2023 Group Builds

[Tomcat64]

So with November upon us we would normally be thinking about suggestions for next year's Group Builds but I thought it'd be interesting to take a look back at participation in this year's builds first.

Group Build-----------------Builds/Reveals
Not the Usual Conflicts--------14/09
Maritime------------------------08/04
Easter Egg Buid----------------04/03
Summer Sci Fi-----------------14/10
1/48 Drop in-------------------13/06 Still in progress
Large Scale--------------------05/00 Still in progress

Obviously the Large Scale GB is still just under way but I've included it there for completeness.

We all face the same influences on our time (family, pets, work etc) but given the participation this year the question is should we continue to run formal GBs into next year?

If yes then please feel free to drop your suggestions into this thread and if no then it'd be interesting to hear your thoughts as well.

[bfrd]

Reducing the number of builds from 3 to 2 might be something to consider. I hate to admit that 4+ months isn't enough time for me to complete a model, but that seems to be the case lately.

[ForeverPlasticKits]

My answer is No because essentially of the lake of time, build a good model is time consuming and sometimes the motivation is out. But it's still a good idea.

[WordenB]

I'm a bit of a newbie to the group build game in fact the only build threads I have attempted have been on this forum this year. For me it's been good to have a go at kits that wouldn't normally have attracted my attention and I must say I've thoroughly enjoyed having something other than my normal cars on the bench. I would like to see the group builds continue even if it had to be a lesser number.

[bfrd]

Another option would be to keep the standard three but run all three simultaneously all year.

[aur0ra145]

I'm a fan of the GB's. They're fun, light hearted, and a great excuse to buy new kits/try new subjects.

I like the current format we have with the 3 main GB's, a drop-in, and the Sci-Fi/Egg builds.

[smokeriderdon]

I voted yes, BUT, I think it should simply be 2 aside from the annual egg and Sci Fi. That seems more manageable to me.

How about an ELINT build? Any spy plane, electronics warfare, AWACS, that type of thing. I do believe there are some ground types as well? Maybe? LOL

Has there been a Hot Rod build lately? Or how about Muscle Mania. Do those Chevelle's and GTOs in the stash.

[Garion77]

YES FOR ME ! Loved my experience for the one I did (Not the Usual Conflict). I thought I would participate also in the Maritime one ; even bought everything for it but lack the time and decided to do my buddy build for the Pfalz, that is still going on for me !

I think the drop in one should still be there no matter the outcome. It's good for anyone, at any time of the year without any deadline. Instead of having 5 others I would may be drop to 3 ?...

One suggestion on my side, would be a "not your usual country"... I think something like that was done 2 years ago may be... like Romanian, greek, Scandinavian camouflage.... something else then the usual Russian, German, US, Japan or Israeli.

Thank you for taking care of that again. Even tough I only participated in one, I followed them closely.

[digger303]

I would love to participate in more group builds, but I do find it a bit of a bugger as it can take away from the builds I want to build just for me.
Keep the 3 group builds, but as Matthew says let them run longer maybe all year.....gives a chance for the mojo to resurface. Those that finish early can start other builds and post those as extra's.

[DRUMS01]

I've only been a member in the forum since 2016, so I may be considered a youngster. And looking back, my Group Build (GB) participation from year to year here has not been great. I've built many GB's in the Fine Scale Modelers Forum. This year was my first attempt at a GB in this forum for some time and so far I've enjoyed it. I always think that stretching out of my comfort zone into different modeling subjects keeps things exciting (keeps me growing in the hobby). It also exposes me to new techniques, and some of those can be used on my other modeling subjects. And lets not forget about the forum community, specifically the new friends you meet and develop along the way in the GB's.

As you can tell I'm a big fan of GB's and hope they will stay (especially the Large Scale Group Build - smile). Unfortunately, I'm also one of those modelers that has to finish what I started before getting involved in another model build. For that reason, I like the idea of extending the GB's so they start at the beginning of the year and close at the end. I know that it would require the moderator to stay plugged into the GB all year, but I also believe it would allow more participants (perhaps, at least it would be worth a try).

