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Post by Gromit on Nov 20, 2011 21:20:27 GMT
OK folks, I've been cogitating on the rules for 2012. This year, the numbers of exhibits were down considerably on previous years although the standard was superb. The Aardman kits are now becoming scarce and the price is starting to rise, although I have a reasonable stash, enough for possibly another couple of years at the present rate. I'm going to suggest that we limit the number of individual builds to 2 per member, this will conserve the kits we have and give everyone more building time. I'm presuming the usual culprits will be building next year although I have had a hint that we may have a couple of new lunatics joining the fold, we'll just have to see.
I was asked by Malcolm to consider relaxing the constraint on the base size, however, I've thought about this and would like to keep the base size as it is, there are a couple of reasons for this. I've already mentioned that the kits are becoming harder to get hold of and this may continue, so it makes sense to diversify. We had several Emhar Bedford conversions on display this year, still within the theme of 'Beyond the Box' and I'd like to continue exploring new ideas for the SIG. The secondary theme was very popular and this may be a way to attract new members, so I'd like to explore the idea of a 50 / 50 split of Aardman builds and complimentary builds.
These are my thoughts at the moment and I'd like to have your input please, this is your SIG, it's a popular attraction wherever we display and it's important that we get the ingredients right. I'd like to put the rules to bed before the December 25th deadline so would appreciate your input.
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Post by madmalc on Nov 21, 2011 18:57:55 GMT
After being on a high for a week, I've now been brought down to earth.
I already had three exhibits planned, one of which contains the A35 and a caravan (in the correct scale). I was rather hoping that the base could be longer but narrower, so using no more than the same area (192 sq ins).
I know someone had a go at me for "my standard size" of base, but this year's Flag base covered exactly that table area, and also held the Park & Ride model. The Blimp was smaller.
Am I right in thinking that the number of permitted entries is in addition to those in the secondary side of the display, and not the combined total?
And has the secondary theme been confirmed?
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Post by Gromit on Nov 21, 2011 19:50:31 GMT
Malcolm, the idea for a standard base size was originally introduced as we had a threat of our table space being reduced, but in the end it was decided to keep the base size to bring conformity to the display, the argument for an alternative base size whilst keeping the actual area the same was never discussed, it just happened.
As for the number of permitted entries, this was purely to give longevity to the builds. You're saying that you already had three builds planned for 2012, but I've yet to decide on the rules, this is why I've thrown open a discussion board.
The secondary build will follow a similar theme and the numbers will also be limited.
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Post by fatty on Nov 22, 2011 12:05:22 GMT
I think the 'maximum' board size limit is a good idea as it will help to give an indication as to how much space is needed in relation to how many folks bring models for the display. Having been given the job on previous years to lay all the models out it can be a real night mare.... the thing I hated the most was having to constantly pick up and move about other peoples models around the table in fear of a brakage!
The other thing to consider is if one person is given an exception to board sizes then others will want as well, and if every one turned up with an over sized model then not all the models will get displayed! I know i wouldnt want to be the one to say that they couldnt display their model as there isnt room.
Heres an idea:
If a model is built 'oversize' than what the rules depict then all the other models within the rules take priority on space on the stand. And then if there is any room left once all the others have been laid out then it can be displayed?
That way everyone is happy ;D
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Post by iansadler on Nov 22, 2011 19:28:09 GMT
Hi all , i think we should have a limit on height as well . The reason is to bring a balance back to the display . The base size is ok by me and the limit on two bases per entry is fair to all.
it is wrong to hog the display .
Also while judging is taking place the entrants should not be present at the display . This gives them time to study in peace . my two penny worth .
As to the Bedford build bring it on , the more the better . cheers ian
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Post by madmalc on Nov 22, 2011 22:10:40 GMT
I didn't realise how much my models offended everyone.
I apologise, and can assure you I won't trouble you again.
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Post by fatty on Nov 22, 2011 22:25:12 GMT
Malc your models certainly dont offend anyone, you of all people know and have seen how many smiles and chuckles the builds bring to the faces of the 1000's of people who see them.
I think you may have gotten the wrong end of the stick here, no one here has any problems with you or your modeling, in fact i for one look forward to seeing what your next build will be.
All I think Nick is trying to make a point of is that as our display area has been reduced and we are now having to spread into another genra to accomadate our madness. with this we need to fill and maximise the space we have, and with smaller builds we can fit more on the table.
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Post by Gromit on Nov 22, 2011 22:29:08 GMT
I didn't realise how much my models offended everyone. I apologise, and can assure you I won't trouble you again. What? ... Malcolm, who said your models offended anyone? ... you were judged by Airfix to have the best model on the table and several of your models have been taken to the Hornby Visitor Centre at Margate for the forthcoming display. This is a debate on base sizes for the 2012 display, not a lynching! You've expressed your point of view and now other members are expressing theirs, simply that. |
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Post by madmalc on Nov 24, 2011 18:07:27 GMT
Numbers were limited to five per person: I was the only one to enter more than two, which is the new limit.
