Where do we go from here?

[Gromit]

I've been having a think about the future of the SIG, don't worry it's perfectly healthy and I have no intention of closing it down. However, I believe we need to think about where we want to go with the SIG, is it time for a change?

The 'Aardman / Airfix' kits are becoming harder to get hold of and they're also becoming expensive, there are still bargains to be found and I'm sure several of us have a reasonable stash for future builds. The SIG was originally created to show visitors to model shows that model making can be fun and we started off using the 'Aardman' kits because they were readily recognisable. Now I think it's time we changed direction slightly, still building 'Beyond the Box' but using readily available kits in whatever scale you feel comfortable with. We've already started diversifying with the extra builds such as the 'Military to Civilian' theme for 2013, it still shows that you can have fun with model making using the basic kit as a starting point.

So, where do you want to go with this? ... I look forward to your suggestions.

[madmalc]

What has stood out for me is the reaction of visitors to the SIG displays: it has been very satisfying to hear the (genuine) laughter and see them smiling as they leave. I don't think our output has been prolific enough in recent years to attract the attention that we once did. I still have six definite W&G projects lined up, and enough kits for as many again, but I've not quite completed one this year, and other models are commanding my attention.
Also, consider this. If you look around the display halls, you realise that only a small proportion of kits are built straight from the box, so we have to do something really special to justify our title. The SIG was formed to show that modelling can be fun, so my opinion is that we should continue to make people laugh. At the same time we need to maintain a 'serious' section, otherwise some viewers may dismiss us as trivial.

[pat]

Malcolm I wholeheartedly agree with you and these builds have helped me gain confidence to start entering my models into the competitions again culminating in my class win at the Scottish Nationals this year. But the rarity of the kits means that people who might want to produce a model for a build are struggling to get the kits. I know some people have the stashes to build for the next few years BUT some don't through whatever circumstances.
I have to speak with the ATC Sqn in the next few weeks to see if they are able to do a model this year and this may involve me donating another kit to them and then I'm at the point of not much of a stash anymore.
I agree with Nick and we need a serious think and discussion about what direction we want to head in with the future of the SIG.