Jack B,
Welcome. There are various methods out there that you could attempt at all price levels. Some will obviously look better than others, however you have to gauge it based on 3 things in my opinion.
How much time do you want to invest in building and do you like building?
How realistic or scale do you want it?
How much money do you want to spend?
I always enjoy the thread "Sunday Scenic Showcase". Alan starts a new thread every Sunday and you can get get a good idea on some of the talents people have and the materials they use.
To further elaborate, here are some ideas.
1) Low cost, low time, least scale (potentially) - Computer printed material mounted on foam board from the dollar store. Computer print your building based on photos from the internet and mount it on foam board.
Here was my very first try some years ago. Very simple, print, glue and place on layout. I did this in an afternoon. I named the building after a former forum member who inspired me.
My next try was a little more complex because I wanted some depth and 3 dimensional looks. Here is an early build of mine I made for my Daughter and her aquarium cars.
2) Next is also Low cost, medium time, and is scale as you want it to be based on the investment of time. I made this bus station out of dollar store foam board based on a real bus station.
3) Higher lost, more time investment can be as scale as you like. What was suggested earlier is kitbashing. Find some buildings that have elements or resemble what you want and cut it all up and reassemble how you like. Last Winter I took the MTH Bank (three of them), cut them up and made this Station.
4) Then there is the class of skilled builders that just take a pile of wood, foam and plastic and make some masterpieces. Those folks have some true talent. I can only guess that is the most expensive and the greatest time investment.
Bottom line... Try something... Anything. You don't have to be married to it forever. I know I could do that bus station better now after some experience. Some day I may give it another try and replace it.
Have Fun!
Ron
