Scratchbulding Contest Flopped. Feedback Please.

[Anonymous]

Hello Everyone,

Now that the dust is settled I was slightly disapointed that the scratchbuilt model contest I set up only generated one entry. The entry was by Noah Hofricter by the way.

I was just wondering what reasons there were for such a disapointing turnout after there seemed to be so more than a few people interested in participating. If those who are so inclined can please leave some feedback. I may know what to avoid if I decide to hold one next year.

James. R. Mitich

[Anonymous]

Hi James,
I intended to enter but with all the other projects I have going (model related and others) I couldn't even get started.
I think both you and Noah deserve a big round of applause.
If you do have another I hope I have this backlog of projects completed by then and can participate.

[Jetrock]

I'm sorry I wasn't able to participate in the scratchbuilt structure project, but I got a commission to build a display for a railroad museum, and, quite frankly, getting paid to build a display that will be seen by thousands took precedence over a homebrew scratchbuilding project for an online contest. Because this was my first piece intended for public display, I wanted to throw all my effort into making it the best model I could possibly create.

If you hold another one I do want to be involved--with winter coming up I'll be spending more time indoors, and I have several scratchbuilding projects I want to get done before spring, and a contest might provide just the right impetus. Although now, with all the practice I got in superdetailing from the diorama, I might have to put myself in a higher skill category! (pardon me while my ego assumes monstrous proportions and floats into the sky)

[rogerhensley]

Perhaps folks are more interested in seeing what others have done/are doing rather than displaying their own. A good entry also requires a certain amount of photography skills as well as scratchbuilding skill.

[CNJ831]

Big Sky - I think you have to appreciate that scratchbuilders are basically motivated to enter modeling contests that are sponsored by recognized organizations or manufacturers (MR, Atlas, Bar Mills, NMRA, et al.) and will follow through in large part on their chances of actual national, regional, or even local recognition within the modeling community (or perhaps by a substantial prize).

The response simply will not be the same for a contest proposed by an individual, unless he is very well known and influential - say an editor of MR or a widely read author from same. While many folks might initially say they will participate in a contest purposed by an individual, just as you found out few actually will because the rewards for doing so simply don't justify the time expended.

CNJ774

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CNJ831

Big Sky - I think you have to appreciate that scratchbuilders are basically motivated to enter modeling contests that are sponsored by recognized organizations or manufacturers (MR, Atlas, Bar Mills, NMRA, et al.) and will follow through in large part on their chances of actual national, regional, or even local recognition within the modeling community (or perhaps by a substantial prize).

The response simply will not be the same for a contest proposed by an individual, unless he is very well known and influential - say an editor of MR or a widely read author from same. While many folks might initially say they will participate in a contest purposed by an individual, just as you found out few actually will because the rewards for doing so simply don't justify the time expended.

CNJ774

NOT! I scratchbuild for ME, and for the needs of the layout at the time. I , for one, really don't care for scatchbuilding for contests, because that usually means I'm building something that I have no use for. I considered entering the contest here just for kicks, but then, the workbench is full of disassembled engines and partialy finished brass cabooses already!

[Anonymous]

I have one suggestion, offer a monetary prize. Say there is a minimum fee to enter, and the winner takes all. This may provide the motivation that CNJ831 speaks of. While the prize money wouldn't be huge, it would still provide enough incentive to keep participants moving on their projects.

I would also recommend holding the project in the winter months, say between January and March. Most of us are holed up in the basement anyway during the cold winter.

[orsonroy]

Well, not only are there relatively few modelers who scratchbuild anything, but the contest was held in the summer, traditionally a non-modeling time of year. I know I would have entered the contest if I had the time, but outdoorsy-type activities took priority.

[Javern]

I didn't enter because I suck at scratchbuilding

[vsmith]

I think the fact that unless you have your own website or web storage space you cannot post a photograph on this website. Their is no gallery and wont be for any time soon, without a place to easily display, why bother?

[Anonymous]

Jetrock,

Way cool being able to make something for a museum. It's a total win-win. You get a monetary reward (which I assume was big time outweighed by the pride of seeing your results displayed) and perhaps some folks will join this great hobby. Let's see some pics!!!!!

[cacole]

I never realized until reading this post that there was a contest going on. When did it start, and what was the Subject? A forum search only turned up this last posting when I entered "Scratchbuilding Contest." Was it for buildings, rolling stock, or both? The only thing I would have to enter is a diorama. And why would a Web site be necessary to enter the contest?

[Fergmiester]

I build when the need to build is required. This can change in a moment's notice. I worked on the Turntable for close to two years. The first 1.75 yrs was less than productive. Then without warning It gained momentum and is now near completion.

Why? because A) I needed it and B) I figured out how to drive it.

