Beyond The Sprues

Modelling => Group and Themed Builds => Topic started by: GTX_Admin on December 20, 2014, 03:23:02 AM

Title: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 20, 2014, 03:23:02 AM
Folks,

With 2014 almost to an end, its time to start planning the Group Builds you would like for 2015.

Please post away!

Kind regards,

Greg
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 20, 2014, 05:41:15 AM
I'll kick things off with a couple of ideas:

Extended April Fool's GB - this is one where we try to do creations that are able to easily fool people into thinking they are real.  We did do this one a few years back but it was a very short GB.

Swords into Plowshares GB - in other words turn a military platform into a civilian one.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Kerick on December 20, 2014, 05:46:17 AM
Swords into Plowshares GB - in other words turn a military platform into a civilian one.

Soooo, a C-5 as a fire bomber?

It might qualify for both.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 20, 2014, 05:48:57 AM
A couple of more ideas - this time some historical 75th Anniversary ideas :

Battle of France 75th Anniversary GB - 10 May – 25 June (based upon the actual dates)
Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary GB - 10 July – 31 October (based upon the actual dates)

Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 20, 2014, 05:49:32 AM
Swords into Plowshares GB - in other words turn a military platform into a civilian one.

Soooo, a C-5 as a fire bomber?

It might qualify for both.

Perfect idea
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 20, 2014, 05:54:24 AM
Another couple of ideas:

Vietnam War GB
Korean War GB
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Volkodav on December 20, 2014, 06:53:57 AM
All things naval aviation

Ships of the ............

UK actually had money in the 50s, i.e. all those gorgeous airliners, combat aircraft, ships, tanks , rifles etc. proceeded.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: The Big Gimper on December 20, 2014, 07:19:39 AM
Swords into Plowshares GB - in other words turn a military platform into a civilian one.

Soooo, a C-5 as a fire bomber?

It might qualify for both.

Perfect idea

B-36 as a civilian airliner. I know Bill would provide about 20 airline examples including Braniff.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: finsrin on December 20, 2014, 10:44:43 AM
Extended service life GB.

Modify subject for service years past when it was in regular service.
Likely won't be a effective as completely newer planes-ships-armor. 
So what --- gets modernized as best it can dependent on how many years in future its service is.  10yrs?  50yrs?

Jet powered DC-3.  F404/414 powered sidewinder/AMRAAM armed F-94.  Newer guns, sensors, turrets on armor.  Reactive armor on M3 Grant.  1990s King George/Bismarck.  WW2 USS Olympia.  1930s/40s Martin MB2/Vickers Vimy.  1960s/70s Lancaster/B-24/Betty/He177.
Cold war/Gulf war/2015 USS Arizona (USS Olympia?).
So on and so on.

Bit of tongue-in-cheek character to a build is OK (fun). 
ALCM toting B-24, Elint/ECM Wellington, Ford Tri-motor gunship,,,,,,
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Cliffy B on December 20, 2014, 11:54:42 AM
Finsrin get outta my head already, I was going to suggest the same thing!!!  ;D

So yeah, what he said  :)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: ysi_maniac on December 20, 2014, 12:50:34 PM
I was thinking in a Ford GT40 convertible but it exists  :o http://wachidan.blogspot.com.es/2011/01/ford-gt-and-gtx1.html (http://wachidan.blogspot.com.es/2011/01/ford-gt-and-gtx1.html) A beauty anyway.

Then, what about a Lancia Stratos convertible?
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Kerick on December 20, 2014, 01:25:37 PM
Extended service life GB.

Modify subject for service years past when it was in regular service.
Likely won't be a effective as completely newer planes-ships-armor. 
So what --- gets modernized as best it can dependent on how many years in future its service is.  10yrs?  50yrs?

Jet powered DC-3.  F404/414 powered sidewinder/AMRAAM armed F-94.  Newer guns, sensors, turrets on armor.  Reactive armor on M3 Grant.  1990s King George/Bismarck.  WW2 USS Olympia.  1930s/40s Martin MB2/Vickers Vimy.  1960s/70s Lancaster/B-24/Betty/He177.
Cold war/Gulf war/2015 USS Arizona (USS Olympia?).
So on and so on.

