Building Design For Model Railroad Hobbyists
Bill Murphy
Unlike George Costanza, not everyone wants to be an architect. But when it comes to model railroading, it seems like everyone gets into the act eventually. When you start building your layout, it's sometimes impossible to find the perfect train station, bridge or building to make your plans come to life.
So what does it take to make your own buildings? And do you need to have some serious carpentry skills or can the average hobbyist manage?
In reality building a quality replica can involve some detailed miter cuts and depending on the scale you are working in may require some advanced woodworking skills and tools. However there is always the 'kitbashing' method, where you take existing models and use parts of them to start your building, then modify it as needed.
For kitbashing, the tools can be quite simple. An X-acto knife or scissors is often enough to manage, along with some imagination.
Some materials that are useful for creating your own building include balsa wood, foam, wood glue, mat board and cardboard and even lightweight plastics.
Plaster and corkboard, spray adhesives, gold or silver foil and glitter can also come in handy. You can find most of these materials at your local hobby shop, and they are not particularly expensive.
Where You Can Find More Ideas
Tips and articles on working with these materials have been printed in many magazines that you may want to see if you can find either in a 2nd hand bookstore or by demand at your local library.
Looking for more ideas for building
http://www.themodelrailroader.com/landscaping/creative-ideas-for-making-model-railroad-scenery/) model railroad scenery? Visit TheModelRailroader.com for plenty of helpful information. Get a free copy of my report "Model Railroad Design Secrets" at
http://www.themodelrailroader.com
