N scale Structers

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Can anybody tell me the best way to build buildings from scratch.

Thanks [:D]

NW

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Can anybody tell me the best way to build buildings from scratch.

Thanks [:D]

NW

[Anonymous]

Your question is vague and so it is difficult to help you. Scratch building is easier than I thought so the first ingredient you need the first time around is courage and a good set of plans. Then you need to know how to cut the styrene and glue it.

I would start with some old MR's that have some plans in them, doesn't have to be a structure you want to build, but read the techniques that are used. You also need some basic tools, like Exacto knife and different blades, sanding block, the Chopper ll I use a lot, paint brushes for painting and for glue, a good light source and a sound table top to work on. You will spill or get glue and paint on the top of your working surface so keep that in mind. Also a self healing cutting pad is also invaluable.

But initially read a couple of plans to get the hang of what it is your doing, then chose a simpler structure and build it. It will probably turn out better than you thought.

[Anonymous]

Your question is vague and so it is difficult to help you. Scratch building is easier than I thought so the first ingredient you need the first time around is courage and a good set of plans. Then you need to know how to cut the styrene and glue it.

I would start with some old MR's that have some plans in them, doesn't have to be a structure you want to build, but read the techniques that are used. You also need some basic tools, like Exacto knife and different blades, sanding block, the Chopper ll I use a lot, paint brushes for painting and for glue, a good light source and a sound table top to work on. You will spill or get glue and paint on the top of your working surface so keep that in mind. Also a self healing cutting pad is also invaluable.

But initially read a couple of plans to get the hang of what it is your doing, then chose a simpler structure and build it. It will probably turn out better than you thought.

[AltonFan]

Even if you're a modeler in N scale, it is useful to have rulers for the common modeling scales, so that measurements can be taken from a drawing in one scale, and laid out in N.

My first and only attempt at scratchbuilding was a small Milwaukee Road depot. I laid out the walls and roof using bristol board, and reinforced the walls and roof with basswood. I scribed boards on the bristol board with an hobby knife. The windows and doors were swiped from a kit I had, and the roof was covered with paper strips.

I have to admit, the result was not terribly good. If I were to do it again, I would use styrene. I would also look seriously at making provision for lighting the structure (painting interior walls to keep light from shining through walls, including baffles to simulate interior walls), and including some interior detail. If I felt really ambitious, I would try to scratchbuild the windows and doors.

I might try again one day.

[AltonFan]

Even if you're a modeler in N scale, it is useful to have rulers for the common modeling scales, so that measurements can be taken from a drawing in one scale, and laid out in N.

My first and only attempt at scratchbuilding was a small Milwaukee Road depot. I laid out the walls and roof using bristol board, and reinforced the walls and roof with basswood. I scribed boards on the bristol board with an hobby knife. The windows and doors were swiped from a kit I had, and the roof was covered with paper strips.

I have to admit, the result was not terribly good. If I were to do it again, I would use styrene. I would also look seriously at making provision for lighting the structure (painting interior walls to keep light from shining through walls, including baffles to simulate interior walls), and including some interior detail. If I felt really ambitious, I would try to scratchbuild the windows and doors.

I might try again one day.

[der5997]

Before using more expensive materials such as styrene, I would have a go at laying out a building plan on cereal box card, and constructing the thing that way. Mistakes won't cost you anything but time and glue. You will see how the various parts inter relate, and probably work out a short cut or two in the process. When you are happy with your techniques, go for the styrene, etc. Don't throw out the better card models, however. Painted up and with window glass (from plastic packaging material) they may find a home on the far side of the layout and look just great.

[der5997]

Before using more expensive materials such as styrene, I would have a go at laying out a building plan on cereal box card, and constructing the thing that way. Mistakes won't cost you anything but time and glue. You will see how the various parts inter relate, and probably work out a short cut or two in the process. When you are happy with your techniques, go for the styrene, etc. Don't throw out the better card models, however. Painted up and with window glass (from plastic packaging material) they may find a home on the far side of the layout and look just great.

[Anonymous]

Speaking of using cereal boxes, you may never "advance" to styrene -- check out this thread:
http://www.the-gauge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6527

[Anonymous]

Speaking of using cereal boxes, you may never "advance" to styrene -- check out this thread:
http://www.the-gauge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6527

[n2mopac]

The real key is to start. Start with a simple basic structure, but start. No your first attept or two will not probably turn out to be award winners by any means, but the experience is invaluable, and you will catch on quickly. On your second ar third structure you will find yourself gaining confidence and attempting new details. That is when it gets fun. You may eventually even find yourself scratchbuilding your own windows and doors. I have done this, windows built board-by-board out of scale lumber. It is tedious, but the look and sense of satisfaction are tremendous.
Ron

[n2mopac]

The real key is to start. Start with a simple basic structure, but start. No your first attept or two will not probably turn out to be award winners by any means, but the experience is invaluable, and you will catch on quickly. On your second ar third structure you will find yourself gaining confidence and attempting new details. That is when it gets fun. You may eventually even find yourself scratchbuilding your own windows and doors. I have done this, windows built board-by-board out of scale lumber. It is tedious, but the look and sense of satisfaction are tremendous.
Ron

[der5997]

billkamery: Yes, quite the site isn't it. A drawback with card in many places is humidity, so some form of waterproofing is needed on both sides of the card, or completed model. I read somewhere about shelac being used. I suspect it was an old article, and that many spray can solutions are available to do the job. Any thoghts?

