Model quality 'target'

[dansls1]

When you build a paper / card model - what are you looking to acheive? Are you looking to make an exact representation of the subject, a reasonable facsimile but don't care if somebody can tell it's paper by close evaluate, build the kit as close as possible to the designer's representation (however simple or complex that may be) or what?

The topic of edge coloring / painting always brings this thought into my head. Personally I've always pictured paper modelling to be a media in which you want to get a reasonable copy of the subject / kit - but seams and the like are to be expected. The models should look good from arms length - but if you look really close most people can tell the seams / etc. I'm just curious where everybody else falls in this regard.

[cgutzmer]

I voted arms length because the amount of time I actually get to model it would take me a year to do one model otherwise. My kids would bust a gasket if they took me that long
Chris

[Gharbad]

I generally built models just to assemble something cool. I wouldn't give much thought to the quality at all. Though, I was a kid then.

Now, I still build them just for fun, but try to make them as neat as possible. I use black marker on stuff that's obviously not white, but otherwise, I leave it alone.
Needless to say, most of my models have a lot of white patches. If they don't, it just means the model was very well designed.

I think I'm also affected by the kits I build. The majority of my models are older Maly Modelarz, and those aren't exactly amazing. Sometimes stuff is missing colours, or just doesn't fit.
Now that I bought some better GPM and Halinski stuff, I plan to spend a bit more effort on them, because I know it's possible to make it awesome.

Edit:
I guess that puts me at arm's length for most kits, and true to the kit for the good stuff.

[Clashster]

I like to build things. Not an expert on anything like what I build (favorites are armor and ships), and probably couldn't pick out the 7 TP I am currently building in a line up. I like the model to look good and clean, edges colored and looking at it makes you say that looks good! As to historical accuracy, not really hung up on it. Anyone I know who views my models in person wouldn't know anyway! So, I's say I follow the designers intent, right or wrong in accuracy.

[cjwalas]

I voted arm's length...maybe longer! I like building something that looks good (despite the glue blobs), but if I really want Halinski style detail, I'd move to another medium.
Chris

[rickstef]

as long as all the pieces have been used, i am happy

[Bluenoser]

I build for enjoyment. Most of the time I am not interested in super accuracy, detail or finish.
There is the odd occasion where I select a model from the pile and decide to go the full distance to do as much detail and good finish as I can manage.

[SCEtoAUX]

I did not color the edges when I first started making paper models. They just did not look right in some cases, so I started edging the models. It makes them look so much better. So I now edge them all, even the ones destined to be mangled by children, big and small. I just like getting into a routine, so when the time comes when it is needed, it won't be forgotten because a habit has been formed.

Building the kit as close as possible to the designer's representation seems like the way to go for me. Of course, it does not always turn out that way. Sometimes the models gets wadded up and circular filed part way through the build, other times my big clumsy fingers leave a few extra marks or bumps.

[John Griffin]

Fit and accuracy, and I like to find a kit that has a nice paint job. Mostly viewed from arm's length or closer (to see good surface artwork- weathering, rivets, etc). I've never even worried about edge coloring... if the kit fits tightly you usually can't see much of the edges anyway. I like to see parts represented well, with thicknesses on stuff like llanding gear doors, etc, but I don't even build all the tiny OTT stuff that seems to be creeping into kits more and more.

[Phil]

I strive for the best and accept what I get...I love every single paper model/toy I build. Not a single one was constructed the same as the subject but my mind's eye tells me it was. Of course, I have a fantastic imagination...I could see the " Sphinx" in a wad of paper on the floor!

I want perfection...haven't quite made it...will keep trying!