GHQ Models Forums

We are very fortunate to have the original Zenmaster model maker here at GHQ. Over the years the Zenmaster has had many articles published in several of the largest model railroading magazines. Although most of the Zenamster's projects these days are in N-Scale model railroading, it is extremely important to remember that the ideas; techniques, use of materials, and "out of the box" thinking can be applied to model making of any scale, any era, and any type of prototype.

These are some of the basic underlying principles that the Zenmaster keeps in mind when approaching any model:

1. Every part of a model is a model and should be approached as such
2. Everything you buy is just a bag of parts and should be studied for it’s component uses
3. Nothing on a layout should be recognizable as a commercial kit
4. No matter how good you think your model is, the next one will be better
5. Its only impossible to model something in your mind
6. The first models made by the best modelers in the world looked like crap
7. Approach your modeling with humility, because, no matter how good you are, there are better models in your future
8. You are not in competition with anyone but yourself. Share your knowledge. This is a fraternity
9. You don’t have to know everything before starting a project. Often times, the model shows you the way as you make it

Consciously, or sub-consciously, we know that many of you employ these principles in your model making because we see them on threads like "Show us your stuff". As much as we like our own models, we really enjoy it when we see what all of you have created when you treat GHQ models as "just a bag of parts", and do your own conversions, and kit-bashes. GHQ offers a huge line of miniatures, and we know that we will never make absolutely everything. It's really neat for us to see when someone has created there own variants of things that we don't make.

We didn't really have anything specific in mind when we decided to make this post. We really wanted to share the Zenmaster's ideas, get your thoughts flowing, and not have the Zenmaster's principles be only used for N-Scale model railroading.

What do you think? Do any of these principles help you "think out of the box"? Do they inspire you to make some of your own conversions? Kit-bash something? Do they inspire you to share some of your ideas and techniques with other people who may benefit from them? Are you inspired to start a new project?

Share your thoughts and ideas! There are probably others out there who may be stumped, and you could help them out.

Thank you for your support,
GHQ

Nice set of ideals for us to follow. Thanks for the post. In the tech world they refer to the masters as Guru's instead of Zenmasters but the principle is the same. Grok your field!

Waddell, you are showing your age. I just discovered my 21 year old daughter has no idea what grok means. It is such a useful word, it's amazing that it didn't exist before Stranger.

I agree with everything the Zenmaster said. I can add a couple of things, one from a youtube tutorial and one from my sculpture lecturer from my fine art degree

1) a model is nothing more than a canvas for your expression. Add bits, take bits off, paint it how you like. If you achieved something YOU like at the end, it has met its purpose.

2)If you have solved all the problems of making the thing in your head, there's little point starting it; you won't learn anything.

At my age it's hard to hide your age, even online!

Has GHQ ever considered producing a modeling video from Zenmaster or a series of new how to pages by him. I, for one, am always looking for new hints/ideas on how to do things.

Yes, I'd appreciate that. Youtube really has made a huge difference in learning all sorts of things - it's amazing how much easier it is to understand by seeing something, compared to reading about it.

I think the zen master is right in point. I began my modeling journey 3 years ago and after working on 600+ Ghq minis I can tell you which were my first and worst. I devoured a lot of helpful modeling tips off this forum without which everything would've been one coat of paint, one color, no dry brushing, no washes, no decals etc.

And I am not where I want to be but I know only time and effort will get me there.

Thanks for sharing all your expertise GHQ and the many posters here... Us novices appreciate it!!!!!!!!!!

I forgot to add that because of the many posts and ingenuity shown on this forum, I have custom-built a lot of scenery pieces and add-ons to my minis. I almost always add stowage components to my tanks and APCs, and Have begun to add a lot of crewmembers to the vehicles. This was all inspired by other peoples works as shown on this forum.

Indeed.

Brush on, brush off.

#9 is a very good point. You don't have to know 100% how to complete a project.
You just need to have a go at what you really want to do.