Models From My Childhood (And What We Can Learn From Them)

My friends, tonight we're taking a walk down the memory lane with these models built by a tiny wee lad Night Shift.
Patreon: / nightshiftmodeller
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Disclaimer: Most of the weathering products I use in my videos such as Ammo by Mig Jimenez, AK-Interactive, Wilder and VMS were sent to me for free, but with no obligations to promote them. I received a lot of them a long time ago, even before I started this channel. VMS is also one of my Patreon supporters. Being independent from big and exclusive sponsorship deals and showing you a wide variety of different brands and products was one of the founding ideas of this channel and I will always stand by this.
Music: Quincas Moreira - Scratch the Itch - KZbin Audio Library

[@mikail281]

Why do his childhood models look way better than the best models i make

[@AinKrab]

SAME

[@butter9025]

legit, i only use a paint brush lmao

[@Slouworker]

He's built different

[@tank_driver7776]

Just don't give up on it

[@hanssmidt12]

Same

[@Modkits131]

Seeing Uncle Nightshift’s work over the years is just amazing. I only wish I had this much rich history within this hobby. What an absolute legend.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

If you don't get bored with the hobby over the years, you'll have a lot of models to remember, too!

[@Panzermeister36]

Well now Mig Ammo is going to release "Modeler's Corn Fiber" for $20 an ear.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Well, AK is already selling sea balls, so Mig better up their game with a more sustainable product :D

[@daspanzer135]

@@NightShiftScaleModels "organic sustainable non gmo corn fiber"

[@themumfortofflying6415]

@@daspanzer135 Don't forget vegan

[@daspanzer135]

@@themumfortofflying6415 oh yeah😁

[@sylvainplante9882]

Like I always said, Mig is a marketing genius… Remember the brass toothpick, 3 for 22$. Cha-Ching!

[@daspanzer135]

Night Shift your channel has helped me so much and you have helped me believe that I can even start my own channel.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Do it!!!

[@daspanzer135]

@@NightShiftScaleModels Wow I never thought you might see this. Thank you so much!😀

[@Toth_Marton]

Where is your channel?

[@MTspeed_Crafts]

I struggled with sharing my builds for the longest time because I thought they weren't good enough or weren't finished. I think you nailed it on the head with the "if you're happy with what you're doing keep doing it" so thank you for reminding me of that, its taken me too long to learn that lol. On a different note i'm looking forward to your next video!

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Hey, I almost didn't release the Ball Tank series because I was so afraid of what people would say :D

[@MTspeed_Crafts]

@@NightShiftScaleModels Thankfully you did! I wouldn't be where I am today as a maker without it so thanks again!

[@serioustrouble63]

Best time in my life... modelling in my youth with my best friend! Just painted them as if they came right out of the factory. But had already good ideas: using chalk powder with water as winter camouflage, weathered with a brush and fixed with hairspray... Still looks great! Now, nearly 50 years later, I start again... With airbrush, pigments and so on... Using my surviving old models for practice... old love never dies!

[@karolmalinowski9097]

There is some beauty in those makeshift, primitive techniques versus professional modeling products. Like I'm repairing my car today with OEM parts and without a doubt it's gonna be reliable and last longer, but my father fixing a car on the side of the road using spring from a pencil is a hell of a story even after 20 years.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Very true! I'd call it progression and also the market is much wider today. Going the DIY way is fun and satisfying, but I'd also be hesitant to maintain or upgrade my bike with makeshift parts and tools :D

[@arsmithx]

I totally agree! There's something extra creative, pioneering and even noble in creating effects from scratch. There are so many great (and expensive!) products out there now, from all the major players, which is all fine...but my most satisfying and jubilant moments in the hobby are when I create an effect from "base elements", from first-principals. For example, when Martin hit on the idea of corn fibre for grass...that's fantastic!

[@jamiedale6516]

Oh man, this was a cool video, also gotta say I'm loving your display case in the Background :) I also wanna say that since I've started watching you my Armour modeling skills have definitely improved, from having aluminum 'chips' on my T-34/85 that I did in 2020 as my first real 1/35 model to acrylic mud, oils, chipping stowage, just everything. And I guess that's the great thing about this video, all of us improve all of the time (even if it is using corn in dioramas or pins to create shell impacts).

