I guess you (and that’s a general “you”) just have to decide whether you’d rather have more newcomers, like me, building shell-based packs and getting involved in the community, or not having a chance to do so since we don’t have the time, tools, or talents to scratch-build a pack.
I mean, I could get the tools, and learn how to use them, but then I’d have hundreds of dollars of tools that I’d never use again (or at least until I had to upgrade my pack, build a new one, or whatever) cluttering my basement, and I’d be willing to bet the final product would look like crap compared to a shell pack.
So… yeah. While I give full props to the guys that can and do scratch-build theirs, I can’t say that I really sympathize nor understand the apparent disdain for shell-based packs and their build threads. And as fair warning, I guess I should mention that in September or October I fully intend on starting my own build thread, and I’m planning on picking up one of Alkaline’s shells, since God knows any attempt to scratch build mine would end up making that cake-based pack look screen-accurate.
Truer words have never been spoken. Not to mention that they’re some people that doesn’t even have a basement to put their tools. I live in an appartment, where am I to store all the equipment that I would need? And where would I work? I barely have the space for a shell build (I’m forced to work on my kitchen counter and paint in my driveway) All of this doesn’t even take into account the fact that I have zero experience working with wood or styrene or whatever… All in all, that’s a whole lot of logistical problems that explain that some people simply CAN’T scratch build a pack. That’s not disdain or laziness or anything, I can assure you. Give me access to a full shop or simply a garage with tools, and sure, I’ll try it. But for now? It’s simply out of the question. It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s that I can’t.
No, the term was right. Folks are just being nitpicky. Jello molds aren’t made of jello. Face molds aren’t made of face. Cake molds aren’t made of cake.
OK, this is going to come off biased but oh well. Calling a thread worthless just because its based around a pre-made shell is not only silly but insulting to those whom purchase one and enjoy displaying their build threads for everyone. As stated above not everyone has the access to the tools, space, and time required to scratch build. So a shell provides a nice starting point for them. Even though they didn’t scratch build maybe they come up with a new way of attaching a part or a new method to applying paint or weathering effects.
The point is every build thread, regardless if they scratch build or start with a shell, has the potential to teach new comers (and older members) the ins and outs of prop making or new, easier ways to achieve desired results.
Good point about the insults. I mean, make your point, explain it but why insults? I’ve never saw a shell builder insult a scratch builder. I mean, what’s the point? We’re not enemies. I’m a shell builder, and I admire scratch builders, I really do. Except when they insult me.
