Planned approach to future group builds?

Whitewolf and me have been participating in the 1/16 Tiger group as well but we weren't originally members of it. We just sort of straggled in and I believe a couple others are participating on an infrequent basis. So far I've enjoyed being in it immensely. But I could understand how people are getting tired of seeing the same bunch of build groups hogging up the top of the forums. If it gets "unstickied" I'd still try to post there until it became too much of a bother to find in the forums. But I'd miss it.

I think a separate forum for build groups is a grand idea.

And I think a combination of spontaneously selected build groups as well as a planned out build group itinary (spelling?) would be great. I'm not real crazy about a completely planned out schedule but a mix of the 2 I think would work out just right..... but I think for something like that it would really need a dedicated group build forum..... just my 2 cents.

p.s. just a thought.... if its too much of a hassle for FSM (they might not be willing to or have the resources to devote the time it would take to add one) to put one up would it be in bad taste if someone donated a forum for group builds? One topic stickied on the FSM armor forums taking you to the group builds. I don't know how FSM would feel about it and I'm sure its a touchy issue.... just throwing it out there as a suggestion for what its worth.

I like the idea of specific kit GB's. that would be perfect for someone who is interested in modeling a new subject, but doesnt know much about it (that would be me). It would be a great way to get help when having problems or needing suggestions.

casey

Sorry to open such a big can of worms! My intention wasn't to continue the sticky discussion, etc. Nor was I looking for a dictatorial approach to a faction dominating the subjects, or to stop anybody from suggesting any other group builds. I simply wanted to help out guys that want to join in a group build experience but do not have ready access to AM parts or a LHS. By having some idea of what they could join in in the future builders like Nick and the others outside the US and Canada would have some time to obtain things in preparation for a particular group build project.

Those who have participated in the recent builds have all declared they gained from the group build experience. We have all learned things from the builds (special note of thanks to Robert for sharing his knowledge of the Sherman with so many of us asking his advice), and the benefits to younger modellers are obvious.

Maybe if we had a loose agenda of say 3 planned consecutive GB's (of 2 months duration maximum each) this would suffice. Anyone not interested in a particular build could suggest another spontanious build, as has been the case to date. A new loose agenda could then be agreed upon at say the time the last planned build is due to start.

Those that don't want to participate do not have to, and viewing the thread is optional. I did not participate in the Tiger builds, but still enjoyed the opportunity to learn from and view pics from the participants.

I agree that the Sticky issue could be a problem, but in reality does a group build need to be a sticky at all? With the many contributions each day, group builds would feature in the first 1 or 2 pages, and after the 2 week grace period after completion date falls due, the thread could be locked so as to allow it to go to the archives in peace.

End result is, do we want to vote to have a loose GB agenda posted for all to view, or not?

QUOTE: We should have reasonable finish dates on ALL group builds and then cut them loose after that date with a small grace period. After that, if they are still active they'll float on their own.

I think the rest should pretty unrestricted.

I mentioned this in the AFV build but how bout this: an Armor GB sub-forum, for example
ARMOR
/.............\
GB.........Topics

QUOTE: End result is, do we want to have a loose GB agenda posted for all to view or not?

One word answer: yes.

QUOTE: I mentioned this in the AFV build but how bout this: an Armor GB sub-forum, for example ARMOR /.............\ GB.........Topics

I would prefer a GB forum in the "modeling subjects" section. I think it should be easily accessible to all, not just us tread heads.

dday, Sherm has looked into this, and short of rewriting the program that operates this site, a separate GB sub-forum is unfortunately not feasible.

Thanks for the simple yes/no answer Derek.

Hmm, no more takers....okay we'll let this issue rest then.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Kumakichi Whitewolf and me have been participating in the 1/16 Tiger group as well but we weren't originally members of it. We just sort of straggled in and I believe a couple others are participating on an infrequent basis. So far I've enjoyed being in it immensely. But I could understand how people are getting tired of seeing the same bunch of build groups hogging up the top of the forums. If it gets "unstickied" I'd still try to post there until it became too much of a bother to find in the forums. But I'd miss it.

couldnt you add it to you favorites? then you could find it no problem
and i thing there still listed on the group build thread in the generel modeling thread

QUOTE: Originally posted by petbat dday, Sherm has looked into this, and short of rewriting the program that operates this site, a separate GB sub-forum is unfortunately not feasible. Thanks for the simple yes/no answer Derek.

Oh, darn

It wouldn't (or SHOULDn't) be very hard to add a Group Build forum, that is, if the software for this forum was written correctly (as a professional web-developer and senior year Computer Science major - I should know). The real reason must be the "powers that be" that Robert talked to either don't want to, or don't know how (i.e. they bought the software from a developer).

Gary - I really don't think it's a case of either of those. I was told it can be done, but would require some extra time that they weren't willing to commit to at this time.
This wouldn't just be for the Armour Forum, but for all of the main forums.

Good ideas there, petbat.
I like the Self propelled Artillery (maybe split into 2 builds -ww2 and other)
as I have a few kits that would fit into this category.
What about other, larger projects, like armour transporters, or the Trumpeter SAM transporter?

Ok, Robert, that makes more sense. I can understand that.

BTW - I re-read my post, I didn't mean to come across so harsh. It was a long, awful night . . .