Let's do Summer Sci-Fi 2: Electric Boogaloo!

[Lysus]

It's Springtime and that can only mean one thing, invasion.

No, wait, I mean, it's time to start up another Summer Sci-Fi SiG! Folks who participated last year please feel free to skip down to the bit marked "QUESTIONS FOR 2017." Everything else you've seen before, for new people, please do read on!

If you'd like to take part, let us know by voting above. You may change your vote at any time.

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. 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 JUNE 1 to SEPTEMBER 30 this year.

If we get like 3 people, it'll be a buddy build thread, a few more and it'll be a regular SiG thread where we all post; but I'm really hoping we get enough to earn a sub-forum of our own like we did last year. 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



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.

QUESTIONS FOR 2017

Last year we had judging and prizes and I'd like to know if we'd like such a thing again this year. For me this depends on two things: group interest and prize donations made available by you, the ISM member. We don't NEED to do it, but I thought it was pretty fun last year and everything seemed to work out well. If that's the case, do please let me know in the responses below. If you'd like to donate but remain anonymous you can always DM me here on the forum or on the Facebook machine. Forum is best, I don't pay attention to what I'm seeing on Facebook with any reliability.

If we do have prizes, should they be awarded to first, second, third, etc., or by random draw?

UPDATE MAY 9

Prize donations have started to roll in, to date:

Revell Battlestar Galactica (2003) from Tomcat64:



Bandai Star Wars R2 and R3 droids from Twokidsnosleep:



As far as my own contribution, I'm willing to toss in a Bandai 1/72 Resistance X-Wing from my stash that has little hope of finding its way onto my bench this year.



Also, this:



From Lee:



NEW PRIZE FOR THE POT?

Member DBMiller has proposed adding his £10 SnM Stuff voucher to the prize pot! Thanks, DB! I have a couple vouchers of my own, maybe we can increase the total a bit? Hm...

We'll decide in a bit which should go for first, second, etc.

Should it remain a four month build or be longer? Shorter?

Does anyone REALLY like flan or do they just say they do? I mean, for me it's neat and all but kinda bland...

I'd love to hear your comments, and look forward to seeing the results.

[Twokidsnosleep]

I like the idear
Might have a Bandai kit to donate for y'allz prizes (I was trying to speak in American there if you noticed)

Flan IS blah
I was gonna vote NO just to be a pest

[aur0ra145]

I like the idear
Might have a Bandai kit to donate for y'allz prizes (I was trying to speak in American there if you noticed)

Flan IS blah
I was gonna vote NO just to be a pest

"Boy howdy, that looks like a hoot! This idear is the best thing since canned beer! If ya'llz would like; I have for ya a Bandai kit to Goodwill to yer fer free." Source: 1/4 of extended family is made up of rednecks.

On topic: I would build a Star Wars Bandai kit or one of those snowman robot things. You can count me in. Flan is terrible.

[Twokidsnosleep]

I like the idear
Might have a Bandai kit to donate for y'allz prizes (I was trying to speak in American there if you noticed)

Flan IS blah
I was gonna vote NO just to be a pest

"Boy howdy, that looks like a hoot! This idear is the best thing since canned beer! If ya'llz would like; I have for ya a Bandai kit to Goodwill to yer fer free." Source: 1/4 of extended family is made up of rednecks.

On topic: I would build a Star Wars Bandai kit or one of those snowman robot things. You can count me in. Flan is terrible.

I am disappointed the words 'possum' and 'gum bush' were not included in that sentence above
Bonus points would have been awarded for 'good ol boy' and any firearms references...sadly, no
My silly son was invited to New Jersey for a NCAA hockey camp at Princeton this summer...So have to have some more language tips before then

Oh, Filipino fruit flan can be quite nice if made properly and fresh

[Astaroth]

I'm in if I get my new bench sorted and ready before June.

Wait ... I'm moving tomorrow, so yeah ... that might work.

[Twokidsnosleep]

I'm in if I get my new bench sorted and ready before June.

Wait ... I'm moving tomorrow, so yeah ... that might work.

Good luck on the move, wishing to go smooth for you guys
I hope to never have to move house again!!!

[Astaroth]

I'm in if I get my new bench sorted and ready before June.

Wait ... I'm moving tomorrow, so yeah ... that might work.

Good luck on the move, wishing to go smooth for you guys
I hope to never have to move house again!!!

Oh yeah. Me too.
It's going pretty smooth, the new house is just a 25min drive from the old one. Half of our stuff is already there.

