New scratch builder wanna-be

[Tori]

I am just getting into model railroading with my husband. I am interested in building scale structures for his layouts.

Kits are very expensive, so I've decided I'll build a few to get the 'hang' of the construction process, but after that I want to build them myself.

I'm a computer geek - so the first thing I look for is software to assist with the process.

Has anyone used Sketchup to actually build models? I've seen some models out there, and am hoping I can use existing ones. But I'll need templates printed from them to cut out the pieces.

After you get over laughing at my naiveté -- please feel free to straighten me out!

Thanks...

[PWRR-2207]

Welcome aboard!

No worries as there is an entire forum here dedicated to modeling in paper (aka 'Card Models'). Here is a link about "SketchUp" in our Card Models Forum with reviews, tips and tricks.

I use scrap cardboard to mock up things to make sure they will fit on my railroad and to make sure they look right from different angles, so starting with cheaper components is a great idea.

May you never look at a large storage tank (Quaker Oats tube) or small silo (soda can) the same again

[Russ Bellinis]

Welcome aboard! Here is a link to a thread Galen started about 1 year ago that you might find both interesting and useful.

Ocalicreek builds a scalescenes.com card structure!

[shaygetz]

Welcome to The Gauge.

[RonP]

Yes welcome and hope you find what you are looking for. If you don't just ask there will be an expert at every turn.

[steamhead]

Hi Tori...Welcome to the Gauge. You've come to the right place if you're looking to get some tips and inspiration for your fledging career as a scratch builder. Just to whet your appetitte, here's a link to one of the best builders anywhere...

A small loco shed for a railroad museum

Good luck...!!

[eightyeightfan1]

Welcome!
I never heard of that program you mentioned. I'm using P&P(pencil and paper)2.0
Scratch building is fun to do. You can build something you want, and not what an manufacturer THINKS you want(though kitbashing can solve that problem also). Its best to start easy. Something simple, like a trackside shed.

I use strictly plastic when I scratch build. Its easy to cut, you can use regular Testors Model cement to assemble. More advanced and better modelers do scratchbuild with bass wood. Others use cardboard.

Here's a link to a scratchbuild I did for a challenge, with some of my techniques for working in styrene
88's Scratchbuild Challenge

Hope to see some of your work.

[Tori]

Thanks for all the tips, links and good wishes...I know where to go when I need help!

We're going to be working with HO to start with, N is just too small for our (ok) my husband's hands and our eyesight doesn't need any more challenges!

Our first project is going to be a 4'x8' - 60's genre layout, just to get our feet wet.

Our 4 kids want in on the action, some want old-style stuff and some want fantasy/sci-fi alien landscapes - we'll have to work on that when we move into a large house!

I'll let you know how we progress, and I know I'll be posting questions as we, as someone mentioned, move into our new career!

[Tileguy]

Our 4 kids want in on the action, some want old-style stuff and some want fantasy/sci-fi alien landscapes - we'll have to work on that when we move into a large house!

Perhaps you could have each of them build practice diorama's.......It would be good practice and give an Idea as to each childs artisitic talent and more importantly long term interest and tenacity

[RonP]

Originally Posted by Tileguy

Perhaps you could have each of them build practice diorama's.......It would be good practice and give an Idea as to each childs artisitic talent and more importantly long term interest and tenacity

What a great piece of advice this is cheaper then giving them a full toe hold on the layout.

[MadModeler]

Welcome aboard Tori. Glad to see someone who is into challenging themselves with building scenery.

Don't worry about people laughing at you here. This is a great forum to come to for help.

And for those who may laugh at you, ignore them. Not worth the time worrying about them.

[60103]

Tori:
there are a couple of sites with downloadable buildings that you can print out and cut out. Check the free ones first.
Robin built his from breakfast cereal boxes; I have one in my collection.
Involve the kids as soon as you can trust them with sharp knives. (you know when)
And look for Nazgul's thread "Don't laugh..." and see what one beginner learned in a year.

[bclemens]

Hi, Tori,
You wrote

Has anyone used Sketchup to actually build models?

Yes. Sketchup is great. There are lots of tutorials out there and lots of examples. Several people on the card modeling forum use it, and I have used it to design a model here:

1/33rd Tug for your Airplane

Also here:

Sketchup, Pepakura, Inkscape, Gimp, et al...

You can do everything you want with Sketchup, Pepakura, inkscape and Gimp. And the only thing you have to pay for is Pepakura. At less than $40, it's very reasonable.
Best wishes,
Bruce

[Art Decko]

Welcome Tori!

You might check out Build Your Own Main Street - free downloadable HO scale cardstock models of typical early 20th century urban American structures.

Best of luck, and most importantly, have fun!

[Tori]

Thanks Art!

These look great - something else the kids can have fun with and we can use this type of thing to plan our buildings and scenes and learn about construction. Then we can build them out of plastic!

I'm really regretting that I have to work for a living and can't just play all day!