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Group Build Theme Ideas

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  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Land of Lakes
Group Build Theme Ideas
Posted by cbaltrin on Thursday, December 24, 2020 6:25 AM

While I don't have much time to build, I do enjoy observing group builds and I even attempt to participate in one here and there.   That being said,   If I had more time to build or even to host a group build, I would enjoy the following themes.  Why say you guys? Feel free to add to my list. Maybe somebody will pick up on one of these ideas and run with it?

1) Raised Rivets GB -- Get an old vintage kit and go to work.

2) Gull Grey and White GB 

3) One True Scale GB -- possibly with a sub theme

4) My First Kit GB -- Rebuild one of the same kits you built when you were a kid. 

5) USAF TAC SEA Scheme GB -- A/C has to be painted in TAC SEA Scheme

6) Another Monogram Mafia GB 

On the Bench: Too Much

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Thursday, December 24, 2020 6:35 AM

3 and 4 have been done before, but not for a while. But some interesting ideas there. I do have my hands full with GB's for the next few years at least, but will be interesting to see if anyone picks up on those.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Thursday, December 24, 2020 8:31 AM

All good ideas but I really love #4 The My First Kit GB. Not my first kit but close was the vintage Monogram P-38 which I'd love to tackle again. 

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    November 2020
Posted by Xraylizard on Thursday, December 24, 2020 5:43 PM

How about a golden age of aviation build

caveat I bet some kits are hard to find and old... but then maybe easy ones lol. One could even say no PE allowed 

straight from the box maybe 

colorful planes though 

  • Member since
    June 2007
Posted by jrb53 on Thursday, December 24, 2020 7:23 PM

Merry Xmas Eve,

Has there ever been a Novel GB?  Several years ago I remember a Movie/TV GB where the subject had to have appeared onscreen; but how about a subject described within a novel and purely based on the description (and sometimes a poor one at that) provided by the author. You know, combine your thoughts with the imagination of the author.  No documentaries, must be fictional.

Obviously Patrick O' Brian's "Surprise" frigate comes to mind.  What about the USS Ford (a fourstacker destroyer) from South to Java Sea?  How about that wildly painted E-type Jaguar that Frederick Forsythe (maybe John le Carre?) described in one of his spy novels?  The B-52 in Flight of the Old Dog.  Someone in the "Ships" forum already mentioned the modified Lykes Line ship that was so important in Red Storm Rising.  Anyway, you get the idea.  No "right" or "wrong" look based on document photographs.  Just name the book and use what the author gives you to make the model special.

Obviously not for everyone, but great for us junk-readers who like to "imagineer" machinery!  Smile

Jack

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Nashotah, WI
Posted by Glamdring on Thursday, December 24, 2020 9:19 PM

I like that idea of a novel themed build. 

The national themed builds always seem to go well.   

I have always thought an "out of the comfort zone" build would be fun, given the modeler a chance to flex their skills in a genre they don't usually build.

Maybe a short term figures build, say 1 to 3 months in length.

Robert 

"I can't get ahead no matter how hard I try, I'm gettin' really good at barely gettin' by"

  • Member since
    August 2014
  • From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Posted by goldhammer on Thursday, December 24, 2020 9:39 PM

Like the TAC/SEA and novel ideas.

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Thursday, December 24, 2020 9:58 PM

I like the novel idea. Flight Of The Phoenix, The Destroyermem....

Like Bish, I'm running enough GB's to last a while. 

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    April 2015
Posted by Mopar Madness on Thursday, December 24, 2020 10:25 PM

I was running an idea by Modelcrazy a few week back.  I was thinking about a GB that focuses on foreign vehicles in "enemy" service.  I'd call it the "Strangers in a Strange Land" GB. With my work and travel schedule it would probably never happen though. 

Chad

God, Family, Models...

At the plate: 1/48 Airfix Bf109 & 1/35 Tamiya Famo

On deck: Who knows!