[kiwigav]

yipee

of course id be in. Be happy to some how contribute, maybe a cost contribution thru pay pal to go towards purchasing a kit. I dont have anything at the moment to donate myself. looking forward to building again as I have had many other costs from my summer and the ole bank has run dry at the moment.
Been saving my prize from last year for this and have plans for a couple of other builds.

[Stokesy44]

Goshdarnit, how am I supposed to stick to my 'not buying anymore kits' statement now this has come along?

Lysus - oh how you vex me

[Stokesy44]

Just had some kind of Nerdgasm, thinking about an AT-AT nose down in the snow. Where's my polyfiller, where's my Tamiya snow paint? Where's MY WALLET????

Its happening again....

[Tomcat64]

Yep I'm in - it's the 40th Anniversary of the release of "A New Hope" this year isn't it?

I've probably got something lurking in my stash that I'd be happy to donate as a prize as well if you need it.

Oh and it's pronounced "flarn" and it took me days to prepare!

[Nev]

My Teams ready I just need a command crew...

What I meant to say was I'm In y'all will be my first ever hum dinger Sci Fi kit!! But I am as giddy as a Gator for this

Now to buy a kit

[GangsterNo1]

Hell yeah!

I've really got into the whole Maschinen Krieger thing recently and I'm a massive sci-fi nut in general. I'd like to have a go at some kind of kitbash / mashup thing to do a hover tank of some kind. I've also talked to my kids about scratch building a pod racer model.

[Willem]

Hmmm.....not thought about flan (or "flarn") for absolutely ages but I'm liking the idea of pineapple flan (or "flarn").

Where was I?..........

If I can find a Battlestar Galactica Viper (the old school mk 1 cos it will look cool in US Navy markings) and a time machine, I'm in.

[chief5437]

Damn it, why did I just build my X wing?! Count me in, should be able to find something before June. Promises of not buying more kits well and truly out the window now!

[Lysus]

I like the idear
Might have a Bandai kit to donate for y'allz prizes (I was trying to speak in American there if you noticed)

Flan IS blah
I was gonna vote NO just to be a pest

"Boy howdy, that looks like a hoot! This idear is the best thing since canned beer! If ya'llz would like; I have for ya a Bandai kit to Goodwill to yer fer free." Source: 1/4 of extended family is made up of rednecks.

On topic: I would build a Star Wars Bandai kit or one of those snowman robot things. You can count me in. Flan is terrible.

Yee-haw, pardner!

I'm in if I get my new bench sorted and ready before June.

Wait ... I'm moving tomorrow, so yeah ... that might work.

Good luck on the move, wishing to go smooth for you guys
I hope to never have to move house again!!!

Moving does indeed suck eggs. Better not miss it, Astaroth!

yipee

of course id be in. Be happy to some how contribute, maybe a cost contribution thru pay pal to go towards purchasing a kit. I dont have anything at the moment to donate myself. looking forward to building again as I have had many other costs from my summer and the ole bank has run dry at the moment.
Been saving my prize from last year for this and have plans for a couple of other builds.

Nice! Not a bad idea, Gav. We'll see what happens over the next couple weeks, get an idea for what donations we've got in total; but don't stretch yourself...it's all for fun

Goshdarnit, how am I supposed to stick to my 'not buying anymore kits' statement now this has come along?

Lysus - oh how you vex me

Remember: kits for GB/SiGs don't count Always happy to trigger someone to make a purchase

Just had some kind of Nerdgasm, thinking about an AT-AT nose down in the snow. Where's my polyfiller, where's my Tamiya snow paint? Where's MY WALLET????

Its happening again....

Oh ya, your snow paint! That stuff was cool...

Yep I'm in - it's the 40th Anniversary of the release of "A New Hope" this year isn't it?

I've probably got something lurking in my stash that I'd be happy to donate as a prize as well if you need it.

Oh and it's pronounced "flarn" and it took me days to prepare!

Oh B5, it was so quirky. Glad to have you aboard!

My Teams ready I just need a command crew...

What I meant to say was I'm In y'all will be my first ever hum dinger Sci Fi kit!! But I am as giddy as a Gator for this

Now to buy a kit

Awesome! Still plenty of time to get one even if it needs to be ordered. Never thought you'd be smuggling yourself, eh?

Hell yeah!

I've really got into the whole Maschinen Krieger thing recently and I'm a massive sci-fi nut in general. I'd like to have a go at some kind of kitbash / mashup thing to do a hover tank of some kind. I've also talked to my kids about scratch building a pod racer model.

That sounds amazing! I think Someone had something about a family build (Tomcat?) I'm not against a double entry for your kid's build if he isn't. It's a 48 hour build but if he's game I'm game.

