What exactly is OOB (Out Of the Box)?

[bruce3371]

I'm puzzled and a bit confused ; I know what OOB stands for (Out Of the Box), but what exactly does it mean and why are there so many different interpretations of it?

For example; I've read threads where OOB has included minor alterations and scratchbuilt parts added, and I've read threads where OOB has been strictly enforced, ie no additions and no alterations whatsoever.

Why are there so many interpretations? Is there a generally recognised definition of OOB, or is it entirely down to the individual's own interpretation?

(This applies equally to armour and aircraft models, but I put the question in the armour section, since that's what I mainly build myself.)

[Dad 10]

Confuses me too?

My interpretation is using only the kit components found in the box in which the kit was orignally supplied.

You should never (but often do) hear the terms 'out of the box' and 'except for' in the same sentence.

Richard McC

[Tim T]

There is an OOB Group Build on at the moment. Have a look at the definition being enforced there.

[bruce3371]

3) Scratch building can be added but try to keep it minor (e.g. adding belts), however we won't disallow anything

4) Aftermarket / Replacement decals will be allowed if cleared first with a Mod (this is to allow people with missing / very common decals to have another option)

That's a quote from the OOB group build; this is the kind of thing where my confusion comes from! Surely if we are adding parts (no matter how minor) not found in the box, it's no longer out of the box?!

My interpretation is using only the kit components found in the box in which the kit was orignally supplied.

You should never (but often do) hear the terms 'out of the box' and 'except for' in the same sentence.

I think I'd have to agree with this interpretation as well.

Any other thoughts on the subject?

Edited May 5, 2011 by bruce3371

[Radleigh]

I laughed the other day when i saw an OOB thread on here and they we're adding other decals LOL

Its not OOB then...?!

[bruce3371]

Edited my previous post, just realised I quoted the same thing twice, so my post didn't make much sense!

[CPNGROATS]

"Any other thoughts on the subject? "

How about using Almost out of the Box....AOOB

with almost meaning....diff decals allowed, styrene bits allowed, filler allowed, rescribing allowed, paint and weathering allowed...

conversely, almost precludes, P/E, AM resin, AM clear parts, kit swap parts, ...

AOOB Cheers,

ggc

[mrcooljules]

i have always wanted to do a OOB. but use left over runners for adding lots of details etc. its still OOB isnt it.

[Fifer54]

I know what you mean about OOB. I'm currently building Airfix's Boulton-Paul Defiant for the OOB GB,

and found a clear view from the cockpit out through the wheel wells. I couldn't have that, so I agonised about using

plastic card to make a cockpit floor/wheelwell roof, but eventually concluded that that wasn't

in the spirit of the GB. So.... I cut a rectangle of cardboard from the kit box and used that instead. I also did

use Microstrip as a filler in the gaps in the wing upper surface seams, but I didn't perceive any issues with that!

I also completely forgot to blank off the see-through radiator housing...

[Mark]

Strictly out of the box (OOB) should be just that, but with the addition of after market decals, you could say it was Basically Out Of the Box....

[Dave Fleming]

It means whatever the person declaring it wants it to. For example, in a competition or a group build. Much of the online controversy comes bacause the IPMS/US has an OOB category in their competitions. (The UK version uses a 'standard kit' definition)

Edited May 6, 2011 by Dave Fleming

[bruce3371]

Basically Out Of the Box.... bouncy.gif

lol someone had to do it!!

[Jasonb13]

I guess it means whatever people want it to mean, it's ok as long as it's defined beforehand. Technically, if it were strictly OOB, we'd only be building Gift Sets, as we'd have no glue or paint otherwise!

I'm taking part in the current OOB GB here. While replacing Decals that have died is fine, I personally wouldn't have allowed scratch building. However, the Mods of the GB said it was ok, and that was clear from the start, so that's fine.

J.

[bruce3371]

While replacing Decals that have died is fine, I personally wouldn't have allowed scratch building.

If you've lost your original decals, then buying aftermarket is acceptable IMO, and I'd also agree about the scratchbuilding.