  • Member since
    June 2008
Posted by lewbud on Friday, December 25, 2020 12:39 AM

There are some interesting ideas being floated here. Wondering if you're idea is good enough is like wondering how cold the water is in a lake.  You won't know until you jump in.  When you're ready, put a feeler message out there explaining the subject and the rules of the build and go from there.  If you get a good response, go for it.  If not, don't give up wait awhile and try again.

Buddy- Those who say there are no stupid questions have never worked in customer service.

  • Member since
    April 2014
  • From: Australia
Posted by lostagain on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 12:10 AM

That's kinda where I was coming from Lewbud, I have been doing GBs for long enough, enjoying others running them and figured I should jump in and have a go.

I chose my first hosting GB based on two factors: what have I got loads of in my stash; and the centenary of the RAAF coming up.

The 'feeler' went out (probably a bit early) and happily got some support so looking forward to seeing how it goes.

And all being well I will be hosting a Between the Wars GB in 2022 to get through some of the 20s and 30s planes in the stash.....

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 2:12 AM

Sometimes it can be surpriseing how popular a GB is. I never expected the RAF GB to be as popular as it was. The big question is always how many people will actually build the kit they have entered.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 2:49 AM

I feel a responsibility to build the kit.  Good or bad. Makes it more fun.  

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 7:39 AM

Yeah lots of good ideas there! 

Love the 'out of the comfort zone' idea- I could use an excuse to try building an auto model. 

And the novel one is great too, I have a pile of old Mithril Miniature (pre-movie) figures of characters from the 'Lord of the Rings' novels I could use. And some from Games Workshop based ib the Peter Jackson movies- I mean they were based on a movie that was based on a novel right?

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    April 2019
  • From: Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Posted by John 3:16 KJV on Friday, January 1, 2021 4:55 PM

There's some different wars that don't get much attention:

French Indochina War in the 1950s, Chaco War in the 1930s, and the Spanish American War and the Russo Japanese War around the turn of the twentieth century. Even WWI could use a GB. :)

 

 

     “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

     For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”  - John 3:16-17

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Monday, January 25, 2021 8:36 AM

I thought of one a couple days ago.

Between the wars. November 1918 to Sep 1939.

Any subject built between these dates.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    February 2011
Posted by GreySnake on Monday, January 25, 2021 1:17 PM

modelcrazy

I thought of one a couple days ago.

Between the wars. November 1918 to Sep 1939.

Any subject built between these dates.

 

I’d be interested in that would give me a reason to build the Meng Char 2C or an FT-17 from the Polish-Soviet war.   
  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Monday, January 25, 2021 1:57 PM

Yeah GS, I have several that would fit.

You know, I might just see if I have the "bandwith" (the word they use here at HP for time) to start a feeler for it. Unfortunatly, I can't even keep up with my entries for my own GB's LOL. I'm running six as of now but addmittley the majority of them are very long lasting and therefore very light.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Monday, January 25, 2021 2:35 PM

Steve, i would certainly be interested if it ran into next year. A good excuse to build my SCW Ju-87A.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by 68GT on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 3:44 PM
I 'm not much of a helicopter guy but always thought there should be one called "Get to the Chopper". I was also thinking of decade themed GBs like the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s...etc. We probably should get more car builds here to since I have at least 20-30 of those.

On Ed's bench, ???

  

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Nashotah, WI
Posted by Glamdring on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 8:25 PM

I had another tongue in cheek idea for a "Topless GB."  No figures allowed, to adhere to the FSM rules, but any vehicle without a roof is welcome, convertibles, open cockpit planes, open topped AFVs, etc.  Alternative title could be the "Wind in the Hair GB."

Robert 

"I can't get ahead no matter how hard I try, I'm gettin' really good at barely gettin' by"

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Thursday, February 4, 2021 1:33 PM

Bish

Steve, i would certainly be interested if it ran into next year. A good excuse to build my SCW Ju-87A.

 

I hadn't read too far forward before I piped up, but it looks like Lost may have been intrested in doing a between the wars in 22. Either way, if he or I, it probably wouldn't start till 22 anyway.

