How to Scratch Build a Small Structure in N Scale
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- How to scratch build a small small structure in N scale. This is my track side industry in N scale part 2. Here is how I built Berend Bros Farm & Garden for my layout. This build was part of the BBC v2 sponsored by Eric Hall and IMRROcom. This build was a lot of fun and came out very nice. Check out part 3 where I added weathering and details.
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Great Video Ron. Thanks for producing and sharing.
Thanks for portaying a little portion of the old historical town of Bowie, Texas in your own model railroading layout. It makes history live on.
But, I thourougly enjoy watching all your videos as I also model in N Scale myself.
Also, just for your own FYI, (in case you're interested).
My family (on my mom's side), is from Texas, namely around the Muenster area. Actually our old family homestead is located about 200 yards from the Red River just slightly east and north of the old townsite of Bulcher on the north side of highway 373. My grandmother and all her siblings used to go to the old one room school house which was just across the road (on the southside), from the old gas station/general store near the corner where highway 373 intersects with highway 2382.
Also just south of Bulcher (on the east side of highwy 2382 ), is the old Coker Cemetery where a lot of my relatives are buried. (the cemetery is located upon land of which my great-grandfather Coker donated from his own homestead .
From what my grandmother and my uncle Joe (her youngest brother), Uncle Lawrence (her oldest brother), Aunt Bess (her Sister), all told me, my family (by both marriage and birth back during my grandmothers era and before), includes the families with the following names; Coker, Cox, Dennis, Baily, among others in that area of which I can't remember after all these years, all of which put together as a group sort of owned most of the land in Cook County at one time.
At one time, I wanted to buy and restore the old one room school house for historical purposes, but alas, I never had the time, nor the money, and never (except for brief visits for family reunions and to visit relatives), made it back there to do so. I think it (the old school house), is long gone now-a-days. I used to have a picture or two of it in its delapidated shape just before it collapsed. Now I don't see any remains of it (or the old general store/gas station), when I zoom in on Google Earth. It's so sad to see history disappear.
Anyway, Keep up the great work Ron. Thanks once again for both your hard work and for sharing.
This is the first video I saw of constructing buildings like this. I guess others do this on TH-cam, but it was pretty detailed and helpful.
I keep coming back to this as preparation for my first styrene build. I'm going to try to make a "Neighborhood Trolley" for my son to go on top of one of the Kato tram chassis, but then I'm going to make a depot as well to match one that's in France. I've already figured out the dimensions based on one of your other videos and drawn them out on graph paper, then cut out a copy of it and assembled it, but the grid is just a touch big for N scale.
There's a Zen like quality in making buildings/scenery/models and one of the best qualities of model railroaders is they like to share their skills/techniques with others. Indeed scratch built has become nearly an art form for builders today and if 3D printing becomes inexpensive option there's literally no limit to recreating any building-structure a photo or your imagination can come up with.
Your voice over with perfectly double-timed video is great! The whole effort is very clean and easy to follow along all the steps. Great camera angles too. Heck - makes it look easy enough for old fumble fingers here. This one's a keeper, Ron!
AZTrainGranny Thank you. I am so glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful. I am always glad to be able to help another modeler out. I have a new video on making Pine trees coming next Tue. You should watch for it.
BTW the "double timed" video is actually 15x speed mostly. It is really way too fast, but that was the only way I could fit the build into one 15 min video per the contest rules.
Great pacing. Not the normal plodding how-to videos I have to suffer through and continually fast forward. Great voice-over detailing materials you are using. Thank you. I will be back.
Well, welcome, thank you, and I look forward to hearing more from you in the future.
I Scratch and kitbash all my HO scale buildings and I have also built my roll stock too
wow that looks great. N scale is just so small. looking forward to the next installment , good luck on the contest
Wait until you see it with all its weathering and detail. I am super pleased with how it came out.
There's a lot of good tips that brea viewing and re-viewing. I'll keep this handy. Re-viewing ought to be a good invested ofttimes for every project until it's habit and instinct. Thanks.
Great scratch build, that model master puddy is great for locomotive rebuilds for patching grab holes and more I agree with you that puddy is great. ~Zane
+Zane's Trains Yes, it is as good a product as I've found. Thanks for watching.
I’ll probably pick up some of those supplies soon! turned out great.
Very nice build , thank you for sharing this video
Thank you Ron, your video gave me loads of tips to use on my diorama.