Hmmm.....not thought about flan (or "flarn") for absolutely ages but I'm liking the idea of pineapple flan (or "flarn").

Where was I?..........

If I can find a Battlestar Galactica Viper (the old school mk 1 cos it will look cool in US Navy markings) and a time machine, I'm in.

We would be honored if you joined us.



That sounds pretty amazing, think I caught a Viper (Mk II) in Jolly Roger colors and looked sweet.

Damn it, why did I just build my X wing?! Count me in, should be able to find something before June. Promises of not buying more kits well and truly out the window now!

Ha! I thought about that, too, but didn't want to spoil your fun. As I told Stokesy, GB/SiG purchases don't really count Happy to see your return for season 2, man!

[DBMiller]

I'm always up for a SciFi build!

[Lysus]

I'm always up for a SciFi build!

Was gonna say, where's DB? Glad to see ya back and ready.

[aur0ra145]

If I can find a Battlestar Galactica Viper (the old school mk 1 cos it will look cool in US Navy markings) and a time machine, I'm in.

I've got the set of 2 in 1/72. Navy theme sounds just like what one of them needs.

[Lysus]

If I can find a Battlestar Galactica Viper (the old school mk 1 cos it will look cool in US Navy markings) and a time machine, I'm in.

I've got the set of 2 in 1/72. Navy theme sounds just like what one of them needs.

Can't find the build now but here's a drawing of a Mk II:



Personally I think Willem is right, would look RAD on a Mk I.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Cool Viper
I shall not buy new kits, I shall not buy new kits..............

[Fridgy]

Man... I read your post Lysus and I look the look and lines of the Valkyrie... but do you think I can find one???
3 online hobby shops and no one has one in Stock

Might have to try fleabay

[Lysus]

I'll look into it after I get these ridiculous kids of mine in bed. FWIW I got a 1/48 VF-1 and YF-19 from HLJ last summer during a sale. They've usually got stock of various makes and scales.

[Fridgy]

I'll look into it after I get these ridiculous kids of mine in bed. FWIW I got a 1/48 VF-1 and YF-19 from HLJ last summer during a sale. They've usually got stock of various makes and scales.

I should specify that they were australian based olhs.

Found some on fleabay but they are a little pricey for my wallet at the moment

[kiwigav]

Some good ole faces ready for another sci fi run. Go the sci fi squad

[krusty69]

oh oh oh
pick me, pick me, please let me in.
I don't eat much, and I promise to clean up after my self.
I have a retro kit m557 apc and some colonial Marines I would like to build
I also have a bsg viper I could do something fabulous with.
thank you Lysus
been out on my bike for a couple of days and I come back to this
this is going to be another fun one

that's why we deal with june july august
this should keep me out of the heat
bob

[Lysus]

I'll look into it after I get these ridiculous kids of mine in bed. FWIW I got a 1/48 VF-1 and YF-19 from HLJ last summer during a sale. They've usually got stock of various makes and scales.

I should specify that they were australian based olhs.

Found some on fleabay but they are a little pricey for my wallet at the moment

Yeah, they tend to get made in waves so the price goes up and down, year in, year out. My 1/48 VF-1 was $40 USD shipped, right now it seems like they're $40+ before shipping.

Maybe watch eBay a little, if you check in often you sometimes stumble into a bargain. Is shipping from Japan or HK expensive for Oz? If not, there's always places like Hobby Search, they have these 1/72 for around $30 USD before shipping:









This one is 1/48:


For $20-25ish:











I've looked at the 1/48 VF-1J up there a few times, if you can snag it for $30 with a little shipping it's an excellent kit detail wise.

[Fridgy]

I'll look into it after I get these ridiculous kids of mine in bed. FWIW I got a 1/48 VF-1 and YF-19 from HLJ last summer during a sale. They've usually got stock of various makes and scales.

I should specify that they were australian based olhs.

Found some on fleabay but they are a little pricey for my wallet at the moment

Yeah, they tend to get made in waves so the price goes up and down, year in, year out. My 1/48 VF-1 was $40 USD shipped, right now it seems like they're $40+ before shipping.

Maybe watch eBay a little, if you check in often you sometimes stumble into a bargain. Is shipping from Japan or HK expensive for Oz? If not, there's always places like Hobby Search, they have these 1/72 for around $30 USD before shipping:









This one is 1/48:


For $20-25ish:











I've looked at the 1/48 VF-1J up there a few times, if you can snag it for $30 with a little shipping it's an excellent kit detail wise.

Cheers for the info buddy, will keep my eyes peeled and see what I can find

[Willem]

If I can find a Battlestar Galactica Viper (the old school mk 1 cos it will look cool in US Navy markings) and a time machine, I'm in.

