building backs

[jecorbett]

Like a lot of modelers, I don't waste time modeling backs of buildings that can't be seen from any viewing angle on the layout. I usually put the back side of a building kit away for future use in a kitbash project or background building. I then need to come up with a subsitute back so that you can not look through the front windows to an open space. If the building is deep or wide, it must also give some support to the roof so it won't sag. For small buildings where the roof can be supported by just three sides, I just create a cardboard curtain for the back wall, painting it black. For larger buildings I'll create a framework of styrene to attach the curtain wall to and support the roof. The problems with this are that styrene isn't cheap and cutting it so that it fits properly can be tedious. It seems I spend way too much time and money on this part of the project. I'm interested in what techniques and materials other modelers use to solve this problem.

[John Busby]

Hi gecorbett
All I ever did was use the building back as a template and cut and shape a piece
of 1.5 mm thick plasticard as I most commonly used plastic kits
In the end I just used the back wall of the kit and blanked off the windows and left off gutters and down pipes because it was cheaper easier and the saved backs just where not getting used..
regards John

[Anonymous]

Another suggestion is to use cardboard. It probably is enough to support the end of a roof. Good luck!

[jecorbett]

I'm guessing you are suggesting corregated cardboard which probably is strong enough and should also be easy to cut to size. I don't know why I hadn't thought of that. I had been using what ever I had handy which often was the box the kit came in. This of course is not strong enough and must be supported, hence my styrene framework. I'll give the corregated stuff a try onmy next project. I have piles of large pieces laying around which I had intended to use as dropcloths for when I do my scenery plastering. I think I can spare one them for my stuctures. Thanks, KG1960.

John

[Anonymous]

I've been using bamboo skewers to uncouple cars, build stocade fences and the like. Instead of styrene you could use the skewers at next to no cost and zero extra effort.

[nbrodar]

I use corregated cardboard. And sometime scraps from my wood shop.

Nick

[MisterBeasley]

A while back, I ordered 2 big sheets of styrene from US Plastics, the Rubbermaid people (http://www.usplastics.com). For the cost of a few of those little Evergreen packages, I have enough styrene sheet for all I'll even need (unless the wife decides I need a bigger layout.)

[dragonriversteel]

Try Gaterboard,you can purchase it through Micro-mark. I build large structures using this product.

Patrick
Beaufort,SC
Dragon River Steel Corp {DRSC}
Making HO scale steel by the ton!!!

[modelmaker51]

I use foamcore board. Cut a piece to fit the opening and then cut some strips 1/2" wide to the length of the wall for bracing (bottom and near the top) and attach with hot glue . Paint the inside black and the outside the same color as the rest of the walls.

If you don't want to use hotglue, Weldbond (white glue) works real well too.

I also use foamcore to built large warehouses, factories, etc. Use windows/doors from kits or Grant Line etc. Tip: use index cards to cover the exposed edge of the foamcore - glue with Weldbond.

Foamcore is also well suited for building mock-ups.

[loathar]

Card board and a hot glue gun.