Pike Stuff Kits

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi Guys, Question Ive just gotten 3 pike stuff buildings ,And you have to cut out the windows doors .now i have real good razors to do it ,but omg still kind of a ringer on your hand ,Anyone else have a better way of cutting out spects on the Kits ?

Thanks Carl…

2

I’ve had good luck drilling lots of holes inside the “window” lines. Then, it’s pretty simple to carve out the remaining plastic and square up the opening with a file. Check to see if the window fits every so often. It’s easier to remove material than to add it back :slight_smile:

3

I just use good ole no. 11 's in an exacto knife. I stroke with the back side of the blade over and over, works for me. I have built a dozen of their buildings. I like the versatility, sometimes I put windows and doors in other places than where they have their pre-sets.

4

Glad you pointed this out about the windows. I’ll steer clear of those kits.

5

A utility knife or “box cutter” will work. Large handle allows a better grip.

6

Pike Stuff kits are my favorites to do modern steel buildings. Like the man said a #11 xacto blade and sometimes a steel straight edge (ruler) are all you need to make the cut outs.

Bob DeWoody

7

Agreed; but my biggest challenge has always been, trying to make decent corner cuts. Sometimes the sheet cracks beyond the line where I’ve scored it.

8

Never seen that problem, and I’ve built many, I score all four directions equally as I work, always comes out great for me [:D] Like I said above I even add wondows and doors where there are no pre-scores and never had a problem. Pictures on my web site, you can see them all over the layout. I think ? I haven’t looked at my pictures lately.[:I]

9

I like the Pikestuff kits, i have some i have put together then cut apart then put back together in different ways, very versatile little kits if you ask me. As for cutting out windows i use the tried and trusted #11 blade, considering the price, they are great value for money.

10

I prefer to use a utility knife. Better grip, stronger blade. I’ve also been known to use a benchtop scroll or bandsaw.

Nick

11

I use a Utility knife to score the windows and doors and then the trusty #11 to fini***he job. I score the inside and then the outside and have never had any problems with the windows or doors fitting properly. I think these kits are great, I’ve built 5 of them now and plan on buying more.

12

Before I comment, let me say that I have only built one of these kits, and it did not have windows - only doors. That being said, I agree with a few of the others. I have not seen the problem you are talking about. I used a utility knife to cut the openings, and it worked just fine.

13

I prefer to use the larger red handled x acto knife with its #11 equivalent blade, its much easier on your hands for multiple cuts. Also, micro mark sells an excellent 90 degree corner punch for making perfect window cuts in plastic and wood, which can be installed in a drill press (turned off) or used by hand. I have one that I have used for making architectural models out of styrene for years and it still works great after 1000’s of windows. It is about 5/16" square with 2 sharpened edges to cut each window corner.

14

I’ve built a couple Pikestuff kits and like the fact that I can put the doors and windows in, or not, and where I want them. The plastic they use seems softer than normal styrene and cuts pretty easily.

15

Thanks guys ill try the # 11 blade in the mean time i was at work thinking about it ,and i thought what about a dremmel tool ,i tryed it being careful and it worked out great ,just a thought ,but it works

thanks again carl…