Looking for scratch build advice

How big are your windows? We may have windows and header pieces from our shadowbox product that could work for you.

It will be an attractive structure for sure. When you say "scratch build" I immediately presume gathering raw materials (wood, plastic, metal etc.) and building it. 

Your reference to pre-made panels throws me a curve however. I think what your actually planning is sort of kit bash using either pieces from some other structure kit or a product like plastic modular panels that can be assembled in a varied of configurations.

Either way, have fun, and good luck.

Bob

Great idea.  You've already built it once, the second time should be a piece of cake.  There are suppliers for all of what you need.  I will let others give you the names since I've been out of the loop for a bit.  I will be interested to know myself. Scratch building makes complete sense.  It is a lot of fun and you get what you want for a fraction of the cost of a kit.  And the satisfaction of designing and building it.  Good luck.

Your reference to pre-made panels throws me a curve however. I think what your actually planning is sort of kit bash
using either pieces from some other structure kit or a product like plastic modular panels that can be assembled in
 a varied of configurations.

Either way, have fun, and good luck.

Bob

Same here. Looks like he is using DPM panel parts. IT should be an interesting build though!

Why build it again?  It is surprisingly easy to carve and paint pink foam into almost any surface. Here is a recent build of mine that used this technique:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...half-an-engine-house

Thanks everyone. I never thought of using what I already have. Great job Pete!!!  Where did you get the windows and other details?

JWD posted:

Thanks everyone. I never thought of using what I already have. Great job Pete!!!  Where did you get the windows and other details?

Just follow the link. The whole build is documented.

AVANTI, could you please email me the specs on the half engine house?. Thanks, Clarence

Clarence Siman posted:

AVANTI, could you please email me the specs on the half engine house?. Thanks, Clarence

Glad to. But, what do you want to know that wasn't in the original article? It was a completely freelance project, so there really aren't any "specs" per se. Let me know what you are curious about and I will send it along.

Hi Pete,

Basically just the thickness of the foam and the spacing for the block. I think I've got everything else.

Thanks,

Clarence 

JWD posted:

I'm going to try my hand at scratch building a barrel factory on my layout and I'm looking for suggestions on which pre-made panels to use. I've done a mock up out of foam and cardboard and now ready to make the final building. Most of you on this forum have much more experience and far greater skills than I have but I'm going to give it a try.

Thanks in advance!

Where did you get the printed walls for your patterns?  (I hope they are from a program the will work on an iMac and doesn't cost a s much s a mortgage payment.)

The patterns came from Design Preservation Models. They had a link in Walthers

Clarence Siman posted:

Hi Pete,

Basically just the thickness of the foam and the spacing for the block. I think I've got everything else.

Thanks,

Clarence 

It is 1/2" foam insulation. The bricks .14" x .35". That is bigger than scale, but it looks good and it allowed me to keep some semblance of my sanity.

Hope you try the technique. It is a lot of fun. Please share your work.

You might also consider kit bashing an existing structure such as Lionel's Engine House.  It basically the same configuration as your mockup which looks pretty darn good.

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

You could just use DPM panels since you have already used the templates for your design, if scribing the foam doesn't work for you.

Great looking job Pete, I would have never thought of that either!

Ray

I know this is old school but back in the late 70's early 80's I scratch built buildings out of cardboard, matchsticks and Popsicle sticks.  (HelMar manufacturing co.)   I also used the front side of 2 X 4 ceiling tiles and hand carved brick for my building fronts. (Pettineo Produce and Rostoni  Roofing).  I know it sounds crazy today with all the plastic structures out there and building fronts but I had fun with this stuff back in the day and these are one of a kind structures.  Needless to say they are not the quality buildings you can build today because I did not use ready made windows and doors.  Those were my lean years but I do still build with these materials today at times.  Notice the coaling tower that is 100% cardboard, matchsticks and Popsicle sticks just like the Helmar building.  Neat thing is I name all my building after friends and family.