SPA Modeler

With the 10th Anniversary SPAM Group Build already in progress. I have somewhat an idea for a future group build - be it this year or down the road in the next year or so.

How about a Model Exchange Group Build of sorts. Similar to a Secret Santa GB but with a twist.

Each person has a model on his/her wish list but doesn’t have one in his stash. With a list of dedicated participants who will follow through with it can either send it to the person from his stash or purchase one outright for that person. Be it ship, auto, armor, aircraft, decal sets, aftermarket item, or whatever.

For example for sh*ts and giggles….

A kit I don’t have in my stash but would like to add to my stash is a 1/72 scale Hasegawa F-106 Delta Dart or a decal set for a particular aircraft I already have in my stash

How do we determine who sends who the exchange gift? One way is a member who may offer such an item who is willing to part with to send to said member seeking such an item on his wish list or purchase via IPMS Show or LHS (their hometown LHS or online shop) for that participant. Does this make sense to you?

It don’t matter to me if the interest is there or not. Just throwing an idea out here for something out of the ordinary and different.

Tom, I am just now reading you at the stroke of midnight but I think it’s a cool idea. I’m not sure how to structure this but I definitely feel there is something here, but again I’m pretty wiped out and will think more about this tomorrow.

To damn Ed early. Dogs, er ll one in particular, decided that 5:30 AM was a good time to go out.

Interesting idea, Tom. A lot still to flesh out. Keep after it. Definitely doable.

A couple of cost related aspects on this.

If a member is looking for a discontinued item, this could get quite expensive.

Shipping can get quite pricey, even for smaller items. And since have several members who line outside the USA, the cost of international shipping can be quite steep.

The cost aspect had crossed my mind - especially discontinued items.

I like the idea, but yes; alot needs to be worked out.

I was thinking about this the other day.
I think if we approach it like the secret santa GB. But everyone submits a wishlist (with a minimum number of kits on it maybe?) and a stash list (if willing to give up a stash kit/accessory) to a single controller, said controller then organizes people via geographical location (maybe we could have a member map? A voluntary pin on where we all are in the world? Getting side tracked) Then pair up those whose lists line up and are in similar geographical locations?

Its a lot of work for 1 or 2 people, but it could be fun for everyone involved.

Or go full Russian Roulette - if you sign up, you're getting a kit from someones stash. Simple and kinda fun. Now these shouldn't be white elephant selections but a decent kit you think someone should build. And unlike secret santa, there's the reveal of who did what at the end.

And make it double blind. Everyone puts in a kit scale/name etc. Moderator does a random scramble and you're given an address where to send the kit.

Take progress pics and notes but no posting progress until the hard deadline - then all is revealed.

keavdog wrote: ↑Fri Feb 14, 2025 6:18 pm Or go full Russian Roulette - if you sign up, you're getting a kit from someones stash. Simple and kinda fun. Now these shouldn't be white elephant selections but a decent kit you think someone should build. And unlike secret santa, there's the reveal of who did what at the end.

And make it double blind. Everyone puts in a kit scale/name etc. Moderator does a random scramble and you're given an address where to send the kit.

Take progress pics and notes but no posting progress until the hard deadline - then all is revealed.

The main issue with that option is cost. For example If i were to send something to you, or you to me, despite us only being 24 hours constant driving (so realistically 3 days travel?) apart, or a 3 hour plane ride, that could financially cripple one of us just in postage.

So maybe an inside US group and and outside US group?

You muricans seem to be in a postage sink hole. I could get cheaper postage to and from the UK when i was in NZ than i can get to and from the US now that im in canada

Duke Maddog wrote: ↑Fri Feb 14, 2025 4:38 pm I like the idea, but yes; alot needs to be worked out.

I agree. A lot needs to be worked out to be favorable for everyone involved. International postage from the US and across the pond can be pricey. Perhaps better suited for participants who are in Europe to exchange within Europe, while here in the US, we can exchange within the 50 states of the Union and Canada… since Canada is our northern neighbor. Makes sense?