I 'm going to put out another thought here while hoping not to offend anyone. Is it possible to set up the GB's so all the builds under one GB subject are combined or "grouped" together within one string, not individual builder strings. The reason I suggest this is because I know from experience that by combining everyones GB builds into one thread instantly has very builder following along with the other builders builds. Doing that promotes interest and feedback from like builders who perhaps wouldn't have seen the other builders builds and that also allows tips and techniques to be shared easier. Seeing what everyone is doing within the same GB all in one string also makes it more interesting for the viewers too. It would also create or nurture modeling relationships that may not be done in individual build strings. Under the current configuration, with each GB subject separated into their own build strings, it seems kind of sterile, isolated and individual, not a "GROUP" build. Enough of that, it is just a suggestion and I will enjoy ISM's GB's regardless of how they are configured.

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts......

Ben (DRUMS01)

[RangerNeil]

I would like to see them stay as - to be honest - they give both enjoyment in my own build as well as seeing what everyone else does and in times of darkness they provide a much needed boot up the derriere to get on.
Others have suggested keeping the egg and sci-fi builds and adding 1 or two more. I like this idea too.
My suggestion then would be to have one military topic that changes subject and scale yearly and one civvy topic - cars, trucks, bikes that also changes subject and scale yearly. Someone suggested muscle cars - I think that or off-road would be a good start perhaps with the other suggestion of ELINT as the military topic?

[digger303]

I would like to see them stay as - to be honest - they give both enjoyment in my own build as well as seeing what everyone else does and in times of darkness they provide a much needed boot up the derriere to get on.
Others have suggested keeping the egg and sci-fi builds and adding 1 or two more. I like this idea too.
My suggestion then would be to have one military topic that changes subject and scale yearly and one civvy topic - cars, trucks, bikes that also changes subject and scale yearly. Someone suggested muscle cars - I think that or off-road would be a good start perhaps with the other suggestion of ELINT as the military topic?

ELINT.........Electronic Military Intelligence......How would that go ?

[bfrd]

Just to keep us on topic, this poll is about having group builds and how many. Not, what they should be; that will come later.

[digger303]

I 'm going to put out another thought here while hoping not to offend anyone. Is it possible to set up the GB's so all the builds under one GB subject are combined or "grouped" together within one string, not individual builder strings. The reason I suggest this is because I know from experience that by combining everyones GB builds into one thread instantly has very builder following along with the other builders builds. Doing that promotes interest and feedback from like builders who perhaps wouldn't have seen the other builders builds and that also allows tips and techniques to be shared easier. Seeing what everyone is doing within the same GB all in one string also makes it more interesting for the viewers too. It would also create or nurture modeling relationships that may not be done in individual build strings. Under the current configuration, with each GB subject separated into their own build strings, it seems kind of sterile, isolated and individual, not a "GROUP" build. Enough of that, it is just a suggestion and I will enjoy ISM's GB's regardless of how they are configured.

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts......

Ben (DRUMS01)

I know what you mean and I agree, but how would that play out practically. If people build only one genre that interests them would they or could they be modified to take a interest in other genre's when they don't now ? There are some who don't post anything other than there own work and don't participate outside of that even in the same genre. I'm not having a go at them it's just the way it is atm. I still enjoy their posts.
Forums require more effort and input and facebook and instagram require way less. The downside is the loss of threads, less policing of attitudes and relationships don't happen easily.

[smokeriderdon]

Well, the original post DID say feel free to drop your ideas for the next batch if your vote was yes. Soooooo

ELINT, as I suggested, would be any sort of spy plane or AWACS or ground units that do electronic warfare etc. I know that goes a little beyond the technical meaning of ELINT, but I am simply focusing on the electronics part of it. LOL

[bfrd]

Well, the original post DID say feel free to drop your ideas for the next batch if your vote was yes. Soooooo

ELINT, as I suggested, would be any sort of spy plane or AWACS or ground units that do electronic warfare etc. I know that goes a little beyond the technical meaning of ELINT, but I am simply focusing on the electronics part of it. LOL

My apologies, I suppose I can’t read.

