Article Advise

submitted: Jun 20th 2008 | by: BillMurphy | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 273 | |

Not everyone wants to be an architect, but when it comes to model railroading it seems like everyone gets into the act sooner or later. It is often just too hard to find the perfect bridge, building or train station to match the vision in our minds unless we build it ourselves.

So what is involved in this anyway? Do you need a degree and a table saw or can you work with what you have around the house?

In reality, building your own detailed replica buildings can take some advanced woodworking skills, and the tools to go along with them. But an often easier alternative is the "kitbashing" method - taking an existing model and using it as the foundation for your own creation, modifying it to suit your own taste.

In many cases doing this will allow an enthusiast to utilize simple tools such as X-acto knives and scissors along with a little imagination to achieve spectacular results.

There are a number of materials that can be helpful when making your buildings. Balsa wood, mat board, cardboard, foam and lightweight plastics are all good choices.

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

There have been numerous article in various magazines over the years, explaining how to work with these materials. Your local second-hand bookstore or library can be a great resource for finding them. And remember - look to other hobbies for ideas as well. These skills aren't solely the realm of the model railroader.

About the Author

Looking for more ideas for building model railroad scenery? Visit TheModelRailroader.com for plenty of helpful information and for a free copy of my report "Model Railroad Design Secrets"

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