Glad to hear that. Thanks for watching.
Nice piece. While I love the little trains (I have a small N scale "Christmas" layout - very simple), my prime (and really, at this stage in life, only) hobby is Amateur Radio. However, I simply enjoy watching videos like these as a break from the news drums, working (I'm a writer), and house maintenance projects. Thanks!
Well, thanks for watching, Richard, and for your comment. Stay well and safe.
like how you did the voice over in this video this is SWEETA!!! build,, lots & lots of good tips also ,,, thanks for sharing,, Tom.
Ethynville Bro420 Thanks again. I'm always glad to kow when someone benefits from this stuff. I have a few other scratch build videos in the works over the next few months so stay tuned.
will be watching
Amazing :)
Nice job Ron! Always a pleasure to see someone else building in N scale. I was pretty apprehensive when I did my first N scale structure. I felt like I was attempting brain surgery, but once you do a few, the confidence builds, and it gets easier.
Simple satisfying money saving technique and no waiting for a kit u paid for on back order...thanx
Beautiful! Well done Ron!
Thank you.
I'm excited for more videos, thank you!
Joey Sturtz Thanks. I have a Feature Friday tool teview coming tomorrow and a video on mock-ups next Tue.
Really good job Ron,I like trhis
+VirgoMale74 Thanks.
Love the video
Amazing! Make more N scale tutorials please! Btw you sound like nicholas cage a little
Great job on the building!
craig snyder thanks. I really enjoyed doing the video for this one. I have some other scratch building videos coming up over the next couple months as well.
Thanks, Ron. I enjoy the model building side of what you do. Great attention to detail.
Hi, Jo. Thanks. This is one of my earliest videos, so my video quality has improved substantially since then.
It's good enough. It's clear, easy to understand, and entertaining. You have the viewers and subscribers that says so.
Thanks.
Thx ron... great to see scratch building from start to finish. I haven't done any of it so its good to see process and hear items used .. especially thickness of styrene. Where did u get glueing jig. Havent seen that for sale yet ?? Looks like a must have tool !!! Great build.. awesome vid.. tuned in to see more !!
Thanks, Matthew, and thank you for watching. The gluing jig came from Micro Mark. Go to micromark.com, search for "gluing jig" and it is the first item that pops up. It is indispensable, whether scratch building or building kits.
This video is EXACTLY what I needed to see after my failed attempt at my first scratch-built N scale structure using chipboard. Just too many weak points where openings leaves just too little material over large openings (like garage door and 8' sliding glass doors. Don't why I didn't start with styrene since I already had a couple of sheets of .040. Duh!
Q: How did you get that delicate awning support assembly off the painter's without breaking it?
Very cool building!
Thank you. I enjoyed building it. I have had it in my plan to build for about 10 years. It is good to finally get to it.
Nice build of an interesting structure.
Chuck
Chazco Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I look forwatd to doing more scratch building here in the near future.
thats really great. Pretty sure I could never do anything like that though...I always buy kits and do those instead. If I tried this it wouldn't look much like your version. Great job though.
Excellent video! Would like to see some normal speed footage showing details of some of your techniques for cutting, gluing, sanding, etc. Thanks!
+tombensky Thanks, and maybe I will do some more of those technique shots in future videos. Thanks for watching.
If you click on the videos settings icon, there is a "Speed" option. You can slow it down to view the sped-up sections at a nearly normal speed.
very clean work..enjoyed this video. I've saw your screen name come up and clicked it to see what your channel offered. I'm a new sub.. Tom
Overland Transportation System Well welcome aboard and thanks for subscribing. I'm the new kid on the block around here but I'm trying to offer what I can to the model railroad and N scale communities.
Ron, as previously stated in another follow up to your reply..but, can't be understated.. Your offerings are strong, clear, well put forward and very enjoyable to watch.. I anticipate coming to your channel quite often. Tom
As a novice I have found your videos extremely helpful - I had been hoping to find a video that you talk about the essential tools needed in your toolbox for constructing scratch built structures- is there one you can point me to?
