After the latest 'discussion' on MM2 concerning the categorizing people as assemblers or builders I wanted to put my own thoughts into the fray.

Modelers are a quirky bunch of folks who enjoy this hobby at differing levels. Some are content to buy a kit and build it OOB, paint it per the kit instruction, put it on the shelf and be very happy about it. There is not one thing wrong with that, thousands of models are built and enjoyed that way.

Then we have those who maybe are not content with the kits cockpit and decide they want to add one of the fine aftermarket resin sets available. After all the quality is great, most prices have become reasonable with increase of availability.

They might also add resin wheels and a vac-form canopy then finish it with some aftermarket decals. Not a thing wrong with this, they also are doing it the way that brings them enjoyment in the hobby.

Next would come those who are into heavy modification through accessories and scratchbuilding. If they find aftermarket parts that are acceptable they use them (sometimes) or scratchbuild the part or parts.

This is a person who not only enjoys working with their hands and likes to make things, but also strives for as a technical and historically accurate model as possible. For them it 'has' to be 'right'. It's something in this type of modelers persona that causes them to take on the challenge of taking a vintage kit and making a silk purse out of a sows ear.

This type modeler will also take a kit that others see as 'just fine' and take it beyond what the manufacturer produced. Not because the kit is wrong (although it could be in some areas) But because they want to go the extra mile with the detail, add that extra element of realism they see possible with the kit.

Nothing wrong here, they are doing it as they enjoy doing it, plain and simple.

Now in the 2nd and 3rd types is the rivet counter, this person examines kits, old and new to find the inaccuracies. They want to know what if anything is wrong. Most of the times if not all what they find wrong is in the wings and fuselage.

Debates have raged hot and hotter over 'rivet counters' posting their findings on the various boards. Rivet counters are usually burned at the virtual stake, run out of town on a rail, hanged from the highest tree etc. Why? Because they dared disclose the faults of the kits of the current beloved manufacturer? They are cursed and derided as not 'enjoying the hobby' and they are usually right.

Fact is if it weren't for the 'rivet counters' everybody else would just be fat dumb and happily building whatever the kit manufacturers put in a box without second thought.

It's part of the hobby they enjoy and once again there is nothing wrong with what they do.

Assemblers vs Builders? Give me a break, we are all assemblers and we are all builders. Think about it, was the place you live assembled or built? All the parts came pre-made in the shape of dimensioned lumber, blocks and all kinds of other BUILDING MATERIAL!

Now would you say it was built or assembled? Parts are parts and they still have to be put together whether you want to call it building or assembling doesn't matter, it's still the same (IMHO).

If you build strictly OOB then the parts still have to be cut off the sprues, cleaned up and dry fitted. Then glued together, joints cleaned up between mating surfaces then painted and decalled.

Congratulations you just built a model.

The whole point is that there is a place and room for everybody in the whole spectrum of modeling. Why should someone be derided for finding and pointing out inaccuracies in a kit? I'm glad they do since should I decide to build that kit then I can make the decision to fix it or leave it, the last thing I'll do is get upset at them over it.

Why should someone who builds OOB feel slighted at being called and assembler? They still built the model and finished it didn't they? That took some skill didn't it? If by that term then I 'assembled' kits for the first 4-5 years I returned to modeling 7 years ago. If someone would have called me an assembler then big deal, look on your favorite Tam/Has/Mono or whatever box and see what it says, right on Tamiyas box top is "ONE READY TO ASSEMBLE PRECISION MODEL KIT". Hasegawa uses the words "UNASSEMBLED MODEL KIT" , draw your own conclusions.

Get over it and have fun with it, there's a whole lot more real life situations in a persons lives to deal with than to get bent out of shape over what category you might fall in. There is a lot of excellent work done in each one from OOB to 99% scratchbuilt to be looked at and enjoyed.

But that's my opinion and I'm just a dumb 'ole country boy so what the hell do I know anyway!