After visiting and viewing many layouts, there is one thing i've noticed as a commonality.............most structures just sit on the layout, and rarely in the layout as they should be. It would be a simple and accurate thing to include a realistic and optional foundation 8-10 deep so building may be properly mounted on a grade or even on a flat surface, but with the prototypical look of structure being in the ground instead of being on it.
I have built foundations for all of my buildings as 80% are mounted on grades and I can attest to the fact that it is simple to do. If interested, just contact me, and I'll be glad to share techniques.
HZ
I just took a quick spin at MBK's site to look at Walthers buildings and some of them appear to have foundations or simlulated foundations or both.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I concur. For most kits I've built in the past several years, foundations are easily added with 1/4" or 1/8" styrene strip glued to the bottom of each wall. This can then be contoured to any topography.
It also helps to put the buildings in first, then scenic up to them, which eliminates gaps.
Modeling whatever I can make out of that stash of kits that takes up half my apartment's spare bedroom.
I build my own foundations.
Bear in mind that most slab-on-grade structures don't have deep foundations the way raised floor structures do. Also note that the real beef with layout structures is air gaps between the bottom of the structure and the layout surface. If caulking is used to glue down structures, the caulking will fill in any air gaps making the structure looks more like it is anchored IN the ground than ON the ground. Paint, ground cover and landscaping can then be used to make the caulking look like dirt.
Hornblower
I just built an industry for MR's 2018 project layout, the N scale Canadian Canyons, consisting of several structures. The main building, which includes a metal-sheathed section made from a Pikestuff kit, I added a concrete foundation to. But the vehicle shed, which I'm modeling with an open garage door, does not. It will have a thin slab inside, which will probably not be visible on the outside. So, the answer is, it depends on the situation.
--Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editorsotte@kalmbach.com
Bundy74 I concur. For most kits I've built in the past several years, foundations are easily added with 1/4" or 1/8" styrene strip glued to the bottom of each wall. This can then be contoured to any topography. It also helps to put the buildings in first, then scenic up to them, which eliminates gaps.
So are you going to build a layout in that basement before you cover it up!
Howard ZaneI have built foundations for all of my buildings as 80% are mounted on grades and I can attest to the fact that it is simple to do. If interested, just contact me, and I'll be glad to share techniques. HZ
Teaser?
I've seen Howard's layout and none of could go wrong serving an apprenticeship in Howard's basement.
I can send you and email, but why not share with the forum?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Basements or foundations, as appropriate...
Wayne
Geez. How come we never see your layout in the MR, Wayne? You have answered this before, but.............................................really.
selector Geez. How come we never see your layout in the MR, Wayne? You have answered this before, but.............................................really.
I have to agree with Howard's point. Having a gap where a foundation should be is not good modelling. It is one of those things I notice but I try to keep my mouth shut. Some of you will be amazed that I actually do try to shut up sometimes!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I have to agree that houses with gps between them and the scenery just ruins the whole effect.
One other thing that drives me crazy (very short trip!) is when the structure isn't plumb. Is it really THAT difficult to place a building on the layout and have it sitting plumb?
oldline1
I have a lot of single-family homes from City Classics, IHC and Model Power, and most of them do come with foundations. I typically don't see foundations on urban building kits, but I always put a sheet styrene sidewalk around them, right against the building, so the base is covered.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
! was referring to a real foundation down to at least 8 scale feet so model may be mounted or planted on a grade. Several of my buildings are mounted on grades as steep as 30% thus requiring an even deeper foundation. I am modeling rather mountainous terrain...........my original pike was flat as I began modeling the SP (T&NO) in Louisanna. Easier? You bet! Boring? Same answer!
hon30critter I have to agree with Howard's point. Having a gap where a foundation should be is not good modelling. It is one of those things I notice but I try to keep my mouth shut. Some of you will be amazed that I actually do try to shut up sometimes! Dave
And sadly I've seen a lot of other wise great layouts in MR that had gaps around the builings or water tank.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
[quote user="Howard Zane"]
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
BigDaddyI've seen Howard's layout and none of could go wrong serving an apprenticeship in Howard's basement.
Think I would rather serve an apprenticeship in Wayne's basement.. I've seen videos of Howard's layout on You Tube..
Wayne's layout in MR should be a given.
Larry aka Brakie......
I have never seen anything on your pike, so acceptance for an apprenticeship would be a huge question mark.
Howard Zane Larry aka Brakie...... I have never seen anything on your pike, so acceptance for an apprenticeship would be a huge question mark. HZ
You need not to worry about that..I wouldn't apply for a apprenticeship.
I might consider taking you on as a student brakeman though after you take and pass operation and safety courses...
Would that be as complicated as taking you on as a flight student up through an ATP rating (airliner)?
I do not know you, but you tossed the first shot. I'd seriously recommend ending this stupid conversation as I will do.
Howard ZaneI do not know you, but you tossed the first shot.
That I saw your layout video on you tube and left it at that? Nothing bad there.
I just perfer the looks of Wayne's layout and would love to see it up close and personal. The same applies to Lance Mindheim's layout.