This would give me incentive to finish the modernized F-101 I've been dragging around since forever.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Modelling_Mushi on December 20, 2014, 07:10:11 PM
How about an opposing forces build? Only rule is that the model should be a mix of types from real or potential adversaries / competitors. Such as a Blenheim with HE111 wings; a Tiger IV with Sherman turret; a Yamato with Arizona's weapons; a Tie interceptor with XWing wings; a DC9 with Concorde powerplants; and such like.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: finsrin on December 20, 2014, 07:26:22 PM
How about an opposing forces build? Only rule is that the model should be a mix of types from real or potential adversaries / competitors. Such as a Blenheim with HE111 wings; a Tiger IV with Sherman turret; a Yamato with Arizona's weapons; a Tie interceptor with XWing wings; a DC9 with Concorde powerplants; and such like.

This is good.  Inventive idea.  I like it :)

Hmmm:  DC-3 engines on Ju-52.  Japanese carrier with USN island, air group, guns (vise versa).  IL-28 wings on B-57.  Swap wings between F-86 & Mig-15, B-24 & He177, Constellation & Stratocruiser, F4F & Zero, Valiant/Victor/B-47 & Badger, Mosquito & Me-262.............
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: perttime on December 20, 2014, 08:14:49 PM

Swords into Plowshares GB - in other words turn a military platform into a civilian one.
Plowshares into Swords?
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: LemonJello on December 20, 2014, 09:25:37 PM
Left Earth Behind - humanity leaves our home to live amongst the stars.  Space, air, land and sea are covered.  Military,  scientific or civilian subjects are covered. Everyone can play.  Asteroid miners,  Martian land battleships, deep space colony ships... you get the idea.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Volkodav on December 20, 2014, 10:38:36 PM
I like both the the opposing forces and the extended service lives ideas.

I could imagine German, Japanese or Italian warships, exported pre-war and fitted with British or French weapons, or post war prizes rearmed with American or British weapons and radars.  The other option is Germany captures and completes French ships with German systems, or operation Sealion is attempted and succeeds and the Germans complete British ships with German systems.

The extended service lives could actually be one of the Axis ships taken in hand post war and updated over and over again.  One option that comes to mind is HMS Victorious, she already had a complete rebuild so she could easily have served into the 80's.  Say she and Hermes are refitted to operate Jaguar Ms, as she is cheaper to operate than Ark they are retained in service longer, provide outstanding service in the Falklands and as a result Vic is further life extended and upgraded serving past 2010. :)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: LemonJello on December 21, 2014, 12:14:51 AM
Drydock/Hangar/Motor Pool Queens - all those projects that were started but just didn't get finished.  And/Or ones that have been languishing in a box due to "technical difficulties" or a loss of interest - get 'em out and get 'em finished!
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Frank3k on December 21, 2014, 12:32:00 AM
Left Earth Behind - humanity leaves our home to live amongst the stars.  Space, air, land and sea are covered.  Military,  scientific or civilian subjects are covered. Everyone can play.  Asteroid miners,  Martian land battleships, deep space colony ships... you get the idea.

I like this one - pretty much what I was going to suggest. Everything else besides just capital space ships. "Xiaopeng Goldstein's laser drill repair and oxygen scrubber maintenance - repairs while you wait!"
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 21, 2014, 02:24:32 AM
Keep the ideas coming - I will develop them into a poll in a few weeks time.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Volkodav on December 21, 2014, 02:28:49 AM
Yes definitely a, "lets just get it finished", build, for all those stalled projects.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 21, 2014, 02:33:50 AM
Yes definitely a, "lets just get it finished", build, for all those stalled projects.

That could be our annual "Clear Your Bench GB" - usually this is held at the end of every year.  this year is the first time it wasn't - mainly so as to allow people to focus on the current Book/Movie/Game GB.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: LemonJello on December 21, 2014, 04:36:32 AM
Unarmed and Unafraid - Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms both real and imagined.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 21, 2014, 04:43:26 AM
Unarmed and Unafraid - Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms both real and imagined.

