Jan Rukr's Astro-Racers (an independent's entry!)

[zathros]

I have been in contact with Jan about how to allow "independents" to post models of their own design to compete in this race of galactic proportions. Jan has show great interest. There will be a requirement that any model wanting to be distributed and associated among a world of modelers building these ships would have to include a sheet which Jan will put together and will give your model authenticity. Be warned, any junky or sub par models will be filtered out. All must be build by the designer with a build thread to demonstrate their build ability. None of this "I know it will go together stuff". You want too build a nice model demonstrating your prowess in design and build.

This is in the works but looks like it is going to happen. Fingers crossed. I am waiting on the page Jan Rukr wishes to be included in the model file.

I will probably make a new separate category section for this,we'll see!!

Comments Welcome!

 

[DanBKing]

YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice one, Z. !!!!!

This is gonna be FUN, at a galactic level ...........!!


And, as I have mentioned earlier on the forum, Jan REALLY NEEDS some marketing for this product, however compiled.

There is a GOLMINE sitting in this ............. Ask anyone that has built these simple but effective models.

 

[zathros]

The main thing is that anyone who builds a model, and wants it known as an "Astro Racer" give credit to Jan Rukf. This will done in the form of a page that is to be included with each model. I am waiting for Jan to give me a page. I may come up with one for him, then show it to him. just want our membership that this is a really cool opportunity to be let in with this group, and a way to form aa unity with other forums and people. The right way to make the world smaller.

Bottom line is if you design a ship, and don't want it given freely all over the world, then do not offer it in this manner. Just post it as a model to be downloaded. This is in the preliminary stages. I contacted him about two weeks ago and was hopping his response would be positive, and it has been VERY positive!!.

 

[spaceagent-9]

I wonder,...........if these could be stomp rockets, or rubber band propelled, and distance and speed determine an online race?

 

[zathros]

I think one is fantasy while the other, Stomp Rockets is a whole new concept, as a competition. The king and real expert is "MBauer". If you could get him to comment on that whole genre, or category, not sure of the word for that type of competition, that would be great. This thread will concentrate on Jan Rukr, and everything related only to his generous offer to allow us to participate in this venture. I'd love to see a crowd funding to make an animation short of this. I am convinced it has potential as a cartoon, anime series, or one off movie. Think about it. Have you ever heard of this before? I haven't.

So Jan Rukr Astro Racers only!!

p.s. I think the idea of rubber powered models that could be built and reproduced to verify results would be excellent!

 

[spaceagent-9]

kind of like that ''whacky racers'' cartoon in the early 1970's?

 

[Sky Seeker]

Zathros,

I just loooove the idea! His racers always follow the format of the following:

Page 1 - name & brief fictitious history of the craft with a completed craft in the corner and a black & white numbered pic describing where the pieces go centered near the bottom of the page.

Page 2- the actual pieces of the design (that's amazing in itself that he does this on one page)

The web page for each model is in a different form than the downloadable pdf's.

Like the idea of giving Jan the credit. He really has done some remarkable work with his models. It would be nice to thank him this way.

This idea actually sort of has a Speed Racer feel to it, but with a much more sci-fi angle!

Sky Seeker

 

[zathros]

The giving of credit is mandatory, and we or he, will be putting a page that must be included. The models will be distributed from here, as he pays a sh*tload of web hosting. Which leads into something else that I can't speak of until or if it happens.

In any event, I like that you listed this format. If it's true, and your not pulling my chain, we'll adopt this as our of methodology. It would be nice to get help with this if it takes off (Hint Hint). There is one other aspect, these models have to meet the quality that Jan has exemplified, if not, they will not be accepted till reworked. However, a well cobbled together spaceship that looks like the real thing would fly as would any steampunk entries, all done to a high standard. This is in keeping with Jan's work and it also representing us here at ZEALOT. The galaxy will want to know that the ZEALOTIANS are a force to be dealt with!!

 

[Sky Seeker]

The giving of credit is mandatory, and we or he, will be putting a page that must be included. The models will be distributed from here, as he pays a sh*tload of web hosting. Which leads into something else that I can't speak of until or if it happens.

