Build threads

[mjennings]

This might make for a good sticky in this area.

Looking at build threads here, and on other forums, it seems that many are mostly the builder posting with a few comments, but some threads have quite a following. I intend this thread as a place to put tips and suggestions to help people build a better build thread.

First and foremost to any build thread is lots of pictures. Some even start pictures of opening the bag. (I may have even seen one that started with the kit hanging in the store).

 

[Mike Howie]

A very good idea. I Know I'd like to make my build threads better.

 

[RangerStl]

This might make for a good sticky in this area.

Looking at build threads here, and on other forums, it seems that many are mostly the builder posting with a few comments, but some threads have quite a following. I intend this thread as a place to put tips and suggestions to help people build a better build thread.

First and foremost to any build thread is lots of pictures. Some even start pictures of opening the bag. (I may have even seen one that started with the kit hanging in the store).

Fred/Shred has a good start on that with an assortment of links. If you care to elaborate a little farther we might have another. I'm not quite sure what your plan is...

N

 

[JAL3]

On the old version of TRF, I occasionally posted build thread on rockets that are RTF or Almost RTF. I did so in the hope that such postign would generate feedback that would be helpful. Occasionally, it did.

If/when I get around to some of the the RTF or QK models, should they be put here instead of in the appropriate power section?

 

[CharlaineC]

Photo’s, Photo’s, Photo’s. Photos are one of the things that can make and break a build thread. If when taking the photo your getting a large amount of flash glare place some making tape over the flash to defuse it.

Parts's lists When listing the parts list use simplified for listing the parts from currently available kits (as to not cause any issues with companies) for out of production kits and scratch builds a full parts list with sizes and what not

Snags and issues be honest if there are issues with the kit. But also let us know what where done to overcome them.

Tips and tricks Let us know if theirs a better way of doing something on the build. No matter where it is in the build.

Order Don’t be afraid to follow the order that you prefer weather its fins first or motor mount.

 

[mjennings]

Fred/Shred has a good start on that with an assortment of links. If you care to elaborate a little farther we might have another. I'm not quite sure what your plan is...

N

CharlaineC caught on to the info I was trying to capture.

Fred/Shred have provided excellent info about the hobby, but what my goal is to help both old and new members capture that intangible build thread ability that some of our members have, where you almost vicariously build the rocket through the build thread.

I.e. how to convey the building of the rocket as more than I glued part X to Y and here is a picture

 

[SpartaChris]

I've had a build thread or two in my day that I think maybe a couple of people saw at one time or another, so maybe I can toss in my two cents:

First cent is to be detailed. Lots of pictures certainly helps, but so does describing the process you're using in detail. There are some things that are blatantly obvious to anyone who's built a kit before, so some of those things you can more or less gloss over. However, if you're doing something like say, making a nose cone from scratch or making composite fins or trying a new method for mounting fins, being detailed with both photos and text really helps people put the pieces together.

My second cent's worth of free advice is to add some humor. Build threads in general are bland to most everyone but the guy building the rocket, so adding some spice to the thread keeps people tuned in and keeps them excited about your project. The more excited your audience is, the more excited you'll be.

One thing I find helps is to embed the pictures of your build thread into the posts. I know some people find them annoying if they have slow internet, but truth be told, it's far more convenient for the majority of your audience if they don't have to click on a link and then navigate to another tab or browser to see the photo. Plus it keeps things in line. You can describe the process and follow it by the pics related to the process instead of saying something like "In the first pic, I'm doing this and in the second pic I'm doing this," and then having your audience have to click and navigate, click and navigate. All in all it's just easier for everyone.

OK, so that was three cents worth of advice. You can keep the change.

 

[SCIGS30]

I posted a detailed build of my Estes Klingon in the low powered section.