We did only have "The Snoops, Sensors, Spooks, & Spies GB" earlier this year but hey, if people want it...
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: LemonJello on December 21, 2014, 04:52:17 AM
Unarmed and Unafraid - Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms both real and imagined.


We did only have "The Snoops, Sensors, Spooks, & Spies GB" earlier this year but hey, if people want it...


Did we? I seem to have missed on that one, then.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Goofs/nothing-to-see-here_zps8daa7026.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Goofs/nothing-to-see-here_zps8daa7026.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 21, 2014, 05:26:15 AM
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/Slide1_zps9f3a7410.jpg)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Feldmarschall Zod on December 21, 2014, 08:45:15 AM
Another desert build?

Winter warfare?

W.W.III-Between the years of 1946-1955?

Something based off the Red Gambit series books.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: finsrin on December 21, 2014, 09:43:28 AM
Yes definitely a, "lets just get it finished", build, for all those stalled projects.

That could be our annual "Clear Your Bench GB" - usually this is held at the end of every year.  this year is the first time it wasn't - mainly so as to allow people to focus on the current Book/Movie/Game GB.

Yes - good as a annual GB
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Weaver on December 21, 2014, 10:54:49 AM
An old idea of mine, re-inspired by Alvis's recent builds: The Spirit of '67 GB. Basically, turn anything into a hippie-mobile, with a psychadelic paint job and a mission to blow nothing but minds, man....
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Weaver on December 21, 2014, 10:58:20 AM
The extended service lives could actually be one of the Axis ships taken in hand post war and updated over and over again.  One option that comes to mind is HMS Victorious, she already had a complete rebuild so she could easily have served into the 80's.  Say she and Hermes are refitted to operate Jaguar Ms, as she is cheaper to operate than Ark they are retained in service longer, provide outstanding service in the Falklands and as a result Vic is further life extended and upgraded serving past 2010. :)

To go with it, how about a County class destroyer, kept in service after they've been replaced in the DDG role by a fleet of Type 82s, and given a "Chilean-job" DDH conversion to get some ASW helos off the carrier decks and make room for more strike aircraft?
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 21, 2014, 11:42:37 AM
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/imagejpg1_zps326ab4fb.jpg)

Can include weapon delivery platforms, nuclear rockets, atoms for peace scenarios, all forms of nuclear powered vehicles etc...
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Volkodav on December 21, 2014, 02:16:43 PM
([url]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/imagejpg1_zps326ab4fb.jpg[/url])

Can include weapon delivery platforms, nuclear rockets, atoms for peace scenarios, all forms of nuclear powered vehicles etc...


I remember seeing something years ago on one of the NATO joint naval task forces.  The commander was a German and he was predicting that by the early 2000s all NATO major surface combatants would be nuclear powered, i.e. the NF90 project then underway would be the last conventionally powered frigate to enter service in the alliance.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: finsrin on December 21, 2014, 07:04:47 PM

Swords into Plowshares GB - in other words turn a military platform into a civilian one.
Plowshares into Swords?

Like SS United States or Titanic (others too) as missile battery arsenal ships.  They can carry a bunch. 
Helo pad.  Defensive guns and missiles.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 22, 2014, 02:16:58 AM

Swords into Plowshares GB - in other words turn a military platform into a civilian one.
Plowshares into Swords?


Like SS United States or Titanic (others too) as missile battery arsenal ships.  They can carry a bunch. 
Helo pad.  Defensive guns and missiles.


I was thinking more of something like this:

(http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7184/598/400/b52-bomb.jpg)

Being loaded with these:

(http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/seedbombs-ed01.jpg)(http://www.envirogadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/seed-bomb-planted.jpg)

For Aerial Reforestation.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: jcf on December 22, 2014, 11:21:20 AM

Swords into Plowshares GB - in other words turn a military platform into a civilian one.
Plowshares into Swords?

Like SS United States or Titanic (others too) as missile battery arsenal ships.  They can carry a bunch. 
Helo pad.  Defensive guns and missiles.

