Large Scale Central

"Master Class" thread ideas, etc?

General Discussion
#1

This is from the GR thread, so I just copied and pasted to start a new thread about this subject
Bob McCown wrote:
On the subject of “Master Class”, is there enough of an interest from both a writer, and a reader, for something similar here? A detailed “Build it” type of class, maybe twice a year?

A couple of questions I would have.

  1. How do you define a “MC” thread from a regular build thread?
  2. Do you have a step by step process? Again covered in a lot of build threads.
  3. Is it a class: ie, every day, week, month etc the author posts a aspect of the project, then in turn the followers who are building have X days, weeks to build theirs (homework)

Feel free to add as I’m sure we have lots of ideas…

Craig

#2

As long as it’s not called “masterclass” for reasons previously stated .

Mike

#3

I agree! Maybe something like “Let’s build a ‘such and such’.” I lurk over at the other site and when I see something called the “Master Class” I seldom click on it. Seems way too above my ability. A detailed step by step thread that gives direct instructions to the process. (Just like Fine Woodworking has done for years) It would take alot on the authors end to do this but I believe it would be well worth it. By leaving the “Master” out of the picture I think you would get more people involved with the build.
IMHO.

#4

For me, it wouldn’t be too much different than what I do already when I do a build log, just I would have to get more into the tools I use, the techniques used, etc. Probably good for me to do that anyway!

#5

Yep, more than “this is what I got done today” sort of thing.

#6

I’d be very interested in a detailed build it type class. Not necessarily a “Master” class, but what specifically someone does to make it more realistic, say like Bruce’s or Jon’s ladders on a boxcar or how Randy did the siding on his station. It may not be a typical building I would build, but the techniques used are helpful. This is strictly from a “readers” perspective. The what, the why and the how…wink

#7

When I was typing this thread out I was thinking about my current project (a turnout). It would be fairly easy to have a step by step instruction, and include successes and failures. I think that we all tend to just post about our successes, and not the problems we had.
As mentioned in the GR thread I think something along the line of: Let’s build X. Within this process is building A,B,C,D, etc. That way the people with more experience can skip the steps they already know, and those who are beginners can learn more. I think it’s a great way to keep people “accountable,” if that’s the right word, to their projects. I know I have plenty of half completed projects that never seem to get finished, but if I knew someone was watching, or waiting for instructions on the next step that would motivate me to complete them.
How about a title of “Projects Step by Step”. You don’t want to use the word ‘expert, beginner, intermediate’ at all because that seems to turn people off.

Craig

#8

Yep! “A xxx - step by step” complete with a list of materials, dimensioned drawings and whatever else is generally required to prevent loss of hair. :smiley:

#9

I think its a great idea. I would keep it simple. Hans is on the track. Maybe just call it:
“a step by step build anyone can do”
It has to be kept simple for those who dont have all the high tec tools. If high tec tools are used what sort of cave man tools can be used as an alternative.

#10

Perhaps a “Journeyman’s Class.” :stuck_out_tongue:

#11

I think I need the “Apprentice” class :slight_smile:

#12
Bob McCown said:
For me, it wouldn't be too much different than what I do already when I do a build log, just I would have to get more into the tools I use, the techniques used, etc. Probably good for me to do that anyway!
"LSC Class"

Do a write up on the main forums (as already done by many that have inspired many!) and let the readers decide whether it makes it into that category ?

BTW…I still love my magazines as well and will continue to subscribe…!
:wink:

#13

Does anyone remember the old (I think it was called) “One Evening Projects” that MR ran years ago? Those could be fun, short, but help with building modeling skills. Could be anything from building simple shed to quick weathering tricks.

#14

For a “class,” I think it would make sense to wait until the project is finished, debugged, and tested before publishing a detailed “how-to” article. This is in contrast to a build log, which parcels out developments in multiple posts, setbacks as well as progress. That way someone following along wouldn’t be led down any wrong paths.

As alway, just my opinion, of course.

Steve

#15
Steve Seitel said:
For a "class," I think it would make sense to wait until the project is finished, debugged, and tested before publishing a detailed "how-to" article. This is in contrast to a build log, which parcels out developments in multiple posts, setbacks as well as progress. That way someone following along wouldn't be led down any wrong paths.

As alway, just my opinion, of course.

Steve


Exactly!

#16

Maybe instead of a “build this” class, which, by its very nature, limits the scope of WHO is going to build (not everyone wants a certain building or freight car), but how about generic “This is how I do this” kind of things (car frames, styrene construction, windows, etc). We could even do that in the Wiki as a how-to section.

#17
Bob McCown said:
Maybe instead of a "build this" class, which, by its very nature, limits the scope of WHO is going to build (not everyone wants a certain building or freight car), but how about generic "This is how I do this" kind of things (car frames, styrene construction, windows, etc). We could even do that in the Wiki as a how-to section.
Yes, but ... sometimes people have trouble selecting a method out of the many or they prefer certain materials. Doing a specific item [b]could[/b] make the penny drop as to where the same method could be used for something completely different. Or, just like in David's Masterclass, different materials could be used for the same project.

PS on that Masterclass

wiki said:
A master class is a class given to students of a particular discipline by an expert of that discipline—usually music, but also painting, drama, any of the arts, or on any other occasion where skills are being developed.
Nothing sinister or dubious about the expression, is there?
#18

Both concepts are acceptable. Agreed, not everyone wants a ‘this’ structure or freight car, but building ‘their’ structure or freight car following along with the class would work. There are those here who are masters of wood craft and have a tremendous amount to offer, others in the plastics. Each of us has at one time or another mentioned we got this material ‘here’ and use it for ‘that’ type of joint. A Wiki page dedicated to this would also be helpful. If Bob can dedicate the space, maybe some of us could possibly do short videos of say ‘how to solder a wire to a circuit board’. The example is sort of basic, but intended to present the concept.

My tuppence worth.

Bob C.