Well, sort of. My very first video was in a series for a scratch building contest and talked about the tools I used to build with styrene. Here is a link to it. Hope it helps. th-cam.com/video/L6fyxZwkBlw/w-d-xo.html
Hey, everyone, voting is open for the IMRROcom Big Build Contest v2. Please go vote. Here is the link. facebook.com/groups/IMRROcomBBCv2
hi Ron... very cool little structure.. reminds of a laser wood kit i did many years ago.. can't remember the name of the kit or manufacturer... any how... good job & i'll be looking for #3... vinny
Thanks, Vinny. Hey, I enjoyed your third video this week as well. I grew up on a farm and my dad bought sacked feed and supplements which we unloaded straight off the boxcar, so I have always had an affinity for grain elevators, fertilizer plants--anything where the farm and rails meet.
Another great video Ron. Don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t putting these amazing videos out. Thanx a bunch
I'd love to know what you're using for the metal tray and magnets, wherever did you get them? 🤔
Yes,same question!
Almost did not see it. You need to get the orange thumbnail up.
IMRROcom I will get the thumbnail on there. I literally left it to upload at home while I went to work, so as soon as I can get back to a computer I will get the thumbnail on there.
Hi Ron, I'm going to scratch build a train station in N scale I could use some tips on how to accomplish this project.
Bob Cooney
Salt Lake City Utah
Only just found your channel and love your videos so I've subscribed. A lot of things are different in the UK as regards the train infrastructure but a lot of things can be utilised such as this warehouse which is really useful. Is there a source you know if, for building plans please ? It doesn't have to be specifically N scale as I will adapt them. Also doesn't have to be specifically railroad as I can utilise various buildings for alternate uses. Thanks.
I don't really have one source for plans. I do internet searches and find plans sometimes in a variety of places, usually specific to a location or business, but mostly I make my own plans based on photos I have taken or downloaded off the internet. I did a couple videos about gathering reference photos and turning them into detailed structure plans you can check out.
Hey Ron, awesome video! Im thinking of starting to scratch build myself. I know it takes practice to get to your skill level but you make it look practical and less intimidating. I looked through some of the viewer comments and didn't see an answer to what my question for you is. I believe you said thst you used .040 styrene for this build. Do you find that to be a good overall size for scratch building? Or would you suggest another size thickness after having done it for a while? Thanks for your input and your videos are very helpful!
Put your script / notes up by the camera lens and it will look better when you read it.
Did you build the glue jig by yourself or did you buy it somewhere?
Do you have a video on scratch building bridge pylons
Where might I look to find those small rulers plus the cutting board/sheet that you're cutting on? Not sure what to search on Amazon.
I actually wish more people did these kinds of videos. People rush to put out quick videos but don't really take the time to show the whole process of scratch building something. I'd like to know more about it and get little tips and pointers as a build is going along. This probably would take a long time for this in particular, unless you actually planned out a quick build of course.
@andrewlaverghetta715
Here are links:
amzn.to/43yq8G2
amzn.to/46UkaSP
You appear to be a master of N scale! Did you have dimensional drawings when you talk about the building dimensions or just fro written literature about the original building?
Well, neither. I worked from photographs and estimated the dimensions by using known dimensions of things like doors. I made a video on how I do this when I do not have actual dimensions or dimensional drawings. Here is a link if you are interested.
th-cam.com/video/8A4ZsKGN0z8/w-d-xo.html
...and by the way, that is Normal scale.
@@RonsTrainsNThings Yes the darn text correction changes words I intended, even after I proof it changes when posted. But I am old too!
I have a seemingly stupid question, but I'm asking anyway! I am working in N Scale for the first time, so it's also my first time using the polystyrene. While I love working with it so far, the one thing I DESPISE right now is cutting it with the xacto knife. The ruler slides around (no matter how hard I hold it) and the cut goes off line constantly. Any tips?? It's frustrating and wasteful! Thank you so much! Love your channel!
My first recommendation is use less force. Make your first couple passes light passes to score the styrene, then it is easier to keep the knife in that groove.
Thank you! I will try that!
Ron, your work is beautiful. If I could build a structure a tenth as fine as that one, I would be happy! Thanks for explaining your work so well, and doing such great camera work, too. One question. I bought a paper printing software deal for structures, but haven't used it yet. Did I make a mistake? I'm hoping N scale is forgiving enough to allow printed shingles, etc, to be acceptable. I guess it depends on how high you set the quality bar, huh?
I think paper structures can be used and are often very nice. It depends on what type of structure, where it will sit on your layout (foreground or background), and a host of other factors, but I would certainly play with it and see what it can produce. I have seen some very nice models made with paper, though.
