Hi Guys,
I'm fairly new to modeling but have been building a lot of then since my injury in February. Some of the models that are built on this sight are absolutely exquisite and looking very realistic. I see how guys try to attempt to recreate the item with as much detail as possible.
So my question is, as the title of the tread states, What do you do with parts that the model manufacture intend to have move?:-?
Do we care if they move , its not like we are playing with them as a child would?
Or do we strive to achieve what the model manufacture intend in our quest for perfection?
Just something that I was wondering about

Typically no, I don't care about moving parts. I will leave a turret unglued or the barrel I'll leave movable. The only reason I would leave the drive wheel movable is to help with assemply. Rotating the wheel can help get a 'rubber band' track on.
Doors on softskins, I will glue in place.

For the most part I go with static

Hi Sal,

I gotta admit that I still enjoy moving parts. I still have a motorized Tamiya tank I built in the 70's and it still runs.

However, most moving parts on models may not last long and will have to be glued in place, i.e., ailerons, landing gear. Hatches on tanks, to make them work, have ugly and unrealistic hinges. That is the drawback.

With armor models, the problem is that vinyl working treads do not sag like the real thing; that is why many modelers glue them in place. Now, not all treads should sag; US tanks' treads were tensioned to be taut and vinyl tracks mimic this authentically.

Then again, some of the new manufacturers of aftermarket tracks make their metal track links to roll!

Sal, build your models to your enjoyment (an ongoing theme). If you do not, your modeling will not be enjoyable. That sounds obvious, but it is a thread that pops up all the time. You may want to build models for shows, for others' enjoyment--nothing wrong with that, many modelers do. There is no right or wrong way to enjoy this hobby.

For instance, I built an impressive new modern model of the ME 262 jet fighter. It has an impressive engine and the model company provided clear plastic nacelles. Some modelers think such a practice makes it look toy-like, but I display one of the jets in the clear nacelle. That pleases me.

So enjoy your models and build them as it pleases you.

BTW, your gallery shows that you are going good work! Looks like you ARE having fun!

Thanks Guys, it was just something that I was wondering about and I am getting much enjoyment out of building models. I find that it helps me to relax.

Well propellers and canopies are usually glued,also hatche on armor,but the turrets on ships and armor are usually left free.

I've left some soft skins with the wind screen moveable but that's about it.
I do build my props so that they are removable, so they can turn. I add a lenght of rod to the prop (if it doesn't have a stem) and then glue a tube into the airframe. THe prop can then slide in and out and it's a little easier to transport or store.

Yep. Turrets,main guns move unless required by a diorama scene design. I did Tamiya's Flak vierling and was really surprized it turned and elevated the guns and the sight!
Halftrack doors move and front wheels steer.(Tamiya/Zvezda)don't know about DML or others. No wheel rotation or track movement. Track suspension movement is a case-by-case decision. If designed to articulate by mfg., then I go for it. If not,then I have to study it to see what it takes to give it action and then decide if the trouble is worth it.
It's all up to you in the end.
Cheers!
Rick

Hi Guys thanks for the responces. I agree with the tank turrets and propellers but with this kit I just finished they had the rear gun movable and said to not glue the sand plate onto side

I glued both items in as less a chance of them getting broken or lost.