Structure Kit Building tips for semi-newbie

[Anonymous]

My RR is at a standstill since we are moving in 2 months, So I'm building some kits I've been stocking up. I work in "N" scale. I built an Old Atlas Coal mine, I was happy with that, and a ConCor wharehouse went well too. Then I tried an small minehead called the "Poor Boy Mine" For me very tiny parts. I could use some tips on dealing with smaller parts and keeping them square, many parts were like 1/16 plastic. also my next project is a Campbell Idaho Springs mine which is small wood parts. Again I need tips keeping the parts squared up, and avoiding the dreaded stuck together fingers. Once I tackle these I have a Walther New River mine kit to build. I wi***here was a technology to build them in "O" scale and then shrink them to "N" :)

Thanks, Dave

[CNJ831]

Dave, when it comes to wooden structure kits it's nice to have a extra copy of the assembly diagram done in scale-size (many if not most wood kits provide these). If your Campbell kit doesn't, then draw a scale example of the wall, rafter layout, stairs (or whatever) on a sheet of paper. Pin down a sheet of waxed paper over the top of the assembly diagram and build the subsection right on top of it, using the diagram to be sure everything is kept squared up. All the FSM kits employ this technique.

And I'd recommend using minute amounts of white or yellow glue, not CA, to join wooden parts. These glues may not set up quite as quickly as CA but you'll never end up with your fingers bonded together either. I've done quite a few scratch wooden contest structure models and have always shied away from using CA in their assembly (some others apparently like it).

CNJ831

[Wdlgln005]

THere are many jigs and clamps that are available to do Nscale structures. some use magnets to hold parts seteady while you apply glue. Work slowly, and clamp the joint until the glue is dry. You may also glue a square styrene pice to have a larger surface to hold seams together.

Test fit all the seams twice, as you may have to sand any nubs of plastic. Finally, you may use paint to fill any tiny cracks in the seams.