hello:

from the dark side of the modelling...
one of the most rare areas of military models are the raailguns, and here is a part of the actual works in process.
all in 1/35

i hope you like these german railguns...

Siegfried 38 cms




the family of german railguns calleds Bruno 24 and 28 cms




and a dora 80 cms





the next project when i finish all these is a Wilhelm K12 21 cms
because actually working on some locomotives at same time.

anyway... scratchbuilt is fun and belongs to the dark side of modelling for non comoon tecnics and methods useds
xxcellent works i have seen in this scratchbuilt section of the forum, very impressive detailed works. keep scratching...

Hi, my name is Rich and I'm a scratchbuilder. Well sometimes. I've only finished two projects, an armoured car I posted before and this Tamiya Panther A that was my idea of a 1946 what-if Panther III (50% maybe).



I've enjoyed looking at what people are building on this thread, it's nice to see modellers using their ingenuity to build what interests them and that's what it's all about. Just because the manufacturers don't build 'em, doesn't mean we can't.

Regards,
Rich

You know, I really thought I was a scratch builder 5 minutes ago , but then I decided to read this thread. I build my own straps, gun mounts, armor plating, sand bags, diorama bases, buildings, fences, camel backs, etc. But after seeing some of the creations you guys made, my stuff is pure unadulterated garbage LOL I think i will leave now and go throw my models in the trash and call it a night LOL To everyone who posted pictures here, you guys do really nice work. Some of the most impressive Ive seen. Its almost a shame your work isnt in museums! Great job everyone!

Whoa!! Gary,and any-one else out there,
Dont go throwing things away ---you might need them for something else

If this post has caused anyone to be disallusioned by the magic things seen on this post then we "scratchies " have defeated the whole object of the post ..and I know that Caspir ,myself and all scratchers --who have posted ---will be very unhappy if it has that result .

Whether you only cut a strap--- wheel----prop----ships rail---turret----hat----coat----chassi ---- carve a rocket gizmo or join two bits of card -tube-rod together ..that is not in the kit box --you are ......."SCRATCHBUILDING"

OK....so you dont think you are good enough ?? .....who has said that????----not on here !!....we all needed to start somewhere and that is allways .....at the begining .."a very good place to start". Getting started is the hardest part ---finding ways to do things ..short cuts ---applications ...and in my case ..the "easy-lazy "way of "how to"

The"DARK SIDE"is as bright ..if not brighter than expected as ,to achieve the goals , it may be a requirement to research--- decide what materials to use-- plan the "attack"--use the "little grey cells"...ie.,"THE FORCE" to produce a result . It does not allways come out right..... speaking from recent experience...but we learn by the mistakes and "try--try--try again" ..and bounce a few off the wall :-) :-)

Many have-- been there --done that ----got the T-shirt--and read the book ..BUT .. have they made a hooky ---swingy ---pushy ---bangy -wingy ---floaty thing --whatever, that was not in the box ---YOU CAN DO IT TOO!!!

All scratchers worth their salt will.. ALLWAYS ..share a method or explain " how "if requested so ...ASK!!
If any-one decries your. good -bad -indifferent attempts to make something ,then they are very short-sighted and wooly-brained..not worth listening to--we give advice and positive guidance.
It takes more Time to scratchbuild..so ..throw the clock away.
Get the knife out and have a go!!!!!!!.....
AND GET POSTING
Good scratching
aye
BARV
(GOSMG)

Disclaimer I have no vested interest or shares with Mr Evergreen nor Mr Plastruct, despite putting their children through College with my purchases.

Hi all,
Many thanks to the numerous contributors to this thread, especially those from outside the OD circle (a refreshing sight).
Congrats to ALL who have even attempted any type/form or method of scratchbuilding whether it be a simple stowage box or a complete aircraft/vehicle or whathaveyou, I doff my hat to you all .

In my personal opinion, Scratchbuilding should be regarded as modelling in its purest form (tempted to break into a rant here extolling the virtues of scratching but shall refrain).

As BARV so eloquently stated - this thread should not nor was intended to discourage anyone from scratchbuilding, hopefully the oppposite. It was purely an attempt (by myself) to gain a feeling for how many have "wandered down the path into the shady part of the workshop" plus let those that have wandered know that they are "not alone", and finally spark a bit of life into this dying sector.

