Why get into the area of scratchbuilding or making your own models? Basically, even though plastic kits are available for most modellers interests, there are still examples of subjects that are not offered by manufacturers, a need to improve upon current models and the chance to create special bases for a completed model. In all of these areas, scratchbuilding techniques are needed.
The simplest scratchbuilding involves "kit-bashing"or the mix of parts from various kits to create a new version of the original kit. Some plastic kits offer the modeller a choice of versions with "3-in- one" or other types of kits. The optional parts that are provided allow you to change the basic model. Keep all the extra parts even if they aren't used right away as they can be the start of a parts box. It is amazing how many parts can be used in other model projects.
Accessory parts are also sold by many manufacturers, most of them small, independent companies that are called "cottage"or "garage" companies. These accessory kits are often matched to a particular model kit already in production and can include additional detail parts, decals or a combination of these materials. Although sometimes costly, accessory parts can help you create a more impressive model. Entire kits are also sold as either vaucuformed plastic or resin (sometimes other materials are also used such as paper or even fiberglass) that are often low production runs and can require an experienced or advanced modeller.
However, if you are making a unique model or wish to convert an existing model using available materials, scratchbuilding techniques are then employed.
The availability of plastic building sections from a company called Plastruct that were designed for architectural use can give a modeller a variety of useful shapes and forms. Plastruct structural shapes include tubes, angles, I-beams, stairs and even figures. Some plastic railroad modelling accessories for diorama building are also useful.
Other types of plastic include Styrene plastic which is sold in sheets in both translucent and clear by plastic suppliers and can also be found in many hobby shops. The sheets are inexpensive and easy to cut and shape. Thin, clear sheets can also be used in vacuforming new parts for replacing kit windows or canopies. Acrylic plastic is much more brittle and is harder to form but has applications in bases or specialized purposes. This material is very expensive and is more difficult to find.
Resin is now the choice of most cottage manufacturers when they turn out accessory parts or models. The casting of a master part in materials such as latex or RTV (room temperature curing vulcanizing) products is also possible for an individual modeller to create a new part or duplicate an existing part. Resin or even metal can be used as material for the cast. The cost and time involved in the procedure makes this method more suited for the experienced or advanced modeller. The use of fiberglass which is a cloth soaked in resin to form a sheet or shell is another advanced technique. The durability and strength of fiberglass is offset by its expense and the need for a well-ventilated, clean workspace (as the process is extremely messy and the fumes from fiberglass are dangerous).
Wood and paper are also extremely useful materials in scratchbuilding. Balsa wood is a soft and easily shaped wood that has been used for a long time in creating shapes for flying models. Sealing the balsa wood before painting is important. Harder woods are also useful as they have a finer grain and are easier to paint. Many modellers still use wood as their master for resin casting or vacuforming. Paper can be easily shaped and in thicker sheets can also be useful as a structural material. Whole models made out of paper can be very effective in making a miniature, especially buildings. Other materials that can be used in scratchbuilding include foamboard which is an inexpensive sheet of plastic and foam material sandwiched together which is useful for bases and other applications, plaster of paris or papier mache for creating shapes on a diorama base. Metal sheets or tubes are also another good source of material for modelling projects.
The first step in scratchbuilding is in designating which parts can be built with sheet, rod or other available parts. Then drawing out plans of the parts to be made or modified helps to make a list of small projects. Some of the most common methods of scratchbuilding include vacuforming or casting in resin new parts. Unless a modeller builds a vacuform machine or creates a casting box, there are commercially available units but these are very expensive. Using ingenuity, the scratchbuilder can proceed but as indicated, this is an area of modelling that requires some experience and patience, as it is a life-time learning process!
... and don't forget, have fun!
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