I guess the point I'm getting from most of you is that it 'Depends on interpretation, but has to be defined right at the start of a build'?

[Jasonb13]

Yep, that's basically what I'd say. We probably all have slightly different versions of what OOB means, but as long as it's defined at the start then it should be ok...

J.

[Basosz]

I know what you mean about OOB. I'm currently building Airfix's Boulton-Paul Defiant for the OOB GB,

and found a clear view from the cockpit out through the wheel wells. I couldn't have that, so I agonised about using

plastic card to make a cockpit floor/wheelwell roof, but eventually concluded that that wasn't

in the spirit of the GB. So.... I cut a rectangle of cardboard from the kit box and used that instead.

That's taking Out of the Box to a different level. You actually made something out of the box

[jimbuna]

Purely down to interpretation or whatever is agreed prior to commencing the buils.

My own personal interpretation is ...only use whatever comes in the box.

[mrcooljules]

That's taking Out of the Box to a different level. You actually made something out of the box

i have done the same, its OOB

[CPNGROATS]

is.............. out of the box [ OOB ] the same as o...f the box [ OB ]..? How 'bout from the box only [ FBO ]..?

Edited May 7, 2011 by CPNGROATS

[T-Tango]

I guess it means whatever people want it to mean, it's ok as long as it's defined beforehand. Technically, if it were strictly OOB, we'd only be building Gift Sets, as we'd have no glue or paint otherwise!

J.

I would take OOB to mean only the parts supplied in the box, no extras, however as 99% of kits don't supply paint or glue but do tell you that paint and glue are needed to complete the model + give you a list of the colour paints you require for the model, then it is acceptable to use these in an OOB build.

If it is an OOB group build then all rules and requirements should be defined before the GB commences.

[Richard B.]

I'd like to jump in here and add my two cents worth -

To me OOB means nothing added that did not come with the kit. My only allowances would be for damaged or missing parts and replacement decals when the kit decals are useless because of age or poor quality. And, of course, If a part is lost during the course of building, then a replacement could be scratch-built or gotten from somewhere else.

This is not an 'official' definition, but just what I think is fair and reasonable.

Edited May 8, 2011 by Richard B.

[pigsty]

I guess the point I'm getting from most of you is that it 'Depends on interpretation, but has to be defined right at the start of a build'?

This is the best approach. My personal definition is "use only the contents of the box" and that allows, for example, the use of sprue as a source of aerials or reinforcement. Tools and equipment are allowed (including filler) but not after-market decals, details or alterations. However, as box contents can vary widely in quality, I add what I feel a kit needs, fed through the "can I be arsed" filter. Because of this, I don't believe I've ever stuck to this rule or am ever likely to.

The important bit is competitions and group builds. If you're entering either, it has to be on the same terms as everyone else or someone gets an unfair advantage. There's no need for a universal definition of OOB, but what's always needed is a set definition for that contest / group build, which is then policed consistently. This occasionally causes friction but my view is, if you enter a contest with the rules set out up-front, you have to stick by 'em, not try to get them changed to suit you.

[rowmk9]

I agree with Sean on this one. For me, an OOB build should contain no scratchbuilding as someone should be able to look at the picture of the completed model and be sure that nothing they see comes from an outside source. Of course I've just gone and broken that rule on my Wurger build by adding masking tape seatbelts (although in a feeble defence the kit includes decal seatbelts that I chose not to use).

I also feel that kits that contain P.E. are technically fine, but perhaps not in the spirit of the OOB build. The eduard profipacks for example are lovely, but I'd say the weekend editions are more in line with the OOB ethos.

[bruce3371]

I also feel that kits that contain P.E. are technically fine, but perhaps not in the spirit of the OOB build.

If the PE comes with the kit, then it's still OOB, to me OOB doesn't mean 'only use plastic'.

Tamiya's reboxing of their SdKfz 222 Light Armoured Car, comes with PE replacements for the grenade shields on top of the turret, and would look a bit daft without them.

So, as long as it comes in the box with the kit itself, and isn't an optional extra (like the engine grills for some Tamiya tank kits) then I think it's fine to use them.