Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Shingles...which are your favorite (post pic's please!)

1443 views
22 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Tacoma, WA
  • 847 posts
Shingles...which are your favorite (post pic's please!)
Posted by ShadowNix on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 7:17 PM

Hey all,

So, I am embarking on my first shingle scratchbuilt shingle roof and I was wondering, what are you favorite shingles?  I am trying to decide between Paper Creek, Campbell and Evergreen Hill, but I know there are others... Post pics of your results and I would LOVE comments on pros and cons of the type you use.  Thanks for any info... I hope for some cool PIX!!!

Brian

"That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: northern nj
  • 2,477 posts
Posted by lvanhen on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 8:14 PM
I got them over 5 years ago & I still have to take pain killers!!Big Smile [:D]  Or did you mean the ones by Cambell?  They're great!Cool [8D]
Lou V H Photo by John
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Apache Junction, Arizona It's a dry heat!
  • 351 posts
Posted by perry1060 on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 8:36 PM

I used balsawood strips cut w/scissors and then aged with stains, powders, india ink, and a wood burner...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the hobby Perry
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Tacoma, WA
  • 847 posts
Posted by ShadowNix on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 8:41 PM

 lvanhen wrote:
I got them over 5 years ago & I still have to take pain killers!!Big Smile [:D]  Or did you mean the ones by Cambell?  They're great!Cool [8D]

 

LOL ok...ummm not those type of shingles (aka the herpes zoster virus)...  but glad to hear you like Campbell's....

Brian

"That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 9:20 PM
 ShadowNix wrote:

 lvanhen wrote:
I got them over 5 years ago & I still have to take pain killers!!Big Smile [:D]  Or did you mean the ones by Cambell?  They're great!Cool [8D]

 

LOL ok...ummm not those type of shingles (aka the herpes zoster virus)...  but glad to hear you like Campbell's....

Brian

 

I have had them too. WHen I was 17. For those who don't know....herpes zoster is the chicken pox virus- NOT the er uh, other kind. Once you have had the CP, it stays with you and can resurface as "shingles". Looks like shingles on the skin as scabby-itchy things that scar and mar the skin tissues. I had them on the nape of my neck and back and still have itches and pain from shirt tags.

NOW- for the railroad shingles....I have yet to see some I like in HO. SOme look disproportionately too large and others look like N scale incarnate. And the redceramics may be fine for southwest or european, but not for upstate New York!!!

I would be interested to see what others think is the ultimate roofing shingle!

Have a HAppy 4TH!!!!!

-G .

Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.

 HO and N Scale.

After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Metro East St. Louis
  • 5,743 posts
Posted by simon1966 on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 9:20 PM

These are Campbells, I found them to install easily, they are self adhesive but I use white glue for better adhesion.

The roof is not really the subject of this photo, but you can see the shingles in better light.

 

Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,342 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 11:26 PM

I can't say which is my favorite, because I've only used Campbells.  Even then, I've only done a couple of structures.  Still, I'm pretty happy with them, and I'd buy more.  One package lasts a while.  It comes with cardboard roof pieces, pre-marked with lines for the shingle strips.  The strips come on a roll, and you just cut them to length.  Moisten the back with a brush, and stick them on.  The glue is like old postage stamps.

This structure was made with Evergreen siding and Tichy doors and windows.  The foundation is a thin strip cut from a much larger rock wall casting.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    June 2005
  • From: Phoenixville, PA
  • 3,495 posts
Posted by nbrodar on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 11:44 PM

I like Rusty Stumps self adhesive shingles.  They come in several styles and colors.  Here, I used the green 3 Tab type:

The shingles come in strips. You cut/fit the strips.  Then peel off the backing, and stick them to the roof.  You have a little bit of wiggle room until you press the shingles firmly against the roof. 

Nick

Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Tacoma, WA
  • 847 posts
Posted by ShadowNix on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 1:14 AM

Rusty stumps... hmmm nice looking more regular shingles for asphalt and such... I will have to research those a bit...

Keep the pics coming!

Brian

"That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Metro East St. Louis
  • 5,743 posts
Posted by simon1966 on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 6:21 AM
Brian, I have not used Rusty Stumps shingles, and yes they are a more modern style tabbed shingle compared to the shaker style shinlges that are the Campbells, but I have purchased other items from Rusty and his is a great little company.  An excellent source of stripwood if you are getting into scratch building. http://www.rustystumps.com/

Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Germany
  • 1,951 posts
Posted by wedudler on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 7:19 AM

I've used Campbell's.

