Let's do a Summer Sci-fi Group Build!

[Lysus]

Tank and Airplane folks, don't run away just yet, I have a special message for you below; do please give it a read before you go on your way! (scroll down to the big font)

I thought it might be neat to see how many of us would like to do a Sci-fi themed Group Build. If you're interested, go ahead and click the vote button so your interest can be tallied. Note that I have to have two options, so if you don't want to, you don't have to do anything. You can vote "no" if you're just curious to see the total but can always change it later (re-voting enabled).

I know there's a bunch of you out there, I see the builds pop up here and on that Facebook place. Originally I was thinking of just a Gundam/Robot build, but then I thought it would be good to try to include as many builders as possible (see Special Message to non-Sci-fi Builders below). So here's what I'm proposing:

Any plastic or resin Sci-fi kit. (Examples to follow—I think I'll cut it off at metal miniatures, if you disagree let me know in the comments)

• Any kit manufacturer.
• Any scale.
• Anyone may join, no skill requirement, no kit complexity minimum.
• No restrictions on aftermarket products (decals, PE, etc.) or additional material.
• Scratch building is allowed.
• You may built as many kits as you like.
• The kit must be not be started prior to the start date.

I'm proposing the build run from July 1 to October 31 this year. I think it would be neat to do June 20 to September 21—aka Summer—but it's a bit late to do that and give folks time to find their kits. Maybe if this is popular we can do that next year.

From what I've gathered in the GB/SiG sections, if we get like 3 people, it'll be a buddy build thread, a few more and it'll be a regular GB/SiG thread where we all post; but I'm really hoping we get enough to earn a sub-forum of our own. Whaddya say? Think we can do it? Click that vote button and let me know!

Sci-fi kit examples include:

- Star Wars/Trek
- Any Gundam kit
- Any robot/mecha from film, TV, or anime
- Any Sci-fi vehicle from film, TV, or anime (from the Seaview sub to a Star Destroyer, it's all fair game)

Too broad? We've got time to figure it out if there's interest.


Special Message to non-Sci-fi Builders

Hey, thanks for scrolling down.

Look, I love the work you folks do with the planes and tanks. There's a ton of real artists here. I'm hoping you give this one a shot, maybe step out of your comfort zone a little. The great thing about Sci-fi kits is that they can incorporate techniques found in both tanks and planes; the weathering, the high finishes, the damage effects. Now, if you've made it this far then you've at least considered it a little bit, or maybe you've done them in the past. If you have done them before, I'd love to see what you can turn out for this build!

If you've never built a Sci-fi kit, but you think you'd like to, here's some suggestions:

For the tank builders

Consider the obvious bridge kits, Star Wars (walkers, etc.). But also I think you could have fun with a Ma.K. ( Maschinen Krieger )



An M61A5 from MS Gundam: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10081018

Or any of the UC Hard Graph sets, really. They're begging to made into dioramas

Consider, too, some of the Zeon mobile suits, Gundam has always turned to history for its design influences:
1. Geara Zulu; 2. Zaku II; 3. Dom Tropen (which is probably the one I'd do, it's in my stash)



There's no restrictions, so you can build them OOB or make them up to look like an Axis/Allied unit…or anything you want.

For the plane builders

Consider anything from Macross, Supersylph Yukikaze, Captain Harlock, or Ace Combat. Macross especially is interesting since each plane is modeled (well, takes inspiration from) after a real world jet.

1. VF-1 Valkyrie; 2. VF-25 Messiah; 3. SW-190; 4. One note of caution, Macross kits from Bandai will also turn into robots:



So if you just want to build a jet, look for anything from Hasegawa instead. They apparently are licensed for the fixed mode kits while Bandai does variable form kits. They're neat, but the articulations needed to change modes make the kits a little on the flimsy side.

For the ship and vehicle builders

There's a ton of stuff out there from the Batmobile to sentient warships. Consider anything from film or TV like the police Spinner from Blade Runner, the Yamato from Star Blazers/Space Battleship Yamato, or the warships from Arpeggio of Blue Steel.

1. Police Spinner; 2. BBY-01 Yamato; 3. Kongo and Haruna



Ignore the girls on the boxes of the Arpeggio ships, these kits come with PE and are pretty detailed in their own right

Anyway, thanks for looking, and I hope you consider tossing your hats (or hobby knives) into the ring.

[chief5437]

I'd be interested in this, if only because of the effort you've put into this intro!

