Why do you scratch build

[toonsign]

Hi,

I voted for build my own structures. The reason for this is, I model the Western Sierra logging railroads during the mid to late 1800's.

Most of these lines were built from whatever was lying around and this gives me the opportunity to create my own structures. I do board by board using Northeastern wood.

Although not as detailed as the work I've seen by other forum members, I still enjoy creating and building my own.

Thanks,

Fred

Melbourne FL

[mikethetrainman]

Well I was surfing around the forum this evening and found this thread. I voted for #4. I like to do most everything about building a layout but wiring. But the thing that keeps me going is designing and building my own buildings. I guess for many of the reasons given in this thread. The main one is when your done you have something different and designed to to fit the space. I also do my share of kit building from most all the major craftsman kit makers. I also do some kitbashing and scratchbashing to.

[LVRALPH]

It's funny you say you don't like wiring. It is now a mini hobby for me. I used to feel that way, but I rather like it now. It is amazing what those little electrons will do for you if you point them in the right direction at the right time. But, then that's the secret.

[Comstock_Carshops]

I was torn between other and #1. I dabble in logging, mining, and old structures. I like building from actual photos and footages, but I have also create spur of the moment ideas that pop into my pea brain! I have also produced kits by request. You may not see mant of them duplicated on layouts as I only put out fifty or so of each, this allows me to move on. Just so many ideas from different folks, and things that I would like to put out there for the modeler, but as everyone knows, most of us are working in that "so little time frame"

Rick

[LVN]

When I scratchbuild it is usually something very simple, unique that manufacturers do not make. So I look at the basic shapes and find stuff I need and try to replicate it. An example is a golf ball washer for the LVN Golf course. Take a small pin head, insert it in a round piece of styrene sprue and mount it on a thinned piece of sprue. Paint the thinned sprue white, the styrene red, and pin black If the manufacturers make something I usually buy them and kitbash or paint it different. It is mostly an issue of time, having so much to do on the layout and I like operations and it takes so many hours of railroading pleasure.

[kay4pacific]

I voted #1. I find very little offerings in On30.

I have found a few plans in 1/24 scale and reduced 50%. Also like the challenge I can also be creative, where the more expensive craftsman kits are pretty much one design.

[Old_Fogy]

Unfortunately, I started very late in life to begin scratchbuilding. But, for the short period I that I have had my hands touching wood and the tools required to build, I found the technique rewarding.

Creating something -- whether a musical score or a piece of literature -- from mere thought then to substance is satisfying and often difficult to describe. It's satisfying; it's confidence building; it's assuring that one has the ability and capability to transform an idea, an abstraction -- to something concrete.

Unforunately, many of us lack the technical know-how and necessary tools, initially. But through exchanges in forums and suggestions from those recognized for their creative skills, novices can move up the ladder to craftsman level. Kits are excellent, but what can best describe one's scratchbuilt creation from wood, cardstock or plastic other than a "proud and heartfelt accomplishment."

Gary (Old Fogy)

[simon1966]

I voted "other" because I have been making models of very specific buildings.

[paperbender1960]

I should have marked other, for a variety of reasons. I want to have my own railroad, so I need buildings and rolling stock to fit my own needs. And I have to justify all of that stuff and tools that my loving wife has allowed me to clutter up the house with.


Glen

[davkin]

Newbie weighing in here. I voted for wanting something unique but I really do it for three of the five reasons. I do think a lot of this model railroad stuff is priced very high. My roots are model car building and railroad modeling has caused me sticker shock on many occasions! Many of those things I just can't afford, and many times even if I can afford it I figure I could build it myself for much less and do a better job of it. Also, I just enjoy scratchbuilding. There's just no feeling like creating something from a bunch of nothing. If only there were 30 hours/day. :erm:

David

[cnj999]

A rather difficult poll to vote honestly in for me. If pushed, I'd probably have to go with #2. Really, in the case of my scratch replicas of FSM kits, I'm driven by my own creativity and the challenge of replicating some difficult commercial kit structure from scratch. I must admit this outlook also extends to simpler plastic kits as well, almost alway "bashing" them in some manner that makes them rather unique looking and usually much larger than the manufacturer's original intent.

John

[Peterpools]

Part of the fun of building especially in wood is the fun of designing a unique building and then working your way through it. I almost never draw out detailed plans but just a basic layout drawing and go from there. The end result is a product of my imagination.

Peter [:-kitty]

[railphotog]

Spam!
..........

[Rick]

quote:

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Originally posted by railphotog

SPAM!

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Yup, and there will probably be more before Mike gets here to delete his account. It will be taken care of.

[Bbags]

Rick and Bob,

I deleted the spam and Mike has locked the account.

So one down but I am sure others will find their way here sooner or later.