Oregon Trunk posted some SP&S depot designs in the fallen flags forum, look for SP&S depots thread. I was hoping to scratchbuild the smaller one, so I figured I'd ask about how to go about scratchbuilding and what would I need to buy in order to do so? Any tips or hints for a newbie?
Most of that kind of project would be sheet styrene. A good idea would be to use square rod/tube pieces to reinforce and brace corners. There are also a lot of proucts available to simulate roofing. If you have access to back isues, N Scale has published a good number of articles on this kind of project. And as in carpenry, measure twice, cut once. Jump in and go for it!
just take a look at this http://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=31109.0 as inspiration for your projekt there is allways a partlist and the plans shown .
Start with an easy project such as a coal shed or section car house, something small 4x4 or 8x8; or even a garage, while you should not copy a laser kit for sale to others, you can copy the kit for your own use. Find a small laser kit and copy the parts and assemble the cut out parts. I good steel straight edge, square and triangle are useful tools. Remember to change your #5 blade for every project and sometimes during the project if you are doing a lot of cutting. A single edge razor blade is used by some to cut out each project instead of the #5 blade. Your choice, try each and see which you are most comfortable using. Evergreen Sheet Styrene is your friend and you will use lots of it. If the SP&S Historical group has building plans get a copy. I have the C&OHS publications on small buildings and it is very useful in determining how to build. Remember that you start small and learn as you go. Enjoy, there are no deadlines. I have at least 4 projects in various stages of completion at most times. Peace, Craig
The best tip is to jump in and get started. It's easy to be intimidated into inaction by some of the great work published in magazines and posted in forums like this. But those guys were once beginners, too. I ventured into scratchbuilding for the first time a year or so ago. My first structure was simple ... and looks pathetic. My second was only slightly more elaborate, but still fairly pathetic. My third was a good bit more challenging, and actually turned out to be acceptable. I've since built a couple more structures I'm not ashamed of. My plan was to start building structures and learn from every project. As my skills improve, I'll go back and replace the eyesores, and move those first buildings into less-visible areas. My main area of interest is operations, so I don't have any illusions about becoming a great modeler. But adequacy is within reach. Get going! (And good luck.) Jim
Remember; the most challenging parts are windows and doors. You can get those on Ebay in cast metal or styrene, for a small cost. For your first build, might be worth a look! Also, you can use strip syrene directly glued (with Micro Krystal Klear) to glass panes to build your bay windows, etc. Way easier than freestanding windowframes!
As others have stated grab some sheet styrene and start a small structure, a shack, small office, etc. Also, when you assemble kits be sure to save almost everything left over (I even save the sprues). You'll find use for them sooner or later.
Just jump in and do it. DO NOT RUSH IT! Here are some pics of one of my first scratchbuilding projects. This project is still not done. The chip bunker tested my patience more than a couple times. But the end result is far better than I ever imagined.
I recently came across some videos by MC Fujiwara. Pretty good tutorials with some awesome music lead ins. Here's a link for the small cabins he built in styrene. [video=youtube;ZnhAxpzeVKc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnhAxpzeVKc[/video] There's a part 2 and another video showing a wood structure build. Very informative and helpful. Eric
1. Have fun 2. Research prototypes 3. Use your modeler's license 4. Take your time. 5. DO NOT saw your thumb with your razor saw. (Don't ask )
Ok, thanks for the input guys. I'll see what I can dig up, I know I had another styrene sheet somewhere.
Yup! =-O ------------------------------- Mike Grant It's never too late to have a happy childhood!! ------------------------------- http://nhelectricreps.net