[ForbesHutton]

Well, this guy is just sitting around:

[trekfanj]

I have a 1/72 Haunebu i'd like to build:



If it doesn't qualify, that's cool; i've got a big pile of Gundams and Star Wars kits to choose from.

[Smiffy]

I'll give it a go

[Lysus]

Hey, 9 yeas already! I'm excited...

I'd be interested in this, if only because of the effort you've put into this intro!

Thanks It's amazing what you can do when you should be doing something else...

Well, this guy is just sitting around:

Oooh...I think someone makes some Colonial Marines to go with it, ya?

I have a 1/72 Haunebu i'd like to build

If it doesn't qualify, that's cool; i've got a big pile of Gundams and Star Wars kits to choose from.

I suppose that depends on whether you think they built it or not Personally I think there were lots of lunatics in the Reich and it was never anything more than some blueprints. Seems sci-fi to me.

I'll give it a go

Nice!

[Astaroth]

Hi, I'm new to ISM and modelling in general. I'll join in here in the hope of learning a lot from you guys in the process.

I already have a project in mind but I'm not sure that it qualifies.

Does the kit itself have to be sci-fi or would it be ok to take a real world vehicle and giving it the paint scheme of a tv show character (thinking of Transformers here)?

If not, there are some Star Wars kits I haven't touched yet.

Cheers.

[Lysus]

Hi, I'm new to ISM and modelling in general. I'll join in here in the hope of learning a lot from you guys in the process.

I already have a project in mind but I'm not sure that it qualifies.

Does the kit itself have to be sci-fi or would it be ok to take a real world vehicle and giving it the paint scheme of a tv show character (thinking of Transformers here)?

If not, there are some Star Wars kits I haven't touched yet.

Cheers.

I think that's perfectly acceptable to fashion the mundane into the fictional, it's no different really than painting an X-wing with Spitfire colors in my book. Go for it!

Let your interest be counted, vote "Yes" up top!

ETA: Also,

[Astaroth]

Thanks for the welcome. I already voted yesterday, just didn't get around to posting until earlier.

I'm really excited about the project I'm planning. It will be the first larger model. Right now I'm doing only my second
model and they are both small revell star wars kits.

[Lysus]

Thanks for the welcome. I already voted yesterday, just didn't get around to posting until earlier.

Awesome! I almost forgot that I did something like that with an F-15J, did it up to look like Starscream: http://www.intscalemodeller.com/viewtop ... 35&t=16031

First kit I had built in 20 years or so (since I was a kid).

[MichaelHoffman]

It is not so much as joining, as in picking from the 100's of SciFi kits I have. Might take me that long to decide. LOL. I have voted yes, and would be happy to participate.

[Astaroth]

Now that's a coincidence. I plan to do exactly that.

That's an amazing Starscream. I'm happy if mine will be half as good as yours.

[Lysus]

It is not so much as joining, as in picking from the 100's of SciFi kits I have. Might take me that long to decide. LOL. I have voted yes, and would be happy to participate.

Awesome! Heh, maybe the old dart-toss method...

Now that's a coincidence. I plan to do exactly that.

That's an amazing Starscream. I'm happy if mine will be half as good as yours.

Thanks, can't wait to see someone else do one, and it wouldn't be hard to top mine, you do me too much credit

[Madmattmodels89]

I soooo wanna build that M61A5 kit is amazing but the price is way too steep ! Any other tank like kit from gundam or similar? I'm new to sci-fi but I really want to join

[Lysus]

I soooo wanna build that M61A5 kit is amazing but the price is way too steep ! Any other tank like kit from gundam or similar? I'm new to sci-fi but I really want to join

I wish, the M61A5 is a rare departure for Gundam. There's a Hildolfir out there that's a tad cheaper, but made in limited quantities so unless you find a merchant with one at MSRP it can actually be more expensive

Otherwise there's a Magella though it's a little more on the zany side design-wise. It's also a limited run, but starts much cheaper than the other two.

Then there's the old Guntank that should actually be pretty cheap since it's an old kit. They generally range from $10-25 USD on eBay and Amazon, but they're dirt cheap on HLJ when they're in stock. Always worth an email to them to find out the back order status (i.e. will you be getting more, if I order one will you find one, etc.). They're usually pretty helpful that way.

Otherwise, you could look at Macross for the destroids:



There's a few to choose from and they shouldn't be too pricey. The monster will be, it's a little harder to find. I wish Bandai did a Tomahawk, Wave makes one but it's pricey. They also make versions of the Bandai kits, and they're a little better detailed, but they go for insane amounts of money on eBay.



