Category Description: Information about how to build scale models of structures.
'S'ky 'S'crapers
Model Railroad News 2008-11 pg. 96 Scale: S Author: Roy Hoffman
This monthly columns how to model skyscrapers in S-scale. It also announces the start-up of S Scale Locomotives & Supply company by Fred Rouse, and introduces the Rochester Area S Gaugers club.
A Building for a Century
Model Railroader 2002-08 pg. 80 Scale: N Author: Will Jacobs
An unusual article about how to move a building through 100 years of use and disuse, and how to model that.
A Few Things You Can't Live Without
Model Railroad News 2010-03 pg. 85 Scale: S Author: Dick Karnes
Adding some small track-side details and staircases.
A Northeastern Corner
Railroad Model Craftsman 2005-12 pg. 85 Scale: HO Author: Ron Foreman
The structure of a street corner shop came from three kits. The article includes diagrams of the major parts donors, and the dimensions of the final structure.
A Tar Paper Shack For Your Layout
Model Railroader 1992-05 pg. 104 Scale: HO Author: Bill Morrissey
A simple scratchbuilding project for beginners. Scale diagrams and final photos of the project are included.
A World-famous Institution
Model Railroad News 2008-12 pg. 86 Scale: HO Author: Dick Foster
This article reviews the HO- and N-scale versions of Blair Lines' "Pizzaland" kit.
Atlas O Scale Control/Signal Tower Conversion to S Scale
NASG Dispatch 2009-12 pg. 21 Scale: S Author: Bill Fraley
Despite the kit definitely being intended for O-scale, the author still managed to make it into a reasonable model for S.
Background Buildings, Flats and Philosophy
Railroad Model Craftsman 2005-12 pg. 98 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Walker
The author presents many ideas about how to make thin background buildings look more three-dimensional. He also discusses forced perspective.
Basic Techniques for Painting and Finishing Structures
NMRA Bulletin 2002-07 pg. 36 Scale: (none) Author: Sam Swanson
Styrene surface preparation and priming, finishing white styrene to look like wood, base-coating plastic structures, staining wood, finishing wood structures, painting metal, finishing metal structures, painting and detailing structure exteriors, handles and hinges, base basics, detailing bases, scenery and junk-filled bases, and figures.
Basics of Kitbashing Plastic Structures
Model Railroader 2004-09 pg. 44 Scale: (none) Author: David Popp
Step-by-step instructions on kitbashing a structures. Subtopics are: Surveying the site, cleaning and cutting walls, assembling walls, roof and painting, roof details, and final details.
Bike Shop - Post Office
NASG Dispatch 2009-02 pg. 10 Scale: S Author: Gerry Evans
Using a Banta Modelworks kit that is no longer available, the author shows how he builds hydrocal structures. The article covers walls, brick, concrete, stonework, decals, windows, and doors.
Bricks and Masonry
Railroad Model Craftsman 2004-10 pg. 88 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Walker
Practical modeling ideas for brick buildings.
Broadway Posters for Your Layout
Model Railroader 1983-01 pg. 120 Scale: (none) Author: Clarke Dunham
This page contains sample posters used on passenger station platforms advertising the latest Broadway show.
Build Great-looking Structures
Model Railroader 2006-09 pg. 70 Scale: (none) Author: Lionel Strang
The author shows his construction techniques as he builds a track-side warehouse.
Building the Ellisville Elevator
Railroad Model Craftsman 2010-05 pg. 56 Scale: O Author: John Adams
In this installment the author actually builds the model. Construction photos accompany the article. There are also scale drawings included, as well as a sidebar on the inner workings of a grain elevator.
Canadian Pacific Railway Number 1 Oil House
N-Scale 2002-10/11 pg. 27 Scale: N Author: Patrick Lawson
N-scale drawings of an oil house.
Conquering Insulbrick
Railroad Model Craftsman 2006-01 pg. 54 Scale: HO Author: Don Spiro
Modeling the pre-WWII asphalt sheets of faux-brick siding that was used on frame houses in the Northeast and Midwest. The article includes prototype and modeling photos.
Delaware, New Jersey
Railroad Model Craftsman 2002-12 pg. 78 Scale: (none) Author: William T. Greenberg, Jr.
The text covers the history of this town and is accompanied by many old photos of the station, overhead view, and a scale drawing of the station and the trackplan of the area. Also includes photos of DL&W and PRR trains in the area.
