Was just wondering if it is going to be a possibility to have kit reviews on here. Personally I think it would be a great help for fellow modelers.

Now I don't know if it would be viable, knowing that Jim already puts a ton of work into this website, and that reviewing/editing kit reviews would be a daunting job, not to mention the amount of space it would take up on a server.

Now I know that in order to have reviews, you must have people willing to do the work....and while I am by no means a master modeler, nor a skillful writer, I would be willing to give it a shot.

I guess it boils down to what I have seen on some other sites, (that will remain nameless), woudl fit the bill....but they were either written in great detail, ie: step by step with no pictures to back it up....or with great pictures of the finished product, but little in the way of a review.
I was thinking of some happy medium. Ultimately I would like to see a step by step review, with a picture of the kit after each step, obviouly the kit would for the most part have to be built OOB, but I suppose PE addon parts and such could be worked into it.

Anyway.....this is just my 2 cents worth....and like I said....I am not one to suggest something, and not want to help out and take part.....unfortunatly....I don't have a digital camera....I do have an el cheapo 35mm, and a scanner....so I guess that would have to do for now....and also....I don't have the first clue as to how to go about this....the only way I can think of doing it, is to do the lay out up on Word...and submit it that way.

Anyway.....let me know what you think....and if this would be plausable!!!

Hey Scott,

I agree with you that we need to beef up the review section. The truth is that it is up to us. If a couple of us would just take the time to look at some of our umbuilt kits and say a word about it, or take notes on our latest builds we would have a pretty substantial review section.

I also think that we need pictures on the review. There should be the obvious pictures of all sprues and a close up of the finer details, which is what really shows what the kit is all about. I don't think that the kit even has to be built for a review. Just a quick word on the overall accuracy of the model, quality of the molding, the quality of details, what is included on the sprues, and maybe a few test fits of major assemblies is all that is needed. A word on the markings included is also a plus.

I know for myself I haven't written any reviews because I am not really an expert on any of the subjects I build and I am really afraid of saying something stupid. However its up to us to get the pictures and write the words and send it to Jim. I am pretty sure he will gladly post the reviews we send to him.

Cheers and Marry Christmas, (:-)

CDT Reimund Manneck
U.S. Army ROTC

Scott, ArmoramA already has the feature you are describing but in two parts. You described a full-build review where pictures are taken thorughout construction. Those are found on the Features page under the headings of armor, aircraft, ships, etc. These are full-build articles sent in by people who frequent the site. These are generally detailed articles on the construction of the kit with plenty of pics.

A link to the Reviews section is also found on the Features page. The reviews link is on the left side menu. The review section contains pertinent details about a kit to help people gain more information about the kit and decide if they would like to build one. Reviews of kits are generally less detailed than full-build articles and may or may not contain pictures.

Hope this answers your question.

Hmmmm.....I guess I should open my eyes a little wider and really look at the nooks and crannies of the website....lol.....

In a way the review section is what I mean.....however on the other hand, I was thinking of taking....say my current project, DML BTR-80, take a picture of the sprues, a small synopsis of each step along with a picture of the complete portion of each step, all cumulating up to the completed kit.

I am obvioulsy going to need a digital camera, becasue my el cheapo 35mm, sucks close up.!!!

Well, perhaps you should read some of the reviews! That's exactly what some of them are like. You don't have to have a camera. Often cover shots, sprue shots etc., are on other sites, and you can link to them.

Track-Link, Hyperscale, PMMS all have useful reviews too.

Andy

I did several of the reviews when Armorama first started out. As you have found out, you need to explore this site to see all the goodies below the surface. Next thing you know, someone will suggest one of us Army-types should start photographing the various pieces of equipment located in a military motor pool and post them on this web site for all to use.

I stopped doing reviews when I took several off-line personal attacks on the Skif T-55A. At least I went out, spent $30 and bought one, opened it up, took a first hand look at it and took the time to post my thoughts into an online review. I still think it looks buildable and also think 99% of the people who pan this particular kit have never seen it except for the box art on the shelf, web site or catalog.

As far as build up reviews, take a look at some of the "/features section" articles. Most of those are reviews of building kits. We just save them and submit them when the annual contest begins. I won a Tamiya Tiger 1 with my articles others really brought home the prizes.

It is very easy and quick to write a short review online here !
You don't need to add pictures (they are a plus though) and you just need to give your modeler's opinion about a kit you built !
you don't have to be a top notch modeler, just tell us what you think ! if people don't agree with your opinion or feel they have more to say, they can add comments right under your review !
And you'll see, you get so proud when your name is under that little article !

Err...you guys beat me to the answer.

Scott,
Keep in mind that more images can be referenced in the review via the "Additional Images" link and those images can be stored here in our gallery.

Oh and keep in mind (everyone) that Reviews can be added online here. If you are a good image editor/processor you can be granted direct image uploading for reviews so that images can be added more easily and hosted here on this site (although I ussually go and grab the images people reference in online submitted reviews).

Cheers,
Jim

Now there's a great idea !

(:-) Merry X-mas !