Getting excited and have plenty of questions on the brain.
I want to have a modern N scale layout with a busy downtown. Any nice products ou there featuring newer buildings? Sky scrapers, glass enclosed, etc.? Any direction would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Shawn
Hi Shawn
I havn’t seen much, if any, in the way of present day architecture offered in any scale except in printed backgrounds. I have seen a convincing looking scratch built structure made from enlarged photographs and foam board.
For me model railroading is an art form. If a structure I want isn’t available, I try to scratch build or kit-bash one. It’s a hobby within a hobby.
If you live near a large city with the type of buildings you like go on a photo expedition and get some ideas. Pick a simple looking structure to model. Don’t worry about measurements and make something out of foam board, styrene strips. For glass you can use clear styrene painted on the back side with black or copper or whatever.
If you think you don’t have the skill to scratch build something, try it anyway (just pick something simple) you might supprise youself.
Thanks for the comments. I will keep the concept of scratchbuilding in my arsenal as I move forward.
See if you can find a copy of “Building City Scenery for your Model Railroad” by John Pryke, published by Kalmbach. It has a chapter on plexi-glass skyscapers.
I haven’t look at this book myself, but it might have something to help you.
Wayne
In the August 2004 issue of RMC, Roger Holmes and John Evans have a good article on building downtown skyscrapers in N scale. They specifically mention using Atlas Hi-Rise kits for modern skyscrapers, and they received RMC’s monthly “Dremel” Kitbashing award for converting Bachmann’s HO scale “Metropolitan Building” into an N scale Art Deco skyscraper. It’s a beautifully written and illustrated article, well worth the price of the issue.
As Wayne mentioned, pick up the John Pryke book. I’ve built a few plexiglas buildings using his techniques, they look great!
Basically, build a box (or series of boxes) from tinted plexi, add 3M pinstriping tape for window & door definition, & thin, textured ABS sheet as you see fit to cover base & corner areas. Trim it out with styrene strips, add a roof & detail, & voila - a modern glass skyscraper in any scale you want!
Ed
Shawn,
Another good book, if you can obtain it, perhaps through your local public library and Inter Library Loan is: " Architectural and Interior Models: Design and Construction," Sanford Hohauser, 1970, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company,
ISBN 0-442-23479-1. Yes, I know it’s 30 years old, but many of the buildings in there still look modern.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543
Posted: 14 Jul 2004, 18:55:01
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See if you can find a copy of “Building City Scenery for your Model Railroad” by John Pryke, published by Kalmbach. It has a chapter on plexi-glass skyscapers.
I haven’t look at this book myself, but it might have something to help you.
Wayne
There is also an Urban Modelers group at Yahoogroups.com. The group's main page is at:
http://makeashorterlink.com/?G218529D8
Hope this helps.