Base size was/is 16"x12". But this wasn't the problem, it was the distribution of the area. The Flag and Park & Ride shared one of the same total area, although it was 24x8: the equivalent of each using only half the permitted size, and still rectangular. Of necessity, these half-sizes were built end to end, which raised the objections. I used only two of the permitted number in the Scrapheap display, and pushed them together. Last year my Hearse was the worst offender, moving some of its base width to the rear but still not exceeding the area. Nobody warned me "In future....", but ill feelings have now surfaced.
Now there is a call to reduce the height. Guess whose were the only tall models around.
I hope you can see why I've lost my enthusiasm.
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Post by Gromit on Nov 24, 2011 19:01:55 GMT
Malcolm, I left the playground years ago, this is a hobby and as I've already explained, this thread is an open discussion about base sizes for 2012. It's also about conserving the kits we have in stock in order to perpetuate what visitors come to the stand to see ... Wallace and Gromit. But we also want to show what can be done with a basic kit of any subject.
If everyone built as many models using the 'Aardman' kits for the display as they wanted to, we would soon exhaust the number of kits we have. We took the decision this year to add another element to the SIG, but it's still a build within the confines of the 'Beyond the Box' SIG, and next year I would like to continue with that element.
I asked for comments from all the members of the SIG and that's just what they're supplying. We're not having a go at you. Your models are excellent, you have a superb sense of humour and your ideas for the builds are amazing. So, We would like you to continue participating in the displays for the 'Beyond the Box' SIG, but in the end it's your decision.
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Post by iansadler on Nov 24, 2011 19:17:15 GMT
Malcolm , The reason why i commented on the height of models , was not to have a go at you . But to bring the models down to a level playing field , without one model dwarfing all the others and crowding them out .
As to base sizes yes there needs to be rules and to stick by them or we can end up with a missmash of sizes .
Please do not take any offence when none is intended.
After all we are all floating ideas about the build and hope to retain the trophy for a second year. ian
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Post by brianthemodeller on Nov 24, 2011 20:24:20 GMT
If I may - as a newcomer and comparative outsider?
I can see Malc's point that, with a topic like camping and caravanning, there is a genuine need to have long, comparatively thin bases. Maybe the suggest to specify a maximum area rather than specifying dimensions would give a bit of room for manouvre as it were - without one modeller hogging the display (and that WASN'T a dig at anyone). As for height - easy - put the tall ones at the back.
As for the numbers of models permitted to be built, perhaps that should be left up to the modeller to decide but, come the day at SMW, if space on the table is limited then a maximum per modeller be imposed then?
Finally (and a little tongue in cheek), if Airfix like these builds so much, perhaps they could be convinced to produce some more of the base models??
Brian
(who was planning a single long, fairly tall model)
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Post by madmalc on Nov 25, 2011 1:13:03 GMT
Let me clear this up, once and for all. First, thank you for complimenting my models; I wasn't looking for that, and we all know that my greatest success has been in letting the humour and concepts draw attention away from the build quality.
We all think in different ways, and these differences are what give rise to the wonderful humour and variety of models on the table, and indeed set this SIG apart from the others. However, there are limits to how we can behave. Comments on this page and at the show illustrate that some people have been harbouring feelings of discontent regarding the shape of bases, and the height of models. Also, for practical reasons, the number of exhibits per person has to be reduced again. There is no escaping these facts.
I know that it is not aimed at me, but I do seem to be the only one who is affected, which means that it is my way of thinking that is out of step with the rest of the SIG. When I apologised in an earlier posting, I was not being sarcastic -- I meant it.
Now I'll keep quiet and let you get on with it.
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Post by pat on Nov 25, 2011 20:31:29 GMT
Ok firstly Malcolm nobody is picking on you specifically if you remember the base size and number of builds issue first raised it's head for the at the movies build and was discussed at lengh and a decision was made at that time that base size restrictions would exist. Now I know a number of people are possibly planning long narrow builds but lets not forget the physical size of the individual kit models in the first instance, this issue may have to be given further debate but the side build has to be thought of as well for it's display area as well as we do not have an endless amount of table area, as for the height issue again this should be taken into context and yes taller models will quite probably be placed towards the rear of the display. I believe we should let Nick sort the rules out and see what he comes up with. This thread is for a discussion of what the parameters of the rules should be, so if you have an idea of what base size you would require for your three builds remembering the original base size we work to put your ideas in the thread and it will be considered this thread is for us to get the rules spot on so that we put on yet another crackin' display at SMW next year so instead of bickering please would all contributors put their thoughts and ideas forward sensibly and we'll take it from there. We can't read minds and can't make decisions if you do not give us the information so it can be considered for the build. Sorry if people take this the wrong way but we need to get this thread back on track and some constructive ideas and comments put forward to help in getting the rules correct. Pat J  |
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Post by Gromit on Nov 26, 2011 16:34:20 GMT
I'll leave this thread open until the middle of December to give everyone a chance to comment on the proposals and then I'll take the comments into account and post the rules for the next build. It seems the base sizes are causing the most controversy so a possible rethink on those. I still think we should limit the the builds to two per member, this will give us the space to diversify.
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