Large Scale Central

Rants about 'Build Logs'

General Discussion
#1

Here in the last several months I have see a couple of members here ranting about ‘It’s not worth the effort to do a ‘Build Log’, no one pays attention!’ I don’t believe that is true.

I am not one to look to every time someone posts a progress photo of their build to jump to pass out an ‘Atta Boy!’. I think once 5 or 10 of them have been posted, that should suffice. I certainly hope egos don’t need that much boosting. I read all the build threads in Modeling and Rolling Stock, whether it is a subject I am interested in or not, simply because there might be a tip or technique used that I might see a possibility for in the future. There are some excellent builders here, and this winter’s ‘Build Challenge’, brought out more.

I don’t intend to start a lengthy diatribe on the subject, just a commentary that just because someone doesn’t speak (post), is not an indication that he/she hasn’t heard (read).

Bob, if you feel this is too inflammatory, Please delete it, just posting my opinion. I don’t want people to leave because they are not prolific posters.

Bob C

#2

Amen, Bob. I read most of them, but typically don’t comment unless I have a specific question.

I think that they are a great way to learn, and I know I use my own for reference when I’m building something similar.

Some great modeling going on here, but if you don’t share, we don’t get to see it!

#3

Man talk about timing…Bruce and I were just discussing this in Chat a few minutes ago…I really like looking at others work, and I really don’t comment all that much either. In the past seems like a lot of the time whe I would post an explanation of something someone would want to argue a point with me about it…seems that since the first of the year or so, theres been lots of good modeling, and more importantly a lot of conversing and exchanging ideas…not just Attaboys and coy quips…

#4

Totally agree Bob, I read most every post here. It is not always necessary to say ‘atta boy’. As Bruce and Bart said when someone posts a ‘build log’ we all learn something or just get to exchange ideas about how to accomplish something or try an alternate method. I look forward to every build log posted here.

#5

I post my builds for two reasons. The first being to share (and learn when I hit stumbling blocks) and nearly as important to me is to document my work for my own reference. When working on the Shay I referred to the early pictures and thread comments several times to be sure I was finishing the job as I intended.

While I agree that “atta boy” comments aren’t needed, I post a quite a few of those myself in other’s logs and I don’t think it hurts. I’m not posting builds to feed my ego, but a lively conversation keeps me motivated and working on a project. The “is it done yet” question might bother some, but to me that friendly exchange indicates that there is interest in seeing the project through and that helps motivate me to keep working.

One thing that this site has always done is encourage new modelers. Shawn V. and Dave R. are perfect examples. When they came on board they didn’t think that they were capable of modeling to the standards of those that had posted before them. A few years have passed and they are right up there among the best we have.

I had ZERO scratch build / bash experience before getting started in large scale. With the encouragement and examples shown by the builders on this site I’ve tried and succeeded at many projects that I would never have attempted on my own.

To support Bob’s opinion; if a builder wants to gauge interest one only needs to look at the read count on the thread. I am always amazed at how many reads my amateur work gets.

Thanks to all of you that read and/or post build logs.

#6

My prollem is that I am guilty of not doing a build log most of the time. I get so involved with the build, I forget about the log. Then I think that maybe the finished project would be more interesting to fellow modelers than the build log. Except for some hardware, paint and decals, most of my rolling stock is basically the same. Same under frames, doors, roofs, etc. I also thought that a build log for everything would get boring to readers, as well.

Your thoughts?

I also read all the modeling posts. Like Bruce, I ask questions when I need an answer or comment on something about the build. All the modelers here, in some form or another, are good at what they do.

#7

I think you have to have a desire to copy what is built. I respect every one’s talent, envy many for what they can do, dream of doing some, but build what I can. I would hope people write up a build log to help others and document items for themselves. And to brag about their accomplishments. More power to them. BUT if the build logs are purely for praise from others, I’m afraid the author is eventually always going to be disappointed.

#8

I don’t look for praise (good thing, as honestly my stuff ain’t worth it). I do it to show others what I am doing as frequently someone will make a suggestion I can use. I enjoy reading others builds and do indeed offer the occasional “atta-boy” as I do think it is important to recognize good work and let someone know I am interested in their work. I too had never ‘scratched’ anything prior to my involvement in ‘G’.

Occassionally I forget to post a build log entirely (like now as I am nearly done with my 30’ version of John Bouck’s “pickle car”). By the way, thanks for the pointers John.

#9

I build for me. Things that usually are not available on the open market.I build for relaxation and I build for fun.

That said, I came to this site, and for a while others, to learn from others.Their knowledge was passed on through the written word. They wrote of their projects and discussed thoughts of how to accomplish a certain build.

Many gave their thoughts and ideas on how best, they believed, to accomplish a certain task. Should you use brass or plastic. Is casting a better way to do the job. Will wood work and look better than plastic.Does anyone know of an available product that looks like the real thing.

I felt that if I’m going to gain from the knowledge of others and be a member of the site, than it was only right that I share what knowledge I have.Therefore, I started my first build log. I post the logs to share with others not only what I’m doing , but how I’m doing it.

I may show someone else something they don’t know or don’t understand. Maybe I’ll get a comment on a different way of doing what I have done. Maybe someone will see something I did wrong or missed.

Having others point out things that I missed, or that are wrong or right, help in my builds.Having others input helps the project and increases my knowledge.

Sure, the Atta boy’s feel good, but the ‘I’m going to try that myself’ says I’ve contributed just a bit to repay what has been given to me.

I personally don’t care what skill level the build logs are on, but that others are sharing and keeping the site alive. Remember that skills need to be acquired and then honed, if they are to improve. None of us built the perfect model our first time out, but all of us get better each time we try something new.