[RangerNeil]

I 'm going to put out another thought here while hoping not to offend anyone. Is it possible to set up the GB's so all the builds under one GB subject are combined or "grouped" together within one string, not individual builder strings. The reason I suggest this is because I know from experience that by combining everyones GB builds into one thread instantly has very builder following along with the other builders builds. Doing that promotes interest and feedback from like builders who perhaps wouldn't have seen the other builders builds and that also allows tips and techniques to be shared easier. Seeing what everyone is doing within the same GB all in one string also makes it more interesting for the viewers too. It would also create or nurture modeling relationships that may not be done in individual build strings. Under the current configuration, with each GB subject separated into their own build strings, it seems kind of sterile, isolated and individual, not a "GROUP" build. Enough of that, it is just a suggestion and I will enjoy ISM's GB's regardless of how they are configured.

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts......

Ben (DRUMS01)

I know what you mean and I agree, but how would that play out practically. If people build only one genre that interests them would they or could they be modified to take a interest in other genre's when they don't now ? There are some who don't post anything other than there own work and don't participate outside of that even in the same genre. I'm not having a go at them it's just the way it is atm. I still enjoy their posts.
Forums require more effort and input and facebook and instagram require way less. The downside is the loss of threads, less policing of attitudes and relationships don't happen easily.

Never done a car or truck but a group build would entice me to venture into the unknown. I'd never done anything Sci-Fi as such until the first group build I entered. Maybe the challenge would encourage others to cross their boundaries??

[DBMiller]

Reducing the number of builds from 3 to 2 might be something to consider. I hate to admit that 4+ months isn't enough time for me to complete a model, but that seems to be the case lately.

Same for me. I'd support two "formal" GBs. with anyone who is up to it starting / joining Buddy Builds.

[DBMiller]

Another option would be to keep the standard three but run all three simultaneously all year.

That's not a bad idea! A year long drop in build but with three different topics. Choose one or more and post when time allows.

[DRUMS01]

RangerNeil, all I can say is that it works well in the Fine Scale Modelers (FSM) Forum. I'm talking about creating a theme for the Group Build (GB) and then putting it out there for people to gage interest and participation. If it's a "GO" then they take everyones declared contributions up front and then have those participating in the GB to post all their work on that string. By participating in the GB you would automatically see the other GB builders work intermingled with your individual updates. This allows members to each others work. This opens up discussions on techniques from one builder to the other. Members challenge each other (in a kind and gentle way) to grow by seeing what other members have done; basically what works or doesn't individually. That style of GB environment is group related on modelers building different models under the same theme. In comparison, the GB's here are basically the same as posting your own builds, but just posting them under a specific GB subject line, with no interaction with anyone else.

I said my part and totally understand if this is not embraced in our ISM forum. Nothing more than a suggestion on my part. I would still like the GB's but perhaps a longer time to build them.

For those of you championing the GB's here, thanks for the dedication and ground work with all you do. Like site administrators, GB's would not happen without those in our forum willing to accept the burden of hosting and running them. Thanks again, your appreciated!

Ben and Jarrod (DRUMS01)

[Lee]

Hello all - Long time no see

Matt asked me to post an idea for GBs & SiGs going forward so, here goes.....

Maybe have four GB/SiGs running for a 12 month period simultaneously. But, instead of starting at the same time, meaning they'll all end at the same time, why not stagger them so, you have one starting every three months. Not only does this mean after the first year there will always be four GBs you can jump in and out of in any 12 month period, but will allow for your annual high and low points in modelling. There'll also be four reveals in the year, just not the stress of having to complete something within a 12 week period, we all know how life can be!

Just a thought AND hopefully, after xmas, I'll be able to start contributing more to the forum, even maybe enter a GB or two......I know right

Look forward to getting involved again - Been far too long - Missed you all

[aur0ra145]

Hello all - Long time no see

Matt asked me to post an idea for GBs & SiGs going forward so, here goes.....

Maybe have four GB/SiGs running for a 12 month period simultaneously. But, instead of starting at the same time, meaning they'll all end at the same time, why not stagger them so, you have one starting every three months. Not only does this mean after the first year there will always be four GBs you can jump in and out of in any 12 month period, but will allow for your annual high and low points in modelling. There'll also be four reveals in the year, just not the stress of having to complete something within a 12 week period, we all know how life can be!

Just a thought AND hopefully, after xmas, I'll be able to start contributing more to the forum, even maybe enter a GB or two......I know right

Look forward to getting involved again - Been far too long - Missed you all

Good to see you again!

I like the idea, how would we choose subjects? Would we do voting immediately before the GB's? Would voting still be a thing? Will we ever do the Swedish or Night Fighter GB?

