Cardmodel designer's Beginners page

So You Want to See a New FG Model? First Step: Show you really want it.

We get hundreds of letters from people who want a model designed. Unless you just have a lot of money and want to pay someone to do it, you should consider getting involved. FG is a collaborative environment, and your involvement is what makes it what it is. Your dream can only come true when you proceed in the direction of it. Do what you can and there will be others who will want to help you.

OK. if you're ready, then learn the terrain.
Read and completely understand this page.

Open the PDF files in the Post It Comments Section and "mouse over" the little yellow marks on each one to see the comments there.

Example:


Scott,

Here are the pictures I tried to send you the other day. They are of a Pitt's Special stunt airplane I took at the local air show. This is my suggestion for you and your designers to do for your company. If you design it in a easy to build F.G. style, with the educational info. I think it will be a popular model.

Gary


Response:


Dear Gary,


That's a very nice plane and some very nice pictures. That's also a very nice suggestion. If you would like to be involved in a project to make this plane into an FG model then here are my suggestions:


1) Check to make sure we don't already have a model for that aircraft.


2) Look around for a three view and other pictures taken from directly in front of it, to the side of it and from the top and/or bottom. These will help but are not absolutely necessary if you have a good three view.


3) Try to find some models of planes we already have which are very similar so that you can possible adapt one that has the same basic shape and features.


4) Check to see if another modeler or another model company has already made this aircraft. This will give you an idea of how a designer has approached the task of modeling this particular plane.


5) Put together a presentation of your progress so that people can see what materials you have gathered and what ideas you have about the development of this model. You can show parts from other models that seem like they would be useful, and you can show actual models and layouts that others have designed if you have those materials.


6) Collect, assemble and present interesting information, including but not limited to specifications, measurements, performance capabilities, and historical documentation surrounding the development and usage of this aircraft. You might also want to point out similarities and differences between this aircraft and other aircraft built in the same era by the same or different manufacturer. You can include stories, jokes, comments, pictures, drawings, cartoons, videos, games, or interviews with pilots who have flown it.


7) After your research has been done you will probably want to see if other designers are interested in working on your project with you. It is very likely that there will be quite a few individuals or groups who will be willing to contribute what they can to your efforts. You can use the forum, the chat room, the gallery, the telephone, email, or whatever other means you can think of to find and network with aficionados of the aircraft you are working on. Make sure that all those who are working on the project are kept up to date on the progress that other members of the team have made. This will prevent duplication of effort and will keep the project alive and exciting in the minds of those working on it.


YMP Scott