- The Airfix Tribute Forum -

davecov · Posted: Tue 20 Mar 2007 21:05 pm Post subject: Group Build Rules and FAQs

Below you will find everything you need to know about Group Builds! If you have any comments or suggestions then post them in a separate thread set up for that purpose, here

Date of this version: 8th August 2007

What are Group Builds?
Types of Group Builds
Why are some Group Builds Airfix kits only and some not?
Group Build Calendar
Nominating Subjects
Polling for Subjects
Polling for Start Dates
Signing up for Group Builds
Group Builds Plus
Setting up Group Build Forums
Group Build Gurus
Group Build Leaders
Group Build Galleries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Group Builds?
A Group Build is where we each make a kit on a particular subject or theme. We share our experiences of our builds and discuss such things as problems encountered, different paint schemes etc. The Group Builds are free to take part in but each participant is responsible for their own costs in purchasing and building their kits. The only time there will be an entry fee is if we should have Group Builds in order to raise money for charity.

Basically, the system works like this:

a. A subject is nominated as a Group Build.
b. Members vote on whether subject is suitable or not
c. If suitable, then a start date for the Group Build is chosen
d. Group Build takes place with each participant recording progress of their build in their own thread
e. Group Build ends with participants posting pictures of completed models
f. Models must be made specifically for the particular ATF Group Build and not ones that were made for Group Builds on other sites
g. Models must not be started until the official Group Build Start Date
h. Models must be Airfix boxings of other manufacturer's kits (except for Dapol railway items)

More information on each of these procedures and other aspects of the Group Build setup are detailed below.

Types of Group Builds
There are now seven types of Group Build on this site;

Standard Group Build
We all build any scale of *Airfix kit as long as they match the subject. For example, a Bismarck build would allow us to build both the 1/600 and 1/400 kits.

Specific Kit Build
This is where we each build the same *Airfix kit. So, for example, we might each build the Airfix 1/144 Concorde, or the Airfix 1/72 dH Heron. We would not mix and match scales as per the Standard Group Build.

Themed Build
This is where we all build something along a particular theme. For example, the theme might be RAF Heavy Bombers, Falklands Conflict etc. Participants in these builds can build anything that fits the theme. Something like a D-Day theme would be an open house with any ship, tank, aircraft, soldiers that appeared at the Normandy landing being made. *Airfix kits only.

Conversion Build
This is where a conversion is carried out of a specific Airfix kit. For example, the chassis of an *Airfix vehicle could have a different cab and body put on it. These could either be non-specific conversions where everybody does their own particular conversion of the same kit or a specific one proposed by the Group Build leader who will provide the necessary references/drawings for the conversion.

Joint Build
This is a new type of build where members get together to build one project. It could be a kit but it is not really designed for that. It is really for the creation of dioramas. The inaugural Joint Build is an Operation Sealion diorama.

Boss Builds
One of my perks for being the owner of The Airfix Tribute Forum is that I can pick and choose whatever I like! These can be builds as described above or in the case of the ATF First Anniversary Group Build, anything goes - as long as *Airfix kits are used.

Charity Group Builds
Charity Group Builds are basically any of the above builds but there will be an entrance fee in order to raise money for charity.

*Airfix - note that where Airfix have reboxed other manufacturer's kits, such as the Heller 1/400 ships for example, you cannot make the original Heller kits or other manufacturer's boxings of the same kits.

Why are some Group Builds Airfix kits only and some not?
As this is my Airfix Tribute Forum, then it does not take a rocket scientist to work out that I want Airfix-only Group Builds. There are plenty of other places that cater for all makes of kits but not many where Airfix features prominently, if at all.

Having said that, I had to make some changes to the rules when the administration of Airfix in August 2006 was announced. It was not certain if Airfix would ever survive so I allowed any kits to be made. This was a temporary measure and was cancelled in December after Hornby had acquired Airfix. However, the following Group Builds had already been nominated by that time and so will still be of any manufacturer and any scale:

Martin B-26 Marauder
NA P51 Mustang
Willys Jeep
Saab Viggen
Supermarine Spitfire
Junkers Ju88
de Havilland Mosquito
ATF Diorama Joint Build

All Group Builds after these revert to Airfix kits only.

Group Build Calendar
If you wish to see what Group Builds are underway, finished or planned for the future, then you should visit the relevant Group Build Calendar thread. The 2007 Calendar can be found here. This thread should also be consulted before nominating a subject as a possible Group Build.

Nominating Subjects
If somebody wants to see a Group Build on a particular subject, then they should consult the Group Build Calendar thread to see if their subject has already been nominated or if it can be built as part of a future Group Build already scheduled to take place.

