Box stock builds

[crazyjim]

Can an engine being built for box stock have ignition wiring, carb & throttle linkage?

[Lownslow]

i dont think so but then again they allow BMF it might depend on the show.

[Tony T]

The last show I entered in the Box Stock class, they allowed only BMF and paint (no wires, aftermarket parts, flocking, etc). You had to provide the kit instruction sheet with the model.

It should indicate what is allowed, but the idea is that you build with what came in the box. Some have been creative with the sprue (melting the sprue to make wire), but I think that can be open to interpretation by the show judges.

[Harry P.]

Different contests have different definitions of "Box Stock," but I'm pretty sure that aftermarket or scratchbuilt add-ons like carb linkages are not considered "box stock."

[W-409]

Here in Finland, car has to be built only from those parts what are in the box. But making plug wires from parts trees, is allowed, so I think, carb. linkages are allowed too, here in Finland. Don't know, how it is in the U.S.A. anyway.

[Greg Pugh]

From what I've experienced, the answer is no. A box stock build can only use pieces and parts that come with that kit. There also can be no modifications. They usually need the instructions displayed with the model so that the judges can verify that nothing was "improved" upon. They will allow BMF.

[crazyjim]

Bummer. I knew I should have asked before I started building. I already drilled the heads for ignition wires. Darn it!

[diymirage]

what about those kits (older then myself) where the instructions call for the use of putty?

would putty be allowed in this class ?

what about paint?

most kits do not come with paint

[1320wayne]

what about those kits (older then myself) where the instructions call for the use of putty?

would putty be allowed in this class ?

what about paint?

most kits do not come with paint

I think that so many people always seem to put way too much thought into this one. Yes, some shows have different interpretations of the class rule but the general consensus for an "Out of Box" category is that the model must be built utilizing only the parts provided within the kit with the allowable exceptions of painting it as you see fit, adding BMF and use of aftermarket decals, if so needed. And 95% of the time the contest requires that the instruction sheet be made available just in case there are any disputes or questions as to the legitimacy of a build meeting all requirements.

[Greg Pugh]

And of course, the use of putty would be fine as long as you're not using it to customize your model.

[diymirage]

so (and im just shooting from the hip here)

lets say i build a baracuda (ANY cuda for that mather)

would i be able to use putty to make the front and rear panels fit nicely ?

[Craig Irwin]

so (and im just shooting from the hip here)

lets say i build a baracuda (ANY cuda for that mather)

would i be able to use putty to make the front and rear panels fit nicely ?

Yes, but don't make a hood scoop out of putty.

[gasman]

Box stock categories I've seen have allowed Flocking and BMF

[gray07]

Some models like the buick GNX and the firebird/transam came with wiring, so that would be box stock i would think, it came with it. Although i would think whatever came in the model box.

[Art Anderson]

The basic premise of "Out of the Box" or Box Stock classes began in the late 70's in IPMS, as a way to encourage newer, less experienced modelers to come in, to enter regional contests, even the IPMS Nats. The IPMS rules were very strict, prolly still are: Build the model exactly to the instructions, no added details whatsoever, not even drilling out the tailpipe, no wiring, no PE, no added details unless described in the instruction sheet/booklet. That meant the cleanest of builds, the very best of paintwork and danged little else unless ideas are presented in the printed kit instructions. I believe GSL still adheres to that formula.

I had the privilege, in July 1985, of having the very first model car to win this class at the IPMS Nationals at Indianapolis IN--Monogram 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge, painted in factory match yellow. That car beat out aircraft, armor and ships for the award. While my scratchbuilt early 1960's fully detailed AJ Watson USAC Dirt Track Championship Car won Best Scratchbuilt and Best Model Car (got beat by ONE POINT for Best of Show), that OOB win meant much, much more to me.

Basically, the class as originally devised means just that, take the kit parts, and do the very best you can--at most contests I have ever seen, even judged, this is a class where a gnat's eyelash can make the difference. And, since most contest organizers require that entrants display the instruction sheet with the model, there is generally very little room for fudging thngs--either the model is OOB, or it is not. The best of clean building, the best of paintwork, best of any surface detailing with paint or BMF is where it's all at. (some contest organizers do modify this concept, but what is the purpose of that? Either it's box stock or it's not, period!)

Art

[Casey]

Here in Finland, car has to be built only from those parts what are in the box. But making plug wires from parts trees, is allowed, so I think, carb. linkages are allowed too, here in Finland. Don't know, how it is in the U.S.A. anyway.

That's a really good point, and one I hadn't thought of previously (no surprise there ).

Say you were building a street/strip car and built a 6-point roll cage inside the car using only the sprue. It would be interesting to see just how extensively the sprue pieces could be utilized on a model, and just how far such an idea could be taken.

[bobthehobbyguy]

I know that for the GSL box stock allows decals and bare metal foil. No flocking is allowed. Putty to fix things like ejection pins and sink marks. Also you can do things like drill out exhaust and make a grill see through.

The rules are clear you can not make parts out of the sprue.

The best way to deal with this is to look into the rules for the contest you are going to enter. Otherwise you will find that you may be bumped out of the box stock class into another class.

bobthehobbyguy