"My first Group build" group build

I would like to do my first group build, but may I suggest something?  You could also post this thread in the other forums (airplane, ship, armor, etc) to garner up more interest. I know there has to be other "newbies" in the other forums willing to try out a group build!

oh, maybe extending the deadline might help too.  Six months might be plenty if one can work every day, but for those who have school, jobs or anything else, might only be able to work on the weekends.

just my

OWL

OWL, thanks for the sugestions.

I was beginning to get worried I may have hit the "Lock: Do Not Allow Replies" button before I posted. I'll try to start the "Ad campaign" on other forum sections.

I'll also extend the deadline,too (I take it collage doesn't let out for Summer?)

New Deadline:  December 2011

I hope that helps anyone interested.   -Railfan 233

I am in.  I do not know what I will build, but I will figure it out in the next week or so.  I was thinking about the 1/35 Scale Bell 47D M*A*S*H Helicopter Kit from MRC.

I am wondering about the badge and had some thoughts.  It should be yellow and sponsered by Sony.

I am glad to see you ran with my suggestion though.

Another thought, what is expected of someone participating in a group build?  Pictures with daily/weekly work in progress? 

Eric

sounds good, i signed up on the korean war build a couple of days ago. but i'm still waiting for ups. i guess i could pull something for the stash and start this one first, if thats cool.  i've got a italeri 1/35 lvt a4 i've been wanting to start. glad to be aboard.

Booooo Hooooo  , I do not qualify....waaaaaaaaa

          Alright, what I expect from everyone who joins is essentialy (which you perfer) weekly or bi-weekly a little thing, like a sentance or two, describing how the build is going, and at what stage your at.

 Pictures are optional, but I would highly reccomend them for your final update (which will say the project is completed) The photos can eather be linked to another page (what I have to do, because of technical issues) or you could post the photo on a host site (like photobucket) and post them here.

    One last thing I would like to see, is (not necisarily required) is your posting of any questions, which I'll try to answer, or I'll search the forums for an answer (or I'll send a message to users I frequently see here or have conversations with)

    Unfortunately, I have to bail-out on posting the badge directly here (I can't up-load to this forum)  I will make one, which I may place on my personal web site, and place the link here (Don't worry, if worst comes to worst, I'll see if I can contact a member who can help me post one here if I can't do it)

   I doubt Sony will sponsor us, unfortunately (still, it's a good idea. Mabe that could work if we build a 1/1 scale NASCAR and have them sponsor us. No, seriously)

Krusty 0351, Yes,  you can use any kind of kit you have in your stash, and since the due-date is over 1 year away,  you also have many options, like waiting on UPS for your kit, getting a new kit from a different source, (Or, if your crazy like me, you'll scratch-build a 1/6 scale model of a C-5 Galexy, with real, working turbine engines and controls)

          Alright, now, I'm stuck between 2 kits: the Revell 1949 Mercury (special edition. I'm thinking about doing something like what I have seen Karl Logan do, with making it into a perfect wreck) or I may do a 1/35 scale model of an LAV-AT (AMT/Eartl). Who knows, I may wind up doing both......

     Also, Eric, I'm building the MRC M*A*S*H  Bell H-47 for the Korean War group build, which is due to kick-off in about 2 weeks. I think they need a few more chopper models for the build, so if you want to sign-up, check with spikepusher there to see if you can do both builds with the same kit. ( The time frame for both this build and the Korean War build are roughly the same, about 1 year, so, if spikepusher allows it, you can kill 2 birds with 1 stone, and get 2 badges with 1 kit I'm O.K. with you doing that)         

       I'm looking foward to seeing how you build it, and if you need help, just ask. I have the September 1994 issue of FSM, which has both the MRC and Revell M*A*S*H choppers reviewed. If you have a problem, like a fit issue, let me know, and I'll pass on any info on the issue from the article to you, if it was mentioned.