[der5997]

billkamery: Yes, quite the site isn't it. A drawback with card in many places is humidity, so some form of waterproofing is needed on both sides of the card, or completed model. I read somewhere about shelac being used. I suspect it was an old article, and that many spray can solutions are available to do the job. Any thoghts?

[AltonFan]

The reason I would use styrene to build my depot rather than bristol board is that the roof and walls began to develop an unprototypical sag between the basswood framework. I don't know that sealing the bristol board would have helped.

[AltonFan]

The reason I would use styrene to build my depot rather than bristol board is that the roof and walls began to develop an unprototypical sag between the basswood framework. I don't know that sealing the bristol board would have helped.

[Anonymous]

Hello all,

I am new to the ideal of scratch building and want to learn the how tos. Are there books of plans that one can learn from?

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Hello all,

I am new to the ideal of scratch building and want to learn the how tos. Are there books of plans that one can learn from?

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Here is an interesting site with all kinds of building plans, although it does lean towards rural/agricultural. There is a wide variety of stuff under "Misc.", including plans form the 1920s to 1980s+.

http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/plans/

Detail is sufficient for scratch building. If you have ever built a "craftsman" kit, you have pretty much scratch built stuff. Only two additional steps are needed - assemble the materials yourself, and come up with some sort of plan or instructions. If you are going to do an interior, you need to be a little more prototypical. If not, interior bracing etc doesn't really matter.

This is a neat site with a tutorial on building with foam core and brick or scribed siding sheets:

www.horailroad.com

You can use styrene as Rick suggested above, cardboard (especially useful for mock-ups), or wood.

Good luck. The hardest part is getting started!

Andrew

[Anonymous]

Here is an interesting site with all kinds of building plans, although it does lean towards rural/agricultural. There is a wide variety of stuff under "Misc.", including plans form the 1920s to 1980s+.

http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/plans/

Detail is sufficient for scratch building. If you have ever built a "craftsman" kit, you have pretty much scratch built stuff. Only two additional steps are needed - assemble the materials yourself, and come up with some sort of plan or instructions. If you are going to do an interior, you need to be a little more prototypical. If not, interior bracing etc doesn't really matter.

This is a neat site with a tutorial on building with foam core and brick or scribed siding sheets:

www.horailroad.com

You can use styrene as Rick suggested above, cardboard (especially useful for mock-ups), or wood.

Good luck. The hardest part is getting started!

Andrew

[Anonymous]

Thank you for this information. It looks like what I need and want.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for this information. It looks like what I need and want.

[Anonymous]

I have a scale convertion program to convert actual length to both HO and N scale. I downloaded it as freeware somewhere a long time ago and it's fairly handy. If you would like a copy please e-mail me and I'll send it to you it's pretty small about 65K. I don't know who the author is or I'd give them credit. So who ever wrote it, good job! Contact me at [e-mail] no spam please.

[Anonymous]

I have a scale convertion program to convert actual length to both HO and N scale. I downloaded it as freeware somewhere a long time ago and it's fairly handy. If you would like a copy please e-mail me and I'll send it to you it's pretty small about 65K. I don't know who the author is or I'd give them credit. So who ever wrote it, good job! Contact me at [e-mail] no spam please.

[der5997]

Since this topic doesn't seem to go away, here's a book for anyone who would like to begin, and cheaply. One caveat, it's old, and the structures are not modern prototype. However it gives loads of tips on "how to".
"Easy to Build Model Railroad Structures" Klambach Books, Edited by Willard V Anderson. (1958, my 7th printing was 1976) See if you can track down a copy.

[der5997]

Since this topic doesn't seem to go away, here's a book for anyone who would like to begin, and cheaply. One caveat, it's old, and the structures are not modern prototype. However it gives loads of tips on "how to".
"Easy to Build Model Railroad Structures" Klambach Books, Edited by Willard V Anderson. (1958, my 7th printing was 1976) See if you can track down a copy.

[Anonymous]

was done by designing with CAD then printing onto styrene sheet, then cutting out and assembling the parts from my 'do it yourself' kit.

[Anonymous]

was done by designing with CAD then printing onto styrene sheet, then cutting out and assembling the parts from my 'do it yourself' kit.