i read a thead asking if we are spoiled these days with all these awesome kits out. As I just build kits I reckoned I wasnt spoiled I just had more choice. However I do feel in awe of modellers who can take whatever materials and build something recognisable and at times even better than the kits out there.
So I figured Id give it a go. I realise Im not even a very experienced kit builder but if Im gonna do it why put it off.
First off does it make sense to start small? ie scratch build a part for an existing kit or should I just jump in feet first and go for broke , learning as I go.
Are there in fact ideal beginner projects?
I am literally clueless so any info would be a bonus.
Appologies in advance for asking what has probably been asked before a thousand times

rob,
Find the plans of some thing you like, get out the plastic, knife ,ruler,dividers ,glue,and files and jump in ----- take your time -measure twice cut once and see what transpires. Be it big or small the result is yours to enjoy.

---only thing not scratched on this is the wheels.
good luck -hope to see results,
barv

ps: call me any time---i'm on line most nights.
SC

Start small.... scratch build a cockpit, wheel well, instrument panel, on a vehicle, try doing the interior, fenders, lockers .... even just a few seats, radio, it's all a start in developing your talents. You never know what talent you have hidden inside until you try....
Be prepared to make mistakes, toss stuff out, start again.... it's all part of the learning curve..... try breaking things down into their simplest forms, and build from there, adding the details as you go along.
You'll be amazed at the personal satisfaction when you finish something, no matter how complex or large, or small and simple..... you made it..... and you made it yourself, with your hands, your talents, and it may not be perfect.... but at least it's the only one there is.
You got some really great scratch-builder's here, willing and able to help you, teach you, and encourage you.

Good Luck.... and remember to smell the roses, and have FUN......

Rob I'd have to go with Grumpyoldman on starting small. He pretty much covered an excellent way to start off. For me it started with just simply applying polyurethane glue on a BMW speedometer dial to simulate the glass cover to what I'm working on now which is fiddling with epoxy to make claymore bags, haversacks.
In fact the wife was remarking why bother to simulate a glass cover on a a dial so small that no one will notice, which is true. But it doesn't matter coz I know its there and it makes it unique in a small way from all the other BMW bikes that have been built or are being built. For me that's what scratchbuilding is all about, knowing your model is different and its because you made it different.

Just look at the model your'e currently working on and add-on to it with simple, easy to construct or to duplicate stuff (i.e. straps, antenna, bottles, etc)

Start small and slow and if your'e decided to do anything detailed you'll need even more detailed plans.

Hey Rob I have to say that I enjoy scratchbuilding very much. But it does'nt happen overnight. Major factor in scratchbuilding is planning, reference and materials. I say to start of using plastic. Evergreen Plastic has just about all your needs, many shapes and sizes including card stock in different thickness's. Plastic is easier to use at first. For glue..TenX works the best, second to super glue. After you start to master this then you can move on to light gage metals like brass and aluminum where soldering is involved.

As grumpy stated..start with a comfortable scale. For me I like to use 1/16 scale. Using a scale card I bought from my local hobby shop

Then using references I'll scale them down and start from there. There are plenty of web sites that you can find what your looking to build. And if your still having trouble finding something, just ask here...many of the members are very resourceful and willing to help. Here are a few things that I was able to build...
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/photos/showgallery.php?cat=14152&ppuser=3932

If you find that you need some assistance just give a PM and we'll see what I can do. Good luck man

By all means start small. I might suggest that you take a simple piece from a kit and try to duplicate. Pick something that has straight angles and not compound curves. I found this helped me when I first tried to scratch. Research and lots of photos or actual subject matter is of the up most importance. Study the piece and don't get discouraged. It takes practice and remember that the parts can have a lot of pieces even if it is small. Don't try to get to detailed in the beginning.

Thanx guys for the info and encouragement. My background is in wargames models for Games workshop 40k games but , I recently got back into building scale military stuff and theres no going back. Ive done some conversions in the past for the GW stuff , I think is more akin to kitbashing? and theres some scratch built bits n peices ,but as these are all imaginary subjects I could basicly do anything and it would be ok. Making something folks will recognise is my aim here and its quite daunting for me. I just recently did some straps and a tarp for a couple of models but this isnt enough for me. I need plans now and thankfully the LHS staff near me are pretty helpful and will chat away and advise about whats best rather than what they can sell you.
Im thinking of starting off with a kubel as I have one here for reference and pics are plentiful plus apart from the wheel arches its a pretty basic shape. I also downloaded plans for a pzkpfw 4 e which I might try cos I know I can buy tracks wheels n suspension elsewhere.(cheating already lol)
Heres a pic of a semi scratchbuilt/kitbashed 40K tank I did
http://groups.msn.com/deusmexsminipics/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=92

Heres a pic of a figure I did , the staff in his left hand is made up from4 diferent other peices from various sources and some guitar string and copper wire. Theres also more Guitar string elsewhere on him
http://groups.msn.com/deusmexsminipics/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=144
Not much but its a start I guess.
Once again thanx for all your help guys , you can rely on me to be bugging you for more soon.

I started off building small right angled stuff and during the project and as I got better got into other shapes. I look back now and think (know) I could do better now.

this is a couple of pics. The first a GMC with #7 wreaker set. The rear bed and wreaker set along with the MG mount are all scratchbuilt and I added PE to detail it. This was my First effort at both scratchbuilding and PE.



This is my latest and is fully scratchbuilt from the ground up except for a couple of small items like the headlights. I even did a full scratchbuilt motor for it.



there are about 120 pics of the build in my gallery in the roo's Heavy Hauler album. Here you may find the build photos of some use.

there is also some articles I did in Features called....'Scaling from Photos' - this shows how to take a photo and scale size your parts from it.

'GMC - #7 wrecker set' - a set of 1/35 scale plans for this wreaker attachment

'GMC-CCKW rear steel deck plans. This is 1/35 scale plans for both the long WB and short WB GMC steel decks. This is what I drew up for my first project.

I wish you luck with it my friend. While it can be very frustrating at times I think the rewards at the finish are even better then with a bought kit..

I found out something the other day about the Friulmodel site, that you can also buy some scratch building materials over there, that nobody mentioned before.

That you can buy all sizes of solder, and lead sheets at .006" I think they are about 4"x 6" sheets, but the solders come in 5' sections for around $2.50 a section.

I never went there before cause I never bought their tracks, but the other day I got nosy and found these, and I don't know why, nobody else ever said anything about them, when we were looking for this kind of stuff earlier

Kerry