As my newbie scale house progresses I am wondering ‘where’ to put my little model in terms of actual ground space… When I say where I mean what should be the ‘ground’ to put it on. I want to use (and reuse) it on planned z-track dioramas but don’t know the best foundation… What foundation/support do you use for your models? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I use 1/32" thick plywood, and embedded super magnets. That way I can remove and replace the structures for track cleaning or replacement if I build a better model.
Tiest, OK I’ll go out on a limb here and make the following statement: (Although David K. Smith made the same comment in one of his articles but more on that later). I’ve seen actual layouts and pictures of layouts where the modeler has taken a considerable amount of time to make a building look realistic and weathered, and then simply lays it on their layout without any solid attachment or foundation to anchor it to the ground. Consider real buildings and structures. They are anchored to the ground via some sort of foundation. And then consider the earth around that foundation. It’s either mound-up against the foundation or there is grass growing around the foundation. The only exception to this would possibly be a raised building on stilts. I can understand wanting to rotate the building between displays. And the greater question is what level of realism are you trying to achieve? I guess basically what I’m getting at is that a building needs to look like it belongs in the location it is sitting on. Not just hovering there with a gap underneath it. If you’re seeking realism in all that you do when it comes to model railroading, and then find ways to make everything look as realistic as possible. Seeing as you are a new model railroader, a website that has brought considerable inspiration and ideas to my building is David K. Smith’s website: http://davidksmith.com/modeling/index.htm Hopefully this link is good and takes you to his new website. You have to do a bit of digging up but there are some fantastic articles and tips he offers. Look up info on his James River branch and spend some time reading article within that posting. I think it will inspire your building as well.
Realism, I am going for realism and agree a building must blend in with its foundation thus my ask in the first place David’s website is a treasure trove Lance! Thanks for sharing this link - contains tons of reading material - hence still awake at 2am. Also found more details on the foundation topic there already! Happy Thanksgiving -Tiest Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
