DISCUSS: Does age make a difference to you?

[924_CarreraGTS]

This forum seems to contain a wide range of ages, from older, skilled modelers to younger people, like me. Many times (as in my case), "View Public Profile" does not reveal one's age; however, often the context of what they are saying makes it obvious. For example, I have actually said a few times that I am only 16. It sometimes just needs to be said in order to explain some aspects of a model project.

However, if one mentions that they are younger, older modelers might ignore the thread, or sub-consciously assume that the younger modeler is not very skilled, so that they easily pick out flaws without really noticing the good things.

For example, I consider myself quite skilled at building tiny details, whereas my painting skills, though assisted by an airbrush and polishing kits/compound, are not as good. I suspect that many of this forum's super-professionals might easily see a painting flaw in my model, without paying attention to the tiny scratchbuilt components.

So, what do you think? If two modelers are equally skilled, but one is younger, do you esteem them less?

[willimo]

No. In fact, I don't esteem anyone less, as you say, for any reason save attitude. My favorite builders here run the gamut of age, skill level, whatever. I have as much respect for GTMike400 (if would ever finish any damn thing) as I do anyone even though he is on the young side around here. I also enjoy builds from cham as much as anyone else, even though he is still learning (sorry cham!). It doesn't matter to me, as long as the folks that come in here are willing to share, learn, and have a good time. The only folks I tend to have a problem with (and subsequently ignore) are the ones that come in with a big head, won't listen, won't explain, and won't contribute to the modeling community in general. Age is way too unimportant to base opinions on.

[mike@af]

I agree with what Will said. I dont judge a builder by their age, only by their merit and personality. In fact, I hate when people blame their flaws on their age. You're as good a builder as you allow yourself to be. If people hold themselves back because of their age then they are never going to get anywhere. I hate when people tell me that I'm young (18), and dont know what I'm doing. I know I dont know what I doing, but I'm going to make the effort to learn regardless.

[Dean23]

No I dont care about the age thing. SOme of the younger guys are better than the older ones and vice versa. As you said you are good at the little details and scratch building, where I am not. I think everyone here can probably learn something from every other builder on here. Just my 2 cents

[gionc]

Since I'm one of the "uncle" here (well someone overtake me LOL) I agree with you all.

BUT: we (all) are ever surprised to know that super great modeller like Mike, or Tang, or Stevensky LOL just for example, are young. That's becouse when I was 18 and I done model from 10 years I done almost crap.

But when I where 18 YO there wasn't web or forums... I guess today sharing help novices to become great modeller quickly, with inspiration, fun, dyrect help.. jokes LOL

[Khier]

The only difference age makes is te area of interest. Those who drove 1950 Mercury at high school seldom pay attention to F & F. Modelers model 198X (birth years I mean) would build tons of Silvias and Skylines drift machines while people like me dream of a decent kit of Japanese cars from the early 1970 era (I am not talking about Fairladies. There is enough of them thanks God).

Otherwise age does not count.

[wouter1981]

I don't care about age, only about models. And because older people in most cases have more experience than young people, their models are freqeuntly better. Not to mention the amount of money they can spend on models.
But other than that, if a 40 year old is a better modelmaker than me.. I tell myself it's the experience. If a 12 year old builds such a model, I'm Jealous ;-)

[tigeraid]

It's not always true that age plays a part in the subjects you choose for your model, though. I'm 27, modeling since I was maybe 13 or 14, and my taste in cars is basically "if it's cool, I like it." I'm just as likely to enjoy a '32 Ford as I am a '98 Camaro as I am an R34 GT-R. I'm sure that doesn't go for everyone... but I wonder if people assume by looking at some of my classic car work that I'm an old fart?

[tonioseven]

I couldn't care less as long as people respect the hobby. I like cars of all types. Most people that know me will tell you that my age has nothing to do with my building style since I don't think I really have one! Old fart or young whippersnapper: just respect the hobby.

[evo8owner]

I Would Have To Agree With The Rest Of You,The Love Of Models Is What Counts!
There Are A Lot Of Great Modelers On This Board,Young & Old
I Say Let The Models Speak For Themselves!(lol)

[rod_k2]

I agree with everyone. If it's modelling,if it's sharing,nice! Doesn't matter the age. Like,I'm 13,but I don't know why the hell I put 16 in my age in my profile.... I AM 13!!!
And,if someone here it's older,or younger,a newb,or an admin,all of them are persons to me. They deserve to be threated the same way. Because all are connected by a little thing that everyone here loves: models!!
Sorry for teh bad english!

[auw12]

Come on Uncle Gio are you talking about another Tang who's a SUPER GREAT MODELER?

I don't care about age at all,thus i was thinking of Uncle Stevenski is only a 20 years old young boy until he shouted at me. you know Uncle Stevenski looks soooo vivacious and lovely~~~

[tigeraid]

Originally Posted by rod_k2

I agree with everyone. If it's modelling,if it's sharing,nice! Doesn't matter the age. Like,I'm 13,but I don't know why the hell I put 16 in my age in my profile.... I AM 13!!!
And,if someone here it's older,or younger,a newb,or an admin,all of them are persons to me. They deserve to be threated the same way. Because all are connected by a little thing that everyone here loves: models!!
Sorry for teh bad english!

You should be proud, you build way better than I did when I was 13. And your English is better than many North American 13 year olds!

[MPWR]

Does age make a difference?

Well, I certainly doubt it doesn't get considered at all. But it's only one of many factors of how members here are preceived/judged here, and likely a minor one at that. Throw in also experience, ability, maturity, and of course attitude, among other things. Age is really only a major issue if you make it so.

I have to wonder what it is that makes you ask this?


As a side topic, you mention skill at detail work versus body painting. To be as objective and honest about this as I can, the truth is that scratchbuilding and detail work are the easier of these skills to develop. I've worked a good deal to develop both, and I had detailing down long before I could paint a decent body. Body painting is a very specific and exacting skill in car modeling, and it does take some real effort to master. However, it is also a particullarly obvious skill. Any contest judge will tell you, car modeling begins and ends with body painting. If you can paint a body well, it's usually (and often safely) assumed that there are other things you can do well also. If the bodywork is not well done, even if you have a perfect replica of the engine and a flawless interior inside, your skills are quickly identified as needing development. In this specific hobby, a well painted body on a totally straight out of the box build will always hands down beat a superdetailed build with flawed bodywork. Not because of any conspiricy or discrimenation against those with detailing/scratchbuilding skills, but because of how we all relate to cars. A well painted model can look like a real car- a poorly painted one will never look like more than a model. I am absolutely not in any way trying to demean or devalue you talents and abilities in scratchbuilding and detailing. However in car modeling, bodywork ability does account for alot, in the eyes of nearly all observers- contest judges, other modelers, and non-modelers. Without it, detailing and scratchbuilding will almost always be overlooked (regardless of age, experience, attitude, etc).

Body painting is definately a skill that can be learned- if you want to learn it, you likely will. All it takes is practice and experience. Nobody starts off with the skills to do it, it has to be developed for everyone. But for better or worse, in car modeling it will likely remain the primary yardstick by which builds and builders are judged. (Of course in a forum, it's only one of the things you're known by )

[anopanjo]

heh... well im 14 people lol! certainly shows in my builds, like some1 said im not big headed, i no when i do a bad build or when im not happy with something and we all learn from those mistakes....age makes a slight difference but not in all cases, it all depends on how much care and patience you have with your builds, i no myself that im not very patient and i tend to rush at times. and it shows...

Just my opinion! thnx