[RangerNeil]

Hello all - Long time no see

Matt asked me to post an idea for GBs & SiGs going forward so, here goes.....

Maybe have four GB/SiGs running for a 12 month period simultaneously. But, instead of starting at the same time, meaning they'll all end at the same time, why not stagger them so, you have one starting every three months. Not only does this mean after the first year there will always be four GBs you can jump in and out of in any 12 month period, but will allow for your annual high and low points in modelling. There'll also be four reveals in the year, just not the stress of having to complete something within a 12 week period, we all know how life can be!

Just a thought AND hopefully, after xmas, I'll be able to start contributing more to the forum, even maybe enter a GB or two......I know right

Look forward to getting involved again - Been far too long - Missed you all

I like this idea!!!
Maybe run a poll for the subject of the build in the 3 months prior?? Might even get the Swedish/Nightfighter builds....

[DBMiller]

Hello all - Long time no see

Matt asked me to post an idea for GBs & SiGs going forward so, here goes.....

Maybe have four GB/SiGs running for a 12 month period simultaneously. But, instead of starting at the same time, meaning they'll all end at the same time, why not stagger them so, you have one starting every three months. Not only does this mean after the first year there will always be four GBs you can jump in and out of in any 12 month period, but will allow for your annual high and low points in modelling. There'll also be four reveals in the year, just not the stress of having to complete something within a 12 week period, we all know how life can be!

Just a thought AND hopefully, after xmas, I'll be able to start contributing more to the forum, even maybe enter a GB or two......I know right

Look forward to getting involved again - Been far too long - Missed you all

Lee?

I'd go for this plan.

[digger303]

Hello all - Long time no see

Matt asked me to post an idea for GBs & SiGs going forward so, here goes.....

Maybe have four GB/SiGs running for a 12 month period simultaneously. But, instead of starting at the same time, meaning they'll all end at the same time, why not stagger them so, you have one starting every three months. Not only does this mean after the first year there will always be four GBs you can jump in and out of in any 12 month period, but will allow for your annual high and low points in modelling. There'll also be four reveals in the year, just not the stress of having to complete something within a 12 week period, we all know how life can be!

Just a thought AND hopefully, after xmas, I'll be able to start contributing more to the forum, even maybe enter a GB or two......I know right

Look forward to getting involved again - Been far too long - Missed you all

The ghost of Xmas past....
Look forward to having you back here and the idea of continual GB's.

[BigWall]

Staggered starts sound like a great idea! Buddy builds are also a good idea to fit in anything someone wants to cover outside the voted on builds. Personally, I follow along with everyone's builds. There's always good tips and modeling going on.

[bfrd]

I made up a calendar for 2023-2024. We still need to pick the SiG subjects. But this is what we will do.


If we like it, we will extend it in perpetuity.

[digger303]

I made up a calendar for 2023-2024. We still need to pick the SiG subjects. But this is what we will do.


If we like it, we will extend it in perpetuity.

Looks good and workable.
Staggered starts with most builds going for 12 months.

[DBMiller]

I made up a calendar for 2023-2024. We still need to pick the SiG subjects. But this is what we will do.


If we like it, we will extend it in perpetuity.

[aur0ra145]

I'll just leave this here as a suggestion for GB's next year.

[Miiqqula]

I'll just leave this here as a suggestion for GB's next year.

As a finn, i have to correct you. Finland is not part of Scandinavia.. Only small part of Finland is part of Scandinavian peninsula.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandinavia

[martindavid]

Hello all,
I am a newbie and very inexperienced compared to most of you but I am interested in joining the GB. I have the same kit as someone else so I am not sure if doubles are acceptable. It is the Tamiya Vought F4U-1 Corsair "Birdcage". I also may be too late to join for 2023 not too sure I understand the calendar.
Please let me know and I understand if the answer is "no" . If not though, when could I join in?

[Tomcat64]

Hello all,
I am a newbie and very inexperienced compared to most of you but I am interested in joining the GB. I have the same kit as someone else so I am not sure if doubles are acceptable. It is the Tamiya Vought F4U-1 Corsair "Birdcage". I also may be too late to join for 2023 not too sure I understand the calendar.
Please let me know and I understand if the answer is "no" . If not though, when could I join in?