[@kennethweber9985]

Martin, I am in my early 60's and have built mostly aircraft models. I recently purchased my first tank. A Tamiya M41 bulldog for 10 USD. If I wreck it, it's not a lot of $$. Between your videos an some posted by others, I feel that a good base for learning is available from your tutorials. You are truley a master at your craft.

[@someguywhopaints692]

Your genuine humility with how far you've come as a model maker is inspiring. I'm 10 years older than you and have been building and painting models for over 30 years and I aspire to have half of your skill. I've moved into prop and costume making since, but your videos always inspire me to do better. To learn and try new things. Keep up the great work my friend, you have a talent you need to share with all of us.

[@YouOnlyIiveTwice]

I've always loved tank models that can really tell a story. Something like a charred tank in the ditch because it got knocked out by an AT round or a Sherman that is still operational in Bastogne, but was battered by German artillery fragments cutting into and/or bouncing off the armor all over the place. If my modeling abilities were anywhere close to Daddy Night Shifts, I'd make a YT channel myself. I just have the problem of having really cool ideas for a model in a diorama, but lack the experience and time to get something even close to what people like Night Shift, PLASMO, or Luke Towan can create. I hope you do more tanks in the future that have sustained massive battle damage and make a diorama for it describing the scene. Those are my favorite ones you do.

[@zyphod74]

One thing I like to say to people starting out is to focus on who your audience is and why you are doing the hobby. If you are doing it for your own enjoyment- you are your own audience so you are the only person whose opinion matters. If you are having fun keep going.

[@jonL88]

Thank you for the valuable video ! Life lesson: your next model will only get better than the last one.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

And even if it isn't, it's not the end of the world!

[@amateurbenchscalemodelling6221]

It's great having old models around, it helps us see just how much we have improved over time. Keep up your amazing works.

[@kiviskis6385]

I hope that in the future we will probably see a rethinking of those works and their new incarnation already, with your current experience, because idea with destroyed vehicle look very interesting and I think many would not refuse to see videos on a similar topic)

[@jacobakana5649]

A beautiful representation of my daily modeling struggle. I love seeing all of the “innovative” (aka inexpensive) ways to make groundwork or representing materials. I’m only two years into my modeling journey, I happened to use the tamiya panzer II as my jump into “serious” modeling. I’m still having fun, so that’s good!

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

When it comes to groundwork, real earth is hands down the most authentic and DIY material out there! :)

[@ducomaritiem7160]

Hi, I'm 59 and I started building Airfix planes as a child of 8 yo. Never stopped, quite the same experience as you I can say... Nowadays I shift my time in painting wargame models and ww1/2 stuff. Also 3D printed busts, just for fun.

[@edkerridge71]

Really liked the video! I’m still young ish and been building since I was 14 now 22. I agree it’s about just having fun and that’s what matters. I’m trying to use model making as a career path and this has really encouraged me more! Great vid

[@TheMrTonk]

It’s really cool that we can see some of Uncle Nightshift’s oldest models, and you see the newest completed one on the right in the background

[@toa_cracau4286]

You know, you should “revamp” at least one of this model kits, especially one of the more unique ones like the destroyed panzer four, they would look great with your current skills

[@coling3957]

they were pretty good still. when i was younger and had eagle eyesight i could paint every tiny detail. not now.. i took a long break due to work commitments and then start making them again a few years ago - AFVs . they come out ok, good enough for me anyway. and ultimately that is what matters. you are pleasing yourself.. Tamiya kits mostly, which are dead easy to assemble and ofc then I can paint them up, which is best bit.

[@WhoDatheir]

Very much enjoyed this video and the message is so important, do what you enjoy and don't let others kill that joy for you. The other message I got is to 'just do it'. Build models, or whatever it is you love doing, and you will improve and learn. Again, awesome video and thank you for sharing your older attempts and the joy you had in making them.

