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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 21, 2006 0:46:16 GMT 12
I have had an idea. Do you think it would be cool to run occasional model competitions on the forum?
My proposal is to have everyone who'd keen to start a project on the same day, and finish it by a certain date. Then an independent member of the forum could judge the results.
The topics would of course be NZ oriented or related, such as:
RNZAF WWII European Theatre fighters
then
RNZAF WWII Pacific bomber
then
Postwar RNZAF jet
then
NZPAF aircraft
then
NZ prewar civil aeroclub aircraft
etc...
We can discuss the topics further and suggestions are welcome. Maybe we can leave the scale open, as some here prefer 72nd, others 48th and others 32nd,so we won't dictate which scale you do it in.
And the topics will be left fairly open, not a specific type as such, so if you have an unbuilt kit already on the shelf that fits into the broad category, that'll be better than having to go buy something new.
Anyway, this is just an idea I'm floating, to seeif there's enough interest. Maybe you can tell your modeller friends too who're not yet members of the forum.
There could even be a possibility of prizes I guess (a year's free membership to Wings Over New Zealand?) ;D, maybe more...
Comments? Suggestions? Ideas?
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Post by smithy on Jul 21, 2006 10:49:15 GMT 12
Bloody good idea Dave. You could also maybe do it in partnership with someone like Ventura who could offer kits, books for prizes.
Only thing I'm not so sure about is lumping all scales into the same category. Usually works better if you have 1/72 scale and smaller in one category and 1/48 and larger in another, although if there is only going to be a few entries then perhaps your way would be the best.
But definitely pursue this Dave could be a lot of fun for the kitbashers here!
Tim.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 22, 2006 11:39:26 GMT 12
Thanks for the feedback Tim. Good to see one member is at least interested.
As for prizes I was thinking a little closer to home, as my mother has a model business, but if any of the manufacturers want to put up prizes, that'd be great.
The issue with scales is there are but few modellers here, and making it say specifcally 1/48th scale, which is the most popular scale, would put some of the modellers off. The 1/72nd scale modellers would have to put in extra effort in detailing to beat the 1/48th or 1/32nd modellers but that's their choice. All scales would be welcome in the first instances of competition. If it catches on and membership grows we could then break it down into scale catagories.
I was thinking, if anyone else is interested in doing this, we would start off with the topic of "RNZAF Dive Bombers"
That would be any RNZAF aircraft used in ground attack in action - so you have the choice of Dauntless, Avenger, Corsair, P-40, Spitfire, Venom, Typhoon, Tempest... maybe Hurricane, were 486's Hurricanes used in ground attack?
What do you all think? Is the competition a good idea? And the first topic, do you like it?
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Post by corsair67 on Jul 22, 2006 12:27:42 GMT 12
Dave, it sounds like a good idea; but then that's easy for me to say because I haven't made a model for about 20 years, so I probably wouldn't be entering into this competition.
I enjoy seeing all of the work that the lads have been exhibiting on this site, and I admire the hard work they've all put into their models that they've displayed here.
I think it would be important to remember that the work shouldn't necessarily be judged on how well the model is finished, but things like how the subject matter is tackled and maybe also how much imagination is shown in selecting the model to be used? All those kind of things should count for something.
Anyway, that's my 10c worth.
Good luck gentlemen: start your airbrushes! :-)
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 22, 2006 13:07:44 GMT 12
Good points Craig. My main concern in modelling is historical accuracy, such as doing the research to really know your subject, which I think you're aluding to. Selecting an aircraft with a bit of history and interest would add weight to the project, ie one flown by someone well known, or one that performed an interesting task, etc. I like to see people also make models not straight from the box/decal sheet, as often the decals are wrong in the case of RNZAF subjects. Research is a big thing for me, getting it right
Basically this 'competition' isn't about who's the best modeler, but really a way of displaying knowledge about the subject so others can learn. I have already learnt a lot about Skyhawk chaff dispesers from another thread this week, that's the sort of thing i mean. It's all about promoting the RNZAF history and the hobby. Tchnical accuracy is also important, but I'm not going to quibble if anyone selects a Spitfire that's known to be a scale inch too short, etc.
I have not made a model in many years either to any extent, but i am keen to get back into it, and this competition may be a good push for me. What I would like to do when i get back into it is to model planes that were flown by the people I have met and interviewed, or those I have researched, both from my Cambridge project and from the GR Squadron book I'm working on. They fascinate me more than making the same old OU-V or Gloria Lyons that others make.
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Post by Calum on Jul 22, 2006 14:44:40 GMT 12
Impossible for me to commit to finishing something by a certain date... I'm way to anal :-)
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Post by corsair67 on Jul 22, 2006 15:59:03 GMT 12
Well, maybe the time frame needs to be very broad then? ;D
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 22, 2006 18:54:57 GMT 12
I'm the same Calum. I was thinking of a time frame of around 8 weeks. Would that suit? Or would more time be needed?
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Post by smithy on Jul 22, 2006 20:36:38 GMT 12
8 weeks is not bad but might even then be pushing it a bit for some. Work and other things have a tendency to come up at inopportune times when you're modelling.