Detailing Rooftops
N-Scale 2000-05/06 pg. 68 Scale: N Author: Clayton Barry
Many photos of ideas for rooftop accessories to structures.
Doors, Windows, and Details
Railroad Model Craftsman 2003-08 pg. 72 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Walker
Scratchbuilding supplies for scale doors and windows. Includes several nice finished models.
Drop-in Street Scenes
N-Scale 2003-03/04 pg. 56 Scale: N Author: Edmund Schultz
Creating small street scenes on a piece of styrofoam insulation so that it can be easily dropped into a layout.
Elevate for Visual Variety
Railroad Model Craftsman 1980-12 pg. 101 Scale: (none) Author: Keith Eck
By simply placing a structure on a piece of plywood and filling the surrounding area with scenery we can avoid the flat ping-pong table look on our layouts.
Five Businesses for Strong
Railroad Model Craftsman 2010-03 pg. 48 Scale: On30 Author: Robert Bennett
The author describes five businesses for his On30 South China & Sheepscot layout. They include a general store, a gas station, a garage, a fast-food place, and a post office. Prototype and model photos are included.
Forced Perspective
Model Railroader 1999-12 pg. 114 Scale: (none) Author: Earl Smallshaw
Forced perspective can be created by building smaller-than-scale structures and trees.
From The Beginning
Railroad Model Craftsman 2002-12 pg. 66 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Walker
The article covers the author's opinion of why we should consider scratchbuilding.
Front of the Layout Vignettes No.22
Railroad Model Craftsman 2011-06 pg. 69 Scale: Author: David Lambert
This installment covers the second part of ice and the railroads, specifically artificial ice.
Ice Cream: A Can, a Bottle, and a Bucket
Railroad Model Craftsman 2011-09 pg. 68 Scale: Author: Preston Cook
How to model structures from the 1930's and 40's whose shape matched the kinds of items they sold, such as an ice cream stand that looked like a milk can. Several prototype photos are included.
Innovative Diorama
N-Scale 2003-01/02 pg. 44 Scale: N Author: Tim Anderson
Shows the incredible detail of a rear-building loading dock, with a single LED lighting the entire area. The author has a company called Ngineering.
Insurance Mills
Railroad Model Craftsman 2002-10 pg. 78 Scale: HO Author: Vic Roseman
Prototype and model photos. Using a Walthers Front St. Warehouse as a starting point. Slow burning or mill construction drawings ca. 1908.
It's a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood
Railroad Model Craftsman 2010-07 pg. 40 Scale: HO Author: Gerry Leone
The author cut City Classics three-pack house kits in half to create 6 homes. He added different touches to each house, including a complete backyard for each.
Kitbashing Four O Scale City Buildings
Railroad Model Craftsman 2006-01 pg. 89 Scale: O Author: Robert Ottosen
Taking four identical kits and transforming them into unique buildings.
Kitbashing a Mill Owner's Mansion
Railroad Model Craftsman 2002-12 pg. 73 Scale: HO Author: John Glaab
The author disassembled an N-scale model of the White House and converted into a HO-scale mansion.
L-aborating On The Farmhouse
Railroad Model Craftsman 1977-07 pg. 62 Scale: HO Author: John Nehrich
Adding lots of details to the classic AHM/Revell farmhouse. Two kits are required to create the model build by the author.
Large Projects
Railroad Model Craftsman 2007-02 pg. 88 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Walker
Dealing with building those very large structures on your railroad, such as roundhouses, large passenger stations, or long trestle bridges.
Large Projects Part II
Railroad Model Craftsman 2007-03 pg. 70 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Walker
This installment covers how the authored dealt with building a large 32" by 48" stamp mill complex for his layout.
Letterbashing
Railroad Model Craftsman 2010-10 pg. 45 Scale: Author: Bill Gill
Using computer graphics software, the author created letters for his structure that needed their own custom spacing and had to fit within the structure's design elements. Also covers small shop signs, factory signs, and dealing with specific letters.
Lighting for Realism
Model Railroader 1999-12 pg. 110 Scale: (none) Author: Gregory H. Heier
Al Kubicka's HO-scale layout was designed to allow for both day-time and night-time operation. The article describes how he prepared the layout room, and how he does the street and structure lights. Includes lots of tips and tricks for bringing realism into the layout with lighting.
