Friday, January 26, 2018

Modelling 122th Street - Part 2

Work on 122th Street is progressing well. After drawing the lots on a sheet of fiberboard, I found out I could represent 7 properties out of 10 that are located along the mainline. Not bad when you take in account I use no compression to recreate this scene.


The first structure I built was a small garage that was recently torn down and replaced by a larger structure. While I don't intend to agonize over prototype with this project, I still want my models to set the mood. Here's the real structure.


And here's the model made of styrene. I still have to decide if I'll add the gutters and downspouts.


The next structure is another garage, this time larger.


Once again, there are some variations in details, but overall the building is quite a decent approximation of the real thing.


As you can see, I put substantial effort in modelling correct fascia, soffite and clapboard corner trims. These details are often overlooked by most modellers even if they take very little time and material to implement. Why I bother with them is because they improve realism by looking like the real thing. That may seem obvious, but such details makes models look larger and more delicate. The key being to use material with correct cross section. If done with thicker material, they are bound to look out of place and clunky.

5 comments:

  1. These look great, but I think you do need the gutters on the little one. :-)

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    1. Even better: it looks like it only has a gutter on one side!

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    2. No gutter on the property line side where laws require you manage rain water!

      I can't escape from reality isn't! Some U-channel and styrene rod should do the job!

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  2. It's great you're giving such attention to nondescript buildings most wouldn't even bother with. Agree with Rene' that gutters and downspouts are a must.

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    1. Mike, as a matter of consistency, I see no reason to go cheap with nondescript buildings. They are part of the story and if they aren't on part with the rest of the layout, they're going to be like the proverbial sore thumb.

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