Scratchbuilding and molding

vlester · Post by **vlester** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 11:28 am

This may sound like a ridiculous question but I have no idea where to start.

I have an idea for a model in my head and a friend working with me to draw up some schematics....Where do people usually go next? Do you create from styrene sheets, or some other material in order to mold and cast parts later?

I guess I just don't understand the whole mastering/molding/casting process.

does anyone have a link to a sort of how-to site?

All suggestions appreciated.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 2:17 pm

Well, I'd suggest picking up the Model Design & Blueprinting Handbook. Then for construction help, look to the SSM main site for tips. Just use the pull down for 'Scratchbuilding'.

tonyG2 · Post by **tonyG2** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 3:40 pm

It is a daunting prospect I know.

My advice is "just do it" but with the caveat "Don't expect gold first time out".

If you don't have a go then you never know.

God that sounds trite. Like a bloody motivational speaker....

Thing is that at least at THIS site, people generally won't come down hard on you for making a sows ear out of a silk purse. We all know how hard it can be at first.

You WILL get better withh each attempt.

My main problem is getting parts to match for example. I'll end up with fuselage cross sections that don't match.

Self criticism can be a killer. Don't be a perfectionist at first. I used to hand carve Gerry Anderson craft from balsa. Built loads and as I didn't plan to exhibit them, they turned out OK.

Then I tried to make models that I would plan to show to mpeople and MAN did they suck.

These days my production rate on kits is way down due to real life (and toooo much posting at SSM) and of the models I do build, the sctachbuild attempts are a minority. But I still keep having a go.

I've been building a scratch at this

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l9/To ... 1203971748

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l9/To ... 1203971828

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l9/To ... 1203971860

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l9/To ... 1203971890

Its a plank on frame build about 18 inch long in balsa with miliput and plastic card skinning.

In two years - nah make that three - I've managed to fill out the main structure but still need to do the panel scribing, add the various fins and wings etc.....

Will get it done one day. Maybe a retirement project...

vlester · Post by **vlester** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 4:27 pm

Thanks guys! I completely forgot those sections of the site were there, duh on me.