Unlike George Costanza, not everyone wants to be an architect. But when it comes to model railroading, it seems like everyone gets into the act eventually. When you start building your layout, it’s sometimes impossible to find the perfect train station, bridge or building to make your plans come to life.
So what does it take to make your own buildings? And do you need to have some serious carpentry skills or can the average hobbyist manage?
In reality, building your own detailed replica buildings can take some advanced woodworking skills, and the tools to go along with them. But an often easier alternative is the “kitbashing” method - taking an existing model and using it as the foundation for your own creation, modifying it to suit your own taste.
In many cases doing this will allow an enthusiast to utilize simple tools such as X-acto knives and scissors along with a little imagination to achieve spectacular results.
There are a number of materials that can be helpful when making your buildings. Balsa wood, mat board, cardboard, foam and lightweight plastics are all good choices.
Plaster and corkboard, spray adhesives, gold or silver foil and glitter can also come in handy. You can find most of these materials at your local hobby shop, and they are not particularly expensive.
Where To Turn For More Ideas
Tips and articles on working with these materials have been printed in many magazines that you may want to see if you can find either in a 2nd hand bookstore or by demand at your local library.
