Scratch-built models
Discussion
SAB888 said:
Would like to know how this was actually done! Presumably scaled drawings were used to get the accuracy, but what was the process for getting the finished model?
Hi, what I did for this one is buy a Tamiya 1/35th model to work from - as they are very good in terms of accuracy. I then work from that, draw the basic shape and create some milling plans i.e. how to create the basic shape with the milling machine, starting with a block of plastic. Once the basic shape is milled (with as many angled cuts as is possible) you then get into hand finishing i.e. curved surfaces created by hand with a file and then wet-and-dry paper. Meanwhile the fine details are drawn with CAD, and etched in brass. These are then added to the basic shape, in some cases built up in layers to create the required 3D form. Then the finishing touches are done by hand; miliputt, plastic rod etc. Here are some WIP photos of an earlier project... the wheels/tyres and made up of 8-10 layers of etched brass.
Two versions nearing completion;
Masters completed:
Edited by Fast and Spurious on Friday 13th October 00:14
dr_gn said:
Looks like a kit at first glance - always good to see a model made from scratch.
I Too thought I was looking at a kit there, how do you get to that from a block of plastic! very nice. I like the idea of modeling something from styrene sheets but have yet to have a go. I've made a few balsa wood boats from scratch but that easy to work with.2thumbs said:
I Too thought I was looking at a kit there, how do you get to that from a block of plastic! very nice. I like the idea of modeling something from styrene sheets but have yet to have a go. I've made a few balsa wood boats from scratch but that easy to work with.
Just time, patience and a bit of OCD I guess! I have been building models for quite a few years and first starting scratch-building in my early teens.... then when I started again about 14 years ago it was very crude but I gradually improved as I went along. I reckon about 40-50 hours work go into one of these models, a lot of that is CAD time and preparation. Along with the AAV-7 I also completed an M1A1;
Fast and Spurious said:
SAB888 said:
Would like to know how this was actually done! Presumably scaled drawings were used to get the accuracy, but what was the process for getting the finished model?
Hi, what I did for this one is buy a Tamiya 1/35th model to work from - as they are very good in terms of accuracy. I then work from that, draw the basic shape and create some milling plans i.e. how to create the basic shape with the milling machine, starting with a block of plastic. Once the basic shape is milled (with as many angled cuts as is possible) you then get into hand finishing i.e. curved surfaces created by hand with a file and then wet-and-dry paper. Meanwhile the fine details are drawn with CAD, and etched in brass. These are then added to the basic shape, in some cases built up in layers to create the required 3D form. Then the finishing touches are done by hand; miliputt, plastic rod etc. Here are some WIP photos of an earlier project... the wheels/tyres and made up of 8-10 layers of etched brass.
Fast and Spurious said:
Sorry - bit annoyed with myself but I didn't actually take any of this one. Next one I do I will take some and describe the process.
Thanks. I would definitely find your techniques interesting.Based on what you do, I could see me having a go at 1/144 airport service vehicles.
kuro said:
Now you are just showing off. 
Honestly though, that is some great work. I wouldn't have a clue where to start.
Sorry...was showing off a little (I do cheekily like to see people guess the scale of them). Honestly though, that is some great work. I wouldn't have a clue where to start.You say you wouldn't have a clue where to start but when I first started I didn't have a clue, my first models were very crude, but have learnt over the years bit by bit. What it has demonstrated to me, genuinely, is if you put enough time and effort into something you can achieve anything. It helped that I have always enjoying making models (therapeutic after a day in the office) and am fascinated by miniature stuff. Very enjoyable to me, but perhaps making watches would have been more lucrative!
Eric Mc said:
Thanks. I would definitely find your techniques interesting.
Based on what you do, I could see me having a go at 1/144 airport service vehicles.
I don't see why not, just need some basic skills and some time and patience.Based on what you do, I could see me having a go at 1/144 airport service vehicles.
My next model will be a German Panther G tank, I'll do my best to document the process.
Fast and Spurious said:
kuro said:
Now you are just showing off. Honestly though, that is some great work. I wouldn't have a clue where to start.
Sorry...was showing off a little (I do cheekily like to see people guess the scale of them). Honestly though, that is some great work. I wouldn't have a clue where to start.You say you wouldn't have a clue where to start but when I first started I didn't have a clue, my first models were very crude, but have learnt over the years bit by bit. What it has demonstrated to me, genuinely, is if you put enough time and effort into something you can achieve anything. It helped that I have always enjoying making models (therapeutic after a day in the office) and am fascinated by miniature stuff. Very enjoyable to me, but perhaps making watches would have been more lucrative!
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