[@SPSteve]

Everyone starts from square one. And some modelers have more skill than others and their models will always be better. The important thing is to enjoy the hobby and do your best.

[@garyjust.johnson1436]

Great video! Your models look amazing all these years later!

[@lwgrazi]

It's been a while, but I didn't miss this one!

[@ryanbruner8928]

I still have a lot of my airplane models,and a few ships that I made in the 1990's that I thought were great at the time...It's lucky that they are hanging from the ceiling,or on high shelves. All of my old armor fell victime to gunpowder,or gasoline :D

[@dennisforbes2532]

Cracks me up when he said "Way back in 2005" lol. I starting building models in the 1970's

[@Oleg-dp2fh]

Thank you for the video, very interesting reflection! What I learned from your old models and their stories is that actual community is very important. It is great to have forums and stuff, but live shows and friends you can exchange ideas with seem to be the real driver. Would you agree?

[@sinisterisrandom8537]

Although the weathering or rusty color is off. Oddly enough it kind of works. Depending on the images with color. That you find off the internet.

[@beaverdam1199]

Great video man! Had a hint that you modelled when you where younger. Models look really good bro, I’m only 14 and have built 5 tanks and finishing my 2nd plane, as you said if you enjoy it keep improving and keep doing it. Great video as always man

[@panzer_modeler5369]

Im flabbergasted by how much young Night Shift reminds me of myself....

[@darkwood777]

I found the video interesting. Some of what I see in your earliest dioramas remind me of what model railroaders do. They have to cover an entire layout with a broad brush so to speak, and look for inexpensive ways to give a general sense of that world. Over time they add more and more detail to their layout. Were you ever exposed to model railroading early on? The progression in your knowledge of what does and doesn't look right is very evident. Your use of photographs and personal knowledge were important reference tools. Thanks, Martin.

[@stuartgauld6767]

Keep having fun my friend

[@Leopard_Tank]

Suggest for uncle Night shift: how about you remake your childhood models with new modern stuff and more ideas

[@tomstamford6837]

Good heavens, when I was 14, anything I made... well to be kind to myself, didn't look anywhere near as good as these. It was slap it together and slap on the paint and move onto the next one. But I did have fun which was the point (although it was cough, cough, the 80s and not so much info around) Hmmm, I wonder if I could remove the paint, patch them up and rehabilitate them? Now, wanting to get back into it after years away from it, as ancient as I am, I just wonder how long, how many kits do I have to ruin before I gain the necessary skills so as not to cry when I look at the finished product? It seems less about fun and more about the obsession to do it well _and_ get all the equipment before I even take the plastic wrap off a box (still lacking an airbrush!). Believe me when I say I bought a lot of kits. And they just mock me, unopened on the shelf! Despite having learnt so much from your good self, I can't seem to start! By the way, you look almost as I imagined you would, only much, much younger lol.

[@niapsoahc9336]

@ Night Shift Why your KV-1 turned so yellow. The older colors react with the UV radiation and turn yellow. white in particular is very susceptible to this. The dust and baking soda also did their part to yellow the paint.

[@chipchaffee2416]

Uncle , I’m old enough to be your father . Your an amazing artist.

[@silverdragontm9548]

The uncle is getting in a philisophic mood xD. So kids are no normal human beings: Night Shift 2022

[@liams8454]

You should remake your old models and compare them side by side once you're done!

[@rider4440]

I would love to see a recreation of that panzer 4 g using what you have access to now and compare it to the one in this video

[@harlech2]

"MAH FRENS!" Best weekend starter ever!

[@Murphy007]

I really enjoyed that video tonight 👍🏻thank you

[@RCUKScaleModels]

great video those kits look really good if I could produce a kit just like that when I was younger I would be happy with it too. it is all about having fun and not worrying about anyone what else thinks.

[@haroldquill8761]

Enjoyed your video, unfortunately I have no models from childhood but I am 57yrs old

[@flyingscotsman9657]

these models are better than the ones I build now!

[@JAFKARNAT]

superb workmanship thanks for sharing.

