I have been thinking;
I know that’s dangerous! But, really, Think about it. We have the I.P.M.S. sure. But what about the other Hobbyists that have skills that overlap ours? Have you ever given that any thought? There’s Wood Carvers groups that some members make Fire equipment and Farm Equipment in say 1/24 that must be, according to their rules made of 100% wood. That takes some skills.
Imagine building a 1/24 or 1/25 Antique Auto or Boat using the same stuff. Many of the older cars had Wooden frames, you know! Boats, of course. Now there were many Boats built out of wood. Not many are done in those smaller scales though. Yes, smaller than 1/96 but why not? The procedure is the same Just smaller, and if it is a Power-Boat you can use any engine from the old Model T up to Modern from plastic kits… I couldn’t find an Aurora -Wheeler Cruiser I could Afford-So I did the hull and cabins out of wood and put Plastic sheet interior Appointments in it as well as two Chevy Car engines modified for marine service. I had built the original out of the kit in 1967. I didn’t know then that it was a one year only kit. Why? Well, it was done so well.
Usually short runs, even from the majors, weren’t that good. I needed some Diesel engines for a 1/25 project.That’s when I came across some Wood Carvers at the R.V. park we stayed in one winter. They not only taught me how to carve life sized Hummingbirds, But, they also taught me how to Carve Engines and Mechanical stuff too!
I wanted to put P.E. on a 1/200 Arizona for myself. Didn’t have the Money for the P.E.Kits( there’s more than one required) One of the hobbyists taught me how to solder better and make the brass parts myself out of fine brass wire and rod. Yes, even the little rails! He had been doing it on Brass and Wood models for years!
We have Car and Armor builders who use a lot of after market stuff. Why? They feel they cannot build the parts themselves. I had one Fellow, and his Wife, teach me how to set up a Dremel powered home made lathe to turn parts for Cars and Planes! The same couple taught me how to create Drive wheels and Working suspensions for 1/35 scale Armor out of Clock parts!. But even they said to do your own Tracks would be too much of a job, Buy aftermarket!
Now I have, during my proffessional career built Aircraft radials in all sizes from both Sheet Plastic and Brass up to sheet Lexan and Resin. Some even life sized! Another friend taught me how to make miniature Tiffany lamps in 1/25 in glass pieces from a bottle full of teensy shards of colored glass!
The thought is simple. Why Not a general Hobbyist( Miniatures) Society that can Teach , or can ask someone in a simple E-Mail say, How do you do this? Even have a Society Publication like the Nautical Research Guild does? Our Fine Scale Modeler tries to cover a lot. But, just suppose miniaturiste got together to share more than what these fine folks can. We would have an almost World-Wide network to pick and choose from. PLUS, we would still have the fine Library of Kalmbach to go to for closer articles on these things we already know.
Model railroaders are many times Multi-Media Builders, What with Metal and Wood Rail Cars to Wood, Plastic and Resin Buildings. Thay also solder a LOT of fine stuff. So why not be able to go to our Society’s publication for specifics not normally covered by just Model Rail or Plastic Model books! I believe it would also give those who have supported us with their individual Publications a boost in sales, You know," Well, what does Fine Scale have on that,for instance?
Plus as a society engendering all MINIATURE crafts we would certainly have a large Roster of fellow Members to call on for training and information to supplement our Fine Scale and Model rail mags. What would you think. Good idea or Bad one?