The next iModeler Group Build(s)
Following on from the success of Neil's D-Day group build, I think many people would like another. I've noticed a few suggestions, including WW1, aircraft converted from military to civilian use, Le Mans 24 hour sportscars, and the Battle of Britain. Let's have some responses to see what would be popular, and maybe some more suggestions.
If there is sufficient interest in Le Mans I would be happy to organise it (with lots of help from Martin!).
Thanks a lot, George
Yes...there are any number of "categories" from which to select a theme. The imagination is endless if one really thinks about it. Among those you neglected to mention would be Ships, Figures, maybe a "Great Moments in History" genre, even "What-If's" - whatever the chosen group build turns out to be in the weeks ahead, I shall endeavor to find a way to participate if possible.
LeMans sounds good but I was thinking about Korea , or. Something that I have'nt seen done . Old school drag racing , circa 1950-1960 . It really seems to be negected area on auto modeling.
Personally, I would like to do a Battle of Britain group build. It all started around this time of year and I think that makes it appropriate. BoB is more than just aircraft also so I figure there is something for everyone. Just my two pence.
Much as I would like to see something automotive related or just different for that matter truth be told there would probably be more participation if we stuck to a subject that included The Battle of Britain that Seamus suggested. Not only did it start about now but if I'm not mistaken it was over by the end of summer which gives you a time frame.
Also, being a broad subject there is probably more potential subject matter than the D-Day build had, aircraft, civilian vehicles, radar sites, airfield dioramas & figures just to mention a few.
I will be in to try anything the Group comes up with.
Actually, The Battle of Britain went into September. Maybe some would think that a two and a half month group build is going kind of long. Still, you have to figure that modeling activities decrease in the summer months, for obvious reasons. I think that even with decreased modeling activity, one could get one done in two months without yard work or tanning getting in the way. Just something to chew on.
I'm up for BoB but there's no reason why we can't have more than one G/B running at the same time if some of the guys want to do one relating to auto's as well...
N.
For that matter, the theme could be along the lines of "...my favorite kits to model..." - as I said, the list is endless. We should put Martin 'on the spot' and have HIM dictate the next theme. LOL
If its a WWI theme Craig, I'm gonna see what I can do with the old Testors Nieuport 17.
I would be in for WW1 or Battle of Britain, or at least would give it a good try!
Since I am mostly a plane type guy I would say 1. Defense of the Reich
Since I'm still trying to get my D-Day project done, I don't have any room to talk, but I'd be okay with anything other than cars. If we go with the Battle of Britain I would like to see the time frame expanded to include at least Dunkirk, that would open it up to almost any subject.
V.E. or V.J. Day G.B. is an idea to add to the above.
How about Inchon or the frozen chosen?
A WWI group build seems like a good idea also. I cannot remember the last time I built a WWI model kit, but I am sure it was manufactured by Aurora. I have been getting an itch to do a WWI airplane. Maybe a WWI group build is the kick in the arse I need.
Personally, I hope it's NOT a WWI theme, Seamus. That would mean I'd have to buy an expensive Wing Nut Wings kit from new Zealand. Flying things with two wings and wire rigging is not MY forte, either.
i Like the idea of both the WW1 build and the BoB but at the speed rate im building at the moment (or not building) the longer they run for the better
george...if you make it car..make it any car...don't limit it to lemans...the only thing i know about lemans is steve mc queen...a general car theme and you run it because your a fine man
I think there are probably three front runners here. Time for a decision.
Martin your call.
I don't know if this will float anyone's boat but, how about a WWI theme where only Aurora, K&B, Glencoe, Hawk/Testors kits can be used for 1/48 and Airfix, vintage Revell, and Esci kits can be used for 1/72. As there has never been anything aftermarket produced for these kits (at least to my knowledge there have not) any additional detail will have to be scratch built or bummed from the spares. As the kits listed above are pretty inexpensive (except for the rarer ones), there really is no great loss should one screw up their project. Just a thought.
Like this idea. I enjoy building old kits of any type. Can't think of any off hand but there are probably some box scale kits that fall in here also.
I'm gettin' worried, guys...you're gettin' further and further away from my "comfort zone" here...LOL
Not to worry Craig. Just knocking some ideas around. Personally, I would really like a Battle of Britain group build.
I'm happy to build anything! Providing the estate agent gives herself a shake and gets my house sorted ! I'm expecting October before I can unpack my boxes.
Thanks for all the feedback, guys. From what you've said, the Battle of Britain seems favourite, with WW1 a close runner up. I'm still keen to do something with cars, maybe the original suggestion of Le Mans entries is too narrow for some, so how about any 'competition car', that would open it up considerably? I'd like to suggest we have two group builds, one Battle of Britain, and the other competition cars. So, how about it, guys, and especially Martin/
Don't know if two concurrent builds would add or decrease involvement. I'm open to it given enough time & agree that maybe the car build be opened up some.
18th June 1940 - Winston Churchill delivers his "Finest Hour" speech to the house of commons..."What General Weygand called the Battle of France is over. I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin. Upon this battle depends the survival of Christian civilization. Upon it depends our own British life, and the long continuity of our institutions and our Empire. The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us. Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was their finest hour.'...! The clue is in the date...clock is ticking 🙂
I replied on Paul Van Acker's recent post that we should all get one person we know under 18 to join the site and build a model (any category) and let them have their own build! Maybe there could be a prize for the most popular, but to be eligible posts have to be made describing the progress and troubles/triumphs while building the kit. This would encourage some writing skills which sad to say I've seen declining. (I'm only 39, and I feel terrible when I have to say "Kids these days."! I thought that's what old fogeys were supposed to say!)
You ain't kidding Josh. One of my Goddaughters is in high school and had to write a paper on Shakespeare's "Hamlet". She knows that I am a Shakespeare fanatic (I really am) and asked me to read her paper. Let me tell you, I was appalled. What she considered a paper was more like one long text message. I actually lost it at one pointed and yelled at my Goddaughter "Hamlet never said LOL". I swear, she had Hamlet saying LOL and OMG. What the hell are they teaching in high school nowadays?
That's exactly where I was aiming Seamus! I used to hate writing in school, simply because it was generally an essay on something I had completely no interest in. Here, you're writing about something that is near and dear to your heart and grammar, spelling and punctuation are just as important as if you were doing an essay on Hamlet! It might be easier for kids here to write a 500 word report on a modeling project rather than the effects of European Socialism. To paraphrase Ferris Bueller, "I'm not European. I don't plan to be European. So what's the point? They could be facist anarchists, it still wouldn't change the fact that I don't own a 1/48 B-36!"
Gentlemen,
Pardon the late reply - too late for the anniversary of the "Finest Hour" speech...
Really, I see the choice of next G/B as a matter of popular vote rather than editotial decision.
My personal suggestion, particularly at this stage of iModeler development is setting for a broad and widely familiar subject. Thus I think that the BoB, or perhaps Battle of France + Battle of Britain (or maybe expanded even further to "1940") would be broad enough to engage many builders.
The more "off-beat" themes like Le Mans or the WW1 may well be great subjects for our 3rd, 4th or later builds. Another opportunity is going by some hobby-related subject choice, like "lots of weathering", "build a Monogram kit" etc.
There may be many other choices, but let's not forget that the main thing for a successful G/B is recruiting a moderator :). Volunteers sought! Of course I'd be able to provide some pratcical help along the way.
That sounds good to me Martin.
Keeping things simple at the beginning and light hearted.