[@mattatkinson9830]

thank you for the help

[@TonyBullard]

I don't know why, but I just can't take his insulting his younger self. He sees all the mistakes and lack of knowledge, and I just see a young kid that's excited about something and being creative. ESPECIALLY from the perspective of knowing he's grown to be such a skilled modeler. Show your young self some love! He's who got you to where you are!

[@kallemon]

It would be amazing to see what you can do with a tank from Warhammer 40 000!

[@ArmorStudioNYC]

Great Video Uncle!!

[@robertmacpherson9044]

Even your earliest works show that you had great talent and potential. To me, that's the important take away here.

[@the-primered-thumb]

Combine them all into a scrapyard diorama 😉👌

[@garyparker2969]

" Uncle " You're WAY TOO HARD On Yourself. Your "WORST" STILL KICKS ASS Against ANY Of Mine 🤗🤗 Thanks For Sharing and Have a Blessed Wknd Buddy 👍🤗 Gary.

[@Prakharpandey456]

Brother I like your dioramas very much but don't know what the ingredients you use for your diorama making please tell me 🙏🙏👌👌👌🇮🇳

[@t-5538]

What do you do with model boxes when the contents have been built? My dresser has probably 12 boxes on top and it looks cluttered. I can’t bring myself to throw them out.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

They end in a paper bin, or in some cases, as a part of the diorama :D

[@corbboss2778]

Hey uncle, i used to be on your patreon but cant afford it right now, i will buy it again in the summer. but anyways i was wondering what display case that is in the background? it looks perfect for models

[@thatotherguy7596]

Better and more creative than the models I built as a kid. 🙂

[@williamwebb6446]

omg it's him oh and I've just finished building fury

[@ColorHawk_]

Have you ever thought about making a proper multi tank/vehicle diorama?

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

In a small scale, definitely!

[@Chevsilverado]

He said maybe a street corner with 2 opposing tanks like the cliche, but it’s hard to do multi vehicle dios because real tank battles are like 1-2 kilometres apart.

[@peterwooldridge7285]

Really interesting

[@bruhnegus]

Actually, I think those models are not so bad, because just like you said in the video, you had fun when building them And having fun is the most important thing of modeling But I also have to admit that they look better than most of my models 😅

[@mrbiglarge8820]

I always make my models rc I don't do so well on the visuals...

[@lyagushkha8490]

Well, I'm not a kid anymore and some of your childhood models are way better than mine.

[@CzechArmyVid.]

Wait a second, you are actually from Czechia/Slovakia??

[@jpw1812]

Ive been building models for 2 years im now 15 and im well skilled in my opinion

[@bossogg6915]

I have to ask why are the skirts / fenders missing on the KV 2 and 1?

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

The KV-2 had them removed as seen on the reference photo, the KV-1: because I liked it without them :D

[@bossogg6915]

@@NightShiftScaleModels Ok thanks, I only asked because my father gave me a started KV2 which he can't finish due to bad health, it has the fenders removed, I was wondering why they had been removed in the reference photo.

[@milannes1574]

Pokud byste některý z těch modelů chtěl prodat, měl bych zájem. Obdivuji Vaší práci a měl by ten model učitě čestné místo :) ve vitríně ... a stejně bude lepší než to co dělám já 😀

[@samargrewal929]

1:41 i think it would be a cool idea to remake this diorama or something similar but with all you have learned over the past years since you originally made this.

[@Panzermeister36]

It would be cool to revisit/remake a project. It would be a great way to show what can be improved about the scene, weathering, products, etc.

[@samargrewal929]

@@Panzermeister36 ya and I think it could be an learning experience for everyone

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Been considering an exploded Pz IV for a while, I'm just afraid it would take forever to finish!

[@Panzermeister36]

@@NightShiftScaleModels Well the RFM and Miniart kits are pretty sweet with the full interiors nowadays.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

​@@Panzermeister36 I was going to suggest the same. It would be great to see how he incorporates advanced skills and products to produce the same scene.

[@wilson-iv7ve]

I started out in 2007 when I was 13 and at that time many of my friends were into video games warcraft dota etc and also football and were making fun of me as I wasn't like them. I'm glad I stuck on to this hobby and able to say I've improved significantly. I am still learning and I want to thank you with my heart for your tutorials! Stay awesome uncle!

