Computer Aided Scratchbuilding

Mark Watson Oct 30, 2009

  1. Mark Watson

    Mark Watson TrainBoard Member

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    Also, if anyone has a custom/prototype structure you'd like to have on your layout. Feel free to send me photos/drawings/ect.

    I definitely wont tackle anything as complex as the Mill Complex by Dave N. (pun intended.. :p) But if you have a simple structure, I would love to re-create it. :)
     
  2. Pete Nolan

    Pete Nolan TrainBoard Supporter

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    Just the design. I can attach paper to styrene by myself. Do your plans show how to account for the thicknesses? From what I've seen, the answer is yes.
     
  3. SteamDonkey74

    SteamDonkey74 TrainBoard Supporter

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    Mark,

    Do you have an ability to handle AutoCAD files, or should such drawings, should they exist in the future, be exported as PDFs first?
     
  4. Bevale

    Bevale TrainBoard Member

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    So if I wanted to do this building...
    [​IMG]

    Seriously though, you have a pretty handy concept going on. I used AutoCAD for this sort of thing before, however a 3D model is definitely a lot more convenient as you would be able to rotate it and see all sides and hidden areas.

    I look forward to seeing more of your templates.

    Cheers,
     
  5. Mike VE2TRV

    Mike VE2TRV TrainBoard Member

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    Wrap a toilet seat in twine and paint it silver... :plaugh:

    So do I. This is a very interesting idea and scratchbuilding is something I like - it's very satisfying.:thumbs_up:
     
  6. brett1970

    brett1970 TrainBoard Member

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    After looking through this thread and seeing the mock up images, do you have all your parts layed out flat in a file, possibly .DXF format? If you do, i know i could cut these on my cnc machine easily :D
     
  7. gregorycarlson

    gregorycarlson TrainBoard Member

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    My answer is: I would want the option of either. Depending on the complexity to build, amount time I have available, urgency. If I chose only one, then I would go with the attached template.

    I would also be interested in 'flats' options, though I think your designs could be modified without too much heartburn to work well for a flat or low depth model.

    I attached some photos of some other ideas that I didn't think were too terribly difficult (easy for me to say).
     

    Attached Files:

  8. bremner

    bremner Staff Member

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  9. kursplat

    kursplat TrainBoard Member

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    wow, great read. you guys have given me tons of ideas.
    also, i'd vote "blank styrene sheet with template attached"
     
  10. Cowboy

    Cowboy TrainBoard Member

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    Incredible talent. I am amazed at what Mark has done. I admit I am inspired to start my first 'scratch build' based on the templates designed and created by Mark.

    Well done and thank you.

    Oh - my preference would be just templates that I could attach to styrenen.
     
  11. NPRRfan

    NPRRfan TrainBoard Member

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    I would say templates I can attach to styrene. A gambrel roof barn would be cool!
     
  12. NPRRfan

    NPRRfan TrainBoard Member

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    Ok here is the assembled mill. My first N scale structure, and also first all styrene model from sheet and square stock (.060). Thanks Mark for the plans. Review is in the works as is paint, weathering, and details.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Greg
     
  13. JASON

    JASON TrainBoard Supporter

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    Mark,this is brilliant! You could make a tidy packet on the side with this idea.
    I have a couple of buildings I'd like to build,would you be interested? Oh,I have a bridge in mind too........and a cafe.......and a loco shed.......and another small bridge...............
     
  14. Mark Watson

    Mark Watson TrainBoard Member

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    Looks great Greg! Glad you liked it. :)

    Jason, yes! I would be very interested if you have a handful of structure ideas.
    You can send me a PM or post here and I'll see what I can do. :)
     
  15. mcjaco

    mcjaco TrainBoard Member

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    Great idea, Mark!

    One comment, and this is only due to looking at photos, how big are those posts on the platform? They look a little oversized.

    One idea as I looked at these is scale the windows to stock Grandt line windows and doors, that you have in mind for the completed structure.
     
  16. Mike C

    Mike C TrainBoard Member

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    Heres a pic of my finished mill, cost , less than 2 bucks,.....Mike

    [​IMG]
     
  17. sossei

    sossei TrainBoard Member

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    Not bad for $2!
     
  18. hant-taiyou

    hant-taiyou New Member

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    Do you think it's a good idea to print templates with textures on it to have colors without painting? I'm a newbie at the moment so I try to keep my cost down not buying a painting toolkit. Currently my scratchbuilds are all paper from cookie boxes, but paper warps when glued so I plan to switch to styrene.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 22, 2013

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