World War One Model Kit Database

TimC · 14 May 2009, 08:03 AM

Not sure if anyone has attempted or done this before but my new found interest in WW1 aircraft modelling got me into thinking about oop models which are not available in shops. So I started a bit of research which went into a lot of research on past and present model kits. I started to compile the information into a database so that I could look up certain aircraft and see what kits of this aircraft where available. I soon added some web links to reviews and manufacturers web sites until I had the makings of a very useful database.
Its still in the early stages and there is still a lot of information to add, some box covers, box text, no. of parts etc but it seemed like it may make a useful website for modellers even in its incomplete state. I currently have over 1200 model kits in the database but Im sure there are more that I have not included but its been very handy for me so hopefully it will be for others as well. Its temporary home for the time being until I can get a better host is:

http://ww1kitdb.exofire.net/index.htm

If anyone can add any information to include in this project it would be most welcome, especially info on some of the earlier kits and some of the box front covers I am missing.

Btw I could add other pages where it could be sorted by scale, aircrat, kit type etc. Just an idea, any comments or criticism welcome.

Maxim08 · 14 May 2009, 03:46 PM

Tim,
This is an interesting endeavour.
I have a few cartons of 60s and 70s WW1 models that I have been meaning to catalogue so I might as well do it in your format. My plan was an Excel spreadsheet. Does this work for you and, if so, what fields do you want?
Regards,
John

TimC · 14 May 2009, 04:46 PM

Excel spreadsheet is fine, the actual database is a book cataloging program called Bookcat which I have modified for aircraft kits and I can export direct to html which is how I made the website. Its fully customisable so I can add and modify fields as I think of new things to add.
The key fields are Kit Name, Ref. No., Manufacturer, Scale, pieces, in production(yes or no), notes, text from box cover or instructions, box cover (image file), type (plastic, resin, vac or metal). There is also a section for weblinks where I am currently adding kit reviews, where to buy from, instruction sheet downloads etc. I can add just about anything else to it so I am open to suggestions or I can add other fields as I get new information on the kits.
Once I have combined information I can extract it back to a spreadsheet and send if back to you if you want.

Thanks
Tim

pvernon · 14 May 2009, 04:56 PM

Cool idea!!

I noticed that you are includding white metel kits as well, have you heard of Reviresco? ( toysoldier.com )

Ocsi · 15 May 2009, 01:34 AM

Not really new this idea. I think Peter L. did once a database only for the 72 scale kit wich was nearly complete. But unfortunately the database is no longer avaiable in the www.

To help:

Modellbaustudio Rhein Ruhr

In the catalogue you will find the actual list for both Luedeman and Classic Plane. But there were several Classic Plane vacs earlier.

Good luck with this never ending project

Regards
Öcsi

Hans · 15 May 2009, 03:41 AM

To start, try to get a copy of Brad K. Hansen's "WWI in plastic". It ends in the 1980's, but completely covers the very beginning of WWI plastic modelling.

Brian Cocks - Second-hand Aviation Books

(Scroll down...)

H.

TimC · 15 May 2009, 03:44 AM

Thankyou all for the offers of help, I will get the new information added to the db as soon as possible and get it updated online. This is going to be an ongoing project and I suspect it will take some time to get the db populated fully.
It was mentioned and I think it may be a good idea to have photos of the sprues as well as box covers. There are plenty of photos of sprues and decals in the links to reviews online so I did not include these, I am always concious of copyright restrictions and did not want to breach any of these. But if any body has there own photos I could include these with there permission.
Finished models in the paint scheme and decals included in the kit was something I thought of adding as well, there is space for 10 pictures in the db and all these can be added to the data base. The list of possible things I can include goes on and on....

TimC · 15 May 2009, 04:01 AM

mmmm, WW1 in Plastic sounds like something I need to buy.

Thanks Hans

TeamStewart · 15 May 2009, 05:56 AM

Nice idea.

And it looks quite smooth.

How do you want us to give you information to update?

Are you going to add an update function?

For example, you only have 3 of the 4 Wingnuts kits, and Copper State Models has a new release.

I'd suggest an update where the user adds as much info as possible including a link to the manufacturer's page for that kit, to allow you to verify it before uploading.

TimC · 15 May 2009, 08:16 AM

Initially just send me any info I am missing, probably best in excel or csv format. You can get an idea of what information I need by looking through the database. I will do a online form where you can send me new info to update it with a qualifying link which could be the manufacturers page or a page with the kit listed or detailed. Its still early days yet but tell me what you would find handy or what you want included and if I can find or if you can send me the info I can include it.
I will try to check manufacturers pages every so often to get the pages updated and eventually can include a page with new or updated kits.