Basic tools for scratchbuilding structures

[simon1966]

This link will take you to a forum loaded with modellers that build craftsman kits and scratchbuild, you will find a ton of material here

http://www.railroad-line.com/

 

 

[Santa Fe in Missouri]

Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions!  I am new to scratchbuilding. I've done a lot of plastic, cardstock and metal building kits in the past, and some kitbashing, but never scratchbuilding an actual prototype building. Anyone have suggestions for the best reference materials, web sites or books that might be a good companion as I get started?

[dknelson]

I have made good use of an item in the MicroMark catalog that being a steel plate, with a grid of squares grooved into the surface, and edges at 90 degrees, that comes with strong magnets.  It is good for joining walls at 90 degrees, but it has other uses that come to mind during construction.

Also of value, and I am not sure they are made anymore, is a vernier caliper where the dial reads off in actual HO scale.   

There are some specialized clamps for building corners as well that are very nice to have. 

Maybe not a tool per se, but the actual full Plastruct catalog with price list is an essential companion.  They make an awful lot of stuff that I never notice at their hobby shop displays.

Dave Nelson

[on30francisco]

 Another useful tool is the NWSL True Sander. This is the best way to get multiple pieces EXACTLY the same size.

[dstarr]

 I was able to complete a scratch built passenger station from photographs with little more than a scale rule, an Xacto knife, a pair of scissors, spring clothespins for clamps, and a cutting board. 

  Other useful tools.

A pin vise and a set of numbered drills.

2-56 tap

Small combination square.

Dremel tool with a set of bits.

Vise

Good lights

set of jewelers screw drivers

 center punch

8 oz ball pein hammer

set of needle files

a flat mill file

pair of dividers

 

[tstage]

Santa Fe,

You've already have a good start with the list that you have.  I might add the following:

• A good task light - For me this is probably one of the most important
• An Optivisor or magnifying headpiece - The one I have is by Mascot can comes with a leather headband and 2.5X lens.  Cost: $16-18.
• A steady table or workbench - I have a 5' lightweight plastic table that I bought at Costco for ~$30.  It gives me plenty of room to spread out.
  
• A machinist's or try square - For square up walls and joints and for making perpendicular cuts
  
• Various size clamps - The small Quick-Grip clamps are quite handy
• Pin vise - For wire gauge drill bits (#61-#80)
  
• A pair of calipers - Either dial or digital.  These come in handy for measuring styrene or metal stock and for making sure you have the right wire gauge drill bit in your pin vise before you drill.
  
• A razor saw

I'm sure there are others, Santa Fe, but that's all I can think of at the moment.  Hope that helps...

Tom

[ford86]

 I have found the micromark nibbler to be pretty handy http://www.micromark.com/NIBBLING-CUTTER,7761.html

[simon1966]

I find that my NWSL Chopper 2 is an invaluable tool.  http://www.nwsl.com/Catalog/pg011-cat2-01-v0605.pdf  lots of places carry them on-line.  I got mine from Micromark ages ago during a sale.  You listed most of the other things I use.

 

[Santa Fe in Missouri]

I recently returned to the hobby after more than 20 years and am preparing to build a number of depots and other structures for my 1968-era Santa Fe HO layout.  First task is to obtain basic tools and items needed for scratchbuilding -- i.e. knives, cutting boards, adhesives, files, miter chop cutters, etc.  I assume I will be working primarily with styrene, wood, and perhaps cardstock. Since so much has changed since I last did this in the 1980s I'd appreciate advice from more seasoned modelers. What are the essential tools needed -- and what brands are best?