Make Your Own Shingles
Railroad Model Craftsman 2002-11 pg. 106 Scale: HO Author: Bob Mitchell
Create diamond pattern shingles gummed paper.
Making Brickpaper with Colored Pencils
Model Railroader 1997-07 pg. 105 Scale: (none) Author: Paul Zimmerman
Quickly create brick paper by placing a sheet of paper on a piece of plastic brick and rubbing a colored pencil over it to leave an impression of the brick.
Mocking up a Scene
Model Railroader 1999-12 pg. 141 Scale: (none) Author: Marty McGuirk
Using cardboard to build the rough shapes of structures to see if they will fit on the layout. It is easier and cheaper to modify them before spending time building the final building.
Modeling Board-and-Batten Structures
Model Railroading 2006-02 pg. 22 Scale: HO Author: Sam Swanson
Creating homes and a church using either basswood or styrene. Detailed instructions, many photos, and a scale diagram for the church.
Modeling Ridge Shingles
Railroad Model Craftsman 2007-02 pg. 80 Scale: HO Author: Jack Burgess
The author shows and describes how to use automotive putty to model ridge shingles on the roof line.
Modeling Stone Walls
Model Railroader 2003-02 pg. 92 Scale: (none) Author: Ron Morse
Creating and casting a stone wall for houses or retaining walls. Explains how to do curved walls.
Modeling a Water Crane
Railroad Model Craftsman 2003-02 pg. 62 Scale: On2 Author: Trevor Marshall
A simple project of a watering crane used on the two-foot gauge Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes in Kingsfield, Maine. Period prototype photos are included, as well as scale drawings, and completed model photos.
Modernized Brick Buildings
N Scale Railroading 2004-09/10 pg. 49 Scale: N Author: Kirk Reddie
Photos of modern buildings that defy architectural standards.
Modifying Doors and Windows
Railroad Model Craftsman 2006-09 pg. 70 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Walker
The author describes various means for modifying commercially-available door and window parts.
Multi-Purpose Shed
N-Scale 2002-10/11 pg. 38 Scale: N Author: Charles Moslander
Instructions, photo, and drawings of a generic shed building.
Oiler's Ready-Mix & Building Supply
N-Scale 2003-07/08 pg. 64 Scale: N Author: John Gerdes
The article describes not so much how to build the buildings, but how to make space for them in already established scenery. Includes many photos.
Other Resources Part 4
Model Railroad News 2009-08 pg. 82 Scale: S Author: Dick Karnes
Dick describes how he used O-scale DPM modular wall sections to build a transfer house, and HO-scale tanks for an oil refinery.
Painting Signs on Buildings
Model Railroader 1997-07 pg. 93 Scale: (none) Author: Lee Vande Visse
Painting a drop shadow on stenciled signs to give buildings a vintage look.
Plans from Pictures
Railroad Model Craftsman 1996-05 pg. 70 Scale: (none) Author: James Tangney
Geometry is explained to build scale drawings from photographs knowing the heights/widths of some of the items in the photograph.
Plastic Kit Basics
Model Railroader 1996-10 pg. 82 Scale: Author: George Sebastian-Coleman
The basics of how to build a plastic kit
Product Review Double Feature
NASG Dispatch 2009-10 pg. 20 Scale: S Author: Gerry Evans
Gerry reviews the NASG Brick Building and the Smoky Mountain Model Works GE 77-tonner engine. Both are new kits
Published Photo To Model
N-Scale 2005-11/12 pg. 47 Scale: N Author: Robert L. Hundman
The author shows how he built a model of the general store at Nella, North Carolina.
Really Obvious Tips
O Scale Trains Magazine 33 July 2007 pg. 34 Scale: Author: Joe Giannovario
Printing a scale drawing to make sure the structure fits.
Rear Walls
Railroad Model Craftsman 2006-02 pg. 74 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Walker
Showing the rear wall of structures presents a different opportunity for modeling.
Scratchbuilding in Another Scale
Railroad Model Craftsman 2005-09 pg. 58 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Walker
The author discusses occasionally building something in another scale to not only keep your interests high in the hobby, but also to gain a different perspective and learn some new techniques.
Signs
Railroad Model Craftsman 2005-11 pg. 86 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Walker
The author discusses various ways we can make signs for our structures, including using a digital camera.
