I found a website recently with a lot of downloadable models. They offer a lot over the broad spectrum of scale modeling, but I figure that any of us model railroaders may be able to use some of the models on the site, or scale down some aircraft models for that vacant hanger. The website is currently offering a special when you register, you get 3 free model downloads (I don’t know if they choose or you) They also offer 2 free-to-all models for everyone interested. Link: https://www.fiddlersgreen.net/
OK, let’s make that link active:
Seeing as how there have been a few posts about paper structures I’d like to add to this. Seems everyone is looking for free already thought out models, which is fine. But what if you need something for a specific location or footprint?
I suggest Evan Designs Model builder programs. I have no affiliation with them other than I’ve bought and used the basic program and find it to be fun. A couple observations about it though:
The basic program is kind of a sample pack for the other programs they have availible, it offers a variety of siding types, brick and stone patterns, and roofing materials. Windows in the program range from houshold to factory as do doors. There are also some exterior details that can be added like fire escapes and electrical boxes but these don’t look so hot in 2 dimensions. It’s also relativly inexpensive.
I’ve built some ok looking background buildings with it for a learning experience. Some more practice and patience could yeild a pretty convincing forgrund structure or at least a very good stand in. I don’t find that a fault of the program but rather my modeling skills.
As for using the program it’s a windows based setup so fairly easy to manipulate, actually I believe it to be a railroad specfic version of Photoshop or Printshop. Designing and laying out a small structure where you can view an entire side of the structure at once is easy. Larger structures not so much. For those I’m going to try a different attack: print out pages of brick, a sheet of the windows/doors I want to use, and sheets of roofing. Then laminate these to cardstock and literally cut and paste the parts together so I can visualize the entire wall at once.
Check out the website, IIRC EvanDesigns.com
Just a word of caution. I purchased the Structures CD from Fiddler’s Green some time ago. Take a good look at the photos of the completed kits. The printing seems hand-drawn or even in caricature. The kits themselves, that is the fold lines and such are good and go together easily. Just understand what you are getting. I have no experience with their aircraft kits.
Thanks for activating the link. I don’t know why, but ever since the website update, my forum stuff has gone wacky (i.e., I hit the enter button to start a new paragraph, but it won’t happen in the final post, just a run-on thing) The problems I have also deal with links,too. I am by no means complaining, as it’s just minor inconviniances.
As for the structure charicature problem, I’m not too sure. Even though the buildings don’t look realistic enough, I think they would look great in the background as “fill dirt” structures (as I call them) I downloaded some free aircraft models and the free “Trotwood” RV model, and I will try to let you know about the build and how it went.
Here’s a structure from that CD. The loading dock supports are obviously real wood.
It looks good. Definately whish I had that on my backdrop. Then again, if you don’t like the appearance of the paper buildings, you could always keep some in stock to try out a set-up for a town. I finished that Trotwood RV yesterday, and it came out (suprisingy) very good. Amazing, considering I have yet to re-gain my land legs (I just got off of a cruise for my 16th birthday) I’ll try to figure out how to use my camera so I can post photos. If you have photos of paper models from this website, or another, I would like to see them. If it’s from another website, please include a link.