What tier are you?

[TheSyndicate]

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.

[themodelkid]

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

[rhmatt]

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.

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

[66pontiac]

Im #5:sun:

[druid_99]

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.

[Deniz]

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

[integra818]

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

[KevinY]

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.

[bigfrit]

5 and a half here !
Nice description, TheSyndicate!

olivier

[ljrlude01]

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

[Lownslow]

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

[Ghost_9418]

5

[Hiroboy]

Between 5-6

[Dublinguy]

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

Dublin

[Ragnarok043]

im definately a 6 maybe a tiny bit higher.