Scratchbuilding | Eigenbau
This page links to some of my recent scratchbuilding projects which
have enabled me to put my further develop my modeling skills. To read
more about each project, click on the project name.
This tutorial accompanies the article Modelling
Structures in Card, which was published in an abridged form in
the ETE Express, No. 112, 4th Quarter, 2006
Below are step-by-step illustrated instructions for scratchbuilding a
half-relief background model based on an image on the Busch CD. Busch’s
CDs of background images contain a large number of diverse structures
just begging to be turned into background, or with other enhancements,
into foreground structures.
 
An abridged version of this article was originally published
in the ETE Express, No. 112, 4th Quarter, 2006.
Card, defined here as heavier weight paper and various cardboards,
has a long tradition in modeling in Germany and Eastern Europe, especially
Poland. While plastic kits and scratchbuilding supplies are dominant,
card can hold its own against these and provides some great opportunities
for creating unique models. This article describes the authors adventures
from working with kits to scratchbuilding and includes a tutorial on building
a background model based on a photographic image.
Module project for the Central New York Chapter of European Train Enthusiasts. The module is based on the Bend Track specification. All structures and bridges will be made of card, either scratchbuilt as in the case of the bridges, or kitbashed as in the case of some the structures, the others being scratchbuilt.

In late 2005 I made the decision to replace my Faller
"Bonn" station with one of my own making. The architectural
style is derived from several of those in the industrial Ruhr Valley with
its factories, coal mines, and refineries... The stations in these towns,
many of them at least, were built during the early-mid 1930's mainly of
brick. The design is very simple and angular lending itself well to scratchbuilding.
Many of the details such as windows and brickwork were actually derived
from the station in Duisburg.

This project creates a background model of the Bergbau-Grill
which is next to the subway stop opposite the Bergbaumuseum
in Bochum. A review of the museum (VERY well worth the trip) and mention
of the Bergbau-Grill are available here.
Up the embankment on the left and behind are railroad tracks used for
freight...

The structure is modeled on the prefab plattenbau ubiquitous
throughout Europe with business spaces on the ground floor and residential
and office spaces on the upper floors. *Also referred to bitingly as "Trümmerbarock"
(Rubble baroque).
To span the freight yard on the layout I needed to scratchbuild
a bridge and in looking
at numerous bridge designs opted for the cable
stay bridge which is very common in Europe and elegant.

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