Still worth checking around for, occasionally the odd HK eBay store has some that aren't going for super-inflated prices. I'll think about it some more, maybe find something else that I forgot.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Hmm, I am thinking about it

[Lysus]

I soooo wanna build that M61A5 kit is amazing but the price is way too steep ! Any other tank like kit from gundam or similar? I'm new to sci-fi but I really want to join

Also, I just ran across this while doing some shopping...I mean eating some lunch: A Zaku II with two tiny M61A5s! You can get your tank fix and try a robot And for $65-100 USD less than the price of a 1/35 M61 (it's only about $30)

[Lysus]

Hmm, I am thinking about it

Might be a nice change of pace between your awesome cars

[Twokidsnosleep]

I was thinking of doing a stormtrooper-helper like you have....could use a minion working the desk while I am away
Pace of house responsibilities has sharply increased though

[Sturm]

I think I'll try my hand at a gundam, never done one before.

[DBMiller]

I'm always up for a SciFi build!

[OneSmallStep1966]

I've just seen this new kit from Fantastic Plastic which might tempt me in

Syndrome's Velocipod

6252807_orig.jpg

[PrivatePublic]

Could be really interesting. Not sure I'd be able to participate given my limited amount of time but I'd like to give it a go. Out of curiosity would subjects from games be applicable? Also curious about repaints of the coloured mostly snap together kits

[Lysus]

I was thinking of doing a stormtrooper-helper like you have....could use a minion working the desk while I am away
Pace of house responsibilities has sharply increased though

They're super helpful, if a bit daft.

I think I'll try my hand at a gundam, never done one before.

Awesome! They're a nice distraction from the norm. Just build and paint to whatever you like, no worrying about accuracy.

I'm always up for a SciFi build!

I've just seen this new kit from Fantastic Plastic which might tempt me in

Part of me wishes I'd never seen that...now I need to hide my wallet from that site. That thing is awesome!

Could be really interesting. Not sure I'd be able to participate given my limited amount of time but I'd like to give it a go. Out of curiosity would subjects from games be applicable? Also curious about repaints of the coloured mostly snap together kits

I should think so, provided it's sci-fi-ish. As to snappers, if it's sci-fi it's fair game! Almost every Gundam is a snap kit, really. They're more focused on the painting than the building. If time is a consideration, snap kits solve part of that problem

[pourquoi61]

Count me in on that one, fun times.

[Twokidsnosleep]

I've just seen this new kit from Fantastic Plastic which might tempt me in

Syndrome's Velocipod

6252807_orig.jpg

I would like to see this built, cool looking kit from a great movie

[Primus1]

Hi guys, i have a few Battlestar Galactica kits in the stash to start, cylon centurion, vipers os and mkvII, i also have a GW Stormtalon ... im new to all this forumy stuff and never participated in a group build but will give it the ole college try if it goes ahead ...

[Lysus]

Hi guys, i have a few Battlestar Galactica kits in the stash to start, cylon centurion, vipers os and mkvII, i also have a GW Stormtalon ... im new to all this forumy stuff and never participated in a group build but will give it the ole college try if it goes ahead ...

Awesome! It's not hard to do forumy stuff. Once the build starts you'll open a thread and post some stuff as you work on it. Take a look at some others around here and you'll see soon enough what to do. They can be as in-depth or simple as you like. I'm around so you can always ask me--or anyone here, they're all helpful--questions.

Stay tuned and I'll update once we have the details on where it will be nailed down (it's happening either way, just finding our home right now). Til then, grab your gun and bring in the cat.

[Primus1]

Awesome, thanks very much

[Lysus]

Awesome, thanks very much

Also,

[PrivateMansoor]

Count me in.

[Astaroth]

Great, almost up to 30 now.

[Skullfish]

there is soooo many cool sci fi kits you can only get in america but of course they are pricey and it just gets worse when you factor in postage to the UK...grumble.

[Lysus]

Great, almost up to 30 now.

I'm stoked...

there is soooo many cool sci fi kits you can only get in america but of course they are pricey and it just gets worse when you factor in postage to the UK...grumble.

Had no idea it was so limited in the UK. What are you looking for?

[wookiee76]

I'll join in too if i can find a kit that stirs my juices.

[Lysus]

Awesome, wookiee!

