I am looking for where everyone buys scratch building supplies for structures. Windows, chimneys, shingles, etc? I am specifically in need of different windows, preferable laser cut but want to see plastic too.
Thanks!
Rusty Stumps has a nice line of laser cut windows http://www.rustystumps.com/products.asp?id=2 It is a nice small business that offers some interesting product. I have been very happy with what I have purchased from them.
For plastic windows, Grandt Line and Titchy are good places to look.
Are you somewhere in Texas, Mr. SPTexas?
For grabbing bundles of sticks, etc. I would go to a real hobby shop if possible, rather than intermail or net order. I mean, mail order or internet.
In Houston I would go to Papa Ben’s or G&G.
In San Antonio I would go to Dibble’s.
In Austin, I remember some place on North Lamar. King’s?
That is kind of a two sided question.
-
Q: Where do I buy scratch building supplies? A: I don’t I usually find them in the trash can. Shingles are easily made from strips of paper grocery bags. Chimneys can be carved from a hunk-o-plaster or even soap. Window glass is always cut up clear plastic packaging. Window frames are a bit harder but still fairly easily cut from cardboard that has been hardened with shellac.
-
If I need or want a preformed item. Usually a roof vents, electric and gas meters, lamps, awnings etc. I go to Caboose Hobbies. They have an entire wall of tiny white metal, brass, plastic, and wood (laser cut) parts, where I can browse and choose just what I want.
.
Check out Michaels or A.C. Moore, the big craft places. They have balsa wood strips and sheets, plus all sorts of glue and paint. They sell Envirotex and plaster cloth, too, and the Moore’s close to me has a small selection of the “gourmet” Woodland Scenics trees. Their web sites (and the Sunday paper) usually have coupons, good for 40% off on one item, which is how I buy my Envirotex and plaster cloth.
Scale Structures has a lot of detail and part items: http://www.scale-structures.com/Page/ss_main.html
My LHS has a pretty good selection of raw supplies, like styrene and brass, but I would get windows and doors from Grandt Line.
Tichy makes assortment “grab bgs” of windows and doors that are reasonably priced. It is a good introduction to their product line and provides enough for at least a few projects.
Dave Nelson
The big Walthers catalog covers just about anything and everything that you would want or need. Sometimes, when it is out of stock at Walthers, I contact the manufacturer directly.
Thanks for all the feedback from everyone. A few I knew, some others I didn’t. It always helps to have a variety.
leighant, I am in Houston. PaPa Ben’s unfortunately has lost it’s owner, Ben, due to death and is not the store it used to be both in stock and service. The new owner, his brother is running a business but has no passion for trains unfortunately. G&G is great, but I live up on the north side and prefer to order online as it is much more convenient than a 45 minute plus drive depending on traffic to get into Rice Village. I have shopped there many times though.
We have quite a few train shows every year in New England, including the Amherst show in West Springfield, MA. There are a couple of vendors at most of these who bring detail parts. I usually don’t go looking for anything specific, but I’ll pick up packages of doors and windows from time to time, because I know I’ll find a use for them eventually. Besides, when looking for one item I don’t need, I usually find a few other things I don’t need either, so I buy those at the same time. (Sound familiar? Well, you could be a Model Railroader…)
For windows (HO scale I presume?) if you lack a local hobby shop, all I know is order off the internet. Grandt line ought to have a web site somewhere. You have a copy of the big Walther’s book? You can order from Walthers, or, having found what you want, you can google for the maker’s website. The only downer in ordering of the web is those pesky shipping charges and in ability to actually see and touch the product.
A good artist’s supply house like Charettes often has basswood sheets and strips, plastic structural shapes, The Chopper, Xacto knifes and blades, and stuff used to make architect’s models.
Most train shows have someone selling scratch building supplies.