The Rules

[GTX_Admin]

Hi folks,

Here are the Rules of the "Upgrades and Life Extensions" Group Build:

• Have Fun!!!
• As the name says, the theme is to have an existing (or historical) platform kept in service via upgrades or life extensions.  It can range from the practical through to the extremely ridiculous (and humorous).
• Creativity encouraged as is collaboration
• Physical and non-physical entries are welcomed
• Duration is 1 Apr 2026 to 30 Jun 2026.  An extension may be granted, but only a short one and only if the Moderator (me) feels like it.
• Any questions are to be directed to the Moderator (me again!)
• See rule 1

Regards,

Greg

[Spey Phantom]

i have a question regarding the rules.
not to question the honnesty and integrity of everyone here, but can i ask to refrein people from using AI creations?
i just think this is a form of cheating.

[GTX_Admin]

It will depend upon how AI is used.  If used to support a story, I am ok with such.  Any use of AI should be noted in an entry though.  I would also emphasise Rule 1.

[Kerick]

If it’s identified as AI I would appreciate that.

[Kerick]

You can tell well done AI from bad if you look carefully. I’m no expert by a long shot but it can take some work to get it looking good. I know there can be many updates and corrections to the instructions given to the computer to refine the image. Then compare that to the stuff on the internet that looks to be made from a photo junk pile. The ones that have people with no heads is a prime example.
It’s like 3D printing. It’s new technology that’s here to stay. We will have to get used to it I suppose.
The times they are a changing.

[Volkodav]

Interesting, I hadn't thought of that, using AI for modifying images and profiles for an Alt History.  I wonder if i could use it for modifying cd models too, possibly for 3D printing

[Volkodav]

Maybe I need to dig out the KGV I started when I was still having Chemo

https://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=3360.msg69438#msg69438

[Kerick]

In a different thread I talked about converting a P-51 or other WW2 type to shoot down drones in Ukraine.

https://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=11301.msg236536#msg236536

I have a mostly assembled old school Monogram P-51B that I would like to enter. It needs a proper paint job and the prop, landing gear, weapons and canopy, etc. added to complete it. See these photos.





I actually glued stretched sprue on various places to replace sanded off raised panel lines. I may have to change that.
I'm thinking of a WW2 green over grey with blue and yellow invasion style ID stripes. I already have various Ukraine roundels and such.
If you think this still requires enough work to qualify for the GB I'm in. If not, then I might just build this anyway just to get it off the shelf of doom.

[raafif]

I know you guys are 99.9% aircraft nuts but is an upgraded sci-fi kit allowable ?

[GTX_Admin]

In a different thread I talked about converting a P-51 or other WW2 type to shoot down drones in Ukraine.

https://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=11301.msg236536#msg236536

I have a mostly assembled old school Monogram P-51B that I would like to enter. It needs a proper paint job and the prop, landing gear, weapons and canopy, etc. added to complete it. See these photos.





I actually glued stretched sprue on various places to replace sanded off raised panel lines. I may have to change that.
I'm thinking of a WW2 green over grey with blue and yellow invasion style ID stripes. I already have various Ukraine roundels and such.
If you think this still requires enough work to qualify for the GB I'm in. If not, then I might just build this anyway just to get it off the shelf of doom.

See Rule 1 - so yes, acceptable.

[GTX_Admin]

I know you guys are 99.9% aircraft nuts but is an upgraded sci-fi kit allowable ?

Yes acceptable…and encouraged.

[Kerick]

Thanks!
I’ll work on a plausible backstory to justify risking a multimillion dollar vintage aircraft in another war!
If I come across a PC-9 or Super Tucano kit that might join the fight too. A few different videos going around explaining how they might work.

[raafif]

I know you guys are 99.9% aircraft nuts but is an upgraded sci-fi kit allowable ?

Yes acceptable…and encouraged.

Thanks !

[GTX_Admin]

1 week to go folks.

[GTX_Admin]

Last day folks.

[Kerick]

Tomorrow?
No requests for an extension from anyone. I think that’s a new experience.

[Mig Eater]

I finish the construction phase of my build, but then this heatwave hit turning my hobby room into an oven so I haven't been able to do any painting. Its not going to cool down anytime soon and I'm going to be away for awhile too, so unless you want to make it a month long extension it wouldn't help

[Kerick]

Someone can switch my drone chaser Mustang over to “aircraft” whenever you’re ready.

[GTX_Admin]

I finish the construction phase of my build, but then this heatwave hit turning my hobby room into an oven so I haven't been able to do any painting. Its not going to cool down anytime soon and I'm going to be away for awhile too, so unless you want to make it a month long extension it wouldn't help

If others chime in wanting an extension that long I am willing to accept...

[Kerick]

That would allow me to finish……