News from your model shop - 9th July 2023

Hello

In case you are into TT gauge, we have just added quite a large quantity of Tri-Ang TT wagons and coaches to the "newly arrived" page on the website. Locomotives are coming soon!

Don't forget to read our latest modelling tips and unboxing videos located at the bottom of the newsletter.

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One aspect of modelmaking that is sometimes overlooked is scratchbuilding.  As the name suggests, this is the process of producing a model or item from scratch.  This process is used in a wide range of modelling subjects such as ships, aircraft, figures, vehicles and buildings.  Scratchbuilding is also a versatile process in that it allows a modeller with appropriate schematics to build an exact replica of a particular subject from scratch; conversely, a modeller can be guided by their own imagination to produce bespoke and unique subjects.  Scratchbuilding can be utilised as the sole means of building a model or it can be used in a particular way to enhance a specific kit with a particular modification.  The modeller in question may start with a particular kit and then scratch-build alternative parts or assemblies to depict a different version.  This technique is frequently used by aviation modellers who may depict an aircraft with a different engine assembly or wing configuration; it can also be used by a  modeller as the basis for a hypothetical alternative such as a 'what if' subject.  This week we will examine a range of readily available scratchbuild materials by using a building for a layout or a diorama as the subject for a scratchbuild project.

Starting off at ground level, there are a number of options for the immediate environment of our building such as the 'Cobblestone sheet straight' by Auhagen.  This can be painted and weathered to deliver a suitable ground-level setting.  Potential options for the internal floors could be provided by the 'Timber effect' and the 'Weathered Timber Planks' sheets, both supplied by Busch.  Both of these options are readily available as card sheets with dimensions of 210 x 148 mm, meaning they can be readily cut to fit the required dimensions.



Likewise, for the external walls, the 'Brick Sheets' by Metcalfe is a series of 8 pre-printed card sheets with lintels that is a great basis for modellers wishing to display external brickwork.  Another variant for the external stonework could be the 'Gneiss Stone Wall Effect' which is an embossed card offering a 3D effect for the surface, allowing the building in question to truly come to life.  If the modeller is looking for a simpler building such as a barn or outbuilding, then the 'Weathered Timber Wall' card sheet by Noch would be a great option.  This is also embossed, so not only will it look stunning but it will also have the 3D texture to match.



 When it comes to roofing there are many alternatives available.  One of the most basic roofing types available is exemplified by the 'Corrugated Metal Siding' by Evergreen.  This is supplied as a styrene sheet 1mm thick that can be cut to size as required.  Once painted and perhaps with suitable rusting and weathering effects added this can look stunning.  Other options for roof types include the 'Diamond Cement Roof Tiles' by Auhagen which offers a traditional style that can be easily incorporated into a model and is supplied in the form of a styrene card.  For modellers looking to use different materials in the construction, the 'R2 Roof Mould' by Linka offers a good alternative allowing a modeller to create components using plaster of Paris or Hydrocal.



The basis for many scratchbuilding projects is the wide selection of simple materials that can lend themselves readily to many different uses.  Plastic sheets such as the 'White Styrene Building Sheet' by Javis can be readily used as the shell for a building project.  They can also be readily shaped and cut as required to strengthen structures or used as other essential components such as window sills, eaves and bargeboards.  This sheet is 1mm in thickness but other variants are readily available as the need requires.  Likewise, the large variety of plastic strips available will be of great use to a scratch-builder in any number of roles such as architrave and window framing.  The '0.3mm x 2.8mm x 35cm Strip' by Evergreen is sturdy and yet supple enough to be bent and shaped for a number of requirements such as handrails or the brackets for gutters.  Downpipes or drains can easily be created by utilising the '0.219" Round Tubing' by Evergreen.  Round tubing can also be put to a wide range of uses such as guttering or ridge tiles on a roof when it is cut along its length.



Scratchbuilding can also lend itself well to a number of smaller items on a layout or diorama, whether it be a bridge or walkway or a support gantry for a crane or lifting jig.  In fact, creating smaller bespoke items can be a great way for a novice scratchbuilder to learn the trade.  The '1/4" Styrene Angle' by Plastruct could be utilised as a part of the steel framing for an outside structure such as a barn, or as a quoin on a building.  Likewise, the '3/16" Styrene Warren Open Web Truss' and the '3/8" Styrene I Beam' would lend themselves well to creating a support gantry for vehicle repair or perhaps as the framework for a small walkway on a bridge crossing a stream.  Also supplied by Plastruct, both of these items are available in a wide range of sizes and are easily cut to size to suit a particular project's needs.



Scratchbuilding is an extremely versatile skill set for a modeller to develop as the enormous range of resources available will allow a modeller to create a wide range of bespoke items for any theme.  Whether it be an individual item such as a vehicle or ship or a specific component for a layout or diorama, the possibilities with scratchbuilding are almost limitless.  Why not take up the challenge and explore the options by utilising scratchbuilding in your next project?

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• What factors will influence my choice of primer colour?

• What is a NEM pocket?
• What is back EMF on a DCC decoder?
• Are there any issues when combining track sections from different manufacturers?
• What tool is good for removing accumulated paint from an airbrush?
• What painting options do I have for weathering a model aircraft cockpit?

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You can access all the unboxing videos by visiting this page or simply click on the link called "videos" on our website.