Single Kit Group Build?

So a few of us have been kicking around an idea for a group build.

It seems like it would be really cool to have a 'one design' group build here on AF- where everyone starts with the same kit and builds it. This is a common activity for modeling clubs. I thought of doing one here a few years ago, but figured it would never work- everyone here builds what they most like (as it should be), and it would be nearly impossible to decide on a single kit. We've always been lucky to have people building such a diverse collection of automotive subjects here. But there is a large group here of very talented builders, and it would be alot of fun to have everyone start one kit and build their own interpretation of it. To my knowledge it's never been done here before.

The kit will of course be cheap, in production, by a major manufacturer, easily availible, excellent quality, well detailed, full engine, and have as much broad appeal as possible (and be injection molded plastic!). It will not be one of the 'hate it' categories (tuner, muscle, exotics, etc), it hasn't already been built to death on AF, and has plenty of opportunity for modification and customization while also being cool straight out of the box. It turns out this kit really does exist(!), and is already picked out- but we'll get to that later.

I'm not interested in another 200+ post thread of "My favorite car is * so we should all build...!" This build will probably not be of your favorite car, and you may very well not even have one in your stash. But it would be fun to build, fun to have in your display case, and you'd have (hopefully) lots of company building it.

So, do you think you would be interested in building along? (I'm not requiring commitments, just looking for interest. :wink:) It wouldn't be a contest, so there are no prizes planned, no voting, and no one to compete against. Everyone does their own build thread and updates it as often or infrequently as they want (or doesn't). Build at you're own rate, or keep even with the pack. A the end (in 6 or 8 or 12 months, whatever we decide) there will be a common gallery thread were everyone can show off a few pics of their build (and have links back to their build threads, or not :rolleyes:). The only 'rule' is everyone starts off building the same kit. And meanwhile we can all share tips, techniques, inspiration and reference materials.

Obviously the subject of the kit will be a major point for most people for whether or not they participate. But setting that specific issue aside for the moment, is this the kind of event you would enjoy having on AF? Would you build along?

So a few of us have been kicking around an idea for a group build.
The only 'rule' is everyone starts off building the same kit. And meanwhile we can all share tips, techniques, inspiration and reference materials.

Obviously the subject of the kit will be a major point for most people for whether or not they participate. But setting that specific issue aside for the moment, is this the kind of event you would enjoy having on AF? Would you build along?


I think the idea is pretty cool to start with, but seen the disperse public here on AF with different builds and styles it might be pretty fun to do so.

I m thinking a bit along the lines of the "topless trio" being built on af, it would be cool to do that but then on a same kit.

But then, what kit to go with?

Oli

I'd like to join, if I'm interested in the subject matter. I'm already knee-deep in a group project for ACME exactly as you describe. And partially commited to another one where the subject matter is a bit more diverse, but similar theme. Both are due this November. They're always fun.

As my interests are fairly diverse, I'd say there's a better than even chance that I'll be happy with the chosen kit. Here's waiting to see what you come up with :)

I also like the idea of a group build.

It sounds good to me. I'm excited to know all about the kit that you pick! :wink:

I m thinking a bit along the lines of the "topless trio" being built on af, it would be cool to do that but then on a same kit.
Yeah alot like that, just open to everyone, no synchronized thread updating, and without their creepy secret handshake. http://www.thefobl.com/forums/images/smilies/boobies.gif

I figure the 'due date' would be something to be decided publicly. Ideally it shouldn't interfere with either the MOTY contest (jan 1st) or the Motorsports contest (july 1st). Maybe split the difference and finish it on mar 21 for the spring equinox?

If you're really curious, PM me and I'll be happy to tell you the kit. I'm not trying to be deliberately mysterious, but I'm curious to hear people's thoughts on the idea of a one design group build before getting sidetracked discussing the kit itself.

If its a kit that im available to get here in denmark, i would gladly join in :D sounds like a fun idea :) even though my skills are, well, bad ;D

I'd be totally interested in a group build as you describe, MPWR! March 21st sounds like a decent deadline (though, with college starting again, who knows when I'll have the time...)

I'm in!

It sounds good to me. I'm excited to know all about the kit that you pick! :wink:

me too :smokin:

I'm interested, but just name the kit already...

I 'm about one for five on these but I still like to play.

I'd like to see a single sticky with links to all of the WIP's or even a new section dedicated to the "mystery" kit build.

Sounds like a great idea, to me that is because i tend to have less time for modeling these days, but i'll still keep up. Think of me as a turtle, in behind, but still crossing the finish line. Count me in. Hopefully the build will be to my taste, but whatever it is ill still build it. That will probably be the problem like you stated (what model it is). Beeeemauughhhmmmer

Aint there a story about the turtle beating the rabbit in the end? :D

Sounds like an interesting proposition that I would take part in. I think in order to decide on a kit, there should be a list of around 5, and have people vote for the kit that they would like as the kit to build.:2cents:

The kit has already been chosen ;) its a nice kit btw :D

The kit has already been chosen ;) its a nice kit btw :D

I can keep secrets

Whatever it'll be - count me in!

