I’m a newbie, and it sounds YOU GUYS are the guys too be talking to about STYRENE building. Reading STYRENE modeling by Evergreen Models. Want most of my layout to be Styrene buildsfirst being the original Mt. Claire Station, and beyond…
Sounds like you are planning to do some scratch building. I don’t really see a question in your post, was there one?
I have done a couple of scratch projects, but in wood. To get started you need a plan sketched out, either with real dimensions or scale dimensions, scale metal ruler (metal keeps your knife from cutting your ruler) and a sharp hobby knife, along with appropriate glue. Other things, like a way to keep corners square and vertical are helpful too.
If you have a question, ask, I’m sure someone here can give you a hand.
Good luck,
Richard
CalvinJr,
Where is the Mt. Claire Station located??? Is it brick,wood,mission style,etc…Does it have to be completely,scratch built,or can it be,kit-bashed, Many unanswered,???
Cheers,
Frank
I’m sorry for such an incomplete question, and apologize. My question should have went like this, " I’m newbie to this community, and interested in Scratch building, and would like most of my Layout to be scratchbuild, and currently reading Styrene Modeling by Evergreen Scale Models, and have " How To Kitbash Structure." Is their any encouragement, advice, and or Pictures anyone can share would be greatly appreciated?
Why do you want to scratch build everything? Is it the cost of buying a kit?
If you’re a newbie, then scratch building is kind of on the higher end of skills needed. Not that a newbie can’t do it, but buying kits is much easier and less time consuming.
Calvin, there is a scratch building article on page 32 of the May 2013 issue of Model Railroader magazine.
calvinjr, welcome aboard, everybody wants to help, ask away, that’s the only way to learn. As Bob stated, there is a great article in May 2013 issue of Model Railroader. So once again welcome.
Scratch building, kit bashing ( using pieces from various kits / modifying an existing kit) is very satisfying. If you have never built any kind of a building / structure using a kit, you might want to start out there first, developing some basic “construction” techniques, and add some extra detail to it, going above and beyond what the actual kit calls for. But if you want to jump right in, go for it !. There are pages of advice and techniques all of in here could give you, and hundreds of “how-to” articles and books.
Start with an idea, a sketch or plan, or pictures of a real building you’d like model, how you want it fit on your layout, as far as roads, rail access, etc., gather your tools, including a scale ruler for whatever scale your working in, decide on the materials your going to use, and get started.
All of the buildings and structures on my small layout ( just under 100 sq. ft.) are scatch built or kit bashed. Check out my links below if you want to take a look. You have to copy and paste them into your browser. I should figure out how to make them “clickable” (is that a word?) I used styrene, wood, cardboard, etc., etc.
Ask away, as we are all here to help.
Mike.
Calvin, scratchbuilding everything is a noble idea, but may not be consistant with your time, skill level and ideals.
You have some good books to start with and sounds like you are researching the how-tos and where-fors.
Do you have scale rulers? If not I’d suggest you get some. You can print out paper ones from the net, but a good sturdy metal one may be needed to get good straight lines cut from the styrene.
You can make templates from paper to make mock-ups adn for your patterns to cut the styrene by… the paper plan also allows you to see if you “forgot” details or necessary “hidden supports”.
Get some good books on scenerey or how to make Styrene look good as wood, for instance.
I would suggest you Start with small projects, like a shanty or shed, then mover to a garage or something simple. You will learn where to support your walls and roof, for instance.
Wood can be fun to scratch build with too. Just paint all surfaces securely so as to avoid warping.
POSt pictures of your projects, either as being constructed, or as completed projects! We like to see what others are doing!
[8-|]
Glad to see someone getting into scratch building with styrene, even a beginner. I just started a big project by scratch building a model of my childhood home (in HO). I drew plans in a CAD program using photos, and picking my sister’s memory and then started laying it out on some styrene sheets. The two photos show a first stage mocked up (taped together) and then a more complete photo with most of the major work done and color testing with windows pressed in place. The third photo is the actual house located in New York (take a few years ago). I used Tichy and Grant Line windows and doors and Evergreen styrene strips, shapes and sheet. I am amazed at how easy some of this is and how hard other parts are, but when I see what it will look llike when done it makes it all worth it. As others have indicated, this is not a quick way to generate buildings unless you are trying to copy something specific, at I did. Just try some simple shed or garage to get your feet wet. You will see how this can be very rewarding and as you get more experience at it, you will also make better models and faster.
-Bob
Bob,
Really great job,on the house,would have really liked to have had a house,like that…
Cheers,
Frank
Frank,
Thanks for the comments on the model. I thought we were almost poor when growning up since all my friends had nicer homes and better clothing, but looking back now some 50-60 years, I guess we were really blessed with what we had. My dad paid $2500 for the house and took 20 years to pay off?
-Bob