Aaarrggh!! NO!, the United States is a beautiful vessel why fuck it up by kludging on
armament?!!!
 :-X :-X :-X :-X
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: finsrin on December 22, 2014, 11:30:33 AM

Swords into Plowshares GB - in other words turn a military platform into a civilian one.
Plowshares into Swords?

Like SS United States or Titanic (others too) as missile battery arsenal ships.  They can carry a bunch. 
Helo pad.  Defensive guns and missiles.

Aaarrggh!! NO!, the United States is a beautiful vessel why fuck it up by kludging on
armament?!!!
 :-X :-X :-X :-X

Yes - I know what you mean.  Those two big name liners came to mind w/o going thru a filter.
There are other liner, tanker, cargo ship kits out there.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Kerick on December 22, 2014, 12:59:19 PM
Iowa class BBs converted to nuke power. Its been kicked around before.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: finsrin on December 22, 2014, 01:54:45 PM
Iowa class BBs converted to nuke power. Its been kicked around before.

Besides motive power nuke provides lotsa power for rail guns and lasers and frees up space used by funnel :)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Buzzbomb on December 22, 2014, 04:36:09 PM
something like, "in the Rear with the Gear"
The support people. Trucks, supply vehicles. Even Ammo Carriers I would think
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: finsrin on December 22, 2014, 05:00:57 PM
something like, "in the Rear with the Gear"
The support people. Trucks, supply vehicles. Even Ammo Carriers I would think

Logistics GB ?
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Spey Phantom on December 22, 2014, 05:47:11 PM
im thinking of a Panzer IV, converted into an engineers version, with a large plow mounted on the front.
used by the Civil Protection Service.

i have also been thinking of keeping it simple, and paint a military transport helicopter (NH-90, Chinook, CH-53,...) in civilian markings  8)

so yeah, a "swords into plowshares GB" seems OK with me.

i was also thinking somewhere in the lines of WW2 GB (as 2015 will mark the 70th anniversary of the end of WW2).
or other ideas im playing with:

-Cold War GB

-Vietnam GB

-P-51 Mustang GB
(Whiffed P-51's or P-51 derivatives, pure and simple)

-COIN aircraft GB
(mostly for counter insurgency aircraft, like armed Tucano's, OV-10, but also other COIN modified aircraft like Spitfires, Tigermoths, DH Chipmunks, cropdusters and various light aircraft......)

-Seaplane/Floatplane GB
(need i say more?)

-Euro'41 GB
(i think i proposed this a while back on the other forum, as many countries in Europe wad ordered new equipment from various sources before the German Invasion of 1939/40, many of those tanks, aircraft, ships,...could not be delivered in time, for instance French Spitfire Mk.1's, Belgian Douglas DB-7's, Grumman G-36 (F4F Wildcat) and Brewster Buffalo's,.....)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Volkodav on December 22, 2014, 08:42:02 PM

Swords into Plowshares GB - in other words turn a military platform into a civilian one.
Plowshares into Swords?

Like SS United States or Titanic (others too) as missile battery arsenal ships.  They can carry a bunch. 
Helo pad.  Defensive guns and missiles.

Aaarrggh!! NO!, the United States is a beautiful vessel why fuck it up by kludging on
armament?!!!
 :-X :-X :-X :-X

She was designed specifically to serve as a troopship in the event of a major conflict, I don't know if foundations were provided for armament but it wouldn't surprise me if they were.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Kerick on December 22, 2014, 10:36:25 PM
What was the passenger ship used by the British in the Falklands war as a troop ship? It got pretty trashed as I recall. A helicopter pad was added somewhere.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Weaver on December 22, 2014, 10:44:14 PM
What was the passenger ship used by the British in the Falklands war as a troop ship? It got pretty trashed as I recall. A helicopter pad was added somewhere.


Canberra was the main one but the QEII was also used.

