353 replies to this topic

[Abell82]

Project Snowball part II (courtesy of Scale Finishes)
I was not fortunate enough to take part in the Model Car Lists Original "Project Snowball". I have however always found the idea highly entertaining.

Here is the most recent link, to the original Project Snowball, that I could find...<a href="http://canney.net/pr...ojectsnowball/" target="_blank">Project Snowball!</a>

To this extent, I would like to invite members of this forum to participate in a similar project. For those not familiar with the concept, essentially a group of members pass one kit from member to member, each member adding parts, or custom touches to the kit, (and taking DETAILED pics) until completed. Once the kit is completed, (or even while under construction) the kit is shown at various shows, and etc. I am thinking that this project once finished could be passed to our fine benefactor Gregg, that way no single member benefits from the project, more then another.

It would be GREAT, if some of the people that worked on the Original Project Snowball would like to participate on this one, as well. They could help iron out some of the details! <img src="http://www.modelcars...ault/laugh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="laugh.gif" /> I am not sure on all the specifics, like how many participants, what order, etc. So if you would like to help feel free to chime in. I will say that rather then start with a new kit, I would like to start with one that had been built, in the past, and tore down. Just to make things more interesting. But it can be discussed when and if this project gets off the ground.

But right now, I am liking the idea of using this:







I like this "kit" as it is a VERY simple kit, that means that there would be LOTS of room for modification. Engine Suspension Body, Interior, the WORKS!! If someone has a better kit they would care to do though....


So...Any takers? <img src="style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="laugh.gif" />


1. Abell82
2. Envious8420
3. Cruzn
4. Len Geisler
5. Jason Vandergriff
6. TxRat
7. Pony Express
8. Dave Mikrut
9. Ictpacman
10. Lordmodelbuilder.
11. Roadhawg
12. *Matt LeBlanc*

Alternate:
1. Showrodfreak

Edited by Abell82, 07 April 2012 - 04:54 PM.

[Greg Cullinan]

Sounds like a great idea.Although beyond my scope I hope this comes together for you as it will produce alot on insight on how these wonderful models are produced.

[Fuel Coupe]

Im in!!!

[Abell82]

Sounds like a great idea.Although beyond my scope I hope this comes together for you as it will produce alot on insight on how these wonderful models are produced.

Who says it's beyond your scope? It's a group project. Group projects are about having fun, and learning something new! If this one were to go like the original, then all you would have to do is build one particular part, of the overall model, or customize one part, etc...

I think that you could do it, if you wanted. Besides, if this gets going, it may not make it to you for months, or even years. Think of all the practice that you could get in on other kits by then!

TxRat is in, Who else?

(Thanks TxRat!)

Edited by Abell82, 29 August 2009 - 09:06 PM.

[tabsscale1]

This project I think is going on now for 10 years. It was at the body painters house for like 2 of them. I Think it is a good idea ,but you should keep track of it on a website and need to really set a length of time one person can have the project

[Matt LeBlanc]

I'm in too.

[envious8420]

me 3!

[Abell82]

Thanks everyone!
To address some issues...
Web Site: I don't know anything about websites, or website design. If someone with knowledge in this area cares to help with this aspect, that would be excellent.

Time Limit: I don't want to make people rush, and do a sloppy job, but I don't want them to have it long enough for the project to become "a bench fixture" for them either. However, any time limits should give or allow enough time for parts to be ordered, begged, or borrowed and received, should the need arise. I believe that for the most part 1 month would be long enough in most cases. Anyone disagree with this?

I guess we need to decide how long this project should last, as well. This will also determine how many players there will be.

Edited by Abell82, 30 August 2009 - 06:52 AM.

[roadhawg]

I was involved in something like this before, and it was a lot of fun. After the owner recieved it, he took it around to different model shows and displayed it along with the instruction sheet that each builder signed.
Its very difficult to set a time limit, though, because of all the little things that can go wrong, not just with the build, but in each individual builders life. I think it also goes better if each person signing up is assigned a particular task.....first person does the engine, next person does the suspension, and so on, depending on how many signed up. And keeping track of the progress on something like a web site or Photobucket is a great idea.

But to answer your question....yes, I would be glad to sign up. Very interesting subject too!

[Greg Cullinan]

Sounds good to me,you can count me in! Really a great idea!

[Abell82]

O.k. So far I have seven people that are willing to participate, and one ?:
Abell82
TxRat
Matt LeBlanc
Envious8420
99GT
Roadhawg
Ponyxpress

Tabsscale, (Todd) did you wish to participate? It sounds like you do... but you didn't say for sure that you would.