I couldn't do the scratch building thing for the simple reason I didn't have a website. From what I've seen most don't

Regards
Fergie

[Anonymous]

I personally did not have any interest in scratchbuilding something just because of a message posted on this forum. Most of my scratchbuilding and/or kitbashing efforts have been for other purposes that suited me at the time. Our local club had a project to make a structure with a specific theme, so I scratchbuilt a store. Our next one was to make a lineside scene. For this one I scratched a copy of FSM's Baxters Building Supplies diorama. I then entered it in an area convention model contest, and won Best in Show with it. Others that I've done in the past were also entered in contests and then were incorporated into my modules.

Have a look at my diorama here: http://www.geocities.com/fundynorthern/Diorama.html

Cheers,

Bob Boudreau

[Anonymous]

I see one of the problems was a misunderstanding of the photo display issiue. As I had it set up, pictures were to be sent to me, then I would post them on a website for voting and post the link here.

James

[Anonymous]

I was interested in submitting an item that I would make for my layout (as opposed to something just for this contest). The reason why I didn't was because I wanted to get some experience with other kitbash projects I have planned, before I stepped into scratchbuilding something. So hopefully next year, I will be at that point. Even if I was ready to do something this year, the time frame was very restrictive for me.

---jps

[tatans]

I think you may have stumbled on the state of model railroading today, you had 15 replies and 118 views, it would seem very few people scratchbuild any more, if you post a question or poll on DCC or how many brass engines you have, you will see 3,000 replies, if people can't run to the LHS and start BUYING stuff they have no time to spend actually constructing something. I still admire a guy that is proud to show you his great little freight shed made from styrene scraps, don't despair and keep on "keepin' on"

[Anonymous]

I would have entered, but I didn't have the time to get materials.

[jfugate]

Run it longer, make it the non-summer months, get Bergie to make the notice a sticky note, get some "Worlds Greatest Hobby" backing, and some manufaturers to throw in a few cool prizes, etc.

[Dough]

I was interested, but I just didn't have the time to research a prototype and then actually build it. I am finally working on several kitbashing projects, but their is no telling when they will be finished. They are just start and go. I also have never built something entirly from scratch and am still trying to get the hang of just kitbashing. If you try again, I may consider entering, but who knows. I'd be interested in a kitbashing contest for sure!

[brothaslide]

James - Don't be dissapointed and don't give up.

Go watch "Field of Dreams" and get inspired.

Remember - If you [scratch]build it, they will come. . .

[slotracer]

Time.......I thought about doing this, but at the time had no idea what gauge I'd do it in since I have no idea what gauge I'll do if and when I ever get back into the hobby. I have meant to enter teh marconi concours proxi race/contest for slotcars for 3 years now, and it loks like I won't even have time to create an entry for that in 04.....maybe someday.....

[Noah Hofrichter]

If I may add a little input after reading feedback James. It appears teh sentiment was that it would have been beter in the Winter. Now, that's bad for us younger modelers, as were stocked full with home work in the winter. May I then suggest an all year thing. Starting in January and ending in Late November. That way what ever tiem of year works best for you, you can build then.

Also, one other person mentioned a fee to get in and winner takes all. Don't care for that idea. I spent enough building my model with my budget, let alone having to pay an entrance fee.

Just my two cents,
Noah

[egmurphy]

QUOTE: Vic said: I think the fact that unless you have your own website or web storage space you cannot post a photograph on this website. Their is no gallery and wont be for any time soon, without a place to easily display, why bother?

There are a number of free photo hosting sites that you can use. The photos that I post here on the forum are hosted at railimages.com. It's a free site. They would like donations to help pay for storage and bandwidth, but it's not a requirement. If you already have some photos on your computer you might want to try it. It's managed by the same people that run TrainBoard.

Heck, even my NdeM logo is stored on railimages.

Best regards

Ed

[Anonymous]

I wasn't able to build anything in time, to busy getting my layout running!

[Anonymous]

I thank everyone for all the replies.

Item one I want to state is that as far as the pictures were concerned, They were to be sent to me, then I would post them to a dedicated website for the event.

As for doing this again, I problably will. That is why I asked for feedback, so I know what changes you the participates would like to see. If I do it again. I will definatly run it during a different time slot. and we may have better results.

Thanks everyone for responding and I will appreciate even more from those who would like to contribute.

James.

[Jetrock]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dkelly

Jetrock,

Way cool being able to make something for a museum. It's a total win-win. You get a monetary reward (which I assume was big time outweighed by the pride of seeing your results displayed) and perhaps some folks will join this great hobby. Let's see some pics!!!!!

Here's the thread where I posted some pics:

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=19885

Indeed, the monetary reward wasn't much--cost of materials plus a little bit more. But the novelty of being able to work on models on someone else's dime, as well as the honor and pride of having my work in a museum, was indeed worth much more than the cash!

[darth9x9]

Maybe it could be a virtual scratchbuilding contest.....

BC