I havent told which it is have i? no.. seems i havent?

I havent told which it is have i? no.. seems i havent?

Take it easy: it's "Pulcinella's secret" ;)

Have i misunderstood something here? :frown: if so im VERY sorry! i just took it as an assault.. call me insane.. but if its my fault that i did something im very VERY sorry! :banghead:

Good idea, I like it.

Only need to know the kit ;)
Count me in, sure, it's impossible to win, but can be fun.

Hints please, is it a revell?

Sounds like fun, depending on the kit, I'm in.

Guys - get off what kit it is already!!!! :D
Think about if you like the CONCEPT that MPWR is proposing. It's the spirit of the thread that's cool IMO.

I very much like the idea and would be happy to join along. One condition though, you gotta PM me that "secret handshake" smiley - I sprayed coffee all over my screen at that one!

Now, about that kit..... :rofl:

Great idea. I'm interested.

sound interesting...but have know what kits 1st.:icon16:

I'll be in pretty much no matter what. As long as you don't mind me bringing my unique view to it, a la the Throwback Mustang.

It's a tried-and-true concept for model clubs, of which I consider AF one of the best. :bigthumb:

It's a tried-and-true concept for model clubs, of which I consider AF one of the best. :bigthumb:

Yes, even when some of us start "talking" funny "when in Rome" :uhoh: :wink: :icon16:

Our club is building 21 nearly-identical IROC Porsches. It's going so well I'm ecstatic. Tomorrow we take a group photo of the first 12 models (there were three backups), mimicking a picture from Porsche's courtyard before being shipped to the US in '73.

One-subject group builds are great fun for all. And knowing the subject matter for this one, I'm quite happy :sunglasse

It seems that a few people already know what kit it's going to be.. so.. uhh.. why the secrecy?

Andy, it's time to go public! :D

This has got to be one of the worst kept secrets in the history of AF by now ;)

Even Slim knows and I didn't tell him! :rofl:

There is no secrecy; the idea is to first find out if you like the idea before learning of the kit. Read the first page of responses for all the clue you need.

Sounds like a fun idea - I'm interested but it would depend on the kit :)

OK, I'm getting there!

I'd been hoping to maybe have a bit of discussion about the details of a group build. But as we're all modelers here, it's probably not surprising that people are as interested in the kit as in the mechanics of the build.

So it seems that maybe the best way to learn how a group build should be run is to run a group build. I'm game if you people are- I'll take care of any organizational aspects. But if anyone has thoughts or ideas, this seems like a good place to discuss them, either now or as the build is in progress.

I've gotten PM's from about a dozen people who after hearing what the kit is are interested and planning to participate. I'd been hoping for at least 6 or so, so 12 plus is great (more of course are warmly welcome). The build is on!

Details so far:

It's a group build, with no plans at present to turn it into a contest. I've gotten the the impression over the years that often competition will intimidate people (particularly less experinced builders) from participating. I would like to discourage as few people to participate as possible, so we'll see if having a noncompetitive event helps. If towards the end of the build we decide that interest is strong enough, there may or may not be a people's choice style vote after everyone is finished. Participation will not be mandatory. But this will be decided later, and it will not be the focus of he group build. (The focus is to build! :rolleyes:)

The tenative due date will be March 21. This is hopefully far enough removed from the due dates of MOTY and the motorsports contest that it will not interfere with either. This point is obviously still open for discussion, but I'd like to have it decided on, say by the end of this weekend? There's probably not much need for an official start date- if you have the kit in hand and you're ready to build, go for it, you will have company. Just remember to take pics. Hopefully we will have any have any necessary details discussed by the end of the weekend, so maybe we'll make the end of this weekend the unofficial official start date.

Now for points people have brought up- thanks for posting! :thumbsup:

I think in order to decide on a kit, there should be a list of around 5, and have people vote for the kit that they would like as the kit to build. Yeah, this could be a good way to pick a kit. But we did very recently see the topic selection process for the motorsports comp. RallyRaider did an excellent job to be as fair as possible in democraticly sellecting a topic. But it looked like a monumental effort on his part, and I think many people aren't any happier than they would have been if Phil had just picked something and said "OK, everyone, we are building....!". If holding this style of group build event is successful here, we will have more, and there will defianely be a kit selection process. Maybe it will be another 200 plus page discussion, or maybe only if you enter this group build will you have a nomination and vote. But meanwhile, I want to see if this can be made to work and people will participate and enjoy it. So to simplify things, a kit has been preselected for this build. I promise, I've done my absolute best to pick a great kit for a group build.

I'd like to see a single sticky with links to all of the WIP's or even a new section dedicated to the "mystery" kit build.
I think this could be a good idea, and bears some discussion for what would work best. But inless TwoSpirits makes me a mod, one of the existing mods is going to have to help us out with it.

And now yes, i've strung you all along for long enough.

The kit is Tamiya’s 1/24 Lotus Super 7, kit #24046.

http://www2.gpmd.com/image/t/tams1446.jpg

It’s in production, is bloody cheap (it can be found pretty easily for about 10 USD, 8EUR, or 1200YEN), is full engine (a well detailed but modest Cosworth inline 4, with two beautiful Weber carbs), and can be made in two versions straight out of the box. It is also the perfect basis to be converted into a Caterham Seven- a modern kit car, which is almost by definition built with each builder’s own choices and customizations. It even comes with a photoetched front grille.

