How many people still scratch build?

[Dr John BoothParticipant @drjohnbooth43899]

Hello everybody 

Are we loosing the ability to scratch build models?

This is a question that has been bothering me for some time especially since retirement and thus having the time to take a good long look at the present state of our hobby.

We have all witnessed the recent rise in so called ready to run models and of course the insidious presence of on line auction site where somebody else’s work can be purchased for buttons and I just wonder how many modellers are taking the time and effort to design and build their own models.

Looking at the site I can only identfy a handful of members who still do this, or am I wrong?

 

John

[Dr John BoothParticipant @drjohnbooth43899]

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hello John

 

Speaking for myself I prefer scratch building over kits and havent time for rtr.

But I can see the point of ready to run as there are some people cant build but can enjoy the friendly fun of sailing by buying one of these models.

 

Paul

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Hello John and Paul

 

There`s still plenty of scratch builders about!

 

Proof of the puddin` was at Ellesmere yesterday!

 

After a quick think, I`d say about 10% of our club scratch build

 

Bob

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Bob

 

I can see Johns point, if you compare model boat building from the 50s and 60s to now there has been a huge change in the way models are built.

 

Paul

[David MeierParticipant @davidmeier28154]

I am all for scratch building. For me a huge part of the enjoyment is in the building of the model, especially the hull. It is also fun trying ideas out when building a fast boat, to see what really works well.

 

David.

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

I prefer scratch building myself but, as Paul has said, there has been a huge change in the way the hobby has developed over the last 20 years or so. However, you can’t turn the clock back so any type of model boating is to be welcomed.

 

I do think scratch building should be encouraged as to my mind it is the natural progression from kits. I think a lot of people are put off as they consider it to be too “difficult” but in reality it is just a development of your skills and, as David says, it is ultimately much more satisfying.

 

But people want different things from the hobby. Whilst some of us derive the greatest pleasure from the building process, others just want to get on the water as soon as possible and have fun. So it’s “whatever floats your boat” really.

 

Colin

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

I must admit, i enjoy both mediums.

i enjoy scratch to hone my skills,but if i fancy building a certain type of model and one similar is on the market as a kit, i feel it is pointless building my own and developing new fittings when i can buy something where someone else has done all the hard and expensive work and i can then modify to my own desires.

neil.

[David WooleyParticipant @davidwooley82563]

As Bob observed scratch building is alive and well but  perhaps not  at the level  it may once have been. Interestingly this very topic regarding the strengths   or otherwise of scratch building within our hobby was indeed a point that was raised on more than one occasion over the resent weekend at  Ellesmere Port.  On this subject   competition could be regarded as one of the great engines of scratch building ,   broadening  the skill base ,  increasing the value of  genuine research and  encouraging  a wider  choice  of subjects  for modeling .I  know from personal experience that  this  topic  has at  times  divided modelers in their opinions as to the value of  competition at any level.  Yet  competition was one of  the  major corner stone of the hobby  either at club level or internationally at   Naviga . In the UK national events  such as   The  Model Engineering Exhibition, the MPBA scale championships , and   shows  like the  Windermere weekend ,  The David E Owen competition , which was part of the old convention ,   promoted , attracted  and encouraged  scratch builders in   large numbers . Unfortunately over the years attitudes towards competition have changed from the grass roots up  and perhaps this is reflected in the numbers prepared to embark on projects that require, good levels of research in every aspect of the build. Add to that the skills required and the desire to learn such skills then perhaps there are good reasons to understand why attitude and needs have evolved to fit different requirements. As Colin has said   you really can’t turn the clock back but you can adapt and make the best of what you   have.

Dave Wooley >>

> >

 

[Rick FryerParticipant @rickfryer11539]

I’m a scratchbuilder for two reasons:

 

1. Few manufacturers produce kits of late Victorian warships;

 

2. I’m too mean to pay the upfront price asked by the few that do – but it costs me about the same in the end!

 

Having said that, model-making is full of compromises – in both accuracy and materials. I prefer the compromises in my models to be my compromises and not what someone else feels is the best way to get round a particular problem. In fact, I derive far more satisfaction from the research and problem-solving that goes into a model, rather than seeing it perform on the water.

