Since we are in the midst of financially challenged times, I thought it would be a great idea to have The Model Builder articles appear in CTT. Of course some updating in regard to materials may be required, but the relevance is still there. Any opinions for or against?[:)]
I,ve already resorted to building structures in model builders! I think it would be a good idea to get members of our hobby back to basics. In my opinion a scratchbuilt structure of cardstock beats a Dept. 56 structure anyday. I have some derogatory adjectives in mind for the ceramic buildings but i will keep them to myself… Anyway many articles appeared during WWII for people to build or modify equipment for their layout as no new was available. I think that is relevant to everyone being broke. Good plan!
While it is true that many of todays modelers would not be satisfied with the level of detail found in many of the model builder articles, I generally find them very interesting. There are articles on scratchbuilding several coal towers, turntables, round houses, realistic roadbed, buildings, etc. Tons and tons of neat neat stuff. The book the CTT staff released several years ago was very nice and really just the tip of the iceberg!
I have that book and it did inspire me to create a general store with a detached garage and a feed dealer. Cardboard was used for the walls and balsa wood for framing and trim. Coffee stirers were used for the gutters and the drainpipes were solder. Some leftover plastic was used as well. I also have an issue dated December 1942. The background is red, the lettering is white, and the basule bridge drawing is black. If anyone else has this issue, take a look at pages 18 and 26 (They are related). Frank Ellison was definitely a master artist. I think I managed to capture the spirit of The Model Builder and those, like Ellison who wrote the articles for it.[:D]
Railroad Model Craftsman publishes lots of good plans for scratchbuilding structures. You don’t have to buy the expensive add on details they often suggest. Let the imagination roll. Details can be substituted with things like standard size and mini soda straws for downspouts and chimneys. Window sashes and frames can easily be cut from cereal box cardboard, laminated, sealed, and painted. The same applies to cutting shingle strips from brown paper bags. Model airplane dope is a great sealer for cardstock and paper. It also makes these materials stronger and easy to cut and shape.
I have a few cherished MB magazines from the 1940s. The articles are timeless. The creativity shown is inspiring.
I also have a few of those. The how to build articles are very well done! The American Railroad Freight Car book and M****odel Builder are two of my favorites!
Kurt
YES! I remember them well, and would welcome the opportunity to see them, learn from them, and try some building!