  

Wolfgang 

Pueblo & Salt Lake RR

Come to us http://www.westportterminal.de          my videos        my blog

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Tacoma, WA
  • 847 posts
Posted by ShadowNix on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 10:45 AM

 simon1966 wrote:
Brian, I have not used Rusty Stumps shingles, and yes they are a more modern style tabbed shingle compared to the shaker style shinlges that are the Campbells, but I have purchased other items from Rusty and his is a great little company.  An excellent source of stripwood if you are getting into scratch building. http://www.rustystumps.com

Hey Simon,

 Thanks for the tip...after the first post I checked them out... I may have to order the starter pack they have...VERY nice selection for only $24!

Brian

"That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Metro East St. Louis
  • 5,743 posts
Posted by simon1966 on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 2:35 PM

That is exactly what I ordered from them a couple of weeks back.  Very good value I thought.  The package arrived quickly.  A good company IMO

Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Scottsdale, AZ
  • 723 posts
Posted by BigRusty on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 4:10 PM

SHINGLES! Some of those slabs look to be 2 x 4 foot concrete slabs. Way to thick, and way to huge. Hand split shake shingles (that I used on my last house) vary from 3 to 5 inches wide (give or take) and are usually laid about 5 inches or so to the weather. They are not much thicker than 1/2 inch at the butt and taper to almost nothing at the top end. They don't curl up either.

3 tab asphalts are a little less than 8 inches wide per tab (24 inches wide to the sheet) and are usally laid about 3 inches or so to the weather. Scaled down the width of the sheet is 0.276 in HO and 0.15 in N gauge.

The same goes for siding. Most clapboard siding varies from 3 inches to 4 inches or so to the weather.  Some of those buildings look more like log cabins and made of huge logs at that. In HO there are 22 4 inch to the weather clapboards per inch of elevation of the model.

I have found that the biggest problem in scratch builidg is BUILDING TO SCALE. I have solved it by drawing the plans in a Cad program using the actual real world dimensions. Then I print at 1/87.1 and get an accurate scale drawing to build from.

 

Modeling the New Haven Railroad in the transition era
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: northern nj
  • 2,477 posts
Posted by lvanhen on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 8:18 PM
 BigRusty wrote:

SHINGLES! Some of those slabs look to be 2 x 4 foot concrete slabs. Way to thick, and way to huge. Hand split shake shingles (that I used on my last house) vary from 3 to 5 inches wide (give or take) and are usually laid about 5 inches or so to the weather. They are not much thicker than 1/2 inch at the butt and taper to almost nothing at the top end. They don't curl up either.

3 tab asphalts are a little less than 8 inches wide per tab (24 inches wide to the sheet) and are usally laid about 3 inches or so to the weather. Scaled down the width of the sheet is 0.276 in HO and 0.15 in N gauge.

The same goes for siding. Most clapboard siding varies from 3 inches to 4 inches or so to the weather.  Some of those buildings look more like log cabins and made of huge logs at that. In HO there are 22 4 inch to the weather clapboards per inch of elevation of the model.

I have found that the biggest problem in scratch builidg is BUILDING TO SCALE. I have solved it by drawing the plans in a Cad program using the actual real world dimensions. Then I print at 1/87.1 and get an accurate scale drawing to build from.

 

I'll differ on your measurements.  Hand split shakes average 6-10" wide and usually are 6"+ to the weather.  Asphalt 3 tab are 36" wide & 5 1/4 to 5 1/2 to the weather.  Clapboard is MINIMUM 3" exposure, with 4, 5, 6, & 8 common, and can be slightly over 10".  How do I know this?  40+ years as a carpenter, 30 of which with my own company doing historical restoration, presently "retired" at Home Depot Contractor Services.Smile [:)]

Lou V H Photo by John
  • Member since
    May 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
  • 2,890 posts
Posted by Paul3 on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 8:37 PM

Well, I'm sort of partial to shingles made by Bollinger Edgerly Scale Trains (BEST).

http://www.besttrains.com/products_3000.html

(Disclaimer: The owner of BEST is a friend of mine).

They recently had one of their tower kits reviewed in the latest Railroad Model Craftsman, and the reviewer liked their shingles, too.

Paul A. Cutler III
************
Weather Or No Go New Haven
************

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Tacoma, WA
  • 847 posts
Posted by ShadowNix on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 11:08 PM

Paul,

Never seen that company before.... hmm... any pic's of the results?  Also, what color do you use for that natural look?  Hard for me to tell online... Sand, Neutral, Dark Brown??? I really like this product...

Brian

"That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"
  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Ulster Co. NY
  • 1,464 posts
Posted by larak on Thursday, July 5, 2007 12:14 AM

I'll differ on your measurements.  Hand split shakes average 6-10" wide and usually are 6"+ to the weather.  Asphalt 3 tab are 36" wide & 5 1/4 to 5 1/2 to the weather.  Clapboard is MINIMUM 3" exposure, with 4, 5, 6, & 8 common, and can be slightly over 10".  How do I know this?  40+ years as a carpenter, 30 of which with my own company doing historical restoration, presently "retired" at Home Depot Contractor Services.Smile [:)]

This is also true in upstate NY. Some asphalt (or fiberglas) shingles are also metric (1 meter in length).