Good paper on STUFT ships in the Falklands here: http://www.nickmessinger.co.uk/STUFT.pdf (http://www.nickmessinger.co.uk/STUFT.pdf)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 23, 2014, 01:56:18 AM

-P-51 Mustang GB
(Whiffed P-51's or P-51 derivatives, pure and simple)


This could be extended into any single platform GB
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: perttime on December 23, 2014, 03:40:09 AM

-P-51 Mustang GB
(Whiffed P-51's or P-51 derivatives, pure and simple)


This could be extended into any single platform GB
It could be interesting to see what kind of variety would emerge out of a very common starting point. Repaints, re-engines, redesigns, extreme kitbashes...
(Did anybody ever build a Spitfire with proper wide-track landing gear?)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Weaver on December 23, 2014, 08:29:38 AM
For maximum participation, it'd be a good idea to pick a one-type GB which has kits available in a variety of scales, given how many 1/48th freaks there are on here.... ;)


(Did anybody ever build a Spitfire with proper wide-track landing gear?)

Yep, it's called a Spiteful.... ;)

Not an entirely facetious point: you'd need a whole new wing structure to take the loads. No reason why you couldn't do that with the earlier wing planform in whiff-world though....
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Volkodav on December 23, 2014, 09:54:55 AM
How about a dual build?  Any two kits that go together someway, for example Spitfire and Hurricane, Hellcat and Avenger, or opposing types, Wildcat and Zero, Sabre and MIG15 etc.  Even ships, Hood and Bismark, Duke of York and Schanhorst, Lexington and Dauntless etc.  Maybe T34 vs Panther, or partnered vehicles, i.e. Abrams and Bradley.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Weaver on December 23, 2014, 11:49:21 AM
How about a dual build?  Any two kits that go together someway, for example Spitfire and Hurricane, Hellcat and Avenger, or opposing types, Wildcat and Zero, Sabre and MIG15 etc.  Even ships, Hood and Bismark, Duke of York and Schanhorst, Lexington and Dauntless etc.  Maybe T34 vs Panther, or partnered vehicles, i.e. Abrams and Bradley.

Your own version of Airfix's Dogfight Doubles, in effect.... You could even mix types, Typhoon vs Tiger or Swordfish vs Bismark for example.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 24, 2014, 02:04:00 AM
Folks,

Please also remember that we cater for more than the physical building - we also want ideas that allow for maximum participation by profilers and story writers.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Volkodav on December 24, 2014, 02:18:42 PM
How about a dual build?  Any two kits that go together someway, for example Spitfire and Hurricane, Hellcat and Avenger, or opposing types, Wildcat and Zero, Sabre and MIG15 etc.  Even ships, Hood and Bismark, Duke of York and Schanhorst, Lexington and Dauntless etc.  Maybe T34 vs Panther, or partnered vehicles, i.e. Abrams and Bradley.

Your own version of Airfix's Dogfight Doubles, in effect.... You could even mix types, Typhoon vs Tiger or Swordfish vs Bismark for example.

Yes exactly!

PAK40 vs T34
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: ysi_maniac on December 25, 2014, 01:46:51 AM
How about a dual build?  Any two kits that go together someway, for example Spitfire and Hurricane, Hellcat and Avenger, or opposing types, Wildcat and Zero, Sabre and MIG15 etc.  Even ships, Hood and Bismark, Duke of York and Schanhorst, Lexington and Dauntless etc.  Maybe T34 vs Panther, or partnered vehicles, i.e. Abrams and Bradley.

I agree with this idea! :) :)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Weaver on December 25, 2014, 02:40:15 AM
How about a dual build?  Any two kits that go together someway, for example Spitfire and Hurricane, Hellcat and Avenger, or opposing types, Wildcat and Zero, Sabre and MIG15 etc.  Even ships, Hood and Bismark, Duke of York and Schanhorst, Lexington and Dauntless etc.  Maybe T34 vs Panther, or partnered vehicles, i.e. Abrams and Bradley.

Your own version of Airfix's Dogfight Doubles, in effect.... You could even mix types, Typhoon vs Tiger or Swordfish vs Bismark for example.

Yes exactly!

PAK40 vs T34

Or Flak '88 vs Vickers Mk.VI, if you're going for the comedy vote..... >:D
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 25, 2014, 03:44:17 AM
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/Slide1_zpsd92feb54.jpg)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: jcf on December 25, 2014, 03:47:26 AM
Fewer Than Four ... Wheels that is.