Admittedly (I think most will agree) scratchbuilding does involve thought, planning and courage (use the 7 P's) to have a 'bash' and often requires a high level of accuracy (cutting/joining etc) and repetition but in the end you can sit back and admire your handywork and think "I made that, it's mine" and you did'nt have to wait for Mr ________ (insert favorite kitset brand) to release a kit (rant coming on but I must resist) or shelve out hard earned dosh for Mr X's resin dodat conversion set (often merely kitbashed components), and in the course of the build you'll have learn't new techniques and definately honed the basic skills already possessed. Go on have a go, you know you want to.
Even though I've been purely scratchbuilding since 1989 (on and off - zero kitsets built since then) I'm still learning new methods, using new materials and (hopefully) improving with each project, don't be discouraged (this applies to everyone) if your project pieces do not come out as envisaged - its all part of the learning curve (just remember - even Picasso started with a paint by numbers set before producing a masterpiece), just yesterday I went outside with 2 ongoing problem projects and introduced them to an IED (I live rural ) certainly good stress relief but a bugger to clean-up - 15 minutes filling in the hole in the lawn :-), despite these occassional hiccups I still look forward to the research, planning and ultimately the build of each project. And the biggest bonus - you have something no-one can deny, it's your work and a unique model.

Thanks to all who have shared their projects, there are some talented people within this community, and those who have just viewed the thread (hopefully it will provide some inspiration to give it a go).

ENJOY YOUR MODELLING

NB. Please read scratchbuilding to include sculpting (don't want to exclude anyone).

NBB. Please continue to contribute to this thread and forum. Ta.

Your post made my day :-)
...and furthermore it really makes me want to start a scratchbuilding project.
I sometimes just need someone or something to make me break fresh ground (it was the same when I first used PE and other AM parts).
I guess it will be a Panzer IV ausf B in 1/72 since I already own an extensive amount of literature about that tank.
I hope I'll find some time to start that project as soon as possible.
Thanks a lot!

ekke

Hey, I was only joking about trashing my models. Yeah, I am sure I will need them for something later on. Im thinking about motorizing them, and fitting them with fireworks and such and saving them for a miniature battle next fourth of july! LOL J/K Actually, I do enjoy seeing the things some of you guys make from scratch. It does inspire me to build new things on my own. In fact tonight, I was looking at Custom Dioramics 1/35 Modern Dumpsters that are in my stash. One of them will be needed for an upcoming diorama. And actually, while they are nice, I decided they were lacking some details and as a result of that and this post, I broke out the Evergreen stock and began scratch building my own. So far, 2 hours into it, the one I am making is way more detailed then Custom Dioramics and more true to life. I should be able to finish it by tomorrow, and will post some pictures when I am done. Granted they are no railway gun (and that was absolutely incredible BTW), but they are looking great so far. Will keep you guys posted. good night all!

Hey guys,

I don't think I've crossed the line of 70%, but, more than that wasn't from the kit on my Churchill 3 conversion. The only kit parts are the bare bones of the upper hull plating (periscopes removed, hatches detailed, hundreds of barely noticeable rivets and air intake scratched, etc) and the running gear. I scratchbuilt a drivers compartment and turret interior, using only a couple of resin bits. The mudguards, catwalk, hull sides (again, hundred of tiny rivets), exhaust extension, gun barrel, front armour, all scratched. Now reallly I should have done the turret too, but a resin was was available for free, albeit needing a lot of work (someone had took a Dremel to the roof). I love the feeling of scratchbuilding, but am taking a rest ruight now.

Ola

Well I'm on the other side of the armor/terrain barricade, which means that I scratchbuild terrain stuff:) There is something really cool about the fact that something is made 100% by you and noone else, that some time ago the thing that you are looking at was just a pile of materials, balsa, glue, clay, plastic and other. It certainly makes my day when I scratchbuild something which looks good and realistic and it gives me a lot of satisfaction. Lately (for the last few months) I've been working on this:







I'm also working on a tree, but it's going rather slow:)

Take care:) and if it's possible scratchbuild everything!!:)

Cheers,
dsc.

Wow!! Some really outstanding work guys. I'm amazed at some of the detail work you all have shown. Stunned is more like it.

Murdo that FV422 is certainly starting to look the part.

John

This is an idea that has popped up from time-to-time over the years.

I think it is a good idea if you all wanted to put one together.

Advice:

1) Make it all-inclusive, there are modelers who scratchbuild in more than just the AFV/Armor genre - like myself. If you want to attract more members and increase the participation - make it a General Modeling focus.

2) Define "scratchbuilt" for the members participating. Everyone has their own internal definition of what "scratchbuilding" means. Nothing is worse than not being on the same page.

3) With #2 above, consider how broad you make the Campaign - to allow the most potential membership participation. Figures, Dioramas, Ships, Auto, Railroad - just about any modeling subject genre you come up with attracts some highly-skilled modelers. You don't want to exclude anyone.

