scratch building

TAMMY · Post by **TAMMY** » Sun Dec 07, 2014 5:09 pm

i suppose there are tents gor this, as well as for showers, canteen and so on.

There is something missing in the pic of the hospital. There are no area marked for helicopters. There is a lot of free space around the hospital but there should be some specific marking for them.

Nazgul · Post by **Nazgul** » Wed Dec 10, 2014 10:22 pm

And Officer's Club . . . can't forget the Officer's Club!!

Not a railroad gun, but on my list for some time. I used the 1:250 free papercraft as a reference and what pictures I could find. Not the most accurate, but it works.

Off to the "paint shack" as soon as I figure what colors to use.

Please forgive the out-of-line doors for the MGs, at 1x1mm they were a bugger to put on

I posted these "naked" so if some one wants to try something like this they can see how I layered and puttied. I'll post a painted version later.

Cris

RedLeif · Post by **RedLeif** » Wed Dec 10, 2014 11:58 pm

These are so cool.
So are these 1/285 or 1/250th scale?

thanks for sharing Cris.

Is it just me or does anyone else think that first turret with the bolted armor (in the photo) looks a bit like a big Dalek?

BurtWolf · Post by **BurtWolf** » Thu Dec 11, 2014 4:04 am

Cris, that is so cool!! I am really impressed with your scratch builds!!

I would like to know what the basic tools you use and the brand of putty? I assume the putty is used to fill in cracks and round things out?

Any tutorial/hints/step by step stuff would be awesome. I am just starting to do my own scratch builds and your work has been just inspirational. Keep on sharing it!!!

TAMMY · Post by **TAMMY** » Thu Dec 11, 2014 4:53 am

Fantastic work Cris. As usual.

Nazgul · Post by **Nazgul** » Thu Dec 11, 2014 6:16 am

Thanks for the kind words. And I agree, there is a lot of inspirational things being done by some extremely talented people here.

The scale is somewhere between the two. I did some small reductions, but decided the difference wasn't something to worry about.

Tools, well the first thing I really suggest is a few metal rulers that have rough edges from being stamped. If you feel a "sharp" ridge when you drag your finger across the width of it, then that's the one you want. It will "bite" into the sheet styrene and keeps it from slipping. I also suggest using a single edge razor blade for cutting, it does not warp the plastic as my facto blade does (on the down side you get a really thick callous on your index finger that makes starting IVs interesting

). I use Squadron Green Putty to fill the cracks. A word of warning: apply in thin layers as it will warp and distort the thinner sheet plastic if you are not careful. Also allow it to dry fully before sanding. Lastly, I have a set of jeweler's files and sanding boards (donated by the wife, she just has not found out yet. If you you the foam nail boards go slow and lightly, I have created some accidental convex edges when I hurried. Basically nailboards for roughing out and jeweler's files for finishing. One last thought - if you are using liquid plastic glue take a spray can lid and stick it to your work desk open side up. Put the glue bottle inside and it greatly reduces knocking it over (not that I have done that

).

MOST IMPORTANT! HAVE FUN!

Keep up the good work,
Cris.

Nazgul · Post by **Nazgul** » Thu Dec 11, 2014 11:22 pm

I forgot to add that the best places I have found for scratch building tips and instruction are model railroading sites. There are a few free online magazines that have tutorials. Model Railroading Magazine back in 1973 gave me tips for building a balsa wood barn for a diorama with a 1\24 scale Tiger tank (still have the tank, needs a major rebuild.)

Cris

Nazgul · Post by **Nazgul** » Fri Dec 12, 2014 9:56 am

Finished painting for the most part. I tried something that I haven't done in ages. Instead of painting the fine line I used to, I used a ultra fine Sharpie marker and drew panel lines. The downside is that the ink dries glossy. They don't look too hot in the pictures, but back off about 12 inches and its not so bad.

Here's before:

And after:

Hope this helps. If you try this and you use enamel paints, keep a piece of paper handy to clear off the tip. The solvent in the ink dissolves the paint and clog the pores.

Happy Holidays,

Cris

RedLeif · Post by **RedLeif** » Fri Dec 12, 2014 8:30 pm

I 2nd Cama's comment. Awesome work.

Nazgul · Post by **Nazgul** » Fri Dec 12, 2014 9:31 pm

Thanks, but I'm just a guy with a razor and a metal ruler who bangs stuff together to make a reasonable look-alike. THIS is scratch building:

http://www.missing-lynx.com/gallery/sma ... 4bg_1.html

Cris

tstockton · Post by **tstockton** » Fri Dec 12, 2014 10:06 pm

Cris,

Your work is outstanding! Having said that, though... I followed your link, and HOLY COW! WORKING suspension and hatches on a 1/144 scale model!?!?! WOW!

Regards,
Tom Stockton

BurtWolf · Post by **BurtWolf** » Sat Dec 13, 2014 3:03 am

Cris that is AWESOME! I think that is a true skill you have.

Have you done anything scratch built wise with V1or V2 sites?

Thanks for sharing and all the tips as well.

Nazgul · Post by **Nazgul** » Mon Dec 15, 2014 11:50 pm

Sorry for the slow reply.

I looked into both of them, but haven't really researched them much mainly due to lack of space. I might do the V2 after I get my allowance and buy the vehicles needed for conversion

Nazgul · Post by **Nazgul** » Mon Dec 22, 2014 11:20 am

After digging around and getting some help I decided to attempt a K12 V. I have found several mislabeled pictures and a reasonable side drawing (with some errors) and this is what I have so far . . .

There was a gentleman who bought plans from Krupp and had one made in 1/16th scale and I did what I could with the few pictures posted.

Anyhow, if anyone has suggestions on what is missing I would appreciate them. As it is I plan to add ladders and a few minor items before I paint it.

Thanks and Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays,

Cris

chrisswim · Post by **chrisswim** » Mon Dec 22, 2014 4:12 pm

Cris,
That is a unique item, very nice. Certainly if you need a large arty shell to break up a bunker, a city block, intimidate the enemy, etc. I look forward to seeing it in action.

scratch building

Suggestions appreciated.