[tabsscale1]

O.k. So far I have seven people that are willing to participate, and one ?:
Abell82
TxRat
Matt LeBlanc
Envious8420
99GT
Roadhawg
Ponyxpress

Tabsscale, (Todd) did you wish to participate? It sounds like you do... but you didn't say for sure that you would.

At this time I will have to deline as I have two customers builds that I need to finish first

[Len Geisler]

I am in 100%, tis should be a good time....My only thoughts are
1) Start with a new kit, I like the kit you chose, maybe a new one?
2) If enough people are in, maybe do more than one?
3) If there are more than one group, do we use the same kit or different ones?

Let me know, all over it....

[RatRod]

Project Snowball is still alive, and last I heard Dave Mikrut had it to finish. I have heard so many horror stories about this project, that I wouldn't even want to attempt it. These projects start out great, and everybody has good intentions, but something, or someone eventually happens. The one idea of having just 4 people partake sounds like a winner, but I hope you all pick a kit that works, and goes together very well. Good luck!!!! Here are a couple pics of Snowball as it sits today.






These pics came from Dave's album.

[Abell82]

First. I'm sorry to hear that Tabsscale1 won't be participating. However, I would like to Welcome El Destructo Inc and Len Geisler to the project!! (YAY!!)

Now to the issues...


Rat Rod thanks for the pics. I am sorry that you feel the way, that you do toward the project.

I do understand that there are some "issues" that need ironing out. That is part of the reason, why I had hoped that others people from the original project would chime in. As I believe they could help iron out some of the details.

But anyway...I believe that if we set a time limit, on how long each member has the project, it will help things flow a little smoother. I have been thinking about it, and I also think that we need to set a shipping regulation stating that it HAS to be shipped WITH tracking numbers either via UPS, OR USPS. That way there is a trail, from one member to another. (PERIOD!)
IF it is passed from one member to another member of the same model group, then the members MUST sign a receipt . For everyone's protection. That way we will always know where it is, or who has it. As I believe that that was also part of the problem with the original project. (From what I understand it was lost for a time, and there was a little He has it, no I don't ...etc.)

Now as to the Ideas that Len presented...

I do not have a problem starting with a "new" kit. But my belief is that beginning with a kit that had been built (at least) once before, gives the project a "spin" of our own. Rather then using a new kit like the original project did.

As for the idea of more then one group: That idea works great, if you are building a kit box stock, or nearly box stock. But if you are customizing it, then it seems to me, like one person would be doing most of the work? Opinions?

If there are more than one group, do we use the same kit or different ones?
Good question! Also, IF there is more then one group, how many members in each group? How do we decide who is in each group to prevent one group from getting all the "best" people? Etc?

[Abell82]

...One major question I have is who is to decide what style to build the model in?? You couldn't have one person thinking "gasser",one "lowrider" and so on. There are going to be a lot of questions and decisions to be made before this project can even be started.

Another great point.
To which I say Majority rules.

Now, what are the choices!

Custom (Which Era? Which Style)
Drag (Which Class?)
Stock

Edited by Abell82, 02 September 2009 - 09:00 AM.

[roadhawg]

One major question I have is who is to decide what style to build the model in?? You couldn't have one person thinking "gasser",one "lowrider" and so on. There are going to be a lot of questions and decisions to be made before this project can even be started.

Another great point.
To which I say Majority rules.

Now, what are the choices!

Custom (Which Era? Which Style)
Drag (Which Class?)
Stock

The last time I was involved in a project like this, we asked for input from the eventual owner.....HIS favorite style, HIS favorite colors, etc.......it was, after all, going to end up being HIS model. That would make the planning go a little smoother, IMO.

[roadhawg]

As for the idea of more then one group: That idea works great, if you are building a kit box stock, or nearly box stock. But if you are customizing it, then it seems to me, like one person would be doing most of the work? Opinions?

I'm thinking that it would be waaaay simpler to just, after the style and design is agreed on, start with the first guy, let him do his assigned task, send it to the next guy, and so forth, till it reaches the end. Seperating into groups seems to be taking something that already has complicated logistics and making it even more complicated.

This is just my opinion, and you know what they say about opinions, right? Lol.....but I think you should give ample time for anybody thats interested in participating to sign up.....dunno, one month, maybe? Then....lets say 10 people signed up......divide the build into 10 different tasks. Then, put the 10 names and 10 tasks into separate bowls and draw them to assign the tasks. I'm sure that basic idea needs cleaning up, but you get the gist of it.

I also like the idea of starting with a broken-down model, instead of a new one! Thats cool.....but then again, I'm a "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree" kinda guy!