I had to delay the ad-campaign I was going to post today due to a pounding migrane, so I'll get it done in the next day or two, and mabe that'll bring in more participants

Have fun with the build, and remember, if you change your mind, no pressure.

castelnuovo

Booooo Hooooo  , I do not qualify....waaaaaaaaa

castelnuovo, I take it you have done 3 or more builds.

While you don't qualify, you can still follow and help with any questions. It will help to have someone on-hand who has experiance with group builds.    -Railfan 233

         I would like to get on on this . Have no idea what it will be . Something Sci Fi if thats ok

Been trying to get into building hoping this be the kick in the pants that i need

 SLW 45, Welcome aboard.

 Anything will work, sci-fi, figures, cars (what I may do), tanks, military ground, military air, etc., etc. etc.

It's all good for the build.

Let's see now,

including myself,  we have 5 participants, and 1 possible advisor.

Not absolutely the best, but considering that I havn't gotten a chance to send-out ads to the different forums lately (bad storms keep knocking out power, or threten to send huge surges through the lines) that's a good number. Clear skies are called for here untill the afternoon, I'll try to get started with some ads.

Railfan 233

 ( For those of you who have done 3 or more builds, your are welcome to follow this and provide help to anyone who needs it)

Why does it matter if someone has done 3+ builds this year if none of those builds was part of a group build?  It seems like you are (intentionally or not) excluding more experienced builders.  Trust me, someone who is not a part of a GB is unlikely to 'follow this and provide help'.  You're most likely to get help from participants.

I'm sorry, I meant to say 3 or more group builds. (mabe that's the reason why this build seems to have lost steam and stopped dead.) Well, that was the first SNAFU I have done as a host (most likely not the last).

For anyone who has done 3 or more individual builds, I'm sorry about accidentally excluding you.  I thought that this build was lost in cyber-space due to lack of activity, with all honesty. I'll try to start getting more orgonized and get everything operating (more)smoothly.

For all who have joined in so far, are you still up for it?

Railfan 233

          Alright, what I expect from everyone who joins is essentialy (which you perfer) weekly or bi-weekly a little thing, like a sentance or two, describing how the build is going, and at what stage your at.

 

OK, so I am toying with joining this GB, but I'm unclear on a couple of the rules:

First, that whole 'less than 3 builds' thing.  If the GB doesn't end until December of 2011, so in effect this would by 'My first GB of 2011', why does it matter how many kits I've built thus far in 2010?

Second, the deadline for this is over 18 months away, so even if I join, it is likely that I won't start the particular kit for 8 - 12 months.  Do you really want me to give bi-weekly updates for the next year that say: "haven't started yet"?  That seems a little too much like homework...

bbrowniii

OK, so I am toying with joining this GB, but I'm unclear on a couple of the rules:

First, that whole 'less than 3 builds' thing.  If the GB doesn't end until December of 2011, so in effect this would by 'My first GB of 2011', why does it matter how many kits I've built thus far in 2010?

Second, the deadline for this is over 18 months away, so even if I join, it is likely that I won't start the particular kit for 8 - 12 months.  Do you really want me to give bi-weekly updates for the next year that say: "haven't started yet"?  That seems a little too much like homework...

Huh, You do have some points with your questions. It's clear I have a (whole lot) to learn.

 Well, it doesn't have anything to do with the kits built in 2010, as long as you did them as an individual. I think I over-worded it. I'm trying to say that as long as you participated in 3 or less builds, you can join with any kit of any scale/genre/media/etc.

So kits in 2010 are a "no-factor" with the build.

Well, you do have a great pouint with the whole "weekly or bi-weekly update" thing, considering that I failed to take into account that not everyone would say "Yipee!" and start the day they signed up,

sort of like me (now, upon thinking about this, I'm starting to look like the deer in the headlights)

So, for that, Just provide updates when you start the kit, and as it progresses.

I'm also sorry about the whole "seeming like homework" thing. I intended for this to be a fun summer project, thus, mainly targeting the younger, still-in-school crowd, as well as those who have the summer off or those whp have more time off in the summer. It was brought to my attention that the time-line wouldn't be good for it (too short) and so I backed it up to the current date, the last day of December 2011.

