second-nature to them. There are others who have degrees in
electrical engineering, so wiring and electrical circuits are no
mystery to them.
However if you ask an artistic individual to work on wiring or
an engineer to paint a backdrop, each will most likely panic,
thinking, I can't do that. We, like the Olympians, can identify
where we excel and where we stumble. Those areas or seg-
ments of the hobby where we stumble are outside our comfort
zone, and therein lies the challenge. Are you intimidated or
inspired?
Inspiration to move outside your comfort zone requires cour-
age, work, and education. How many of us have had the old
saying drilled into our heads, “if you are going to do it, do
it right.” You need to overcome the idea that, as adults, we
must do it right or to perform to gold-medal standards the
first time out of the gate. Instead let's take the approach of
children learning to walk. They really don't care how many
times they fall down – they get up and try again. Soon they
are running all over the place and into everything, much to
the parents' chagrin.
In the same way, when I move into a new segment of the
hobby, I am often frustrated. I try something new and it doesn't
work the way I envisioned. So I tear it tear it apart or trash it,
and start over. Often it is the third or fourth attempt that I am
successful. Unfortunately, I think too many stop trying after the
first or second attempt.
So am I proficient? Not really; I have only figured out how to
achieve results that are acceptable, as well some methods
that don't work. I have not achieved the skills of a master; that
requires a lot more practice. My progress was not automatic,
but rather about taking control of my growth in the hobby.
Assistant Editors editorial - 2
When I have a contact or meet a fellow modeler who is much
better at a skill I am attempting to improve, I ask questions,
such as:
How did you achieve that effect?
What type of tools are required?
What sort of problems should I look out for?
Do you have any recommended resources?
Can you tell me what didn't work?
I am not expecting a complete how-to tutorial, but rather little
bits of information. I then take information and apply it on my
current project, or on my next project.
Even in areas of the hobby where I am confident of my abili-
ties, I am open to learning more. I do not consider myself an
expert who knows everything, nor should you. There are new
products and methodologies arriving on the scene constantly.
MRH-Mar 2014
