had an idea.....(well heard one)

[UKscalemodeller]

I know that some manufacturers (definately Eduard with their etch) supply instruction sheets in pdf format on their site.

But would it be a good idea to start a collection of instruction sheets, maybe get people to scan them in and store them here or somewhere else with a link?

Or is there already somewhere that does this and I'm a decade too late?

[PhildaFish]

It's a very good idea, which is why I started work on it about a year ago! So far it's only the kits I've built plus a few others from my site members but it is growing slowly and you're more than welcome to join up and email me your scans for others to use. Just click the link in my signature.

[Gav0909]

I actually found a whole wallet full of instruction sheets of models I built as a kid (genuinely surprised at some of the kits I had!). If I ever get access to a scanner I would be happy to scan them in and pdf them to add to a database on here.

[Coen]

I think that a base for storing these is a great idea myself.
I have a whole drawer of a file cabinet full of instructions.
There is the issue of copyrights though.
I don't normally pay much attention to them, but some folks get their panties in a bunch about them.
I think that Lee or Paul need to figure that stuff out.

[Lee]

It is a possibility that we can look at. The problem is that when people scan in PDF they don't set the file size to minimum and they can end up being massive. We do have unlimited storage and bandwidth with this site (cost a bit but, was worth it) but, we don't want to slow it down too much...

Let me think about it, although I wouldn't want to tread on Phil's toes....

[EpoxySniffer]

Would this work as a way of doing this with minimal effort required by any one individual
and avoid blatantly infringing any companies copyright.

Instead of ISM holding the scans why not have a section where each member can create a list of instructions
they have and are willing to lend.

An individual thread for each member wanting to take part could be created much like the portfolios. In this thread they could
create a single post containing their list that they can edit, adding or deleting instructions as required.
Comments could also be disabled on this thread so it never grows into anything more than a single post with the members list
that only they can edit.

Other members could then simply private message the member and ask to borrow the instructions. That would get round
both problems of data storage and copyright issues of publishing them for direct download.

We could also expand this to decals.

Lets remember that Lee and Paul have full time jobs and families and also need time to build models themselves so
we can't expect them to look after a library of instruction as well as administer the forum. Each member maintaining
their own list and taking care of their own requests will not add any additional burden on them.

Your site looks good Phil but you could end up having quite a bit of work to do to maintain it if you start getting a deluge of
scans to update. You might also get some heat from the big boys over the copyright if it grows into a large database of protected work.
It sucks that big companies are so protective over their intellectual property even when it is used for non profit but that's the way
the world is these days.


Just some thoughts ....

[UKscalemodeller]

Would this work as a way of doing this with minimal effort required by any one individual
and avoid blatantly infringing any companies copyright.

Instead of ISM holding the scans why not have a section where each member can create a list of instructions
they have and are willing to lend.

An individual thread for each member wanting to take part could be created much like the portfolios. In this thread they could
create a single post containing their list that they can edit, adding or deleting instructions as required.
Comments could also be disabled on this thread so it never grows into anything more than a single post with the members list
that only they can edit.

Other members could then simply private message the member and ask to borrow the instructions. That would get round
both problems of data storage and copyright issues of publishing them for direct download.

We could also expand this to decals.

Lets remember that Lee and Paul have full time jobs and families and also need time to build models themselves so
we can't expect them to look after a library of instruction as well as administer the forum. Each member maintaining
their own list and taking care of their own requests will not add any additional burden on them.

Your site looks good Phil but you could end up having quite a bit of work to do to maintain it if you start getting a deluge of
scans to update. You might also get some heat from the big boys over the copyright if it grows into a large database of protected work.
It sucks that big companies are so protective over their intellectual property even when it is used for non profit but that's the way
the world is these days.


Just some thoughts ....

I like this one, then all people would have to do is put the model in the search engine and it should pop up too.

[PhildaFish]

Don't worry about treading on my toes mate! It's not an original idea and my website layout leaves a lot to be desired. As for copyright material, I contacted Airfix to explain what I was (already!) doing and they looked at my site and they are happy with it (any advertising is good advertising, I think) they have even helped me out with the paint charts; so I'm sure they'd feel the same with it being done on here. I really ought to contact Revell and Matchbox and PM and Tamiya and... oh blimey, the list is too long!

[Lee]

lol - it's never ending Phil - cheers bud