Hi Martin, you're more than welcome to join a GB - if this is the 1/32 Corsair you mentioned in your introduction then it'd fit nicely into the "Large Scale" GB which is currently running - there's no issues with more than one person building the same kit.

The Large Scale GB section is here

Chat & Guidelines are in here so have a quick read through

When you're ready to start you'll need to post a build thread in this section here

And when you've finished post a set of reveal photos in a thread in here

Have a look around in the existing threads to get some idea of how people approach their build threads and then take the plunge when you're ready.

As always feel free to ask if you need any help.

Hope that helps

[martindavid]

Hi Neil,
Big help, thank you so much. I am going to get started right away. Both feet in the fire! I have read through others posts and I think I have a good idea of how to get started.
Thanks again for your help!!!
Martin

[aur0ra145]

Soooooo, what are we doing after the Bomber build times out?

I'll suggest "Friends of Tamiya." Any kit, any scale, so long as it's made by Tamiya.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Did we like this full year format for builds???

[RangerNeil]

Did we like this full year format for builds???

For myself - definitely. The Sci-Fi one remains unfinished as does one of the Helicopters....

[digger303]

Yes it's a good way to do it.

[BigWall]

It's a good way to do it. Unfortunately I couldn't participate in them. Hopefully I can build things faster in the coming year.

[Stokesy44]

To be honest, I'm not that fussed, the subject matter is more important to me.

I'm also quite happy building kits outside of any group build and also following builds outside of any group setups. If I like the subject I build it, if it fits a group build then great, if not, that's cool. Same for following other people's work. If I like the subject I'm there, circumstance is irrelevant.

I would also be so bold as to say this. I think this discussion is really about our collective level of participation on the forum. Its a great thing to be a part of but we should not take it for granted. With decent management in place, which we certainly DO have, the forum lives or dies on our participation. I can only speak for myself when I say I need to up my involvement, both in terms of building and following the work of others.

Just my opinion

[digger303]

To be honest, I'm not that fussed, the subject matter is more important to me.

I'm also quite happy building kits outside of any group build and also following builds outside of any group setups. If I like the subject I build it, if it fits a group build then great, if not, that's cool. Same for following other people's work. If I like the subject I'm there, circumstance is irrelevant.

I would also be so bold as to say this. I think this discussion is really about our collective level of participation on the forum. Its a great thing to be a part of but we should not take it for granted. With decent management in place, which we certainly DO have, the forum lives or dies on our participation. I can only speak for myself when I say I need to up my involvement, both in terms of building and following the work of others.

Just my opinion

If we could get even 25% of the browsers then this site would be booming.

[DBMiller]

It's a good way to do it. Unfortunately I couldn't participate in them. Hopefully I can build things faster in the coming year.

Same here. Work just took too much of my building spirit this year.

[smokeriderdon]

I am fine with it. Couldnt do as much as I wanted, but the format is just fine.

[Twokidsnosleep]

To be honest, I'm not that fussed, the subject matter is more important to me.

I'm also quite happy building kits outside of any group build and also following builds outside of any group setups. If I like the subject I build it, if it fits a group build then great, if not, that's cool. Same for following other people's work. If I like the subject I'm there, circumstance is irrelevant.

I would also be so bold as to say this. I think this discussion is really about our collective level of participation on the forum. Its a great thing to be a part of but we should not take it for granted. With decent management in place, which we certainly DO have, the forum lives or dies on our participation. I can only speak for myself when I say I need to up my involvement, both in terms of building and following the work of others.

Just my opinion

Hear hear, well said
Absolutely bang on the point
We need more participation, even the scammers and spammers have left us

[Tomcat64]

Like many, work has really drained my motivation this year and we've also had packed weekends which have been a lot of fun but obiously reduced bench time. It feels a bit like we were finally catching up from the solitary confinement of a couple of years back. In any case it's left me with just two completed builds to my name this year after 2022's bumper crop.

With regards to the Group Builds, it wouldn't have made much difference this year but my preference is for the old quarterly format, but if most people are happy with the annual rolling ones then I can live with that too as I have kits lined up for a couple that are still open.

Some of you might remember the "Feline Fever" we did a few years ago so my suggestion is an expansion of that to a "Styrene Safari" which would cover anything named from the animal kingdom all the way from Mosquitoes to Elefants and everything in between.