 :icon_fsm:
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Spey Phantom on December 25, 2014, 03:57:57 AM
([url]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/Slide1_zpsd92feb54.jpg[/url])

Or biplanes, i remember building a Roman Empire Fokker D. VII observation aircraft.
Would be nice to build more roman stuff.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 25, 2014, 04:18:23 AM
Fewer Than Four ... Wheels that is.

 :icon_fsm:


Sorry Jon…but I just had to post this:

(http://www.dube.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/harper-art_compressed.jpg)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Cliffy B on December 25, 2014, 04:28:11 AM
Pass the mind bleach gents....
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Kerick on December 25, 2014, 06:21:57 AM
Pass the mind bleach gents....

Quickly!!!!
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Frank3k on December 25, 2014, 06:35:04 AM
http://imgur.com/r/eyebleach/top/all (http://imgur.com/r/eyebleach/top/all)

(http://i.imgur.com/VfCILca.gif)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 26, 2014, 05:59:23 AM
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/Slide1_zpse93d82a2.jpg~original)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Cliffy B on December 26, 2014, 06:47:14 AM
We already had a "Desert GB" so how about an "Arctic GB" ?
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: finsrin on December 26, 2014, 12:45:19 PM
([url]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/Slide1_zpse93d82a2.jpg~original[/url])


Gave me a flash of M20 armored car races.
Crewed by driver and a director topside.
Big block Detroit power and sponsors names painted on.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Kerick on December 26, 2014, 12:59:45 PM
[url]http://imgur.com/r/eyebleach/top/all[/url] ([url]http://imgur.com/r/eyebleach/top/all[/url])

([url]http://i.imgur.com/VfCILca.gif[/url])


OK I feel better now. Just a little jealous




    of the kitten.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: perttime on December 26, 2014, 05:09:08 PM
I'm sure I've seen something about Tank Racing. Not sure if it was more like Tank Biathlon, where you'd also have to hit some targets.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: taiidantomcat on December 27, 2014, 03:16:35 PM
Great to see this thread up to so many pages  :) I wanted to share some ideas and give feedback for what I have seen before I hit the rack  :icon_sleep:

Extended service life GB.

Modify subject for service years past when it was in regular service.
Likely won't be a effective as completely newer planes-ships-armor. 
So what --- gets modernized as best it can dependent on how many years in future its service is.  10yrs?  50yrs?

Jet powered DC-3.  F404/414 powered sidewinder/AMRAAM armed F-94.  Newer guns, sensors, turrets on armor.  Reactive armor on M3 Grant.  1990s King George/Bismarck.  WW2 USS Olympia.  1930s/40s Martin MB2/Vickers Vimy.  1960s/70s Lancaster/B-24/Betty/He177.
Cold war/Gulf war/2015 USS Arizona (USS Olympia?).
So on and so on.


actually suggested this one myself way back when on the other site, but I don't think it ever went thru:

http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,23846.0.html (http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,23846.0.html)

Still think its a great idea , that needs to be done :)

I like the idea of a "logistics" GB I think it would be fun to extend that to all areas too (Star Destroyer Tug Boat!). I like the idea of a "climate" GB (desert was a lot of fun! Jungle?) Single type Is also a lot of fun, the trick is finding a type everyone can agree on.  :-\ (Its F-14s BTW) the idea of bashing similiar or even adversaries is intriguing too "dual build". the WWII GB on the other site was huge, I don't think you can really go wrong with it and the 70th anniversary is worth noting indeed, could include the '41 idea in it, lots of profiles, alt history obviously.

Here are a few of mine:

Rotors (Helicopters baby!!, Tiltrotors too)

ENGINEering ( B-52s to 6 turning 4 burning, singles to twins, twins to singles, singles to gliders, etc)

Next Generation (Follow on to current types or other "20 minutes into the future" ideas)

Alternate JSF (suggested on other site, never followed)

STOVL/VSTOL

Animals. Shark mouths, to tiger stripes, to ducks on the tail. etc

Back dated (opposite of never retired, an airplane that is "retro futured" AKA how does an F-22 look in 1950?)