If it has not been nominated in the past, then they should make make a post in the appropriate Future GBs thread for other members to comment on their suggestion. It may well be that other members were considering similar Group Builds and so we may be able to combine them if necessary or co-ordinate them in some way so that we don't have too many similar builds going on at the same time.

If it appears that the subject will be a popular choice for a Group Build, then the person nominating the subject becomes Group Build Leader (GBL) for that (potential) Group Build and are responsible for overseeing the polling for Subjects and Start Dates, detailed below. They also have to supervise the Group Build itself and ensure that members keep to the deadlines.

If a subject proves to be a non-starter, then the procedure goes no further.

Polling for Subjects
If interest has been expressed by other members in the nominated Group Build, then the Group Build Leader creates a separate thread formerly polling for members to express their interest. The poll should run for a week or two and should be along the lines of:

Would you do an Airfix _______ Group Build ?
yes, in the next three months
Yes, in the next six months
Yes, but later than six months
No

Now, the reasons for these options is not just to get an idea of how many want to take part but also when it is to take place. If you wish to take part but do not have a preference for when it takes place, just choose "Yes". The "No" votes are not taken into account but just give an idea of how popular (or not) some subjects are.

You can also give a choice of subjects for members to vote on with the most popular choice being the subject of the Group Build. Where there is a tie, the Group Build Leader will decide who the winner is - in consultation with the appropriate Group Build Guru.

Polling for Start Dates
Once the results of the first poll are known, members will then have to vote for a start date. Group Build Gurus should ask me to create the relevant Usergroup for participants to sign up to before the Start Date Poll can take place. By signing up to the Usergroup, they will have access to the relevant thread in the Group Builds Start Date Polls Forum and a second poll will take place to select the start date. Note, that if more people voted for either an earlier or later start, then that period should be selected for possible start dates. Example of poll below:

Vote for the Airfix _______ Group Build Start Date
15th September - 15th November
1st October - 1st December
15th October - 15th December

The alternative dates for the Group Build should be worked out after looking at the Group Build Status Page. This shows all the Group Build start and end dates. Note that the Group Builds are normally two months long but may be longer if the subject generates a lot of interest with many builds by each member (such as the Falklands GB).

Setting up Group Build Forums
Two months prior to the start date I will create a new sub-forum for the Group Build (containing Reference and Chat threads). At this time, the Group Build Leader should create threads for each participant to record progress of their build. Note that at this stage, the Group Build will not have started yet but it gives participants time to research and exchange reference material, information etc and discuss the build prior to it beginning. Please do not start your builds until the specified Start Date.

Signing up for Group Builds
In order to take part in a Group Build, you must sign up via the Usergroups. To do this, click on the Usergroups link at the top of the page. Then:

Go to the lower of the two drop-down boxes where it says "Join a Group"

Select "Group Build - xxx" where xxx is the particular subject

Click "View Information"

Click on "Join Group".

The Group Build Leader will then approve your membership of the Group Build and create a thread for you to record progress of your build. Do not create threads yourself. If you are making two or more kits, you can request that the Group Build Leader (or myself) make a separate thread for each build.

Group Build Plus
Basically, Group Builds Plus is the archive for the ATF Group Builds which ensures the main Group Builds Forum only contains current and future Group Builds. The "Plus" part of the title refers to the fact that the Group Builds are still open even though they have passed the official end date. This allows the participation of members who could not for various reasons take part originally and new members too. It also allows those who build rather slowly (like me and my HMS Manxman) to continue the builds well after the end date.

Anybody wishing to sign up for a Group Build in the Group Builds Plus forum should do so using the procedure laid down for normal Group Builds. The relevant Group Build Leader or myself will then set up a thread for the recording of the build's progress.

Group Build Gurus
The role of a Group Build Guru is to:

- promote and encourage Group Builds for their particular subject
- co-ordinate the polling of subjects to be considered for Group Builds for their particular subject in liaison with Group Build Leaders
- arrange dates for the Group Builds in liaison with Group Build Leaders
- assist me in maintaining the Group Build Status thread
- liaise with myself and other Gurus about Group Build procedures, rules etc.

Note that Gurus only have to avoid clashes within their own subject and not worry about the other subjects. If it means that some people may have to delay their participation in one Group Build because they are doing another one, then that is not a problem. We have already seen that members are quite happy to join in a Group Build well after it has started - or even finished. Hence the Group Builds Plus idea.

Group Build Gurus have access to a special Gurus Forum for the purpose of organising their Group Builds and for liaising with other Group Build Gurus.

Group Build Leaders
1. Anyone who nominates the subject(s) for a Group Build (GB) automatically becomes Group Build Leader.

