ORIGINAL: MasterAlex
Throwing "off track" naw - perfectly on track. I always wondered the same thing ... now I can answer the question. I build a SIG mid-star last year, covered it in a 3D American Flag monocote scheme and almost did a build thread on that one. When I got the Hog I knew it had more of a "cult following" here on RCU and figured it might be just the airframe to start a thread with - not to mention if I got stuck there'd be a fair amount of help out there.
ORIGINAL: r2champion
So tell me MasterAlex, is it tedious trying to keep the thread going? I have thought about it for the last couple of planes I have built but I have waited until I can get my own shop. Currently, I do most of my building at my dads shop (he has all the tools and then some!) and I find it hard to stay on a regular building schedule. Considering, I think a build thread would be difficult to stay on top of.
So far I am surprised at this, but no. I keep the camera close by and snap a picture or two whenever I start something or move on to the next step. Not everything gets a picture, but the camera's right there and handy. If anything, keeping a record of things makes me neater and believe it or not, more careful. I really think I'm doing a better job knowing all of you are going to see it.
As far as staying on top of the build goes - I've been able to do it so far. Knowing there are others waiting for the next installment gives me a bit more motovation to "go to the dungeon" as my wife calls it. I'm sure there will be times when I just can't get to the basement. Heck, next week is one of them as I'll be out of town the entire week on business. [:@]
ORIGINAL: r2champion
On top of that I don't know if I would have the patience to stop, take pictures, and then find time to post them with the text. Granted, it takes patince to be a builder but I roughly figured it would take me twice as long to finish a plane.
Sure, it probably adds to the duration of the build. It definitely adds to my internet time here at RCU. I was prepared to make that investment in time however.
ORIGINAL: r2champion
I actually now have a "shop" and building table, but I am still collecting the tools that I need. I think that I will try it with my next build just for the sake of trying[
]! Afterall, the point of it all is to get help, and help those who might need it. If a build thread will get someone building that may or may not have ever tried it, then it is all worth it.
Excellent! Give it a shot, see how it goes. I completely agree these threads are 2-way streets. The builder gets immediate (almost) feedback on how they're doing - the readers have a completely documented process regarding the journey of the build. Much more than what is gained by simply reading the manual.
I've found the experience a fun one, and have not regretted it at all.
-MA