13 replies to this topic

[rumrunner]

I am about to start making buildings for my track. These need to be very realistic. I was wondering whether to use 3mm MDF or Balsa wood for the construction. If I use balsa I would have to coat it with Dope. If I use MDF it might warp. Any ideas out there?

Also I want to have stone walls on the building and I am not sure how to achieve this finish.

[ontheinfield@hotmail.com]

For my building i prefer to use styrene plastic and detail it that way you are able to get all kinds of different styrene in bricks wood etc

[Ember]

Rumrunner, I'd let the style of building dictate what you use to build it. Plywood's good if you want something solid, or 3mm MDF. For texture anything can be coated with plasterers joint compound and carved. Or you can go the brick by brick route. So many possibilities really.

Embs

[kalbfellp]

The other alternative is Foam board. It is card with a foam core.

[knoath]

I've found that when using foamboard, when coated with a cornice cement type product it will shrink, causing the foamboard to warp.

If you're after a rendered look, use some plywood or similar... something with a bit more strength.

I have applied balsa 'weatherboards' over faomboard with PVA glue with great results.

[Ember]

I think the problem with the foam board is the cardboard/pasteboard covering. Like all paper products it only takes a little moisture to make it swell. If you could seal it before coating it with joint compound or cornice cement.

[kalbfellp]

Foam board like any material should be coated both sides. Even MDF will warp IF only coated one side.

Fine render paint gives a good scale render appearance on most materials.

[vinu1234]

ike all paper products it only takes a little moisture to make it .

[kalbfellp]

Looks like we have more spam!

[Mobbzee]

lol.....and for a houston car dealer

how bizarre

[charlesx]

I have used thick cardboard to good effect with train layouts. Probably about 1/8th inch thick and do not recall any problem with warping.

Depends what is available to some extent. I just happened to have a cheap/possibly free supply at time. Found it was also easy to work with providing you had a sharp knife.

Size of building could also impact but perhaps stiffen larger ones by adding floors. Presume they will have roof anyway.

Regards

Chas Le Breton

[Bulsara]

Find your local model railway shop. Building structures is as important to them as the trains themselves. Or Google the subject.

For the best knives, look on ebay for medical scalpels and replacement blades. They are the sharpest you can buy. BUT PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!!!

Edited by Bulsara, 11 October 2010 - 07:57 PM.

[ontheinfield@hotmail.com]

i use both balsa and styrene depends on what im building have found a great soruce of styrene here in adel it JTT secenery they do all kinds of bricks diamind plate etc and its cheap 6.50 for 2 sheets and they do g scale gum trees too that look sweet

[356speedster]

Lot to learn from the diorama and railroad guys



They build most of the buildings from either laser cut wood kits or from scratch using "scale lumber"

Here's my first attempt from some time ago



It's fun but takes time, so it's not finished yet