The role of incompetence in modelling

It seems to run rather strongly through the modelling efforts here in 72 Land. No one is ever going to confuse me with the great 1:72 modellers in our hobby, but the last couple of sessions seem to have cursed by the Voodoo Queen. 

Almost all are fundamental mistakes of basic modelling principles. Too much glue at the site of two pieces going together. Glue fingerprints on clear parts. Dropping tiny bits to the mercy of the carpet monster. Breaking thin parts and having to glue them back together (which never really works). Fuselage halves that seem well lined up end up offsetting by a micron and producing a visible seam. Gaps caused by seams that weren't properly secured. Parts that just don't fit together (which admittedly is not my fault, but the extent of work I'm willing to put in to correct the situation is under my control). And these examples are all from the last two bench sessions! 

One of my greatest problems is a native impatience. It is truly a potential hobby killer for modellers. I have a lot of projects on the go, and want to make some progress on most of them at each period of bench time. But I just need to slow down and take more time to plan and execute actions. It hasn't helped that I've been dealing with migraines and my wife's upcoming foot surgery, but those are excuses as much as reasons. 

It's not like I spend 8 hours a day at the bench and need some time off. It's that I'm trying to rush the jobs in the time I do have available. There are so many kits in the stash that I want to start on. Is physical dexterity becoming an issue? At 61, I wouldn't think so, but one only gets old once and there are limited chances for knowing how your body is going to react. 

One of the fundamental principles of this blog is that everything I build, no matter the problems, gets displayed when it is finished. So all of those errors will be on display for the world to see. I will just need to slow down and take the proper amount of time to do the bits of work that I've set up for that bench session. Breathe deep. Put on some music (well, high-volume Iron Maiden may not be most conducive to relaxed modelling). And remember that this is emphatically a hobby for the purpose of relaxation. 

Lots of glue goo on the front mudguard structure. (ICM Sdkfz 222)

The masks have been added to this fuselage half, but I shudder to think what glue marks will be revealed after painting. (Valom DH-91)

Blah!