2. The Group Build Leader carries out a poll of members to see if subject is popular as a Group Build. This is done in liaison with the Group Build Guru for that subject.

3. If subject is popular (i.e. three or more wish to take part), the Group Build Leader carries out a second poll of members to determine the start date of the GB. This is also done in liaison with the Group Build Guru for that subject.

4. Once the start date has been agreed, the Group Build Leader has to approve members signing up for the GB via the Usergroups. [DaveCov will set up a Forum and a Usergroup for the Group Build]. The Group Build Leader will automatically be a member of the GB Usergroup by virtue of being moderator for it.

5. Having approved a member, the Group Build Leader has to create a thread in the appropriate Group Build Forum for that member to record their build.

6. Once the Group Build has started the Group Build Leader should, as well as leading by example, monitor the progress of the participants. The Group Build Leader should also give appropriate encouragement when necessary to ensure that the end date will be met.

Group Build Galleries
Each Group Build Forum has a picture gallery thread so that participants can post pictures of their completed models. Non-participants cannot post in these galleries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are no FAQs!

Dave

Last edited by davecov on Wed 08 Aug 2007 21:36; edited 3 times in total
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Richard M · Posted: Thu 27 Mar 2008 22:02 pm Post subject:

Reminder! Boosting this for the benefit of new (and old) members

Best
Rich
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Rich
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Ratch · Posted: Mon 23 Mar 2009 21:02 pm Post subject:

I see Group Builds as being a shared experience. Ideally we would all be building the same kit, at the same time. Sharing the problems and our solutions to those problems. Theme GB's can work in a similar way, with all sorts of information shared over the timescale of the build.
If you don't want to build during the agreed timescale...
If you cannot be bothered to post regular updates...
If you only want to show your finished model....
Perhaps you should question whether Group Builds are your thing

Group Builds Plus is a facility whereby participants who overrun the end date are not prohibited from showing the closing stages of their build

It was never conceived for people to deliberately prolong their build - where is the shared experience in that

Bottom Line

If you don't feel you can fully participate in the shared experience that is a Group Build, why sign up

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AFCBGeorge · Posted: Mon 23 Mar 2009 21:59 pm Post subject:

With all due respect Ratch, I think that's an overly negative response. I think we all know builds don't always go to plan, & I don't think anyone joins intending to finish late. I also quite like the digging up of old group builds when they overrun as it gets old (but very good) builds right back into view when you look at the gallery.

Although I am in complete agreement with you about the points you've raised, I'm just conscious the way the post is written may scare a few of the more hesitant (perhaps new) posters into not participating. After all we are a nice lot, & as long as it's not intentional (I think that's the key here) to break any of the guidelines above, I'd say we're a lot more tolerant & friendly than you've made it appear in that post.

Sorry to be an awkward sausage, & I don't want to cause an argument, I just think you made signing up to a GB a pretty intimidating experience for someone who's never done one before...
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feanor · Posted: Mon 23 Mar 2009 22:23 pm Post subject:

Ayup George...

But that's what GROUP Build means. you sign up to the whole thing. and if you participate, and can't finish on time, then we have GB PLUS to allow you to finish.

To start 'When you feel like it' and end 'When you feel like it' because you feel you've participated 'In the Spirit' of a GB is totally pointless. If you wanna take your time. Build at your own pace, and post in 'Models in progress'

In my case, i'm going for the finish regardless of whatever else i'm posting about.
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AFCBGeorge · Posted: Mon 23 Mar 2009 22:56 pm Post subject:

Ratch · Posted: Mon 23 Mar 2009 23:30 pm Post subject:

We all know that life sometimes gets in the way of modelling, and that's why we have Group Bulds Plus

Some sites lock all threads, completed or not, when the closing date is reached

Some extend the closing date for stragglers to get finished

My rather ham-fisted attempt was at pointing out that if participants don't build at (roughly) the same time, or don't post regular updates then the GB experience is not a shared one and just becomes a bunch of models made on a theme

Originally I'd intended to build the HP 0/400 for the FAA/RNAS GB, but I got cold feet

Hangartime's start was inspirational

and although I know my build will not be as accomplished as his, it gave me the confidence to tackle it
Cheers!

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AFCBGeorge · Posted: Thu 26 Mar 2009 14:09 pm Post subject:

Sorry to Rock the boat chaps, it seems we are in complete agreement. I think you can sum up my waffling by saying "we are nice!"

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feanor · Posted: Thu 26 Mar 2009 15:45 pm Post subject:

Ayup George...

You're not rocking any boats mate, but have a valid point to make.

No worries !
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