 

 

The mind is like a parachute. It works better when it's open.  www.stremy.net

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • 293 posts
Posted by Newyorkcentralfan on Thursday, July 5, 2007 9:56 AM

Don't use the Campbell shingles. They're compete and utter garbage. They always end up looking like strips of packing tape notched and stuck to the roof of a building.

What I do is get a roll of the 1 or 2 inch wide masking tape and place it on a plastic surface that you don't mind getting scratched. A scrap of smooth linoleum is great. Then with a straight rule cut along the striations in the tape to the width you want the shingles to be. Then cut it across the grain to about 9-12 ho inches long.

Pick a dominant color paint something in the brown to grey range. I prefer Floguil for this. Mix a bit of the color with some black and white to make a couple of different shades. Get a couple of different small brushes in the round #0 or 1 size and stipple an irregular pattern of the primary color on to the tape. Then go and do the same with the various shades until there is no tape color left. When you're finished let it dry.

Then peel the individual rectangles and apply them to the roof along the edge. Apply the next course overlapping the first one leaving whatever exposure you want the shingles to have. Build a ridge cap out of dimensional lumber and install on the peak.

 ShadowNix wrote:

So, I am embarking on my first shingle scratchbuilt shingle roof and I was wondering, what are you favorite shingles?  I am trying to decide between Paper Creek, Campbell and Evergreen Hill, but I know there are others... Post pics of your results and I would LOVE comments on pros and cons of the type you use.  Thanks for any info... I hope for some cool PIX!!!

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • 19 posts
Posted by ne_trains on Thursday, July 5, 2007 8:59 PM
 BigRusty wrote:

SHINGLES! Some of those slabs look to be 2 x 4 foot concrete slabs. Way to thick, and way to huge. Hand split shake shingles (that I used on my last house) vary from 3 to 5 inches wide (give or take) and are usually laid about 5 inches or so to the weather. They are not much thicker than 1/2 inch at the butt and taper to almost nothing at the top end. They don't curl up either.

 



If they're curling up it's time to replace them. Color is tough to replicate, too. A new roof isn't that hard to match. but I've never seen anyone get that weathered silver-gray quite right.
  • Member since
    May 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
  • 2,890 posts
Posted by Paul3 on Friday, July 6, 2007 9:48 AM

ShadowNix,
Yeah, Brian Bollinger does some nice work with BEST.  His products have been reviewed in RMC at least twice now (the other was a lighthouse on stilts, IIRC).

He started his company by making plans in CAD then sending them out for laser work.  Apparently, he became the laser cutter's No. 1 customer so much so that Brian then bought the laser cutter's company.  Included, much to Brian's surprise, was Ambroid.  Believe it or not, BEST now owns the old Ambroid line.  Not that he's got any stock to sell, but there's rumors that he may convert some old Ambroid kits to laser cut kits (vastly improving them, IMHO).

As for pics of his shingles, take a look at his webpage.  All his "demo" models were built with his shingles.  http://www.besttrains.com/products_1000.html

Paul A. Cutler III
************
Weather Or No Go New Haven
************

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 4,115 posts
Posted by tatans on Friday, July 6, 2007 3:11 PM
What ? ?  You mean you can actually BUY shingles?? C'mon, shingles are made from varying types of paper or sandpaper aren't they?? or are you putting us on ???  Fine emery paper makes the best shingles.
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Tacoma, WA
  • 847 posts
Posted by ShadowNix on Saturday, July 7, 2007 12:50 AM
 Paul3 wrote:

ShadowNix,
Yeah, Brian Bollinger does some nice work with BEST.  His products have been reviewed in RMC at least twice now (the other was a lighthouse on stilts, IIRC).

He started his company by making plans in CAD then sending them out for laser work.  Apparently, he became the laser cutter's No. 1 customer so much so that Brian then bought the laser cutter's company.  Included, much to Brian's surprise, was Ambroid.  Believe it or not, BEST now owns the old Ambroid line.  Not that he's got any stock to sell, but there's rumors that he may convert some old Ambroid kits to laser cut kits (vastly improving them, IMHO).

As for pics of his shingles, take a look at his webpage.  All his "demo" models were built with his shingles.  http://www.besttrains.com/products_1000.html

Paul A. Cutler III
************
Weather Or No Go New Haven
************

Thanks, Paul... yeah, I saw a review of his Signal tower and it looked awesome (?RMC July 07), but I have never (before now!) visited the site... Cool!  Like always, you guys are a great resource!

Brian

"That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!