Now taking Suggestions for 2025 Group Build #2!

[Brad Cancian]

Hi all,

With the conclusion of the "Shelf Queen" group build, it's time to start thinking about the next forum group build for the second half of this year.

I intend to run it from about mid July to about Mid December, which will again give a 5 month window to progress.

Honestly, whilst we did get a few completions in the last group build, participation was a tad lack-lustre. Perhaps this was due to me not advertising the group build to the membership as best as I could have...? Or perhaps it was the topic choice...?  Happy to take feedback here.

In any case, please start throwing those topics at me - what sort of group build themes would you like to see for the next group build?

Some thoughts / suggestions -

- Aces Mounts (i.e. A/C of the aces)
- Two Seaters (for those of us that generally stick to smaller scouts)
- Stranger Theatres (non-Western Front topics)
- Battle themes, (i.e. pick a battle and build the aircraft of that battle or period, eg Bloody April, Kaiserschlacht, Fokker Scourge... etc)
- Aircraft of the Silver Screen (i.e. WW1 aircraft from movies)
- Classic Plastic (i.e. building an older kit from the era before companies such as WnW)

Some of these are just suggestions off the top of my head.

I absolutely want to maximise participation this time around folks - please get the suggestions rolling!!

Cheers,

Brad C

[DaddyO]

Excellent news Brad

Like the suggestions and would be happy to have a go at any of those. 

I've usually got a few projects underway at any one time so adding another one to the workbench isn't an issue for me. Those who prefer to work on one build at a time often have got their next build (or current one) lined up with references and inspiration at the ready so may already have their modelling time committed and not feel able to join in the fun. Personally I think 'group' projects like this are a great way of promoting participation in the forum rather than sitting on the sidelines (fun though that is) so look forward to the next one

Paul

[Skyhook]

Hi!

I will be happy to join in any of those ideas, but my favourite might be Stranger Theatres? there?s many interesting modelling subjects in Africa, Middle East, etc.

Cheers, Skyhook

[PrzemoL]

Great initiative, Brad! I am always happy to join a GB.

Yet, imho if we want to increase the participation, the subject needs to be as broad as possible, and popular .
Therefore, I think that aces mounts (with a wide definition of who actually Ace was), two-seaters or something similarly general are better than battle themes, silver screen or forgotten fronts.
Actually, any of the former two would be fine, I deem.

[Allan31]

Thanks Brad,
Hummmm, it "felt" like we had more than 7 participants in the GB but I guess the results don't lie.

I'm actually a shoe-in for 4 out of the 7 categories. I want to do the Glencoe Nieport 28 (classic) as Cambell's a/c as an experiment for finding correct Vallejo colors for my Rickenbacher's (aces) SPAD XIII build. The "Blue Max" DH-4 is on the short list (2-seat). A bit miffed that no Curtiss P-1's available in 1/48 scale (Silver screen) but I could do this instead.



My only issue, and not really an issue is we have 2 weddings and a trip to Italy in the midst of the this GB.

[Brad Cancian]

Hello all - apologies for my delayed response, I have been away with work for the last two weeks.

I appreciate the feedback on the suggestions! I do agree Prze that keeping things suitably broad might be key, so perhaps the Aces Mount theme might be a good one?

Any other thoughts or interest out there folks?

Cheers again!

Brad C

[Allan31]

Aces Mounts GB sounds good. I could be kept busy for many months....



Just for starters.....

[NigelR]

Ace mounts works for me...... although I have just started cutting plastic on an ace mount, so would it be ruled out?

[Allan31]

Idunno Nig, seems always somebody trying to sneak under the fence....

[NigelR]

Idunno Nig, seems always somebody trying to sneak under the fence....

That would be me.......

I missed the last GB as I was consumed with World Model Expo, I started cutting plastic yesterday on an ace mount as a "relaxing" build, would love to sneak it into this GB.....

[richard.kiss]

I cast my vote for Aces' Mounts.
Advantages:

• It's a popular and appealing theme, especially for those who haven't yet built many famous ace aircraft -- particularly suitable for newer modellers.
• Ease of access: kit manufacturers often include the markings of well-known aces straight out of the box. Most of us probably have at least one ace's aircraft in the stash already.
• Minimal research required: the machines flown by famous aces are generally well documented, and kit painting guides are usually fairly accurate.
• A wealth of references, documentation and colour profiles are readily available.

For those modellers who have already built numerous ace aircraft and might find the theme a little too familiar, I suggest allowing for a thematic twist to keep things fresh and engaging:

Second String Aces -- focus on lesser-known aces (say, 5-10 victories), or pilots from less commonly represented nations such as Hungary, Russia, Italy, etc.
First Blood -- build the machine in which the ace scored their first confirmed victory.
Ace Adversaries -- instead of building the ace's own aircraft, model one flown by an opponent they shot down - or even the other way round.

[Brad Cancian]

Thanks Chaps, I think "Aces Mounts" has the vote! I'll look to get something formally kicked off in the next week or so!

Richard - your example of ace adversaries is an interesting one. I do seem to remember a group build on another site maybe 10-15 years ago that had "aces and their adversaries", i.e. an ace's aircraft and a known adversary that he vanquished... e.g. Richthofen's Albatross D.V and Lt Bird's well known Sopwith Pup.... for example. Another example could cross over both - i.e. Rhys-Davids and Voss.... so that may also be a theme in future. But I do like the spin of "the vanquished...!"

Cheers again all,

BC

[Brad Cancian]

Right folks - and we're away! 

https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=15073.0

Cheers,

BC