Modeling Contest Suggestions

[Syf]

Ok everyone. Since we have several people interested in a bit of modeling fun, I have a few questions to ask of those that wish to be part of it.

1.) Who wants to be a judge? I would like 3 judges. They may not actually participate in the contest. They have to be fair minded, without any sway to vote for a specific modeler. And actually, this will be addressed with a point rating system of 1-10 on a few different factors.

2.) What should be the first MSFC modeling contest be focused on. I have a few idea, but I'd like to hear from the interested parties.

A few ideas I have are:

Future of mankind spacecraft.
Future Car
Future Military vehicle or vessel (earth born only)
Walker (inspired by those walking battle machines seen in Star Wars)

And finally...
3.) How long should the contest last.

Since most sites that have these contests don't ask these questions, I am doing them here, just to let others take a personal interest.

I will close this thread in a week (7 days... as in next Monday), then formulate the contest based on all the suggestions and feedback.

 

[Amateur]

Ohh, user input

Well, here's my answers/ response..

1) I'd rather take part, seems like more fun

2) I like all the ideas, but shall extrapolate (love that word) -

• Future spacecraft - A good idea, considering that most of the people who would take part have a history of sci-fi (space) modelling; however the technobabble would become incomprehensible...
• Future Car - Well, any car would have rounded surfaces (I hate those) and would use a lot more poly's. If there's a poly limit then this'd leave less for detailing and such like.
• Future military vehicle - Once again, considering the background this would help. Plus there's plenty of current vehicles to use as a base/reference system. No problems I can see - good robust designs leave a lot of spare polygons to use for little stuff.
• Walker - The word 'Gundam' springs to mind instantly . Sounds like fun; but perhaps the biggest problem would be making sure that the design seems different. There's not a lot that could be done with two legs and some sort of body...

I'd say either the military vehicle, or the walker. The others are also good ideas - but perhaps for a follow-on contest?

3) Three weeks, roughly. Not too long to cause boredom (panelling and such) yet long enough to allow full realization. This might not be entirely feasible of course - but I'd say no longer than five weeks.

Just my views on the idea...

But I'd definitely take part - seems like good, solid fun.

 

[Syf]

Walker don't mean only 2 legs. It could have 20 for all I care (ok, so 20 would be a bit extreme, and hard to convince people it's feasible, even in the way off future).

But I like your enthusiasm. I'm just about as hyped as you are on this contest idea.

 

[Majestic]

I'm not taking part but for all fairness I think non-staff members should make up the judge panel.

 

[Knight]

I'm happy to be a judge.

I think for a first contest, we should stick with spacecraft - afterall, the site is mainly sci fi, and i think for anyone new to modelling, it makes the whole contest much more approachable.

Thats just my opinion though

 

[-RJB-]

Since this is the first contest I think we should stick with the theme of the site which is sci-fi spaceship. After the first one we can start to branch off into other ideas.

As for how long, that depends of the rules and limitations of the contest and the subject matter we are working on but I would say for the first contest, give it a month.

 

[La Patience]

A month sounds good and gives those who arent as good at modeling.
Plus doing a spaceship for the first contest is good as they are a lot easier than making a mech/walker. well anywho count me in for the competition.

 

[-RJB-]

If we go the starship route will it be an original design contest? I think this would be more fun than making something from an established show and would show off the creativity of the artist.

 

[Lord_Trekie]

I'd love to participate, though ultimately if a judge is needed I could do that instead...

The spaceship I think is a great way to start, I've already got ideas flowing and just need the rules and particulars...

I think 3 weeks would be enough, but no longer than a month...

 

[Majestic]

The time frame is notably the biggest part of weather people can join in or not. I personally think a longer timeframe is better than a short one as modellers like writers do get the block where they just can't get their model to their liking. That and people do work and have other commitments, I would personally prefer to see 6 weeks, thats a month and a half but I am leaving all the details of this up to Syf as he came up with the idea and has more modelling knowledge than I do.

If we go the starship route will it be an original design contest? I think this would be more fun than making something from an established show and would show off the creativity of the artist.

Knowing Syf as I do I would say it would be an original design rather than a design from a sci-fi universe already established. I would only join in if it was an original or a Trek one as my modelling is very basic at the moment and if I had the time to do it, but I know Syf is working all the details out at the moment and at the first opportunity he will make them public for all of us.

 

[-RJB-]

The time frame is notably the biggest part of weather people can join in or not. I personally think a longer timeframe is better than a short one as modellers like writers do get the block where they just can't get their model to their liking. That and people do work and have other commitments, I would personally prefer to see 6 weeks, thats a month and a half but I am leaving all the details of this up to Syf as he came up with the idea and has more modelling knowledge than I do.

Well thats what I was thing when I said a month and also past contests that I have been part of, a month seemed to work best.

Knowing Syf as I do I would say it would be an original design rather than a design from a sci-fi universe already established. I would only join in if it was an original or a Trek one as my modelling is very basic at the moment and if I had the time to do it, but I know Syf is working all the details out at the moment and at the first opportunity he will make them public for all of us.

Good to hear. The idea of an original design is starting to get my mental juices flowing. (you may want to get a bucket soon. )

 

[Syf]

Well, in 24 or so hours I will be locking this thread. So anyone wants to suggest anything else, now would be your chance to come forward.

 

[Syf]

Ok, I will gather up the suggestions now and post the first MSFC modeling contest official start soon.

This thread is now locked.

Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions.