A special interest group build is where anyone on the forum (who wants to participate) gets together and picks a mutual subject to model, usually targeted at a specific subject or era. It will usually run over an agreed span of time (every 3 months for ISM). Everyone who's entered posts up their progress (in pictures) as they build the model with a final reveal and showcase at the end. There are usually a specific set of loose rules to say if it's got to be OOB (Out Of the Box) or you can add extras such as PE (Photo-Etch), after market resin parts or decals etc. There's never a rush and we will allow enough time to participate in the SiG and do all your usual modelling at the same time.
There will be 1st, 2nd & 3rd prizes kindly sponsored by SnM Stuff for most SiGs. I'd like to take this opportunity to personally thank Sean at SnM Stuff for their continued support, it's greatly appreciated. Please go and check their website out, they have an awesome array of paint.
Because at ISM our ethos is that it doesn't matter what you build or how it turns out, as long as you enjoyed the journey, the way who gets the prizes is determined is going to be totally different to every other modelling website! It's not going to be just the prettiest or best built model that wins or places, the prizes will go to the best overall build thread. This means the more back story to your model you post, the more updates (with pictures) you post, the better the explanation of your techniques to achieve the end result (inc your youtube vids) you post, the better chance you will have of getting placed for a prize. Basically what this means is that the more you share your information, the better the benefit to the modelling community, which in turn benefits everyone of us. So, it doesn't matter if you're all thumbs, just started modelling last week, or can't achieve an exact replica of the subject you're building, we want to see that you've enjoyed the journey to the end result, no matter how it's turned out and most importantly, that you've had FUN getting there.....
Special interest group builds are great fun and gets a committed few working together towards the same goal and helps to get modellers out of their usual comfort zone and try something else whilst sharing their tips & techniques with the whole community. If you've never entered one before, don't be shy and have a go, we'd love to see your work....

Steel Rain Special Interest Group Build Guidelines - PLEASE READ
Objective: Build and share any artillery piece. This can include any field guns, cannons, SPG's (specifically made), howitzers, AAs, unguided rockets and large mortars.
Special Interest Group Build Guidelines...
1. Any kit from any era pertaining to artillery.
2. Any kit manufacturer
3. Any scale
4. Anyone can join regardless of skill level
5. There is no restriction on material or any after market products.
6. Scratch building is allowed.
7. After market decal sets are allowed.
8. You can enter as many times as you like.
9. All kits MUST be in unstarted condition - no exceptions (damaged while in transit sprue parts are allowed).
10. All entries must have a build thread in this SiG forum area for the entry to be valid.
11. A progressive build thread must be posted - which must include sprue and box shots, regular picture and/or video updates with comments on hints & tips - by sharing your build progress others can learn.
12. You must provide a minimum of three still photographs (as well as any video) as part of your final reveal.
If you're not sure of anything then please PM myself, Paul or Ben (T3hGuppy), we're here to help.
Duration: 3 months (11 weeks)
Start date: Friday 17th January 2013
Finish date: Saturday 11th April 2014 6:00 pm GMT.
Prizes...
1st....

MiG Productions Urban Combat Pigment Set
2nd....

Conquest Games Norman Knights - 15 mounted 28mm figures
3rd....

Ultimate Thinner & Cleaner Pack
An extra bonus from Sean at SnM Stuff is - Each of the three winners will also get a discount code for the website for 5% off their next order (as long as it's over £35).
Another Awesome array of prizes that everybody has a shot at winning...
Don't forget - It's not going to necessarily be the prettiest model that gets placed, it'll be the overall build thread, the contribution made and the information provided by that member that decides the prizes. Places will be chosen by the Admin and their decision is final. Good luck people
