Which Would be Better,Kitbash or Scratch Build?

[Cobra]

Hey Guys, Recently, i got an Idea Inspired by Steampunk! I Am Unsure about which Way to Go,Scratch Build kitbash a Land Leviathan! i was Also inspired by some Builds that were posted here. Unsure what Scale or Which way to go. What Say You? thanks For Looking. Dan

[Dizzyfugu]

Please define your "Land Leviathan". Scratching is probably the most effective, but also most challenging way to go. But you have control over the design, and learn a lot outside the box. 
On the other side, finding a donation kit as conversion basis can be tricky in itself - unique things are rare, pricey, and in some cases it takes a lot of effort to create something that is unique or close to a benchmark and that does not look like a modified stock kit.

[Cobra]

I'm thinking something like a Battleship or Other Warship with Treads on it. does That Help? Dan

[Gondor]

For something like your proposal a mixture of both would probably work best. Saying that its up to the modeller and what they are attempting to achieve. I am betting that you will find something to either base your build on or have a selection of parts that you want to use which you will have to scratch build parts to get them to fit together or simply to add details.

Gondor

[sandiego89]

Dan, I used a bit of kit and scratch build for my Land Battleship that I built from an inspiration from a 1934 Science and Mechanics magazine cover. Submitted on WHIF a few years ago. I recommend using a kit for the main parts unless you want a huge scratch building job and you have the skills to do it.  Battleship curves are tricky.  I agree with Dizzy that scratch building would give you the most challenges and perhaps reward, but like Gondor I think a mix would be the best for you.  Even with starting with a kit hull and assemblies, you will still have loads for work to do to scratch up and customize the rest.  

1/700 Scale USS ARIZONA for the hull, and lots of sheet styrene for the treads, flight deck, etc.  Easter egg also! and a travel shampoo bottle for the smokestack!  I believe this gives it enough flair to make it not look like a stock kit, but enough of a tie to a real ship-  which is a basis for most Steampunk perhaps. Battleships in the 1/700 scale or some on the 1/500 scale are plentiful and inexpensive.  1/350 scale would get pricy and the details would make you crazy.  I scratch built a base to represent European country side.

Titled Land Battleship: "sorry about your village"





With the magazine cover.  Sorry about the picture focus.



Kit in gray, scratch styrene in white.  



Full build here: http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,37605.0/highlight,sorry+about+your+village.html

Hope that help- Dave

[kerick]

I remember this build! It was awesome!

To answer Cobra's question, I would consider something like the battleship hull as used by Sandiego89. Perhaps some 1/72nd tank hulls and treads to save lots of scratch building time. Some good sized derricks to lift heavy ammo and supplies.

[Cobra]

Think it might be a Bit Cheeky to use a Submarine Hull to make a Retro-Futuristic Looking Craft? I'll see what I can Find at my LHS, But that is Gonna Be a Doozy. Thanks For The Respnses Everyone. Dan

[kerick]

Sub hull with a deck to mount the guns on?!