pre-build design work

[rwaldram]

I'm just wondering what sort of research & design everyone else does prior to starting a scratchbuild.

Prior to starting my current project i went through a seemingly endless search for photos and reference material of this crane and various others to get ideas and more importantly, the correct details. I even bought one of the 1:87 kibri kits (although this was more for fun than help).

Having a reasonable knowledge of Architectural and Engineering design, I drew highly detailed, full size (1:25 scale) drawings from all angles even an ariel view with the superstructure removed from the carrier. Seperate to this i then drew another set of drawings showing the chassis from all angles.

Does anyone else go to this extent? How do you prepare for your builds?

[Bri]

Well, I have yet to tackle a scratchbuild as massive and extensive as yours, that's for sure. When it comes to big rigs I haven't really gone that route. I like building the trucks as I see them on the road and as such there isn't a whole lot of scratchbuilding involved in that.
However, I also build Nascar stock cars and I do tackle ALOT of scratchbuilding with those projects. I research which specific car I'm doing for which track the car was run at. From there I end up modifying the chassis, rollcages, frame and even the body to replicate the car exactly. Case in point, if I'm building a "supserspeedway" car, ie one that ran at Daytona or talladega, I graft on a "downforce" nose and modify the rest of the body to replicate that style of race car. If I'm doing a short track car then I scribe and open the smaller grilles and modify the car accordingly. It's nothing for me to spend over a year on one Nascar build. I am currently building one of Dale Earnhardt's 2000 Monte Carlos and have more scratchbuilt parts in the project than I do kit parts so far. For me, I enjoy researching that particular car to gather the history and details before I tackle the project itself.
Someday I hope to get to the point where I have the talent to scratchbuild big rig projects. I would love to model a "B" Model Mack as well as some other obscure trucks that aren't available in kit form, but right now I want to master the basics of building realistic looking trucks with the appropriate weathering, stance, and appearance. For me, it seems harder to model a realistic looking truck that it is for me to scratchbuild and modify a stock car to replicate a specific car. Go figure...

[casper]

Research, research, research and then a bit more research .
As a 'hardcore' scratchbuilder (the most kit parts I've used on builds in the last 15 years are a couple of engines ) I will not start any project unless I know I have sufficient info - be it accurate drawings, photos, specs etc etc.
A lot will come down to how much detail/accuracy the individual is willing to put into the build will determine the amount of research. But in saying that - some vehicles just don't have the recorded history/info compared to the more 'popular' brands so basic mechanical knowledge helps cover the "grey areas".
For me, the research is a whole hobby in itself and an area that interests me. My preferred vehicle era is the 30's - 60's an era of classic styling and huge leaps in technology (real vehicles - no plastic and computers ;D).
Being abble to crawl over a vehicle for measurements and photos really helps (at the moment I have a 1:1 Bedford TK sitting on the driveway for my research and next week it will be joined by a Bedford RL ).
After all the research is done (well it's never done because that final missing snippet of info always shows up after you have finished your build ), next up comes the build sequence.
You have to remember scratchbuilding ain't like knocking a kitset together , and a proper build sequence can make the difference between success and failure .
Always remember "The 7 P's"
Prior
Planning and
Preparation
Prevents
P__s
Poor
Performance.

Also - measure twice, cut once.
Seems like a lot of hassle just to build a model , but personally I get no satisfaction building something that has been mass produced (rant coming on but will resist).
Bottom line - you can Never do too much research.

[Rustycab]

Casper
I respect all of what you elaborated on!
I too scratchbuild a lot------ However! its my hobby IF it starts to become too much like work then I think about going back to work (generate Income)
Details are good and there is a time and place for it and on the other hand It nice to just build a static model that gives a good sense of accomplishment and doesnt cause the need for a pack of rolaids in order to review the build process.
On the other hand a lot of folks find satisfaction in pain and suffering.
It takes all kinds- Thats whats neat about this venue we all get to see the different styles and diciplines that are utilized in order to complete our projects.
We are all in some way Prisoners of this hobby regardless of the building skill and level we achieve.
As an example:
I know Guys that can not get past the excesive buying phase of models. They just buy and buy but never open the box due to the anticipation of what can they get next. But they swear they are goin build them soon.

Planning is good---Dont waste too much time planning--- Changes are inevitable

Happy Planning
Even happier building once you formulate the plans
Rustycab

[sourkraut]

I have the advantage of being a truck technician, builder and spec. consultant for the past 22 years. I guess I'm cheating! It helps s#&t loads to be fanatical about trucks, join the A.T.H.S. Get out to the shows, truck stops and dealers. Take lot's of notes and pictures.
Unless you are building an exact replica of a particular truck, the placement and type of many parts is optional and spec-ed. by the builder!
Remember truck modeling is supposed to be fun not a job, build what you like!