Simple Kitbashing
Model Railroading 2005-12 pg. 23 Scale: (none) Author: V.S. Roseman
The article covers a couple of simple techniques to apply to commercial kits to make structures look different, such as painting, leaving off certain parts, renaming, or adding parts from other kits.
Some Structures for the Gold Hill Central Part 2
Model Railroader 1984-04 pg. 96 Scale: HO Author: Art Curren
This installment describes the various structures built for the 5' by 8' layout. Most were kitbashed and so the article includes diagrams of how various parts were combined to create the unique structures shown in the photos.
Some Tips for Detailing Structures
Model Railroader 1994-12 pg. 97 Scale: HO Author: Art Curren
Not really a separate article as such, but it deserves attention. This article gives lots of tips and techniques about detailing, painting, and weathering DMP structures.
Structures on the D&S
Railroad Model Craftsman 1972-10 pg. 46 Scale: HO Author: Jim Paine
Several structures on the author's layout are featured because of how he modified kits to make them unique.
Structures: Introduction
Garden Railways 2008-08 pg. 76 Scale: G Author: Jack Verducci
The author shares his experience about what works and what doesn't with regard to structures that must endure the weather. This is the start of a series of articles on how to build structures for the outdoor garden.
Styrene Tips
Railroad Model Craftsman 2002-11 pg. 112 Scale: (none) Author: Lionel Strang
Tips and tools needed for styrene construction.
Styrene as Weathered Wood
Railroad Model Craftsman 2006-07 pg. 66 Scale: (none) Author: Harold Minkwitz
This article describes in detail how the author makes white styrene look like aged wood. The finished product looks amazingly real.
The "Blue Plate Special"
Railroad Model Craftsman 2002-08 pg. 48 Scale: (none) Author: Dave Lustig
Independent roadside eateries.
The Back Side of Buildings
Railroad Model Craftsman 2003-07 pg. 48 Scale: (none) Author: Robert D. Turner
Photos of the back side of buildings that reveal severe weathering and older industrial structures.
The Cheltenham Granary
Railroad Model Craftsman 2012-01 pg. 55 Scale: S Author: Trevor Marshall
The author describes how he modeled a granary that used stone walls for the lower half and exposed cribbed wood walls for the upper half. Includes a sidebar on crib joints are made. Includes many construction photos.
The Eastwyck & Fensterstock Construction Co.
Model Railroader 1978-01 pg. 95 Scale: HO Author: Edward C. Steinberg
The author describes how he built a structure and diorama because of his interest in construction equipment.
The Houses of El Dorado
N-Scale 2002-11/12 pg. 30 Scale: (none) Author: John Hawkins
Simple, inexpensive, yet elegant homes of railroad employees and their families on sloped terrain.
The N Scale Burlington Northern Part 5
Model Railroader 1990-06 pg. 86 Scale: N Author: Ed Hammer
Description of the structures used on this layout, with emphasis paid on a feed mill, modern plant, an Inn, a bar, and a 3M plant.
The Recycled Theater
Railroad Model Craftsman 2005-03 pg. 70 Scale: HO Author: Frank Cicero
Modeling a contemporary CVS Pharmacy store in a building that used to be a movie theater. The articles includes N-scale drawings of the building which was completely scratchbuilt from styrene.
The Rest Are Details
N Scale Railroading 2003-07/08 pg. 50 Scale: N Author: Dan Lewis
Describes the four DPM kits and one scratchbuilt structure with text and photos. The text includes what modifications the author made to the structures. The results are impressive. The scratchbuilt structure is a wooden grain storage elevator. He describes how he weathered the model.
The Tank at Pepito Tey
Railroad Model Craftsman 2003-07 pg. 56 Scale: On3 Author: Thomas A. Yorke
A water tank in Cuba. The article contains model photos and a detailed drawing of the parts.
Thinking Outside the Blocks
Railroad Model Craftsman 2011-09 pg. 56 Scale: Author: Bill Gill
The author describes how he uses Lego® building blocks to construct inner foundations for structures, as temporary stand-ins for to-be-built structures, and for building interior details.
Using Styrene
Railroad Model Craftsman 2003-09 pg. 82 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Walker
This is an introductory article about why and how to use styrene. It discusses the benefits of styrene versus some of the other building materials. There is also a short discussion on which glues to use with styrene.