Have been in some good offline discussions with a few folks and most of it centers around all the custom building they are seeing. Not everyone is interested in scratchbuilding of course, but more and more people are stepping into this area and I for one am glad to see it.
It is a hobby within a hobby. In fact it is a much smaller one that resides in an already small hobby. In today's world it seems we see less and less people who are willing to build. I used to think that myself, but don't bet the farm on it. Just because you don't see it online doesn't mean there are aren't people out there doing it. Some are just not into social media and they sit back and simply read what the rest of us share.
To ask why we scratchbuild? Because it's fun. Everyone has different reasons why they do it, but in the end it is the fun we have. The old phrase "Necessity is the mother of invention" relates in this world. many of us scratchbuild because we want certain models to race and the only way to get them is to build them ourself.
One of the reasons scratchbuilding in 1/32 has grown is parts availability. From wheel choices to a staggering amount of tires, we have it much better than just 10 years ago. Our wonderful internet is mostly to thank as companies from all around the globe are easily accessed, and our little slot car jewelry is only a few clicks away from going into our little pixel shopping cart and on it's way to us.
Advances in Technology. Thanks to 3D printing our custom world is literally blowing up. Without it, look at how many chassis and parts would not be with us? Even Slot.it has thier own 3D shop. Just cruising Shapeways and seeing the companies created everything from basic chassis to compete cars should give you an idea. But that technology is only as good as the people designing and producing what we want or need.
In fact I am going to dive into it. As I look at my own system and options, it's quite a motivating road to travel.
And it will be
the true enthusiasts who make the difference. Ones that actually KNOW what our fellow builders want/need. Every year at this time I get bombarded with "Hi I am such and such and I am making an all new (fill in the blank) that is the best ever". Most times it's coming from someone who has no idea what this hobby is or even invloved in it. A friend of a friend who has money to start it is who you get and usually the product is nothing we need...or wanted. Just someone trying to make a quick buck off my fellow enthusiasts and I assure you I do my best to ignore them :)
But there are a handful that ARE among us that are making things we need and going forward. I fully support them and hope we see more toys
we actually need. Sharing the work and the fun of building is very important to me. I would love to see more of you taking the time to record and share what you are doing. It's the best way to help those newcomers who have plenty of questions.
So if you need assistance in doing that, let me know. I can help you with photos or even create a full web page.I persoanlly have a full bench. From 1/32 oval and road racers to coming back to 1/25th scale where my building actually began.
What inspires you? What are the projects you enjoy the most? Just repaints? Full rebuilds of exisitng models?If you are sitting on the bleachers, time to come off the bench :)