In Memorial to Allan Bupp, aka: Mik, Mik just Mik.
Founder of the challenges. Train Guy, Builder, Scrounger, Steam Guy and friend to all. We miss ya buddy!
MIK’s Build Challenge 2018
Let the fun begin.
All aspects governing the Challenge are to be applied under Mik’s build challenge Rule #1
Rule #1: Remember this is a “Fun Build Amongst Friends”
The 2018 challenge is a tribute to LSC’s own Alan Bupp. A throw back to the starting days of the challenge. A time to overcome the doldrums of January and a long winter to wait thru till we can get back to running trains.
The 2018 challenge shall be:
Build what ever you would like! The hard part of the Challenge shall be: Your build must be built from a single length of common construction 2x4!
You will have 30 build days, and a Max budget of $30.00
TO KEEP THE PLAYING FIELD EQUAL (and here is 1/2 the challenge): Each participant can use only so much of the 2x4! With the different scales we all use each inch of 2x4 equals different scale board feet! The larger scales need more wood to equal the same amount as the smaller scales. As an example a 2x4 ( really 1.5” x 3.5” ) scales out to be 31” x 72” in 1:20.3 scale, and a whooping 48” x 112” in 1:32.
Doing WAY to much math I settled on this:
1:18 60”
1:20.3 53”
1:22.5 48”
1:24 42”
1:29 38”
1:32 36”
Using a complex algorithm to compensate for the saw kerf (that remains the same in all sizes) this should yield about 19,890 Scale Board Feet of lumber, after average cutting using a 1/8” thin kerf blade.
The Final Build can be any size or shape that you want, of anything that you would like to build. You should try to use as much of the 2x4 as you can, before using more wood. If you do use more wood then the assigned 2x4, you need to declare how much you used after using up all the 2x4. But no penalty for not using it all. You may use extra material as a base as you see fit, without any penalty, other then against the $30.00 total.
TIME LINE:
Jan 1 thru 12, Sign up. You can start planning, drawing (napkins not included), gathering your 2x4, but No cutting or building.
Before Jan 13th, Build Logs to be posted in Annual Build Challenge forum on LSC. Please post your Napkins drawings with your first posting.
Jan 13th, 0001hr, Actual construction begins.
Jan 14th thru Feb 12th, up-dates to your build log posted.
Feb 13th, building ends (extended to local sunrise on the 14th if you must put in an all nighter to finish).
Feb 13th thru 17th, Posting pictures to the “Official Finished “ forum post [ I will start ] for judging. Also post your total “out of pocket” cost.
Feb 19th thru 25th, Voting on the “Official Vote “ forum post [ I will start ] for judging. Also Again this year, you may vote by e-mailing me your vote if you would like to keep it secret.
RESTRICTIONS: Actual building starts on JAN 13th and Ends on Feb 11th. That gives you 5 weekends to get it done.
$30 (US$ or your local equal.) is the max you can spend on materials, paints, glue etc. If you buy a bottle of ink and use two drops, don’t worry about it, if you use the whole bottle , count it. If you have to use 2 inches of a 36 inch piece of brass, because thats the shortest length they sell, figure the cost as 1/18th, you get the picture!
Any item that you already have in your hands as of 1 Jan 2018, does not count towards the limit. Any “Free” item you can procure, is free. This is on the honor system guys. Refer to rule #1
All contestants MUST post a “Build Log” in the Annual Build Challenge forum section of LSC. You have to declare your intentions of what you will attempt to build in the initial post. Post your napkin (drawings) with your first post. You can change it if you want to, but you must post it. NO phantom builds to pop up on the last day! Progress posts ( preferably with pics ) need to be made often. Recommended Build Challenge forum Title “Daves 2018 challenge log”. Something along those lines so every one will know, and be able to follow along.
Yes you can use more wood for your construction if needed, BUT you must use up most of the 2x4 first.
If you choose to participate in Mik’s Build Challenge 2018,
Post a reply to this thread.
The Prize pool for 2018:
Spirit of Mik Award: Photo Mug by Dave Taylor
Best use of 2x4:
Boomer’s Prize Figures: by Boomer
Others as added:
For the historical record these have been the Challenge catorgies:
2018: 2x4
2017: Quarry cut stones.
2016: Roof panels =800Sq Ft.
2015: 16’ Flat car, Whimsical theme.
2014: Door
2013: Gondola Kit, or a building.
2012: Finnish something you already started.
2011: Build something! Up to 288 Sq In base.
2010: Unk. Category ( build whatever you want)
Happy New Year! & Great Building!!