[Abell82]

The last time I was involved in a project like this, we asked for input from the eventual owner.....HIS favorite style, HIS favorite colors, etc.......it was, after all, going to end up being HIS model. That would make the planning go a little smoother, IMO.

The problem is that this is "supposed" to be a build "for the forum" not just one particular member. Though I have contacted Gregg, and he has given his conditional o.k. to the project, (Under the conditions that the Original Snowball creator is accepting of our tribute!) and it will be sent to Gregg, once completed. The spirit of the original snowball was, and I quote....

" Not one group of builders, building their version of a particular model kit. But ONE KIT, traveling between a group of modelers, with each builder applying his (and her) own touch of individuality to it. ~ Seasoned, pro, and novice builders all getting together to make history!"

I have found a different site for the Snowball project, that differs from the one that I posted before. The other site gives the rules, for the build. They are as follows...

The rules for the Original Project snowball were, ( And I believe they should be for this one, as well...

Snowball rules website
The Rules!!


Here are the builder’s rules Modified for our use:

You have to be a Model car Magazine Forum member. It’s a Model Car Magazine project.

Check your ego at the front desk. It’s about team work!
Do the very best you can do. And if you need to: Ask for help.

No-one’s not good enough to participate. No-one is too good.
It’s not a race to complete it in any amount of time. It’s not a showcase of one’s talents. Rather, it is a showcase of a group of many talents, working together, with one goal.

Each builder does something, and mails it on to the next builder.
Common sense. It shouldn’t be painted before it’s time.
Chopped, Sectioned, Pancaked?
Ok.
Tubbed, Channeled, Frenched?
Alright.
Opening doors, Working lights?
Love it.
Custom nose, Custom rear?

Kitchen sink it.

How about lake pipes?


Great!

Detail the chassis?


Don’t forget the brake lines!

Killer Mill?

Take my breath away!

No builder does more than one thing.

IE: If you chop it, you can’t channel it / tub it / paint it / etc. (someone else probably will)



It should be a “ Model Car Magazine Good Will Ambassador”:

(Edit: I'm Not sure about this part, but I'll include it anyway!)

IE: The more model car shows it gets shown in, in progress, the more exposure the group gets. There’s always a work in progress table it should be displayed on with it’s accompanying display promoting the idea, the list, the project.

[roadhawg]

The problem is that this is "supposed" to be a build "for the forum" not just one particular member. Though I have contacted Gregg, and he has given his conditional o.k. to the project, (Under the conditions that the Original Snowball creator is accepting of our tribute!) and it will be sent to Gregg, once completed. The spirit of the original snowball was, and I quote....

" Not one group of builders, building their version of a particular model kit. But ONE KIT, traveling between a group of modelers, with each builder applying his (and her) own touch of individuality to it. ~ Seasoned, pro, and novice builders all getting together to make history!"

I have found a different site for the Snowball project, that differs from the one that I posted before. The other site gives the rules, for the build. They are as follows...

The rules for the Original Project snowball were, ( And I believe they should be for this one, as well...

Snowball rules website
The Rules!!
Here are the builder’s rules Modified for our use:

You have to be a Model car Magazine Forum member. It’s a Model Car Magazine project.

Check your ego at the front desk. It’s about team work!
Do the very best you can do. And if you need to: Ask for help.

No-one’s not good enough to participate. No-one is too good.
It’s not a race to complete it in any amount of time. It’s not a showcase of one’s talents. Rather, it is a showcase of a group of many talents, working together, with one goal.

Each builder does something, and mails it on to the next builder.
Common sense. It shouldn’t be painted before it’s time.
Chopped, Sectioned, Pancaked?
Ok.
Tubbed, Channeled, Frenched?
Alright.
Opening doors, Working lights?
Love it.
Custom nose, Custom rear?

Kitchen sink it.

How about lake pipes?


Great!

Detail the chassis?


Don’t forget the brake lines!

Killer Mill?

Take my breath away!

No builder does more than one thing.

IE: If you chop it, you can’t channel it / tub it / paint it / etc. (someone else probably will)



It should be a “ Model Car Magazine Good Will Ambassador”:

(Edit: I'm Not sure about this part, but I'll include it anyway!)

IE: The more model car shows it gets shown in, in progress, the more exposure the group gets. There’s always a work in progress table it should be displayed on with it’s accompanying display promoting the idea, the list, the project.

Well.....that sounds good. I'm game for most anything. I STILL like the idea of starting with that old Chevy sedan delivery.......here's the first thought:
http://www.dennisparks.com/public_htm/Roger