 

Rick

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

You cant buy things like rubber band boats, Sunderlands or Biplane flying boats, not to mention Eckranoplans (later)   without scratch building!!   Ashley

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Ashley

 

Eckranoplan (it will never fly…….or float)

 

Now this is something that I am looking forward to seeing.

 

When are you starting the build?

 

Paul

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

Speaking of Windermere Dave…….what has happened to that show?

any one know if it will ever be ressurected.

neil.

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Hello Chps

 

Another point worth mentioning…………….if you want to make real progress with scratch building, you need the tools….

 

Bandsaw

Linisher

Lathe

Vertical drill

Bench grinder

Jig saw

Umpteen hand drills

All the mini tools…..mini planer….mini drills with the usual tools

 

and least of all………….a warm roomy workshop

Not to mention a very understanding wife!

 

Without this lot……………..You`re sunk!

 

Bob

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

I don’t have most of those Bob, except the last two. My first decent scratch built boat was built on the kitchen table – which is where the understanding wife bit comes in…

 

But I agree that having your own workshop is a tremendous plus as you can make as much mess as you like and not have to clear up between sessions.

 

Neil, I don’t think there is any likelihood of Windermere being resurrected in the forseeable future but this last weekend at Ellesmere shows that you can never say never!

 

 

Colin

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

……..Forgot to mention my big circular saw in the garage, that devours old mahogany doors!

 

A circular saw is very handy for scratch builders…………..skips are full of good discarded planks.

 

I use the band saw with a guidance system for making my 8`-0″ planks!…….Not for the feint hearted!

 

Not surprised that scratch builders are getting fewer and fewer!

 

Bob

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Are you sure you build models Bob? Sounds like you are in the boatbuilding industry to me!

 

Colin

[David WooleyParticipant @davidwooley82563]

Bob whilst I  agree that having the equipment and space adds to the joy of model building it is by no means a prerequisite  to  scratch building . Jim Woods known by many as an outstanding builder of model ships , has very little in the way of both tools and space. In fact his space is his kitchen table and his tools you could fit into a shoe box . First and foremost scratch building is not about equipment but more about imagination and the ability to visualize  in 3D  were and how componats will fit into the model being built.

Neil   With the end of the Windermere event I doub’t very  much that this event will return as the Museum as such no longer exits.  I forgot to mention the Life Boat Rally inspired and organized by the late Des Newton . The two day event  for scale models and especially  life boat models  on the Sunday  positively   encouraged scratch builders .

Dave Wooley

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Bob

 

The bigger the build then the bigger the tools and workshop (mine has an overhead crane and 3phase tools)

 

Paul

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

I love sctatchbuilding, but that won’t stop me useing a kit if one takes my fancy.

   Perhaps one of the problems is that people naturaly compare their models with those of the best builders, and it is easyer to make a fine looking model from bought bits and pieces than to make them yourself. Some of us get past that and will enjoy the build for itself and not feel second best if the model is not quite as smart.

    Before you know it a few years have past, and experience gained and we can make a boat to be very proud of. You might even feel a bit smug having done everything for yourself. If you do, don’t let it show too much, it might put off someone who’s a beginer. I think we all remember the smart*****s who tend to put beginers off.

Charlie

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

Colin,

why did Windermere cease to be, do you know.

cheers, neil.

[David WooleyParticipant @davidwooley82563]

Hi Neil I believe the original owners , the Paterson family  have sold or intend to sell   the site . Although the steam boats  remain , I really don’t know what  the current situation  is regarding their future.

Dave Wooley

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

cheers dave.
so has the old windermere model boat club folded or have they moved elsewhere.

neil.

[David WooleyParticipant @davidwooley82563]

Ho Neil   The club  divided into two , now I believe  one part of the original  Steam Boat Museum club have moved  in with the Full size power boaters.

Dave Wooley

[PierreParticipant @pierre]

I asked roughly the same question in a thread titled “Quo Vadis” a while ago – got about the same answers too!

 

quoting Rick  “In fact, I derive far more satisfaction from the research and problem-solving that goes into a model, rather than seeing it perform on the water.” That, and actually bujilding it are what does it for me. After it’s afloat and the problems solved, it’s almost an anticlimax.

Pierre

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