Keep at it though Dave, it's a corker of an idea.
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Post by Bruce on Jul 22, 2006 21:06:00 GMT 12
Would it be an idea to broaden the category to "RNZAF bombers" in general - Ive already built all the "ground attack" types. If not, no worries, I'll wait for the next round. Great idea though - On your marks!  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 22, 2006 21:33:58 GMT 12
Live a little Bruce, do one in 1/48th. ;D
Have you made all the marks of RNZAF Spitfire? Or P-40? etc?
I think 'ground attack aircraft that've seen action' is fairly broad as it is. Maybe we could open it up also to alternately a ground attack aircraft of the RAF flown by a New Zealander, and you could find a plane type you've not yet built? That would be equally as interesting when you present the history with the model.
Regarding time, I don't mind making the time limit longer. In fact, maybe we won't have a limit, we just wait till everyone who's registered their intent to be in the thing has finished, then they'll be judged and prizes given and then we move onto the next competition subject. So long as everyone makes an effort to get it done as quickly as possible (or formally withdraw if they decide they won't finish within the next few months), that should work. Over to you guys, do you like this idea?
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Post by mumbles on Jul 22, 2006 21:38:19 GMT 12
That would be any RNZAF aircraft used in ground attack in action - so you have the choice of Dauntless, Avenger, Corsair, P-40, Spitfire, Venom, Typhoon, Tempest... maybe Hurricane, were 486's Hurricanes used in ground attack? |
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Post by Calum on Jul 22, 2006 22:24:01 GMT 12
I'm the same Calum. I was thinking of a time frame of around 8 weeks. Would that suit? Or would more time be needed? 8 weeks..........please..... I think about what type of paint to use for 8 weeks.... ;D Seriousily I can't do anything with a time frame. example.... I'n intending to enter a RAN S-70B-2 Seahawk in the Local comp next July |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 22, 2006 23:09:22 GMT 12
Sam, yes a 487 Sqn Mosquito from Jericjho would apply.
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Post by smithy on Jul 23, 2006 14:21:32 GMT 12
were 486's Hurricanes used in ground attack? Mumbles, 486's Hurries were never used in ground attack, at that stage 486 was a designated night fighter squadron. Worth checking out "The Wild Winds" by Paul Sortehaug if you're interested in 486. Bit pricey but an absolutely brilliant book. Tim. |
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Post by kiwichappers on Jul 24, 2006 9:49:27 GMT 12
Dave,
Count me in for this competition and since I am a we way down the track on a series of Warren Schrader aircraft the time frame of eight weeks is fine with me. How about his Meteor, after all there were a few axis trees [the fast growing type], vehicles, and aircraft he plastered during the first few days of May 45?
How are you proposing to judged the models given the international scope of the forum?
cheers from very sunny Yorkshire
Kiwichappers
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 24, 2006 19:06:51 GMT 12
Kiwichappers, your project sounds very interesting.
Regarding the idea for the competition I have been having a rethink, or perhaps just a different thought has occurred to me.
Would it make it easier if instead of attempting a competition that many feel they can't participate in, how about this as an alternative. Perhaps we scrap the orignial competiton idea, and have instead "Theme Builds". Maybe we could say the first theme build is to be operational aircraft of No. 14 Squadron in WWII (as an example).
Then everyone who decides to participate can state that they're keen to take part and say what scale and what aircraft they intend to make and then go away and build the model at your leisure. Whether it takes 2 days, 2 moths or a year, you can put up progress reports and eventually the finished results.
All the wjile, hopefully it will generate some discussion about the theme topic and we can pass information onto each other, etc. If the theme is much more specific than the earlier broad competition idea, that will help to keep it on topic.
Each theme build will have it's own seperate thread. So you could be working on a couple of models at a time if you wish, and you guys can also make suggestions.
There'll be no need for judging others' work as there would in the competition arena, and this way with a theme build it will hopefully be a great way to motivate modelling RNZAF topics, and also learn a great deal from others about the history and technology, etc. And this way people who don't make models can still take part in offering information.
Does this sound like a better idea? Think about it, and discuss this alternate idea please, voting for which is best for you. Also if you're really for the 'Theme Build' idea, lets have your suggestions for future topics in the theme.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 25, 2006 16:31:48 GMT 12
So is no-one interested in this amended proposal then? I assumed it'd be more suitable to more members.
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Post by Bruce on Jul 25, 2006 16:44:57 GMT 12
Doesnt sound too bad to me - in fact Its more suitable for the way I work. Give us a 75sqn category - I'm doing an interesting project that would suit that one now..... (shhh secret)
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Post by kiwichappers on Jul 26, 2006 1:52:11 GMT 12
Dave,
I like this latest proposal because it suits the way I tend to build my models and it will lead to a reference resource of New Zealand aircraft. The model collectiion should develop into a worthwhile collection with none of the associated storage/display problems.
Bud Anderson has a site [www.cebudanderson.com] along these lines for the USAF in the UK during WW2 which encourages modellers and is a very interesting spot.
regards
Kiwichappers
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