This comes with the caveat that I don’t use social media, other than hobby forums, but I try to keep one cynical eye on some of the talking points of scale modelling. I’ve always been a bit bemused by the time and energy which some people dedicate to debating how exactly models should be finished. And one of this tricky topic’s most pervasive phrases is, of course, “over weathering”.
“I don’t like over weathering”, someone will almost inevitably state. Or worse, make it personal with “your model is over weathered”.
These comments seem to be read by some hobbyists as “I don’t like weathering, full stop”. There may be a kernel of truth in that, though perhaps they are reading too much from the negative tone. I’ve yet to develop telepathy, so I won’t go looking for subtext; but, as with a lot of the commentary attached to this hobby, I find that if the commenter’s wider attitude [in this case, towards weathering] is clear, it does tend towards the negative.
Clearly other people pick up on some negativity, as any mention of over weathering may well prompt the pushback assertion that there is “no such thing as over weathered”. That’s about as fallacious and unconstructive as it would be to adopt the opposing extreme and claim that there is no such thing as under weathered.
While the two sides of internet disputes snipe from their respective trenches, I always think that there is something to be gained by letting the dust settle and going for a thoughtful stroll through no man’s land. Preferably, without treading on a mine.
And here are my entirely personal opinions relating to this particular minefield. Feel free to adopt, adapt, or discard any or all of them. Or maybe even originate your own considered opinion and tell me what you think in a comment.
Yes
It is over-weathered if I’ve applied…
- rust spots to a surface which cannot rust
- chips to a paint which cannot be chipped or to a surface which cannot be abraded
- mud or dust to parts of a vehicle which it would not reach
- polished metal to a surface which cannot be worn to a shine
- fuel/oil stains or streaks where they cannot leak, splash, or run
- rain marks where they cannot reach
- smoke stains or streaks emitted by a component which does not produce smoke
- dust or rust to a component which must always be kept clean and lubricated
No
It's not over-weathered if I’ve applied…
- any technique which befits the subject or my creative intent but does not align with a critic’s opinion, bias, or creative style
- more mud, dust, rust, chips, stains, streaks, wear, fading, or discolouration than a critic expects according to their opinion or style
Much of the world has lately forgotten that it takes more than a vigorous assertion or denial to establish anything as fact. It actually requires evidence.
Photo evidence
A single photograph has the potential to provide compelling proof for any characteristic which we can clearly discern from it. In other words, if you see something exceptional about a vehicle’s appearance and you decide to represent it, go ahead, and ignore anyone who claims to know otherwise.
Potential critics should also bear in mind that no quantity of photos can conclusively prove the inverse: that no such vehicle of that type could ever exhibit a given characteristic. As the saying goes, absence of evidence does not amount to evidence of absence.
Anyway, I’ve got to pop out now and pin this up on the nearest church door.
Add your comment