In any event, I like that you listed this format. If it's true, and your not pulling my chain, we'll adopt this as our of methodology. It would be nice to get help with this if it takes off (Hint Hint). There is one other aspect, these models have to meet the quality that Jan has exemplified, if not, they will not be accepted till reworked. However, a well cobbled together spaceship that looks like the real thing would fly as would any steampunk entries, all done to a high standard. This is in keeping with Jan's work and it also representing us here at ZEALOT. The galaxy will want to know that the ZEALOTIANS are a force to be dealt with!!

Z -

That's what's in the pdfs. All the ones we have access to seem to follow this format. The earlier wipeout models follow a different format.

See here:

http://aliens.humlak.cz/aliens/aliens_papirove_modely/bonus-wipeoutpure_gb.html

These probably were the inspiration for the later Astro Racers. Don't know for sure though.

I'm not interested in pulling your chain on this (maybe a string or two ) I just want to see this happen. As to layout / arrangement and formatting right now I just have access to MS paint. I need recommendations for a better graphics program.

Take care and have a great day!

Sky Seeker

 

[Sky Seeker]

Hey everyone,

I think I've found some of the source material and possible inspiration for Jan.

Here's a video showing all the Wipeout racers. There's some pretty neat ones in here and maybe we could help Jan finish up his collection of Wipeout racers.

Sky Seeker

P.S. - Sorry for the link - it was working when I linked to it. Don't know what happened. I managed to get a copy of the mp4 file. If you want a series of pics from the video I'll see what I can do.

 

[Dented Rick]

I'm down.

 

[spaceagent-9]

heres the one I will be driving!!!

 

[zathros]

That is beautiful. It would have to be kit bashed a bit to be "original enough for the Astro Racers, but not y much. Just making it without the compound curves, two engines on the side, two parallel on the back, and enclosed canopy

I think that we should strive to create something that represents this community, not glean the fields of other forums. Gleaning the field of 1960's Science Fiction Illustrators is a great start.

 

[Sky Seeker]

That is beautiful. It would have to be kit bashed a bit to be "original enough for the Astro Racers, but not y much. Just making it without the compound curves, two engines on the side, two parallel on the back, and enclosed canopy

I think that we should strive to create something that represents this community, not glean the fields of other forums. Gleaning the field of 1960's Science Fiction Illustrators is a great start.

Z,

Hmmm.... let me think like the old pics on the front of Heinlein novels?

Sky Seeker

 

[DanBKing]

Or the works of Chris Foss .....

 

[zathros]

I think, my 2 cents worth, Peter Elson was the greatest of all time. His pictures could leave you making up stories in your head for hours. You always wondered, How does the other side look!!??!!

I have a collection of his work, in the event the Internet becomes a "pay for venture".

This first one is peculiar. She is captaining a very small ship in a Yoga sitting position. What was she doing in the big ship? Can I do it with her? Could I go with a ride with her? Please, take me for a ride!!! Too much of his artwork to post,, so just some of my favorites, including won Idid not want to post as I started modeling it already. :yawn:




I didn't want to post this one! I have started modeling it already, as a homage to Peter Elson, then this whole Astro Racer thing came up!





This one is just freakin' cool! Another Astro Racer possibility.



Aliens coming down in rain drops, how cool is that!!


He also did a lot of the conceptual art for 2001: A Space Odyssey

 

[Sky Seeker]

I could look at this stuff for hours! Thanks for sharing Z & Dan.

Sky Seeker

 

[zathros]

Yeah, Dan, I also love your Heinlein pics, there are so many, maybe we should have a section for that, Famous Sci Fi Illustrators? Whaddayou guys think?

 

[DanBKing]

Sounds like a plan ........ Watch out for Copyright issues though .......

 

[Sky Seeker]

Sounds like a plan ........ Watch out for Copyright issues though .......

Our intent is just for a fan base showcasing old pics of old sci fi art. The art is quite good. A lot of the next gen kids out there might not be aware of them. Think of it as a "cultural enrichment project".

We aren't selling anything. That's where it always gets dicey.

Sky Seeker