O.K., now. As long as I didn't over-word it and cross my wires, I (hopefully) cleared it up somewhat.

  Man, it's harder to host a group build than I originaly thought. My hat goes off to all who have done it with sucess. And my shoes go off to all who host group builds on a fairly regular basis.  Mabe it's just how I over-complicate everything that's leading to all of the crossed wires.

Railfan 233

  Man, it's harder to host a group build than I originaly thought.

Railfan,

You are right about that, but at least you are smart enough to realize you have a lot to learn.

In my experience, the best group builds are the ones where the moderator (you, in this case) sets out some clear guideline (as you have done, minus a snafu or two) and markets the heck out of it.  Once you get your cast o' characters who are going to participate, your 'job' is to act as shepard.  That is, to first and foremost to keep your participation active.  You'll also have to check in with other participants on how things are going on their end - either through the GB thread itself, or for the more hard to reach, through Conversations.

One final point - the big issue I suspect you'll have with this one is duration.  18 months is a REALLY long time for a GB.  The tendency will be that a bunch of people will join, some will jump right on their builds and crank them out lickety split and then they'll kind of fade away.  Then there will be a big slump and then, about September  or October, people will remember (hopefully) that they committed to this and there will be a second rush of activity.  It'll be tough to 'shepard' the whole group along together.  For that reason, a GB like this usually works better as a calendar year thing - you start 'recruiting' in say, late October, early November.  That gives guys a chance to get revved up and to anticipate the start date.  If you have 1 January as your start, you'll get guys spending the month of November and December planning their builds, bouncing questions off one another, acquiring extras.  Then the excitement builds and people really get cranked up for that start date.

You can obviously use this pattern to fit any set of dates and timeline that you want.  If you are really excited about hosting GB's, go look at the old threads of the '1000 Roadwheels' or the 'Winter Warriors'.  Both of these were organized and ran by dupes, who really has a knack for putting together really popular GBs.

You've got fine ideas, now you just have to tweak them a little.  Maybe not for this GB, but for the next one.  You'll figure it out - each one will get a little better.

Railfan 233

I'm also sorry about the whole "seeming like homework" thing. I intended for this to be a fun summer project, thus, mainly targeting the younger, still-in-school crowd, as well as those who have the summer off or those whp have more time off in the summer. It was brought to my attention that the time-line wouldn't be good for it (too short) and so I backed it up to the current date, the last day of December 2011.

Ah, don't apologize for that.  I was just teasing.  I think your basic idea is a good one.  A while back, someone did a GB (called 'Young Guns', I think) that was open only to builders 18 or younger (I might have the age wrong), and someone else did one - forget the name - for the older crowd.  It was cool because they were going on side by side, and you had some good rivalries develop.

Hmmm, this is what I think you need to do - you've got a small group interested in your GB, but I think it would get more attention if it had a specific name.  Something that helps 'define' it.  If you want a GB that is JUST for people who have never done a GB ever, that would be cool (unfortunately, I bet the nanny software won't let you call it 'The V-irgins' .  If you want one to be for people's first GB of the year, I think that could work too, but I've got to  be honest, you're starting it a little early.  Alternatively (or additionally) you could also pick a specific vehicle or type of vehicle, a battle or an era and have the GB theme be that.

Once you figure out your target audience and title, you'll really want to give some consideration to a badge.   I know it seems lame, but a lot of people are attracted to GBs by the badge.

My final piece of advice - at least for this current GB you've got going: it's too long.  I'd consider shortening it.  Check with the participants and see if anyone has a problem with you shortening the dates - say to July 1 of next year.  12 months is a long time.  If the people invovled are adamant that they want it to go to the end of the year, so be it, but keep the duration in mind for your next GB.

Alright, I got the basic idea for this build down good. Now it's just trying to find out how to get everything else orgonized.

I'll get it together with the badge, and I'll post my ideas for it here.

For the part about too long, I'll have to get everyone's opinion.