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Been there as well! I was never the cool kid, pretty much the exact opposite of cool, the definition of un-cool :D But on the other hand, I managed to play Diablo 2 AND build models every day :D

[@OzScalemodeling]

I never made models as a kid but at 55yrs old I'm trying to catch up. Great video.

[@ModelNoob]

my guy is straight up BRUTAL! Evaluating a young kid's model: "3 out of 10 for effort!" No judging of Junior Categories at World Expo for you, good sir! (yeah yeah, the young kid was you, I get it) Keep up the content, love it all, excuse me while I go check out your new exclusive patreon content I just got a notification about.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Having judged at a few shows, including the junior categories, I know how tough it can be! You'd like to give an award to every kid just for being a part of the community!

[@bryankennedy7123]

Yeah! Coming back after 40 (!!!!!!!) years the tools, supplies and kits are like science fiction better.

[@kudukilla]

I recently came back to it after 40 years. It’s amazing what’s available: photoetch, resin, aftermarket decals…… Not to mention KZbinr’s like Uncle Nightshift.

[@AvoidTheCadaver]

I got back into miniature painting when the covid lockdowns kicked in. In the year and. Abit that I've been doing it I look at the progression and it's light years ahead of what I did as a teenager when I oculd only afford limited selection of paints. Largely because games workshop was my main source of paints. Now with the dearth of paints, and collective knowledge on KZbin, I've gone beyond just base coat, dry brush and highlight to practicing non metallic metal techniques and blending, and such.

[@LuisCastillo-nh1rh]

I love your episodes. But personally, I think you should keep 1 of your oldest kits. Is it not up to your standards today ? Of course not. But it was back than and you cant fault the kit for its mistakes when at the time it was perfect. Still though, great work you do and thanks for sharing.

[@MasterShake9000]

40k fans: I wish Uncle Night Shift would do a 40k model Uncle Night shift: I used corn for hair- 40k fans: Khorne for skulls?! BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD- Uncle Night Shift: No, I used corn. For hair. 40k fans: lololol of course of course…but what if 🥺👉👈

[@garytwinem5275]

He should do a Baneblade Super-Heavy Battle Tank diaroma - a pile of guns with tracks 🙂

[@thoward816]

Is putting your old models on eBay for sale an option??? Having an original “Uncle Nightshift” tank model would be awesome!!!

[@stooga]

I think you touched on something important - perfectionism. As a kid I virtually never finished a model because I couldn't achieve the standard I wanted. Thirty years later, with all the tools and products imaginable, I still struggle with trying to do everything perfectly on every model. I wish I had accepted the flaws, learned from them, and kept building, rather than setting impossible goals and then dumping the hobby for a long time!

[@clouddog2393]

Perfectionism is fine but if it stops you enjoying the hobby it is more of a curse than an assett . Comparing your skills to that of an expert modeller like Nightshift and Plasmo is fine as long as you don,t beat yourself up over not attaining their levels of skill . lf you,re happy with what you,ve created thats good enough .

[@darthmolerat2244]

Even Night Shift at 14 is better than I am at 22..

[@marsan2857]

Bro I'm a long subscriber and a fan of the channel and your tutorials have helped a lot my modelling especially the weathering hobby though I'm in the Warhammer and gunpla universe. The thing is i have never saw your face and by the bass of your voice i would picture and your skills i painted you in my head like an old man modeler who could actually had drived some of the tanks. Now i see that we are about the same age and i don't know how to feel about it 😛. Thanks again for your great work you're awesome! Greetings from Greece!

[@KJ-kn8pg]

If you haven't seen his face yet you are missing on some oh his great older videos where he talks about models he built before youtube and paints if I remember correctly, if you enjoyed this one, make sure to watch the older ones as well!

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

That deep voice might be caused by the microphone... and also me being a smoker :DDD

[@L88PEX]

The T-34 Dukes of Hazzard-ing off the mound is 100% pure awesome! That needs a reboot.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Would really love to do a similar concept again!