This GB has blown up more than I thought it would and I'm super excited to see what everyone comes up with!

So since we're close to 30 already, I wanted to pose a question to the group:

Do we want to do judging and prizes? It's entirely optional, but considering the potential turn-out I think it could be fun to make it a "thing." For those of you new to the forum or a GB, don't worry, it's not what you might think. To quote Lee on how judging for ISM works:

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.....

In other words, there will be no rivet counting or consideration of the perfection of the kit. I'm entirely committed to using this as the rubric if we decide to adopt it.

Prizes:

If we want to do this, prizes should be from voluntary donations. Myself, I can throw in a Zeon Remnant Sleeves Geara Zulu kit since I just ordered two, I only really need one If anyone else feels like they want to donate, feel free to let me know. We probably want three total, one each for 1st-3rd place--though if there's more we can always make the prize pot more "grand." But at least two more would be nice to make this work,

It's entirely voluntary--no one needs to feel like they must. The donation need not be sci-fi, I think, since many here also build lots of other types of kits, but it wouldn't hurt either.

Note: I have been in touch with the powers that be, so none of this is happening without their knowledge They are awaiting our decision.

I want to hear your thoughts on this, we have a couple weeks to figure out if we want to do this or not. If you want to donate, but remain anonymous, then PM me. I suppose you could PM Lee as well if you'd like to remain extra anonymous (I promise I don't gossip, but no worries if you would rather not let me know personally), though I only just now thought of this so give me 24 hours to drop him a head's up

I'm eager to hear everyone's thoughts on the matter.

[Ether]

Hi, everyone.
I ordered a few Gundam HG kits from 1999.co.jp and hope to get them in next 2-3 weeks. I don't have any experience with such kits, but I will try to do the best I can.

I think I will build a couple of Gundam in one topic in order to catch main skills which are crucial for building such kits. I hope these kits are easier than my favorite 1/35 tanks and vehicles.

[Astaroth]

Awesome, wookiee!

This GB has blown up more than I thought it would and I'm super excited to see what everyone comes up with!

So since we're close to 30 already, I wanted to pose a question to the group:

Do we want to do judging and prizes? It's entirely optional, but considering the potential turn-out I think it could be fun to make it a "thing." For those of you new to the forum or a GB, don't worry, it's not what you might think. To quote Lee on how judging for ISM works:

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.....

In other words, there will be no rivet counting or consideration of the perfection of the kit. I'm entirely committed to using this as the rubric if we decide to adopt it.

Prizes:

If we want to do this, prizes should be from voluntary donations. Myself, I can throw in a Zeon Remnant Sleeves Geara Zulu kit since I just ordered two, I only really need one If anyone else feels like they want to donate, feel free to let me know. We probably want three total, one each for 1st-3rd place--though if there's more we can always make the prize pot more "grand." But at least two more would be nice to make this work,

It's entirely voluntary--no one needs to feel like they must. The donation need not be sci-fi, I think, since many here also build lots of other types of kits, but it wouldn't hurt either.

Note: I have been in touch with the powers that be, so none of this is happening without their knowledge They are awaiting our decision.

I want to hear your thoughts on this, we have a couple weeks to figure out if we want to do this or not. If you want to donate, but remain anonymous, then PM me. I suppose you could PM Lee as well if you'd like to remain extra anonymous (I promise I don't gossip, but no worries if you would rather not let me know personally), though I only just now thought of this so give me 24 hours to drop him a head's up

I'm eager to hear everyone's thoughts on the matter.

I think that's a great idea for the whole group, it will make the build a lot more interesting. Personally, I could do without judging and prizes. I'm an absolute beginner and this is my first group build, so I probably don't have a chance of competing with you guys anyway. I just joined for the fun and learning experience.

As for the judging criteria: that is one hell of a great approach.

As I said, I'm a beginner, so unfortunately I don't have anything to offer in terms of prizes but I will do my best in documenting all the many mistakes I most certainly will make.

[Lysus]

Documenting mistakes is valuable and if we go ahead with this a better way to place than building a perfect kit

I prefer to think about the builds with prizes as sort of bonuses from the community and not a competition. Indeed if you go back and watch some of the reveal videos it's not always the flawless kits that place. If you go back and read some of the WIP threads for the winners you'll see a wide range of skill from beginner to expert. It's the journey that gets the recognition.

They're also usually thirty way ties Trust me, find a reveal vid where Lee DOESN'T say the judging was hard...

