Kitbashing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kitbashing is a practice in which a new scale model is created by combining elements from existing, commercially-available model kits; these elements may be added to an existing base, or to each other. Both hobbyists and commercial modelmakers do this; in the latter case, it is particularly popular for creating concept models, and also for detailing motion picture special effects.
For the hobbyist, kitbashing is a useful way to save time which would otherwise be spent scratchbuilding an entire model. For professional special effects technicians, commercial model kits are a ready source of 'detailing', providing large amounts of identical, mass-produced components which can be used to add fine detail to an existing model. Kitbashing is often done by hobbyists to create a model of a subject, real or imaginary, for which there currently isn't a suitable commercially available kit.
Although it has a long history in modelling circles, kitbashing has come to the attention of a wider public via the fine modelwork in the television series Thunderbirds (1965), and the films 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and especially Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977). Many of the spaceship models created for these shows included details from tank, speedboat and race car kits. Sometimes the source kits are selected after carefully considering the characteristics of the various models, and sometimes the process is the simple selection of a model that most closely resembles the desired outcome. While kitbashing is common among Sci-Fi modelers, rearranging components from two-dimensional mediums(such as schematics of a starship) is generally looked down upon as showing a lack of creativity and effort.
Professional modelmakers often kitbash to build up a supply of useful parts which are then re-created with lightweight materals [1]. It is not uncommon for parts to have to be cut or filed into an appropriate shape in order to fit, and sometimes parts leave gaps that have to be filled with putty. Although the resulting model often looks very unprofessional before painting, a careful paint job can completely hide the process.
Another currently popular venue for kitbashing is in the area of diecast emergency vehicles, especially fire apparatus. Kitbashers frequently utilize models from manufacturers such as Code 3 and Corgi. The kitbash in such cases can be as simple as painting or redecaling a model, or as complex as tearing the model down and adding scratch-built components, followed by custom decals. There are a number of well known kitbashers who engage primarily in fire-related kitbashing. Ken Martin, Steve McGuire, Mike Adams, Rich Krom, Chris Osterhout and Bob Powers are well known for their unique pieces.
The current trend of ready-to-run (pre-assemble) models, coupled with an increased availability of many unique prototypes via resin castings seems to have not seriously limited the art of kitbashing so far.
[edit] External links
- [2] Examples of kitbashing from several Gerry Anderson puppet shows, including B-58 Hustler and F-104 Starfighter models.
- [3] [4] Examples of kitbashed models from and inspired by Star Wars.
- [5] The 1978 Close Encounters of the Third Kind appears to contain a kitbashing joke.
- [6] A kitbashed concept toy.
- [7] LA Times Article about Serenity (film) contains a description by 2nd Unit Director Loni Peristere how kit-bashing was used in this movie.