For everyone who is still participating (assuming that you havn't been scared off for some reason) Would changing the end date to July 1, 2011 work?

Railfan you also need a way to let anyone join. Speaking from experience, exclusive GB's are considered bad form. I've seen many; Vets only, guys from Michigan only, girls only etc. that just die because no one is going to care about it if they can't join it.

And in your GB's case, the more experienced people probably figure there won't be much to learn.

But it's not hard to open your idea up. Take the three examples I gave above. For each of those, I've seen "what you drove in the service", well maybe someone wasn't in the service, but their dad was and he drove an "X", or, I'm from California but I have this Michigan ANG F-100 kit, or, "my wife has never built a model, but I'm going to give her this Impala to build".

Well, that is a good point. I'm not too sure if I can use the sugestion to salvage this build (if there is a way, I don't see it) but I'm going to use the information I have gotten for future builds, if I decide to host one again.

Let's see now, I'm not too sure if this will be the best way to fly with it, but how about something along the lines of trying something new to you? Kind of like a car modeler (who has never done any attempts at aircraft or armor) who tries one of those kits for the first time. Or mabe there's a technique that you have never tried. Mabe that would work..... (I just need opinions on wether everyone would like to try it that way)

 I'm not too sure what I could do, since I'm kind of well-rounded with subjects but I could always do something with photo-etched stuff. Or, for a technique, I could try using an airbrush (I have one, but I never used it for anything except 1 or 2 model railroad locomotive wethering attempts)

So, if it's good with everyone, I would like to suggest changing it to "New to me" type group build, where you try a new subject, media, or technique. If I hear from everyone who has joined so far, and all is in agreement, I'll make a new thred for this, to try and cut out all of the extras (like the original rules that wouldn't apply)

Railfan 233

 I'm not too sure what I could do, since I'm kind of well-rounded with subjects

.... so, been there, done that, tried every technique and mastered it, and have the t-shirt to prove it?

C'mon railfan... I'm willing to cut you some slack because I know you are a young guy, but comments like that just scream of arrogance.  There is ALWAYS something new to do in this hobby.  Take me, I've been building models, mostly armor, but some aircraft and ships, for 30+ years.  Well, I am working on a build now that combines:

-Working with modern, rather than WWII armor

-Significant scracthbuilding of interior details

I've also recently purchased my first set of Mig Pigments which I am anxious to try.  I'm looking forward to doing the 'Hairspray' technique for the first time on my next build.

Then there are the different categories of armor: close top, open top, wheeled, tracked, half-tracked, there is artillery, both towed and self-propelled.  Modern armor, WWII armor, Axis armor, Allied armor, Post-war Armor... a single color camo, two color, three color?  Hard edge (Silly putty)?  Soft edge?  Heavy weathering?  Light?  Winter whitewash?  the list goes on...

How about aircraft - have you done a biplane with full rigging?  Single prop fighters? Bombers - 2 engine and 4 engine, jets, stealth, seaplanes....

My point is this - the BEST builders I know and have ever seen all have one thing in common - they are as good as they are because they were always trying out something new.  There is ALWAYS something to learn in this hobby.   If you assume that you have nothing to learn, you limit your potential to grow.

Now, hold on. I'm not a "master-of-all-trades" thinker. I know I'll never be great (I doubt I'll even have my models in any contest or in the Fine Scale modeler's reader's showcase) and I know I still have a lot to learn.

  Now, I have attempted models of almost every subject, just to try them out, but other than that once or twice experiance where the kit fell together without problem, I'm clueless. (I couldn't re-scribe and re-rivet an airplane after filling and sanding seams and gaps, even if I tried)

In my earlier post, I said that I'm well rounded with building a kit, but I don't have a lot of techniques or skills with what's found in the newest kits (like photo-etch metal stuff. Give me some of that, and I'll be so lost, not even a map would help) I mainly build older kits that could be found in a Michaels arts and crafts store, and I have never done anything else other than building out of the box, with occasional scratch-built details for stuff that's obviously missing. I have absolutly NO experiance with photo-etch details or resin parts, with very little experiance with operating an airbrush.