Treadhead (Tanks! Armor! anything with tracks!Land based vehicles)

Starfighter (Sci-fi, fighter class ships)

The Losers (the plane that wasn't picked, X-32 YF-23, TSR.2, you know them)

VLO/LO = Stealthy stuff (cloacked ships, subs stealth airplanes)

Across the universe (science fiction crossovers: Babylon 5 in the star trek universe, Starship Enterprise in Futurama, Federation Millennium Falcon etc. )

OOB  (Out of box with a twist, How creative can you get with just what is provided in the box? Is that a wing a fin? or is the fin the new wing?)

(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q14/rafaelgonzalez65/FA-14W%20Tomcat/FA-14WTomcatIMG_2920.jpg)




Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Acree on December 27, 2014, 05:19:21 PM
Golden Age of Flight Test

The glory days of test aviation at Muroc/Edwards, Pax River, Boscombe Down, Gromov, Ramenskoye, etc.  1946-1960.  Any real world or totally imagined aircraft intended solely for research (think XS-1/X-1, X-2, an X-3 with an effective engine, D-558-I & II, or anything from this page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_experimental_aircraft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_experimental_aircraft)    Lots of room for WHIFFing!

Chuck
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: finsrin on December 27, 2014, 06:11:24 PM
My "favorites" of last posts are:

Extended service life.

Logistics

Rotors (Helicopters baby!!, Tiltrotors too)

ENGINEering ( B-52s to 6 turning 4 burning, singles to twins, twins to singles, singles to gliders, etc)
>>> change number of engines up/down by at least one (e.g. SBDJ) ?
>>> includes change to larger/smaller prop or jet engine ?
need to clarify.

STOVL/VSTOL

Treadhead (Tanks! Armor! anything with tracks!Land based vehicles)

Golden Age of Flight Test
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Spey Phantom on December 27, 2014, 06:49:55 PM
if some of you remember the "Sovietize It GB" back on the other forum some time ago, i have an idea in a similar trend.
what if Western countries flew Soviet/Russian aircraft? we could see Belgian Mig-21's, Mig-29's, Dutch Mig-23's, RAF Su-27's,...

i would call it the "Soviet West GB"  8)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Volkodav on December 27, 2014, 10:37:08 PM
How about a "just one thing different", for example the UK doesn't transfer jet engine technology to the USSR or the USNs carriers were at Pearl Harbour on December 7, the RN keeps the RNAS (reduced in size but most importantly they keep their senior air minded officers), the US follows the UK and forms an independent air force in the early 20s (absorbing both the army and naval air arms).
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 28, 2014, 02:49:50 AM
Good ideas guys, keep them coming.   would urge you to have a look at the Completed GBs area (http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?board=31.0) though - a number of these ideas have ben done as GBs already.   That is not to say that we can't redo them, but people may have already expended their ideas.

For instance:

* The Losers (the plane that wasn't picked, X-32 YF-23, TSR.2, you know them) and also "just one thing different" could = The Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda GB
* Starfighter (Sci-fi, fighter class ships) could = Space GB
* VLO/LO = Stealthy stuff (cloacked ships, subs stealth airplanes)  could = Black Projects GB
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 28, 2014, 02:51:55 AM
May I also suggest that some similar ideas get combined into one.  For instance, Rotors (Helicopters baby!!, Tiltrotors too) + STOVL/VSTOL = Vertical GB.  Happy to be convinced to leave them separate but I am suggesting this sort of merge so as to increase participation.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Weaver on December 28, 2014, 07:15:05 AM
I'll suggest one that I've suggested numerous times in the past: a GB where the premise is that one very important type never got made. I originally called it the No Spooks GB, because the concept was that it was the F-4 Phantom that never happened. However that leaves other genres out, so to open it up a bit, you could have a range of "deleted" vehicles:

WWII aircraft : Spitfire
Post WII aircraft : F-4 Phantom
WWII AFV : Sherman
Post WWII AFV : Leo I
Ships/cars : don't know (suggestions?)
Spacecraft : Shuttle

The idea is that the model you make represents one of the many consequences of the famous type not being made. For instance, if the F-4 had never been built, what would the USN/USAF/RAF/Israelis etc.. be flying instead? Some other real-life aircraft? A radical modification of a real-life aircraft, or some totally new type?
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: finsrin on December 28, 2014, 07:38:51 AM
May I also suggest that some similar ideas get combined into one.  For instance, Rotors (Helicopters baby!!, Tiltrotors too) + STOVL/VSTOL = Vertical GB.  Happy to be convinced to leave them separate but I am suggesting this sort of merge so as to increase participation.