I've got the set of 2 in 1/72. Navy theme sounds just like what one of them needs.

Can't find the build now but here's a drawing of a Mk II:



Personally I think Willem is right, would look RAD on a Mk I.

Yeah yeah yeah. Like that. Yummy. I get mixed up with the mks but I like that one and the one from the original 70s series.

Edit. The mk II is the one. Just spent 20 minutes googling vipers and now the other half is giving me funny looks.

[kiwigav]

Ooh I like the idea of current day markings on a sci fi craft. There is a gb there in its own right

[Lysus]

I've got the set of 2 in 1/72. Navy theme sounds just like what one of them needs.

Can't find the build now but here's a drawing of a Mk II:



Personally I think Willem is right, would look RAD on a Mk I.

Yeah yeah yeah. Like that. Yummy. I get mixed up with the mks but I like that one and the one from the original 70s series.

Edit. The mk II is the one. Just spent 20 minutes googling vipers and now the other half is giving me funny looks.

"It's for my students, dear."

Ooh I like the idea of current day markings on a sci fi craft. There is a gb there in its own right

Me too, but one SiG at a time ; )

Up to 16 already! Keep spreading the word!

[DBMiller]

Hmmm.....not thought about flan (or "flarn") for absolutely ages but I'm liking the idea of pineapple flan (or "flarn").

Where was I?..........

If I can find a Battlestar Galactica Viper (the old school mk 1 cos it will look cool in US Navy markings) and a time machine, I'm in.

I know I saw one painted like that somewhere but I can't find it right now. I did find this one though; newer Viper and not US but still pretty cool.

[Lysus]

Saw one as a Blue Angel, too. What I haven't seen so far is WWII US Navy--the blues on Hellcats, etc.

[Willem]

Hmmm.....not thought about flan (or "flarn") for absolutely ages but I'm liking the idea of pineapple flan (or "flarn").

Where was I?..........

If I can find a Battlestar Galactica Viper (the old school mk 1 cos it will look cool in US Navy markings) and a time machine, I'm in.

I know I saw one painted like that somewhere but I can't find it right now. I did find this one though; newer Viper and not US but still pretty cool.

You da man DB! Now just need to nip out for a flan case and some pineapple.

[Lysus]

I'll admit, I've never tried a pineapple flan.

[Primus1]

Hi guys, nice to see you all back together again After all the fun and games last year .... IM IN !

[Lysus]

Hi guys, nice to see you all back together again After all the fun and games last year .... IM IN !

ETA: Nice to see you again, bud!

[Primus1]

Do we have to don the suits and sunglasses while building ???

[Primus1]

Oh and as for Flan .......... il take it anyway it comes

[Lysus]

Do we have to don the suits and sunglasses while building ???

Only if you have a gig at Bob's Country Bunker.

[Timplastic]

Ow hell yeah !!!

Been waiting for this one.
And now I got two proper good kits too build
How can I choose

[Lysus]

I do not envy you that choice, man. I'd flip a coin. Best of three.

Best of five.

[Lysus]

While we're on the subject, I'm thinking of doing this:



Have some tasty weapons to load it up with, too:



And some PE (set on the left):



And I'm thinking of adding a base for it:



I saw this guy's build and I'm really wanting to do something like it:



Says he was inspired by the box art on the weapon set and I agree, it's bada$$. Credit where credit is due: http://codyscoop.com/148-strike-valkyri ... th-weapons

Not sure I'd do it exactly the same (though it's tempting) but time will tell.

[Primus1]

Do we have to don the suits and sunglasses while building ???

Only if you have a gig at Bob's Country Bunker.

Aww i wanted to model in style

[rcfanuk]

Hi, are Warhammer figures eligible? As I have these two plus the Star Wars kit I had for xmas

IMG_1939.JPG

IMG_1938.JPG

IMG_1937.JPG

Steve

[Lysus]

So long as they're plastic or resin, yep!

[rcfanuk]

Great their plastic

[Lysus]

Great their plastic

[Twokidsnosleep]

Wow some pretty far out build ideas
I was going just boring X Wing again

Hey Jason, I do indeed have a Bandai kit if you need for prizes r2 and r5 or something

[Lysus]

Wow some pretty far out build ideas
I was going just boring X Wing again

Hey Jason, I do indeed have a Bandai kit if you need for prizes r2 and r5 or something

Bit off more than I can chew is my middle name. It doesn't fit on most forms.

Outstanding! Thanks, Scott. If you can get a pic up here or in a DM so when the time comes we have a shot that'd be super.