I have lots and lots of ideas for GB's

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Thursday, February 4, 2021 2:57 PM

You and me both. I have GB's planned for 22, 23 and going into 24.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    April 2020
  • From: West Texas
Posted by JBRaider on Thursday, February 4, 2021 3:30 PM

The 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor is coming up this year.

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Thursday, February 4, 2021 3:44 PM

cbaltrin

While I don't have much time to build, I do enjoy observing group builds and I even attempt to participate in one here and there.   That being said,   If I had more time to build or even to host a group build, I would enjoy the following themes.  Why say you guys? Feel free to add to my list. Maybe somebody will pick up on one of these ideas and run with it?

1) Raised Rivets GB -- Get an old vintage kit and go to work.

2) Gull Grey and White GB 

3) One True Scale GB -- possibly with a sub theme

4) My First Kit GB -- Rebuild one of the same kits you built when you were a kid. 

5) USAF TAC SEA Scheme GB -- A/C has to be painted in TAC SEA Scheme

6) Another Monogram Mafia GB 

 
Shelf of Doom.
 
Everyone picks one of his builds, that has ground to a halt, and resumes it.
 
Our club made this our year-long theme a couple of years ago, and it proved popular, and successful.  Everyone encourged everyone else to get over whatever hurdles we faced, and that had a big psychological effect.  I wound up finishing 3 submissions, by the time we were done.

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    August 2014
  • From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Posted by goldhammer on Thursday, February 4, 2021 10:34 PM

Baron-  68GT has had a shelf GB going on for a couple of years now. 

I should really join that one...most everything I start seems to end up in the garage of Doom.  Shelf just not big enoughCrying

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Friday, February 5, 2021 9:52 AM

Bish

You and me both. I have GB's planned for 22, 23 and going into 24.

We should get together so I can plan. I suspect some of what your thinking may coincide with what I'm thinking when it comes to manufacturer I.E. Focke Wulf, Lockheed, Hawker ETC.

If Lostagain doesn't end up wanting to do a "Between the Wars" then I'll do it next year.

I I have at least one possable two that might work.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Between LA and OC, SoCal
Posted by oortiz10 on Friday, February 5, 2021 10:24 AM

If we're just throwing out ideas, how about a "Nose Art" GB? OK, so it doesn't have to be nose art on aircraft specifically, but maybe decorative additions to vehicles outside of their normal paint schemes and markings? Like...airbrushed murals on lowriders or vans from the '70s. Zapped aircraft. Armor with names stencilled on the barrel. I even think there was an airliner with a Santa splattered on the nose. 

Just a thought...

-It's Omar, but they call me "O".

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Friday, February 5, 2021 10:30 AM

modelcrazy

 

 
Bish

You and me both. I have GB's planned for 22, 23 and going into 24.

 

 

We should get together so I can plan. I suspect some of what your thinking may coincide with what I'm thinking when it comes to manufacturer I.E. Focke Wulf, Lockheed, Hawker ETC.

If Lostagain doesn't end up wanting to do a "Between the Wars" then I'll do it next year.

I I have at least one possable two that might work.

 

Well, i'll give you a chance to fill in your planner for the next few years.

April this year to June next, Falklands War GB.

2022 - Junkers GB and 8th Air Force 80th Anniversary GB.

2023 - Avro and de Haviland GB. Iraq war 20th Anniversary GB and an Airfix GB starting in July and running into 24.

2024 - Focke Wulf GB and i am sure i'll think of somthing else.

2025 - Hawker Siddley GB.

I started my first GB on 1st Nov 2010, 8th AAF, and there has not been a day since when i have not been hosting at least one. I keep telling myself i will take a break, but then somthing else comes up and i can't help myself.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Nashotah, WI
Posted by Glamdring on Friday, February 5, 2021 10:57 AM

Bish

 

I started my first GB on 1st Nov 2010, 8th AAF, and there has not been a day since when i have not been hosting at least one. I keep telling myself i will take a break, but then somthing else comes up and i can't help myself.

 

Bless you for it too!  Bow Down

Robert 

"I can't get ahead no matter how hard I try, I'm gettin' really good at barely gettin' by"

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