[Ads-l] Word: kitbash (antedating)

[ADSGarson O'Toole]

While exploring the word "photobash" (not in OED) I came across the
word "kitbash". I conjecture that  "photobash" is an analogical
construction based on "kitbash". (See separate article about
"photobash" which will be posted soon.)

The OED has an entry for the verb "kitbash" with first citation dated May 1972.

[Begin OED excerpt]
Kitbash verb
transitive. Among model-making hobbyists: to create (a unique model,
figure, etc.) by adapting or customizing a commercially produced kit
or kits.
[End OED excerpt]

The OED also has an entry for the noun "kitbashing" with a citation
dated October 1971.

Below is an earlier citation for the verb form "kitbashed" in January
1971. Also, below is a citation (in the same article) for the
adjectival noun form "kitbash" in the phrase "kitbash project".

Date: January 1971
Periodical: NMRA Bulletin
Volume 36, Number 5
Article: Kitbashing A Skewed Deck Truss Bridge
Author: Robert E. Chait D.D.S
Quote Page 33, Column 1
Publisher: National Model Railroad Association, Canton, Ohio
Database: Internet Archive

https://archive.org/details/sim_scale-rails-and-nmra-bulletin_january-1971_36_5/page/32/mode/2up?q=kitbashed

[Begin excerpt from page 33]
Now that you’ve procured the kits, necessary tools and have studied
the plans the actual construction can commence. If you've never before
kitbashed the first thing you’ll have to overcome is the reluctance to
attack the structural members with the razor saw. From past experience
I can tell you once you've hacked the first piece of that first kit
you'll never be the same again.
[End excerpt]

[Begin excerpt from page 34]
Mount the finished bridge on suitable abutments, spray it a suitable
color and put it in place on your layout. She'll look real good, carry
much traffic and probably give you the urge to attempt another kitbash
project with some other commercially available plastic kit.
[End excerpt]

Garson

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