scratch built ?

[Ken ICE-AshbrookParticipant @kenice-ashbrook]

Hey Folks,

I see a reference to scratch built boats. What does this mean? I purchased a kit that has numerous pre-cut knock outs, balsa planks and sticks etc.

Similar to this pic…Is this not a scratch built?

[Ken ICE-AshbrookParticipant @kenice-ashbrook]

Definition

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Hi Ken,

You are assembling a set of pre-cut parts so it is a kit, had your started with a drawing/plan or your imagination and some raw materials you would be building from scratch.

Regards Ray

[Empire ParkstoneParticipant @empireparkstone]

Alas Ken you will find there is a bit of snobbishness as far as Kits are concerned by some modellers who scratch build though not so much these days.Same goes if like me you don't build but buy though I always state that if anyone is looking at my boat/s and take no credit for them.

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

A "kit" can be anything from a plan with unmarked strips or sheets of material, through to something that needs decals applying and batteries fitted. Some kits are only a very short step from scratch building, others are not.

Having a box that has pre-marked or pre-cut wood is kit building. It saves on the shopping time and reduces the work involved in marking and cutting out. Hopefully, there will be enough in there to bring the model to a stated level of completion, even if, to get a working model with a particular required appearance, a lot of extra work and/or shopping might be needed.

Scratch building implies that there is a plan, but all parts for the build are sourced elsewhere. Whether the parts are bought in almost ready, or are themselves built from raw materials, is a subject for much debate.

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Hi All

I did'nt think Ken's question referred to the merit or attitudes towards either kit building or from scratch, I do both but limited choice of prototypes available as kits and the cost is key

Regards Ray

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

NO Snobbishness on my part regarding kits, I scratch build to design kits and build kits also……..nowt wrong in that. but did have a bit of a "discussion" once with a judge at a show when I presented 3 models of lifeboats I had built in one go, and these were presented next to a model of another lifeboat. from another owner..a 41' Watson………..he told me that my models were not scratch built because I was using fittings that were clearly the same and generic with the smaller lifeboat, and that he couldn't award me the points on the scratch boats……….turning to a favourite line from one of my favourite films.."The Dambusters" I said, perhaps if I say I designed that kit and produced the fittings, would that help your decision………he scurried away, humbled……yes, there is a lot of snobbishness re kits vs scratch…………but only from those who feel inferior themselves in building a kit……. I don't……..built many over the years, some for review with Model Boats Mag………and there is as much work in a kit as in a scratch…………sometimes more, and just as rewarding to the owner and onlookers. kits have my vote!!!

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

I am sure we have had this discussion before as to what exactly is scratch building, and did not get a clear consensual opinion then either!

Ashley

[Ken ICE-AshbrookParticipant @kenice-ashbrook]

Thanks guys for your comments. It gives me a better understanding. This being my first boat build, I think I'll stick to a "kit"! This has been more than enough rewarding, as well as, challenging.

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

It doesn't matter what it is as long as you enjoy building it.

The old definitions of 'scratchbuilding' tended to revolve around entry requirements for competitions and there are few serious ones these days. The availability of high quality commercial fittings and the use of CAD and 3D printing has pretty much killed them off as you can't legislate for all the possible construction combinations.

Probably of more interest to today's modellers is degree of fidelity to scale which permits use of commercial items if they are suitable for the project in hand.

Colin

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

I think the previous comment by Colin Bishop, hits the nail squarely on the head. For enjoyment value, I scratch build usually from a plan although I have built models of boats where no plan exists and my "plan" has been made by using available dimensions and numerous photographs of the actual vessel. However some people prefer to build kits consisting of laser cut parts etc. Also a lot depends on the skill level of the individual and also the resources available i.e. tools and equipment. Just enjoy the hobby and do not worry what anyone else thinks.

[Martin Field 1Participant @martinfield1]

I scratchbuild for a few reasons. First, I find there is always a problem somewhere on a kit and that infuriates me. Secondly I'm as tight as a duck's derriere and won't pay what they charge for kits and finally (to keep it short) I don't find it very satisfying to glue a load of pre-made bits together.

HOWEVER…I have several Aerokits models which I am finishing, modifying, restoring and I LOVE doing that, too. Not sure I'd want to start with an unopened kit, although I have always got a kick from opening boxes.

But mainly, with a good stock of woods from wherever and the machines to make that wood into whatever size and shape I need, I can make pretty much anything from scratch. I have done my own research and done my own drawings from that. I make fittings mainly from brass, never buy them, BUT, for this recent birthday my dear wife bought me a set of the old Yeoman/IP/SLEC white metal fittings for the Crash Tender, a model my Dad bought me 55 years ago and which I am finally finishing and I am delighted with them, even though they needed a day's work with files and scrapers to lose the mould lines. They are an essential part of the model and I'm only too happy to have them since some crooked estate agent caused my original blue box of Mersey Marine fittings to be stolen.

I find making stuff so much more fulfilling than buying, but hey, if you can justify the costs you go for a kit if it's what you started off wanting. Personally my tastes are for the kinds of boats that nobody kits, so I have to make anyway, but that's pure chance really.

I simply cannot agree that there's as much work in a kit as a scratchbuilt model if we are comparing like for like. If you want a truly accurate Riva Aquarama Special, you will need to make every fitting as those supplied in the kit are appalling! On my Rivas, there were over 150 separate polished brass parts sent to the nickel platers, all made by hand. If I used castings to repeat vents, they were first made by hand as patterns and the white metal polished prior to painting. All those parts had to be highly polished and wired for the platers. I had to hand paint the floor covering to get the correct colours and patterns. I had to hand draw all the parts that were photo-etched and subsequently polished, wired and plated. The veneers used in the hull had to be selected to appear as smoothly coloured as the real boats (Riva's true skill was in their timber selection for their triple diagonal planking).

Finally, making the steering work from the Cadillac steering wheel via two universal joints, a worm and wheel transfer box and ball jointed tillers was something no kit builder would have to do.

I do think an experienced kit builder could, in fact, stretch themselves to do what I did, but alas, few ever do. That's a pity, but entirely their concern.

Ultimately, if you end up with what you fancied having a model of in the first place, job's a goodun.

Martin

[Author]

Posts