Leave it with wing fenders or convert it to cycle fenders, put on a set of modern wheels and tyres, convert it to SCCA or FIA racing specs (or put on balloon tyres and make it a beach buggy, or add a backseat and make it a four door, or….). Change the engine to anything you can fit. Or build it absolutely box stock, there are two different options included in the kit.

Alright, enough typing for now....

OK - i'll change this post.

It's a great idea and I am in.

1. Can we have a userbar, can we pleeeease????

seriously:

2. Deadline sounds just right
3. I like this approach.
4. Let's agree - no lathes allowed, OK? j/k

Thanks MPWR for a great initiative and let's hope we give it the enthusiasm it deserves :thumbsup:

Cool choice of kit! I'm in! :)

I have always wanted one of those userbars :D

1. Can we have a userbar, can we pleeeease????

OK, ok, we can have a userbar. As soon as Gio gins one up for us, after he finishes the 348!


4. Let's agree - no lathes allowed, OK? j/k
Oh, come on-it's tiny! How much unnecessary aluminum to you really think I could cram into it? :evillol: (Come to think of it, let's find out!)

How much unnecessary aluminum to you really think I could cram into it?
About 17 metric tons, since you ask :rofl:

The tenative due date will be March 21.....

The kit is Tamiya’s 1/24 Lotus Super 7, kit #24046....


8 months? You can count me in, although, it'll probably be a while till I get started.

Haha! Nice choice, but Will already built my favorite 7!! Lotus 7... thousand. (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=305550) What can I do... build it again? ;)

I'm in if Hobby Lobby has them.

Can't say I've ever seen one at Hobby Lobby. I got mine from an expensive hobby source and it was only a little over $10.00 at the time; receipt is still in the box as I got it for an in-store contest that I never ended up entering as I never built the kit :shakehead

I'm psyched; I just checked my vintage Fujimi Panasports (new ones shipping soon) and the size/width are just right for the model. This thing is so small it looks like a lot of 1/32 scale models. Just enough detail in the box to be interesting...I see a simple little weekend vintage racer happening w/mine. Should be cool to see all the variations.

cool...lets go!

8 months eh?
that should be enough time, even for me!

I'm totally in. And thanks for the extended time, the college student that works a full time job over the summer thanks you.

Oh, come on-it's tiny! How much unnecessary aluminum to you really think I could cram into it? :evillol: (Come to think of it, let's find out!)

considering there are polished aluminum-bodied Super 7s readily available, i expect you to ditch the kit body and fabricate your own out of alum sheet.

:p

Oh, come on-it's tiny! How much unnecessary aluminum to you really think I could cram into it? :evillol: (Come to think of it, let's find out!)

Have ya seen Scale-Master's 7?:iceslolan

Any ideas on where to get some accessories for this kit? Wheels, tyres, roll bars, any pretty PE stuffs?

i think im possibly in.. considering that there is 8 months to build it... so i guess count me in!

It's nice to see a non-competive event. If I find the model cheap, I'll enter.

Lotus Seven is a great choice for subject! There is so much possibilities it's almost hard to build just one... I think I'll do my best to build a Caterham look-a-like with cycle fenders.

-Mikko

Ok UB is on the road: that don't mean that I finished the 348 :grinyes:

feel free to copy the bar and post in your sig.
later we'll link the common thread (we'll have 1?) to the bar

Speaking of engines: there's some Toyota Celica with the VTT engine in 1/24? I guess Tamiya Celica is curbside?

Another cool choice would be a bike engine like the Hayabusa's stuff or better a racing MGP stuff: something in 1/24? Does the heller Moto GP 1/24 bikes have a full detail engine?

Another one the Coswort from escort and sierra, also those are curbside?

Last: as teh Ariel Atom a cooooool Honda Vtec, the only I have as spare is a V6, also a mugen JGTC but I guess too much 500hp for 450/500 Kg: it's ballistic :)

I think Revell rally Escort has a Ford BDA that could be used as a Cosworth BDR used in many Caterhams? Anyone know any significant visual differences between these engines?

-Mikko

hmmm...I got a idea for it, but let me find this kits 1st before giving my promise here.

Off to find another Lotus...
Are there any minimum kit part limit thoughts floating around? Not that we need any, just wondering if there were any rules in place.

... just wondering if there were any rules in place.
As I understand it, there are no rules and there is no spoon.... ;)

Nope, the rules are just that you have to start with the Tamiya 1/24 Lotus Super Seven kit. Build it as you like. No limits on kit or non kit parts- you can even take the engine out and make it a gravity racer.

As I understand it, there are no rules and there is no spoon.... ;)
Spoon? I'm building mine the way I always do- with chop sticks.

http://triefeldt.com/triefeldt.com/CHINA/China.gif/chopsticks.gif

Enjoy dinner!

If I can finde the kit for a reasonable price, I'm in.