Guys,
Kurt is doing what we in scratch building have done for years. A group on a single project is always best. In most cases some of the information is very secretive. ThatÂ’s why I did not care to know what the part was just as long as I got the part and used it on the final model. I helped with the Y Wing and still donÂ’t know what all the parts are.
Nick, your work on the Y was fantastic but when guys like Doug Maio, the DanÂ’s and Ed M got involved it got a lot better. This is proof that team work is the best way, sharing ideas and information to make it better.
**Nick remember youÂ’re getting one of everything I do anyway.
**
Nick, not sure what you meant “or are you doing it like Nice-N Models?” Was that a crack or what? Need clarification.. make sure I’m not getting bagged on.. I thought I was providing a service not taking advantage.
I make kits for those who donÂ’t want to scratch build. Is there any other reason to make a kit? If a group works on their own scratch build gathering parts is one thing but what about the guyÂ’s who cant scratch build?
ThatÂ’s where the kit comes into place. The costs in the hunt for all the parts are staggering. For example I practically went broke having to buy the entire Bandai line of 1/48 models to find one part.
Now here comes Kurt with the “parts” idea to help scratch builders achieve their dreams without spending a mint. Still build one master, mold it and you can make as many as you want.
Concentrate resources to find all the parts, share in the cost to buy the kit, share the costs to mold the needed parts, resale the kit on Ebay, complete the master patterns and mold the final parts then make kit for everyone. A one person effort in any of these areas will drag the project down to a screeching halt.
I am one man shop and do the best I possible can. I am blessed with having very talented friends that have inspired me to be better. There are too many to name but you know who you are.
The days of secret project lists ect. are quickly coming to an end. There are enough folks out there now with money to spend and willingness to share found part info that those of us that have secret “go to the grave” kit part info will no longer have any value.
Back in the day when reference was limited and kit prices were high the pioneers of this art had to keep stuff quiet. Early builders could not afford to compete with the regular kit collectors and now 100 new scratch builders lookign for the same kit.
The way I see it reference has flooded the net now. More and more people have the Icons and MR releases and can see the parts clearly. From Galactica builders (now thereÂ’s a group) some would rather eat their own rather than share info. IÂ’ve got a buddy thatÂ’s in there and I consider us close. Apparently blood is not as thick as the info on the famed Galactica parts list. Soon that list will no longer be a secret when guys like us finally take the time to figure it out. ItÂ’s all in a matter of time there will no longer be any secrets.
As far as my process goes teams were assembled for all my models that I make. Some members are the same some are not. The deal I make with team members is you get a casting of what ever it is I make that you help with. If you have made the master and I’m just molding I will send the maker a certain % of the kits sold. On larger projects where I could not afford “feebees” I charge only materials and I do the labor for free. I’ve been also known to otake front money now to help fund a project and the investor not only the item made but his her money back once they are being produced. Folks usually roll it into the next project I am working on.
These kits are what keeps me going on to the next project and stay active in the hobby. I am not getting rich thatÂ’s for sure. When 5 gallons of RTV is $500 and $450 worth of resin costs start to build up rather quickly.
Time is the enemy of a one man model shop. Work, Family and life all seem to take center stage when youÂ’re trying to get kits made. Id rather build one ofs trust me. Making kits is tedious and it lacks the creative punch thatÂ’s scratch building has.
Teamwork is starting to sound really good to me.
KurtÂ’s idea of an open forum sharing information found and respecting of others previous work is just the start. DonÂ’t steal the info, donÂ’t trick the info then share it. Pick a project, collect your reference, hunt down your parts and build the model masters, make a mold and we all enjoy the end project a replica of a filming minature we first saw some 30 years ago.
Sorry so long winded but I think this is a fresh start for a hobby that is soon running out of new things to make in the Star Wars universe. Only the really big ones are left and to do those your going to need to share info and work together.. Rebel Frigate, Rebel Transport, 8 ft Star Destroyer ect.
ItÂ’s an honor to be a part of the idea Kurt. I liken it to one of Arthur knights at the round table.
I raise my hobby exacto and bellow “you have my steel.”