The only reason (aside from needing two more donations to do this) is because I don't want to scare anyone away. Believe me, it won't make the build turn cutthroat, just add some extra "hooray" at the end.

[Astaroth]

You don't need to persuade me. I'm in either way.

[Fanster]

Before I go out and puchase loads of things, is building Warhammer 40k vehicles ok (since they're not metal minis) or shall I go with my other idea: a Mad Max-influenced scratch-build?

[Lysus]

Before I go out and puchase loads of things, is building Warhammer 40k vehicles ok (since they're not metal minis) or shall I go with my other idea: a Mad Max-influenced scratch-build?

If they're plastic or resin then they qualify

If you have time, you should totally do both

[Skullfish]

Had no idea it was so limited in the UK. What are you looking for?

dont get me wrong here, we get all the kits from the major manufacturers, its the great garage kits that come out of america im talking about.

http://www.fantastic-plastic.com/ check these kits out, my wallet would bleed dry!

http://www.jt-graphics.com/ got me the G'Quan heavy cruiser from B5 from here...christmas time they do a sale event with free or half price shipping!

https://starshipmodeler.biz/shop/index. ... bject.html awesome service! awesome kits and aftermarket.

http://www.federationmodels.com/ man, if your into Trek, heres heaven. they do other stuff also.

theres a couple more but you get the idea. most of these kits are beyond my abilities at the moment admittedly.

Anyhoos....Full on GB!!!, weve got the numbers now. in saying that tho, if peeps wanna post a few build picks along the way, groovey no pressure. If you wanna do a big build thread, batter on big chap, again no pressure. who here doesnt like a good build thread or video build!
Prizes yeah why not, i may even be able to donate a prize if we head that root. Lysus contact me if thats happening.

Still cant choose what my subject could be...B5 Starfury!...erm..BSG Battlestar!.....erm....Trek KBoP!!.....erm...dunno ask me later lol.

Jase

[Lysus]

Had no idea it was so limited in the UK. What are you looking for?

dont get me wrong here, we get all the kits from the major manufacturers, its the great garage kits that come out of america im talking about.

http://www.fantastic-plastic.com/ check these kits out, my wallet would bleed dry!

http://www.jt-graphics.com/ got me the G'Quan heavy cruiser from B5 from here...christmas time they do a sale event with free or half price shipping!

https://starshipmodeler.biz/shop/index. ... bject.html awesome service! awesome kits and aftermarket.

http://www.federationmodels.com/ man, if your into Trek, heres heaven. they do other stuff also.

theres a couple more but you get the idea. most of these kits are beyond my abilities at the moment admittedly.

Anyhoos....Full on GB!!!, weve got the numbers now. in saying that tho, if peeps wanna post a few build picks along the way, groovey no pressure. If you wanna do a big build thread, batter on big chap, again no pressure. who here doesnt like a good build thread or video build!
Prizes yeah why not, i may even be able to donate a prize if we head that root. Lysus contact me if thats happening.

Still cant choose what my subject could be...B5 Starfury!...erm..BSG Battlestar!.....erm....Trek KBoP!!.....erm...dunno ask me later lol.

Jase

Yeah...I've banned myself from those sites...my wallet would explode. I know what you mean, though, about the finding good stuff on the shelf. I usually visit one LHS that's a mom and pop, and one that's sort of a regional chain. They have some sci-fi usually, but it's random and 80% Gundam. I'm left with importing from Japan or HK as my options.

Those are some hard choices...I'd say "All"

[Madmattmodels89]

So I can scratch build a madmaz type vehicle and count as good? If so I'm all up for that

[Lysus]

So I can scratch build a madmaz type vehicle and count as good? If so I'm all up for that

Yup, Max films are all post-apocalyptic and that's all the sci-fi you need. At least in my book.

[Madmattmodels89]

So I can scratch build a madmaz type vehicle and count as good? If so I'm all up for that

Yup, Max films are all post-apocalyptic and that's all the sci-fi you need. At least in my book.

I'm all in then!!!! Yessssss

[Skullfish]

hell yeah..Supped up spikey ve-hicles of Death!!!

[bubbajoe]

Count me in.....would love to be a part of the group build... do i need to pick a kit now?.. if so i have a Gundam RB 79K BALL aching to be built.

[Lysus]

It starts July 1, but you can join any time you wish. Take your time choosing

I really dig the Ball, I'd love to see it in the GB! They look sweet OOB, but are also so easily modified.