
I'm an 'All-Around Modeler', but it looks like I have the skills of an 'Active Newbie' :bloated:

Word...

i have never put myself in a class, i have won a competition but i still think i'm a good modeller and a bad modeller somedays, it depends on the subject. what is a good modeller is it

* the subject you build
* how shiny the paint and finish is
* or how much detail you do to a kit
or is it all of above