Yes, I know the challenge doesn't begin until March 1st - but thought I would make a thread so as to not forget what I am doing!

I picked up a Bachmann Plasticville coaling tower the other day at the LHS.  I remember these things being pretty cheap - but it looks like they have increased in price.  I haven't bought a structure kit in over 10 years, though, so maybe its just inflation.

The coaling tower tower I am going to kitbash into an ore bin for loading HOn3 cars an a tiny (3'x4') layout I am building.  Both Campbell and Grandt make great ore bin kits for not much more money, so I don't know why I am bothering with a kitbash of a Plasticville kit.  Maybe I am wanting something a bit more unique.  In any event here are a few basic goals I have with the kitbash:

1)  The kit has no molded in wood-grain.  I am going to try the razor-saw technique to add wood grain where I can.
2)  The upper portions (roof) of the coaling tower will not be needed.  Not sure what I can convert those parts to, or just leave them off.
3)  The whole thing is too tall - I need to trim the legs to make it fit on a hillside.  The chute is too long as well.
4)  My plan is for the ore bin to be loaded by mine-gauge railway, a headframe, or an aerial tramway.  I need to build this.
5)  The kit has no gates at the head of the chute, so I need to create this.

Dropping a car for Venice Maid Foods.

Bruce

   

A while ago (2014) ago we had a three-way challenge that was very successful, we’ve had a request to do it again. 

We’re going to have another structure building challenge that we hope will suite everyone at every level of skill or modeling preferences. This one is all about structures. When we talk about structures, we’re not just talking buildings. Houses and factories are fine, but also think other things; water or oil tanks, bridges, boat docks, or grain elevators are just a few examples of what you can build. In order to keep things fair, we are limiting participation to two categories only. If you choose the kitbuild challenge, you can enter the kitbash one as well, but not the scratchbuild. If you enter the scratchbuild, you can also enter the kitbash, but not the kitbuild. The reasoning here is to keep the different skill levels apart and to let everyone complete at the level they feel is challenging to them, or at their preferred method of construction.

Kitbuild challenge will be as follows:
Just build a kit using only the parts in the box for the structure only. You may paint and weather the structure and make cosmetic changes, but you cannot add anything that does not come with the kit. You can add other details such as scenery around the structure. This will allow you to do from a "let it look like the picture on the box", to "I built it like the instructions says, but I've enhanced it with weathering, different paint and scenery". The choice is yours.

Kitbash challenge will be as follows:
Take any structure kit and make it into something different, or even take two or more kits and combine them for something else. You can use parts from other kits, but mainly, you must use your imagination. We cannot define this any more than that; the rest is up to you to figure out.

Scratchbuilt challenge will be as follows:
You can build something from your own imagination from scratch. You can use any common parts such as sheet goods and plastic strips. You can use pre-made windows, doors and any small detailed parts, but the structure itself needs to be original. Any structure will do and it can be any scale, just not full-scale…

1. This is not a requirement, but it would be neat to get a photograph of a structure, any structure, then scratchbuild a model of that structure. The idea here is to come as close to the real thing as you can. The picture of the original structure does not have to be taken by you, but if you choose to do this, you must also post a picture of it, or a link to it if you found it somewhere on the Net. The surrounding scenery and details, such as people, vehicles, and trees need not be the same.
   

1. Let us know in this thread which challenges you are going to enter. I will start a list and keep it updated based on your choices, but please post your intentions here before starting. We will keep things open so you can enter at any time before the end of the challenge, but it would be nice to know ahead of time who is going to be competing and where. This is the thread where we will keep track of these things, so this is where you’ll find the summary of who has entered which categories.
   
2. Start a new thread (or threads) as follows:
   o (your Screename’s) kitbuild 2022 challenge
   o (your Screenname’s) kitbash 2022 challenge
   o Or (your Screenname’s) scratchbuild 2022 challenge
   
3. Document your progress in pictures. Remember, we like lots of pictures. If you’re not skilled with a camera, either give it a try or get someone else to take the pictures. Just as long as you are the one that’s doing the work, we don't care who takes the pictures.
   
4. The contest will begin on March 1st, and end on June 5th. That gives us all time to prepare and a bit over three months to actually work on and complete the projects.
   
5. You may start working on your projects anytime, but the challenges don't officially start until March 1st. The idea is that everyone has at least three months to complete their challenges. 
   
6. There is NO rule 6
   
   

• If you build a structure using Walther's modular parts and you dream up a unique structure, it is "kit bashing"
  
• "Cosmetic changes" on kit builds can include changes to or additional signage. More extensive changes such as adding roof details or lights takes it out of the realm of the intent of this challenge for kit builds, but not quite into the definition of kit bashing. I suggest these things be added after completing this challenge
  
• Scratchbuilding means that the basic or major parts of the structure are made from scratch and not kit parts. Small details such as windows, doors, lights, boxes, A/C units and fences to name a few can be from pre-made parts.
  

Here's the Place!!

We're looking forward to Daytona This Sunday!!!!!

Reply here if you would like to join in!!!!
All you have to do is choose 3 drivers and check in to see your team's standings.

Over the two last years, I have build five CNR Reefer kits made by Funaro & Camerlengo.  Recently I have found another kit of the same car for 20$.  I couldn't resist to expand the fleet.

   

I already completed the underbody.  Not long ago I would have considered it a challenge.  But this time it went quite fast with good results.  Practice may be the key here.

   

Still struggling with those small doors and hatches handles though. 

   

It's February and it is time!!!!! 

It's time to open up the NASCAR Big Blue Redneck Racin' game!

dwight77 and I are looking for some friendly competition......

Reply here if you would like to join in!!!!

Been looking for a kit that I can use for our upcoming challenge and I see where Amazon has a bunch of rather plain-looking N scale models really cheap...uh, reasonable.   They look like they'd make a good source of parts for a kitbash of some sort, but I'm just wondering if anybody has use these Outland Models kits and are they worth the cheap...uh, reasonable cost, or does the price reflect their quality. Their details look a bit off scale and rough due to them being 3D printed, and their web site says they are closed during the Chinese New Year, giving away where they come from, so I don't know. It could be an interesting challenge or a total bust.

Here's one and here's another, so what do you think?

Hello,
I recently posted a few photos; the forum had me reduced them in size.
What is the maximum size photo requirements for the forum.

PS: I tried dragging the photos in the post but I had to use the attachment method.

Thank you.

I have updated my track plan from HOn3 to On30.
It sure eats up more real estate in On30 compared to HOn3...

WPMA-40 working Pier 34.

Bruce