Combo of Rotors (Helicopters baby!!, Tiltrotors too) + STOVL/VSTOL = Vertical GB makes sense to me.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: ysi_maniac on December 28, 2014, 09:03:54 AM
Whiffery Classics GB

Hybrid Battlecruiser/Carrier
Land BattleShip
Flying Battle Cruiser
Piston Fighter to Early jet
...
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Volkodav on December 28, 2014, 11:21:16 AM
How about"no jet engine" either at all or until a couple of decades later.  We get to see an extra generation or three of piston engines military and civil aircraft.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 28, 2014, 02:50:52 PM
Cold War GB.   Be that classic Cold War confrontations or perhaps Cold War in the '20s/'30s or perhaps a future Cold War?
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Spey Phantom on December 28, 2014, 06:26:20 PM
Cold War GB.   Be that classic Cold War confrontations or perhaps Cold War in the '20s/'30s or perhaps a future Cold War?

i like that idea  :)
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: LemonJello on December 29, 2014, 01:39:47 AM
I'll throw support behind the Vertical GB idea.

I'll toss this into the suggestion box: Armored Knights - figures only, any scale, time frame or reality.  An example: WWI "Starship Trooper" or Lunar Marines of the Space Race.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: taiidantomcat on December 31, 2014, 01:01:51 PM
I like the idea of a Vertical GB combo.  :)

Figures would be fun period.

I think the ENGINEering things could also include turbines to props and vice versa along with increasing or decreasing the number of engines  :)

Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 31, 2014, 01:26:19 PM
Folks,

Get those ideas in.  I will get a poll going in the next couple of days so as to let you vote.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Acree on January 02, 2015, 03:41:51 AM
World War II turns hot in South America! 

This is an idea I will be using for a back story for several future builds but could make a good GB.  The idea is that Germany and/or Italy take a greater interest in South and Central America, opening a theater of operations there by exploiting the animosities between Bolivia/Paraguay, Peru/Ecuador/Colombia, etc.  Could be local surrogates or German/Italian expeditionary forces - could even be others (imagine "free Dutch" fighting from Aruba). 

If we imagine this front being hot between say, 1940 and 1945 (or it could easily extend earlier or later), then it allows all SORTS of sea/land/air whiffery, from obsolete equipment soldiering on to new modifications (my first contribution will be a Colombian seaplane P-40).  Even the Japanese could get involved.  Plus it allows for really different camo and markings options.  Nothing boring here!
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Frank3k on January 02, 2015, 05:43:00 AM
World War II turns hot in South America! 

I like this! You could also throw Japan in the mix - there were (and still are) large numbers of Peruvians and Brazilians with Japanese ancestry. The Japanese in Peru caused quite a bit of concern in the US at the beginning of WWII
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 02, 2015, 06:04:47 AM
What if I broaden the topic to "Central and South American" GB - this will allow wider participation whilst still covering your theme.

Similarly, I will introduce a new idea:  African GB - this will allow for similar ideas in Africa including South African and Rhodesian conflicts…amongst others.
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Acree on January 02, 2015, 06:43:45 AM
What if I broaden the topic to "Central and South American" GB - this will allow wider participation whilst still covering your theme.
Suits me fine!
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: Logan Hartke on January 02, 2015, 06:53:51 AM
What if I broaden the topic to "Central and South American" GB - this will allow wider participation whilst still covering your theme.

I like this idea, too!

Cheers,

Logan
Title: Re: 2015 Group Build Ideas
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 02, 2015, 07:17:20 AM
Ok folks,

I have put up the Poll for the 2015 GB Calendar here (http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=5055.0) so no more ideas in this thread please.  You can however, still ask questions or seek clarification either in this thread or in the Poll thread.

Kind Regards,

Greg