Jim

--OOPS!! ---opened the "can o' worms again" ---Sorry -------Ok --"Q"......what is scratchbuilding
--Definition :- ....What definition !!!!!---It varies from modelers to competitions....so (Jumps in up to neck :-) )......
1.......a BUILD from ground up-----100%TOTAL---
2........a Build using some kit parts ---(Max )30% ---
3 .......a Build using main kit parts ----(Max)50%---

.......ANY -THING "BUILT "--but not more than --50%--of finished article from OOB..(for starters)---yes I know its a "CONVERSION".....but we gotta start some where ..........!!!

Comments here on a piece of plastic sheet --no bigger than 2x3mm carved and weathered............
My preference ..........75 % scratch --from a plan /picture(I'm biased.. )
Running for cover....
aye
BARV
(GOSMG)

ANSWERS ---COMMENTS ON ..
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=SquawkBox&file=index&req=forums/80924&page=1..
PLEASE--
BARV

I agree on your opinion about that scratchbuilding campaign. For example it would be important to know if you are allowed to use stuff like structured plastic sheets for roofs or tiles, or prepackaged rivets from a company and things like that.

And by the way, now that I see that you guys are not only talking about vehicles, I can present some buildings and structures I scratcht built 100%

1/72 Furniture:


A 1/72 "train-stopping-buffer-type-thing" (Don't know the real english word, sorry )


And a 1/72 factory with stairs on the outside:


Greetings, ekke

So far there seems to be 28 "SCRATCHBUILDERS "--out of --X,000's on big A-----well---I don't believe that for 1 minute...or even 1/2 an hour.
Its not contagious ----- --well..it might be -----but come on ---surely its not that a stygma---- .
Own up, you so called modelmakers --and show your face---stand up and be counted, not hide in a box of "AM"OR "PE",lets be having you out "front and centre"--------
Non replies will be dealt with harshly ------20 cuts with a blunt scalpel--and 3 sets of indy tread bashing
Shame on you -----never scratched a piece for a model ---that will be the day ----The ""FORCE POLICE " Will be checking your builds for the next year ---all those telling "Porkies " will be cut down with a "LIGHT (NOT heavy at all) SABRE"
Post now --or "DARTH" will get you

(Evil laugh :-) )
aye
BARV
(GOSMG)

Ok Ok
Barv put the # 11 blades down. Will this settle you:
http://community.webshots.com/user/sapper141
Ijust haven't done anything major lately worth posting
Seeya Sapper141

Dont hide them.......see them all here ---"nice one squirrel" ...Shane
http://community.webshots.com/user/sapper141
Have good look round people--magic!
aye
BARV
(GOSMG)

If you count buildings, bridges, furniture and freighters, then I guss I'm in.
Cheyenne

I do some, more along the conversion line, than pure scratchbuilding -- not sure I can rightly say that I've gone over 50% unless I count the hacked kit-ish parts along with the pure evergreen, wood, & brass .... Sure don't do anyhting like most of you guys !!!!

Three most recent starts were a 2-pdr en portee, T2 TRV w/interior, & an M16 Shop Van -- pix still in my Gallery, for now ...

Problem is that I seldom finish them -- low attention span thing I guess. Although I'll get back to 'em one day ...

I've got stuff (kits, pieces, parts, & refs) for several projects (M818 tractor, M127 trailer, M816 wrecker, PLS, RR Flatcar) all stashed away but haven't the time, bench space, or motivation to tie into one right now ... Which is why I can only watch the Campaign from the sidelines ...

John

Hi all,
Well, while viewing this thread again thought I should show how it all started for me. These two (Itchy & Scratchy - I nickname my projects!) were the first high % build I attempted - includes my first attempts at resin casting and home PE. Started in mid 1988, finished mid-1989 (long before Mr T produced a kit) and were finished as two ex-heavy haulage units from France. Sorry about the pic quality - pre-digital .



Some of my other scratch attempts can be found lurking in the Armor/AFV -Large Scale sub-forum

Hope everyones continuing with their current projects and hope you will all partake in the upcoming Scratchbuild Campaign

WOWSER!!!---they're massive--and pure magic .
Now what you got in mind for the "Campaign"
Great build
Got news of a possible start date ------just mulling out a set of guide -lines ---(Rules sound too hard and fast)
aye

BARV
(GOSMG)

BARV
Ta for the compliments.
The Long/Short List is still just that - at this stage it's a secret (shhhhh) but it could be the Oshkosh Rosenbauer Viper .
Yep RULES does sound a bit 'formal' especially since with scratchbuilding "there are no rules" :-) .
If ya need any help/thoughts with the baby just flick me an E-Mail or PM.
Regards.