Now, I probably mis-worded that, and if I did, I'm sorry. I'm not arrogant and I'm always willing to learn. It's just I think way too fast, and I never think about how what I'm saying/ writing accually sounds/reads with other people.

Maybe I was a little harsh, but remember, if you are going to be the host of a GB, you need to generate some excitement about it.  So, if you are wanting to do a GB where everyone tries something new, then what you need to do is decide what new thing you are going to try, and (at least act like are) excited by it... 

From the way you describe your experience, it sounds like there are lots of things you could do.  So spend an hour or so cruising around the forum looking and stuff other people have done and pick something that you have always wanted to try.  Then, sell it...

Now, that was the harshest anyone has acted towards me in a long time, but I do see where it went wrong (I almost never correctly say what I intended to say)

Let's see now: what do I want to try, as far as techniques go to do that's new to me?

  Well, ever since Karl Logan's article in the Fine Scale Modeler a few years back on that junker Nomad, I have always wanted to try that technique with the hairspray wethering (my need to build junkers increced when Model Junkyard posted their thred on their 1/24 scale projects)

Then, I have always wanted to learn how to paint multi-color paint schemes. I tried it a few times, with less than spectacular results (there was always an un-sandable ridge that would never go away at the masking-tape line)

Or there's that one tchnique that has been evading me for a long time: trying to make mud for dioramas (and for usse with wethering models) I tried it with baking-soda, glue, and paint (it made something that resembled sticky silly putty, but dried and looked like silly putty baked in the oven)

Then, there's that one that I never could do: use aftermarket details. I have never purchaced them, or even thought about them (untill I see it eather in the forums, or in the FSM magazine itself) and I would like to (at least) attempt to use them.   I can't explain why I never purchaced them before. I have always made-do with what was in a kit, and eather scratch-built or kit-bashed what ever part that was missing or was obviously unaccurate.

That's the main stuff I have wanted to try out, and get somewhat right. As I go deeper into the forums, I'm sure I'll find other stuff I want to try, but I wan't list them all here.

Well, you might be onto something, RF. "My First Time" Group Build.

"My first time" using aftermarket decals (and try it, you'll NEVER go back).

"My first time" building a resin kit.

"My first" NMF etc....

Folks get to pick something they have been wanting to try.

That sounds fun, and well worth the ticket to see what other folks do.

I'd be in with "my first time finishing a vac-form kit".

So go for it despite us all giving you the what-for. But look, again some advice. "Enough with the advice"...

Keep the rules to a minimum. Be prepared to respond to every post. Look at Daywalker- he runs wildly popular GB's because he is always in it, urging people along, compliments, jokes, a little humble pie.

Modify the dam re: line- take out the quotes.

Badge could be cool too, until the mods get ya...

O.K, since the "My first" group build will most likely suceed, do you think I out to make a new thred for it? Or shoulf this be O.K.?  (I'm guessing that a new thred may be in order, since this has a lot of "extras" from everyone helping me iron out the kinks and other snafus I made with being a first-time group build host.)

Yahh, get your text together and put it up as a question in General Modeling Discussion. Ask, don't tell, and don't worry about the badge stuff. But Boyd is right I'd say- sell the rabble on your enthusiasm and, there's a word, ecumenism.

It's all meant to be fun, you know. Good GB's have stuff like Friday night beer busts, quizzes, mandatory post dates, libraries of references.

Also, it helps to be a little scared about what work it'll be. One reason I'd never try.

Railfan 233

Now, that was the harshest anyone has acted towards me in a long time, but I do see where it went wrong (I almost never correctly say what I intended to say)

Let's see now: what do I want to try, as far as techniques go to do that's new to me?

