3D Printed Models Scratch Built?

[Bugatti Fan]

My use of the description intrinsic value has been taken a bit out of context. As I stated, it is not about the monetary value that expert valuers like Marshall Buck might advise auction houses on.

It is about the personal value of being able to look at your model and be proud of having made everything yourself by conventional hand skills and machines. You cannot put a price on the sense of achievement when it all comes together. I was so pleased when I finished my first scratch built model and say 'I created and built that.'

A mention was made about Amalgam Models technically being scratch built . I disagree as basically they are a small factory studio making high end models for profit. Good as they are, in essence they cannot be described as scratch built as a team of designers, engineers and model builders are employed in developing those models through to a final build. As Fanatic said, they have very expensive design and production equipment to make batches of model parts and assemble them for sale. However there is no doubt that their models are of the highest standard of finish and detailing.

[MODEL A MODEL]

My opinion, your Avanti, is a beautiful gem!

[MODEL A MODEL]

Noel, Did you ever anticipate so much interest? This discussion has been one of the most developed ones we've had here, in a while. It's good to be passionate about our hobby!

Your last statement does clarify everything, personal pride. And the craftsman's ability to point to something and say, "I built that!"

Does it really matter what tools or materials are used? I personally agree that for the most part the model in question should be the work of one man, however I would allow a third person to paint it? -One could be very good at fabrication, and wanting not to paint it poorly, opt for another's expertise?

As long as it is acknowledged, "I built this, but I did have so-and-so paint it for me."?

Some modelers do their own plating, but we do allow for that to be done by others.

[Bugatti Fan]

You are right Don, I never expected the number of good responses to this thread. Keep them coming guys.
I have my personal opinions on what constitutes scratch building as voiced in this thread, but respect others opinions too.

All ways of building models are a means to an end. So don't get me wrong, as I do also embrace the new technology that is becoming available.
Besides scratch building, I build, convert and detail kits like most of us do. My current project is a Type 41 Bugatti Royale chassis model where I am detailing up the very basic chassis from the old Bandai kit. I also have an old Airfix Bentley kit that I am looking at using Nick Edwards 3D printed transkits that he is developing to update it in the future, so I am not averse to actually using 3D printed parts.

If someone wants to scratch build , convert, detail or simply build a kit out of the box, fine! Just whatever we get pleasure from doing is important.

[MODEL A MODEL]

Beating the dead horse to a purée. -I found this in my shop as I was making room for a "new" mill.







Multiple views of an SLA pattern from about 13 years ago. I had to make a mold and two sets of cast tires. (tyres)

1/4th scale of course, but not for me. My boss insisted on perfect castings with no flash , nor bubbles. -I cast it with a vacuum, accomplishing a perfect draw down on the mold halves, and no air pockets.