One for the scratchbuilders?

[Bluesking]

I was just wondering, with so many of you being scultpors of the very highest standards - do you ever see a kit by another modeller that you simply HAVE to buy and build straight from the box or do you have to "correct" it in some way?

Also, a follow up question - when you see your own work released as kits, painted by other modellers at shows etc. what thoughts go through your head?

 

[Billhoran]

I, for one, never seem to have the time to paint out-of-the-box kits anymore. But IF I DID, I would paint everything that Stefano Cannone does (his Elite F-P War stuff is superb). Both Pegaso and Andrea are producing some first rate stuff in a variety of periods. LaTorre's work is great (but it looks a little too much like mine). Andrea Jula of Pegaso does some really brilliant stuff (he doesn't get enough press).

However, your observation was very accurate. The temptation to change a kit, once you start making your own figures, is almost irresistable!

Bill

 

[btavis]

I don't do stock figures anymore but I think one of the reasons for converting them is that when a great figure comes out you will see it painted by many people at every show so the urge to delineate a personal difference becomes even greater I think.

I agree about the Cannone stuff though and of the stock figures I have done many have been Stefano's. Next to the Franco-Prussian War figures my favorite figure was the Sicilian Campiere which I did stock a few yeas ago. Great pose and face on that piece.

Now I only buy stock figures as sculpting reference or for the spare parts

 

[Bluesking]

Thanks for the comments fellas, I find your views very interesting. I thought the temptation to tweek the kit would prove too strong.
In a way I am glad I am crap at even the basics of sculpting because I get to enjoy all your works.