Thanks for answering, Ron. Again, I really enjoy your videos.
los felicito son hermosos sus trabajos , les recomiendo elumpa railroad buildings alchemist . gracias
Gracias por tu comentario y tu sugerencia.
Very nice work! I like your jig with the magnets; that's very clever. What are your thoughts on working with balsa wood instead of polystyrene? I'd imagine that maybe the polystyrene is simply easier to work with in a smaller scale-because it has no grain and isn't prone to warping-but I've never tried. I just prefer balsa and was wondering what your thoughts were.
+Brandon Alan I do some modeling with wood, although I prefer to use Basswood over Balsa whenever I can. Styrene can be made to look like wood, but my philosophy is use wood to simulate wood, use plastic to simulate metal. That isn't a hard-and-fast rule, but that's what I try to follow. I have not done a lot of scratch building with wood, but I have done some and I have done several laser cut Craftsman kits. Wood is definitely more challenging in N scale because scale Lumber is so tiny that it is easily broken.
Basswood is better to use to make walls, decks, and any larger, flatter pieces. But either way you're right about wood and N scale, as working with small stock gets tricky. I've only gone as small as HO with my own wood models. Since I'm now into N scale, I've been thinking about what to do for models since I like building them myself-as opposed to buying them. Your videos have already given me some great ideas. Thanks for the advice! 👍
After watching your video I'm more determined than ever to try my hand at scratch building.
The speed at which you can work in styrene is much faster than wood of any sort! It’s just score, bend/break, spot of glue, and in a couple minutes you can resume construction on the same parts. With wood, it’s cut, glue, go on vacation, then glue the next piece! Ha!
Where do you get the N scale .40 corrugated siding?
where do you get the red putty? none of my local hobby shops carry it.by local I mean within 50 miles thank you
Unfortunately Model Masters Red Putty has been off the marked for several years. I still have a tube which, if it doesn't dry up, should last a lifetime. In absence of Red Putty, Squadron Products White Putty would be my next recommendation, and it is readily available.
Nice tips but where can i see the dimensions of the parts?
I literally sketched this simple structure out roughly on paper the built a moc up. It is pretty basic so I didn't draw up detailed plans.
What are the dimensions for n scale structures
Hola, cuál escala utilizaste. ??
Hi Ron, The magnetic jig you use in this video, is it still available please, if so, where from?
Cheers, Trev in the UK.
It sure is. Here is a link. amzn.to/2DPsXdA
Sorry to butt in here ... I noticed this question was asked at least a year ago. I just got one myself recently so if somebody is still wondering at this time they are still out there. I love mine : ) Great video as usual Ron!
I picked up one of these things from a vendor at a model railroad show years ago. It was clearly made by a different company than whoever makes Micro Marks version. Beware buying these from anyone but Micro Mark. The one I purchased turned out to be useless because the radius from the bottom to the sides was too large, and wouldn’t allow a piece on the bottom and side to meet at a 90 degree angle! Makes a good paperweight though! Ha!
could you build one of these for me in HO scale?
Hi,
Thanks for your prompt reply.
If you ever have the need for a 3D plastic model, give me a shout.
Regards,
Hyman
Is there a preferred product for "gluing" styrene? I know there's Same Stuff but there's also weld-on #3. Any preference?
Same Stuff works great, as does Plastruct Plastic Weld or Bondene. Ambroid Pro Weld is my favorite but hard to find. You can also buy straight MEK at a hardware store. MEK is the solvent used in most of these cements.
@@RonsTrainsNThings Thanks Ron - nice to know your always there with help. Keep up the great work. :)
Stay safe
-N. Jineer
@@RonsTrainsNThings I forgot to mention why I asked - in this video Adam Savage talks about using #3. But he's used to building massive props (Death Star, Star Destroyer, etc. Where you never get a close look. Plus they sand and paint etc. Just wanted to pass it along...
th-cam.com/video/ZfvtGrhYk0I/w-d-xo.html
Hi dear, Thank you for your efforts, I learned a lot from you dear ... but I want to ask you the metal that appeared in the minute 1:53 the first time I see what its name is.🙏🙏🙏😊
It is called a magnetic gluing jig. You can get it one at the following affiliate link. amzn.to/2EUs9lo
Ron's Trains N Things thanks bro😊
not sure how you cut windows. pls explain.where did u get measurements of buildings?
