What is a garage kit ?

[sam b]

Hi all, i often read the quote “garage kit “referring to kit on this sight! Forgive me being dim but I don’t know what they are, please enlighten me.
Thanks Sam

 

[Sambaman]

Basically it means a kit that has been produced, generally, in small numbers by an individual or small group of individuals who are not affiliated with what we would think of as a large company or manufacturer (Pegaso, Andrea etc.). The term "garage" comes from the fact that some, or most kits are made in someones "garage" or home workshop and not in a formal manufacturing facility (brick and mortar shop or location) as we might imagine it. HTH,

Jay H.

 

[bonehead]

Jay, while your definition is generally correct, in the "vernacular" I would have to say that the term "garage kit" refers specifically to resin kits (generally large scale - 1/6th being the most popular) produced for those modelers into the movie inspired "sci-fi", Anime and girly stuff. In fact, my Nosferatu avatar here would be a good example of a "garage kit".

Try "Amazing Figurer Modeler" to see what i am talking about. Having spent several years attending the "Mad Model Party" in Pasadena back when it was happening, I have some limited knowledge of the genre.

HTH!

Bonehead

 

[sam b]

Thanks alot Jay n Mike for your help ! It looks like im doing a garage kit at the moment as i now know what one is .
All the best
Sam

 

[theBaron]

Some come from really big "garages" in SE Asia

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Any suggestion for on-line shops with a wide range for this genre?
I can do without that Anime-stuff.

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

 

[FigureLover]

Hi Janne,
Try XOFacto, Kit Kongs Model Mansion for starters, if you also go to the Amazing Modeler website and go to their links, you will find a multitude of producers who sell their own kits. As they are garage kits, they tend to distribute their own kits themselves to keep prices down.
Hope this helps.

Ben

 

[Disco58]

Janne -- XOFacto has been down for awhile now--last word is that it could be awhile longer. As mentioned, Amazing Figure Modeler.com is an excellent site. The home page can be a bit confusing though. When/if you go there, on the right side is a picture link that says Amazing Figure Modeler forum. There is some good info there. Also, the 'links' link (say THAT fast three times!) just below the main banner will give you an incredible list of sources for kits and info in general. On the main page on the right there is a link that says 'Model Mania'. These are some very good painting tutorial DVDs by David Fisher. Sorry for all the plugs for AFM, but I think it's probably the best site for that genre of figures (good magazine too!).
Bonehead -- I want to know how you got a picture of me for your avatar?! Did my ex send you a pic of me when I first wake up?

 

[amcairns]

Interesting term "Garage" as I would classify myself as a garage sculpter,Down under though I would tend to use the term "Shed" instead.
Happy modelling in what ever abode.
Andy

 

[FigureLover]

Hi Andrew,
You are right in that respect of what denotes a Garage kit. I dont know why the fantasy/monster/anime/etc fans term their kits as Garage and the military/historical guys dont ,as I know lots of sculptors, you included, sculpt at home and run their own little cottage industry doing the same style of work. Different ends of the spectrum I guess.
Ben

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Thanks for the tips mates!

I will check them out.

Regarding the picture, there is without question that "you" are wearing makeup on it, so I wonder if you sleep with your makeup on?

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

 

[khorgor]

May i also suggest "buc wheat list" and "the clubhouse" as places to look for garage kits without the over excess of anime girls.