  Well, ever since Karl Logan's article in the Fine Scale Modeler a few years back on that junker Nomad, I have always wanted to try that technique with the hairspray wethering (my need to build junkers increced when Model Junkyard posted their thred on their 1/24 scale projects)

Then, I have always wanted to learn how to paint multi-color paint schemes. I tried it a few times, with less than spectacular results (there was always an un-sandable ridge that would never go away at the masking-tape line)

Or there's that one tchnique that has been evading me for a long time: trying to make mud for dioramas (and for usse with wethering models) I tried it with baking-soda, glue, and paint (it made something that resembled sticky silly putty, but dried and looked like silly putty baked in the oven)

Then, there's that one that I never could do: use aftermarket details. I have never purchaced them, or even thought about them (untill I see it eather in the forums, or in the FSM magazine itself) and I would like to (at least) attempt to use them.   I can't explain why I never purchaced them before. I have always made-do with what was in a kit, and eather scratch-built or kit-bashed what ever part that was missing or was obviously unaccurate.

That's the main stuff I have wanted to try out, and get somewhat right. As I go deeper into the forums, I'm sure I'll find other stuff I want to try, but I wan't list them all here.

Well there ya go, Railfan!    I like your thinking here.

Bondo is right - the 'My first time...GB'.  I agree that a new thread is in order.  Spend a day or two thinking it out, make it clear, post your new thread and give a couple of weeks (month tops) between your first post and the start date - that'll give you time to recruit and participants a chance to  get amped up.

If I can find a way to fit this in, I think I might be doing 'My First Time - Major Conversion'.  I've got a T-34/85 and a conversion set to make it Libyan or Egyptian.  Or I might do 'My First Time - To be determined'.  It'll all depend on your start and end dates.

You're on the right track, here, Railfan... good work.

bondoman

Keep the rules to a minimum. Be prepared to respond to every post. Look at Daywalker- he runs wildly popular GB's because he is always in it, urging people along, compliments, jokes, a little humble pie.

Bondo is right, Railfan.  Take a look at the GB Daywalker has going right now - over 30 participants!  Also notice, he posted his initial post two weeks before the GB started, he clearly spelled out the rules and dates, had a badge ready, and provided some reference material (links). 

As a sign of how popular his GB is, consider that he had 10 pages BEFORE the GB even started!

Alright, I'll do what you mentioned with the post in "General Modeling Discussion", and I'll ask to see who would be intrested.

No worries about a badge, I'll need to think about it. I definately want to try something with one (If I can't find a suitable photo, then I'll just forget it) Sell it on enthusiasm. There's a problem: I'm enthusiastic on the inside, but I am alot like the guy from the "red-eye"vysene (did I spell it right?) commertials on the outside.

I guess I can give it a shot. For the fun aspect, huh I'm not all that fun to begin with (unless you like to listen to the "It's a Small World" song over and over) But, I do like clean jokes (funny signs and slap-stick comedy, like The 3 Stooges, mainly)

For the "Friday Night beer bust" well, what is that? (I'm still 16, and anything with alcohol is completely unknown to me)

For quizzes, I'll have to think about that. Would trivia type stuff work?

For post dates, I'll try to do it as I did for this group build: bi-weekly updates (or weekly, if you perfer)

How about the last day of the build be the mandatory one, where everyone posts there photos of the completed project? after that, I can lock the thred, and have that as the last update (or, is that not reccomended, locking the build after it's finished?)

Libraries of refrence, Oh boy, I love searching the internet, and posting links to help others (Yes, I'm part computer geek, dispite the fact I can barely use a computer)

To be a little scared of the work, Oh I whish you didn't say that. I'm wondering if I made a mistake now....

No you can't lock the thread, that's a misconception, nor would you ever want to because there's folks that have other responsibilities that'll slow em down. Like raising kids like you, NDI

Yes alcohol a bad idea and NOT needed for fun, but you get the drift. Look you want young people right? Appeal to all of them here with stuff we old farts don't know about like favorite Iphone apps contests, Gundam weekend builds, why Megan Fox is hot contests, Taylor Lautner lookalike contests.

Do not, repeat do not design your badge. Have a contest and pick the winner, or have a vote.

Listen, you need team mates dude, not students.