[@CharlieNoodles]

@@NightShiftScaleModels I’m reminded of footage of an old American tank demonstrating the Christie suspension. That thing was legit airborne as it raced over a ramp. Got me thinking of a tank off the ground suspended by armature wire covered by some kind of dust effect.

[@mikemcculloch7118]

Tankers all booked in to the chiropractor the following day...

[@ModeliteDiorama]

Haha I am glad that your First diorama ever Looks Like it Looks 😂. That means EVERYONE even you Started there 😂

[@flyingscotsman9657]

they only look bad compared to the god-like models you make now!

[@robertomodelscale-modellis5143]

"Nobody can tell you to not have a good time with modelling with this hobby". Nothing else to add, thanks for this video.

[@joety13]

I started modelling again 30 years after I stopped as a kid, simply because I wanted to recreate the joy I got from doing it back when I was 12! And if it wasn't for these videos my models would still be as crap as they were back then.

[@dvdw_graphics_crafts]

Your old works already look pretty refined and maturely built. I'm a graphic designer who love scale models. Been putting up my old works recently as well. My oldest work dates back to 2004, but I was relatively older than you when making it. Didn't have any practical modeling skills. Heck, I even utilized the menu scene in Medal of Honor as a printed backdrop for a corner in the diorama. Feels like yesterday. A trip down to the memory lane XD

[@paulmaul2186]

You know what's depressing? Your childhood models compared to my childhood models.

[@wi-fi3231]

As many other said, I wish I had your modelling history behind me and were as good as you! :D You’d aid you don’t have any space for those old models and that you’re getting rid of them. How about doing some sort of competition, giveaway, etc and you give those as prizes? It would be very fun, and at least four people will be happy with the result (lol) :) I remember your first video, and you definitely haven’t only improved in modelling. KZbin and video creating as well Love your work uncle Night Shift, and greetings from Sweden Btw, it means a lot when you like and respond to my comments :) Edit: I didn’t realise until I was finished how long this comment became, sorry for you all that fell asleep reading this :)

[@vader27041612]

Even being in a difficult time in my country, I am from Ukraine, I really like your work! And your videos contribute to this even more. I like to watch! Good luck in everything! Keep going!

[@brucemenard]

Thank you for sharing your modeling journey with us. I often need to remind myself, my sons and today my inspiration Uncle Night Shift that its all a journey and too enjoy the process.

[@mikehendon7327]

I intentionally keep around my oldest, crappiest model, for the sake of encouraging new people. I wanted to show, "look, this is what I did in middle school, before we had literally any of the resources we have, now. We all start with stuff we'll cringe at, either now or later. Keep at it, and you can do awesome stuff". I even revisited the kit (got another copy) in 2019, just to give people further comparisons.

[@ykdc388]

Thank you. Your videos are very helpful for modellers!

[@americanpatriot2422]

Outstanding video and presentation. Keep up the great work!

[@TheHateSpeechChannel]

Furst

[@Sammael66685]

In this vid: Uncle Night Shift being The Real and Good Uncle. Really solid and great advices specially at the conclusion man, lessons of life thrown up with neat tank modelling through the ages. P.D: That T-34-85 on that small base can be a perfect basis for a modelling trophy of sorts!

[@absurdides]

I'd enjoy seeing something like that T-34-85 climbing with your updates skills. I've never modelled and just about everything you shows looks pretty great to me. ;)

[@antonisauren8998]

Me looking at my paper scratchbuilds covered in just several acrilics mixed with schoolpaints as pigments. Now, that's a budget. :)

[@alwoodsmodellingmayhem]

Errrr, you were building better kits when you were a kid than I am possibly doing now. What I was lied was your wrap up , just enjoy doing your thing. I struggle with that, but will try to make it what I am all about. Thanks for sharing.👏👏👏👍😉

[@MiniatureMasterClass]

His childhood models look better than 99% of what the average adult modeler could ever do in their lifetime.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

Which and old bit of advice from pixel arts and table top modeling... Always keep an early peice to show how far you've come.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

Night sift:None of these are good... Me: Wait are these bad? I played video games with worse graphics!

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Uncle Martin .