#10

I like reading what people build and like to share what I do. So, the ‘Build Logs’ is that referring to us describing what we are working on? Like my Shark build I did awhile back? Or is this something else?

#11

Having only been active here for a little over a year, I can say that the build logs are what got me active on LSC. I lurked for quite a while, and it was the build challenge of '12 that got me up on line ( big surprise I won that turkey, 1st try).

Having been in the “teaching mode” for most of my Pro Photography career, I also realize that not all of the people on this site are “skilled” modelers, and even thou it may seem awful basic to a lot of old time modelers, there is still the need for basic stuff, if not for “see it’s not really that hard”, also for "if they try the easy stuff (successful first attempt), they just might like it enough to move on to other stuff. Much as was my “Shorty Gon Kit”. Simple enough for about anyones skill level. As we read this thread there are some new G scalers lurking in the wings, and some of them just might be intimidated by what they see being built here, I know that I was, and i’m pretty sure of my self. The build logs gave me a chance to see it step by step, and note that any one step is not really that hard.

I’ve got two maybe three things in the wings that I’ll post build logs on, not for self gratification but to maybe help someone in the same way that reading those logs of yesterday helped me.

#12

Well I’m going to play Devil’s Advocate here (http://www.amysmusings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/smiley-devil.gif)

One big reason I don’t do full on building logs much anymore is that they can be alot of work!

In the old days I used to take many pics of the process as i was working on it, as build often were slow process, I would document the build as I went, so in the middle or end of a task, break to set up for close up pictures, often taking 3 or 4 or more to get a clear shot, then taking the time to download pics onto the PC, then retagging the pics so you know what they are, then uploading the pics to your online storage, then writing what you did along with accompanying pics, then a few days later, do it all over again. It was alot of work, often taking up as much time for a very detailed building log as the time I had allocated to actually work on the project, so I simply got tired of doing it.

Now I take pics as I am going, let them accumulate on the camera until I have the project halfway or completely documented, then do one download/upload shuffle, and post a shorter, more concise, “log” although its not so much a log anymore as a building post, but that works alot better for me now time and workload wise.

On the subject of replies, I try to remind myself to focus more on the number of hits than any replies, I have had posts that had zero replies, but a ton of hits so I know at least someone is looking. But it is a little frustrating when you post something and there are no questions or curiosity as to the subject matter.

You are posting to share ideas, but if it appears no one else shares that interest, then it does dampen the your enthusiasm the next time around, you tend to second guess: Well no one had any questions about that last boxcab steam tram submarine locomotive, so maybe I’ll just do a short post on the project or just skip it altogether and use that time to work on something else.

:wink:

#13

All good posts and all seem on target.

For me I have to say.

I derive great enjoyment from this site, reading the build logs and seeing the pictures of others efforts, no matter the skill level, I almost always pick up an idea to file away for future use.

Yes posting a build log with lots of pictures and information is a lot of work, sometimes more work than the build itself.

I try to post pictures and information on the projects I tackle in hopes that someone else will say “hey, there is something I can try” and maybe derive a little enjoyment from looking at the pictures.

After all, if not for the build logs and other “train” information this site would become nothing more than a --------- well you fill in the blank.

#14

Personally, I would like to thank each and every one that has posted a build log. I’ve learned a lot from them and it’s given me the confidence to try my hand at certain things that I would have considered beyond my capabilities.

I’m constantly amazed at the wealth of talent and imagination that I see on here. And one of the reasons I post what I’m doing is maybe some one has a better way of doing it or has an idea to improving it. Another reason for posting it is that maybe someone else will get the confidence to try something similar.

Sure, there are times when the posts may go off on a tangent in another direction, but I just consider that a part of the conversation that goes on among friends. I may not add my own “attaboy” to list but that doesn’t mean I’m not interested.

The sharing of information and ideas is what this is all about. The item being built may not fit into my scheme, but the methods used are certainly worth considering for what I may have in mind.

#15

I would like to thank everyone for posting their build logs, I’m at a point in my life where the kids, finishing school, and just life in general have put my projects on hold for a bit. Coming here and seeing what everyone else has been working on lets me stock up on ideas that I’ll be able to implement some day on my own railway.

#16

I’d just like to say that I give “atta boy’s” because I want to let the guy know that a) someone is out there in the darkness of Webville actually reading what he has taken the effort to post, and b) that somenes is genuinely glad he took the trouble. I try to be specific, maybe complement the guy on a particular aspect of his work or offer a tip or two that I think may interest him.

A little encouragement goes a long way. I have noticed some build logs get off to a good start, then don’t get finished. Perhaps this is beacuse the poster decided, rightly or wrongly, that nobody was paying attention, so why bother? Even one single “Atta Boy” could make all the difference.

Try to remember a time when you had only one supporter to give gave you the encouragement you needed to complete a seemingly thankless task. How important that one person’s response was to you at the time.

Let’s thank one another, let’s appreciate one another more often! Let’s encourage folk to encourage one another.

My wife often mentions how as a society we wait until after someone is dead to pay our respects with speeches etc., Fine, fine, but wouldn’t it be better to tell others how much we appreciate them and their effort, how great we think they are, now, while they’re able to receive and enjoy our bouquets, and while feeling they are appreciated will do them, and others, the most good?

It costs us nothing. Go, find a build log, tell the guy you like what he’s been doing! Now’s a good time, the best time there is!

#17

Atta boy John.

:slight_smile:

#18

Thank you Mark! And back atchoo too. :wink:

#19

Mark,

Can’t wait for the pics!

#20

I like to read the builds to see the great work, and to learn from mistakes.

“The man who makes no mistakes learns nothing.”