I cut windows by marking their placement, drilling a series of holes just I side the Mark's, cutting between the holes with a hobby knife, then sanding and filling to size and shape. As for how I create plans for builds, check out this video. th-cam.com/video/8A4ZsKGN0z8/w-d-xo.html
What kind of glue do you like to use?
For styrene I use a solvent cement--Micro-Mark Same Stuff, Plast-I-Weld, or plain old MEK.
@@RonsTrainsNThings I just tried the new Tamiya super thin stuff I actually like it. I tried it after I asked you this of course
But I guess in the end it’s really all the same ingredients
Like do you have a blueprint of this house?
No
Hi Ron. Just wondering , how much would a building like that cost if you were to sell it?:
+chidragon60 I I have never built any structures for sale, nor have I ever bought any custom built structures. This will be a total stab in the dark, but I would estimate that this structure as is in the end of this video built but undetailed maybe $35 and after it was detailed and weathered as in the third video in this series probably closer to $50. Again that is a total stab in the dark having done no real research on it.
What solvent glue are you using? I loved Tenax and have't found a suitable substitute
I have used Tenax. My first choice is Ambroid Pro Weld. Right now I am using a bottle of Flex-I-File Plasti-I-Weld that came with my Touch-N-Flow applicator and I'm happy with it also. I have not used it, but Plastruct products have a good reputation. BE CAREFUL there though. They have two products. Bondene is for cementing like plastics to one another. Plastic Weld is for cementing dissimilar plastics together. Do not get them mixed up.
The company that made Tenax folded a number of years ago, supposedly due to lawsuits but I’m not sure. Micro Mark sells “Same Stuff”, which seems like the same stuff (get it?) as Tenax. I really like it!
Are you doing any structures for my hometown of Wichita Falls, TX.
August Pelz I am indeed. If you look at my video on mockups you will see I am specificly building the old Holt Hotel. I also plan to build the world's littelest skyscraper and the American Natn'l Bank building and maybe the parking garage for the Hamilton Bldg. I have Dorchester Grain already, but I used a kitbash and it doesn't look a lot like the prototype, and Bell Processing trackside.
What/where do you get that metal tray you used as a jig for building?
I love that thing--the magnetic glueing jig. Here is a link: amzn.to/3ashdLk
would .02 thickness work for the building instead of the thicker .04?
I am teaching myself to build house ho scale and am stuck on how to make eavs trough.
Ron, I really enjoy your tutorials. BUT...I am a late comer, and I would love a list of all your tutorials so I can catch up. I am new to railroading and am working in N-scale. I am not sure if you have my email address through this post, I hope you do and I hope you can grant my request.
Rich
Best thing is go to ronstrainsnthings.com which will take you to my channel page. Then click the videos tab and you will see a list of everything I have posted--about 80 videos so far.
what kind of material you use to build the house
It is build from polystyrene plastic.
Hi how do I figure out the radius of my flex track from micro engineering, probably a noob mistake
I'm not exactly sure what you are asking. Do you mean how do you figure what radius you want, or do you mean how do you get Micro Engineering track to bend to that radius? Or are you asking something else entirely. I'm sorry, I just want to understand exactly what you need before I go popping off answers that miss the question.
What are the measurements in n scale im new at this
It is easiest to get prototype dimensions and divide by the scale ratio, which in N scale is 160. So a 12' wall is 144" ÷ 160 = 0.9"...OR 4 meters = 4,000 mm ÷160 = 25 mm.
@@RonsTrainsNThings thank you
i’d like to see the protoytpe
+Howie Mann If you watch the video linked below at time stamp 2:00 you will see a photo, although it is from before the structure was painted white and green.
th-cam.com/video/L6fyxZwkBlw/w-d-xo.html
Yes thanks. Love your videos
Could I hire you to build a simple structure for me?
As much as I would like to, I simply don't have time to do custom building and maintain this channel along with a full time job and family.
I dont think this is something that I could ever do no matter how many youtube videos I watched - some people have an aptitude for this sort of thing - which I never will! Just like some people will never play piano no matter how hard they try. I fall into the playing piano category!
any one seen the Zodiac? Maybe he is hiding on the layout.
too fast
+Bertonni Magnus This was a video for a contest and it had to be under a certain time.
Drop the annoying and very bad music 🤗