I've been working on different N Scale projects for a few years now. I always seem to run into an issue with something that makes me want to flip the table or snap the module in half because I've mucked it up so bad that any further monkeying around with it is just going to make it look worse. I'd like to know if any of you have examples of this and how do you deal with mistakes that just make you want to flip the layout. Part of the artist/creative in me wants to just walk away, but there's another part of me that realizes that mistakes happen, and learning from them may cost a few extra bucks here or there, but it only makes me a better modeler.
Even though I've been in N Scale for 50+ years, I struggle with the same thing. I plan my projects in great detail and begin with visions of perfection which are soon ruined by a step that didn't go as planned. Oftentimes, my errors that loom large at the time are unnoticed by me later on and I try to remember this while I fret. One thing I will no longer deal with are poorly engineered locomotives. I'll give them a shot at redemption, but I refuse to spend excessive time and money trying to get junk to run.
Haha! I have been known to have a "Smash Attack" or two. I made this structure that just did not please: I took it to the patio, took a good long hard look at it and all of a sudden I gave it a whack: For some reason, that whack made me mad, so I got a big rock and bounced it on the model, you can see the rock and particles flying: I stood there, admiring my handiwork. I'm a firm beliver that a solid All American Smash Attack is good for the soul: At least I am not alone in having the urge to flip the layout. I also kick the coffee table when I stub my toe! Then, when I feel good again, I go back at it, not to be defeated: And I knock that model out, so it looks good enough to keep:
Same here. This is the first step I take. Walk away for a day or two. Maybe longer.... Then come back and see it with fresh eyes.
Agreed with above. Just walk away for a day or two. Work on something else for a week. Whatever you do, don't smash it with a rock, that is nonsensical.
One should not take one's frustrations out on innocent inanimate objects in front of witnesses.......there lies the road to the funny farm!! Jim
I'm using small rare earth magnets to keep the hinged lids closed on my control panel. I found some small metal washers in my late father's stuff, so epoxied one in place where the magnet will rest when the lid is closed. I went to test it this morning and discovered that the washers I'd found were ALUMINUM, so have no magnetic attraction! This could only happen on my railroad. My Dad must be looking down with amusement. A few minutes ago I found a steel washer and epoxied it on top of the aluminum washer. When the epoxy sets up, I'll finally see if my plan works. Sometimes even the simple things go haywire.
smashing stuff feels good some times untill you realize that what ya smashed was very expensive. i pulled a good one one day. i had a 49 ford i was restoring. it made me so mad one day cause i had ordered 5 parts (the same parts) and none of them fit . i was pretty up set . then some body walked up and asked me if it was for sale , STUPID me i said how much ya got in your pockets , he said $175 bucks i said sold 2 hrs later i was mad all over again because i made that stupid move. NEVER again. now i walk away and return sometime weeks later. dam truck was 99% complete , i was 18 at that time.
There's something about smashing something that appeals to my Neanderthal traits. Now where did I leave that club ........ <g>
I've worked on some T-trak modules that haven't gone quite as planned. One looks pretty nice, but doesn't meet height standards... Let's just say I didn't read the standards right, so now it's too long to ever use unless I get crafty and start making some incline modules... The other one is a swamp scene that when i poured the epoxy for water effects, i didn't check to make sure it's fully even, so I have a section of water under my bridges that looks like a tidal wave is coming in on the tiny river... I think I may just use them for photo op dioramas. Practice makes perfect, right?
I used to expect perfection without practice. Now I know to let it sit then come back and see if it is something I can live with or, something I need to fix. Nothing is perfect. Most modelers can see the flaws in their own work. When I see a layout I ignore flaws because I understand the struggle. I am always just pleased to see someone doing model trains.
Given that I design my layout 'on the fly' using Kato track you can be sure that more than once I have rued the day I ever even tried. Argh! But then I get my notebook out and begin drawing or I explain it to my my wife. Well, my wife really does not comprehend all of it but in my effort to point out my 'problem' I come up with the solution, give her a big kiss for helping me, and get busy.
Oh, as for 'smashing', Isn't that what those boxes from that river in Brazil are for? I keep a few on hand just for such occasions. Also, next summer buy some of those 'pool noodles'. They can be very satisfying, (don't ask me how I know). ☻