I was hoping to use the Christmas holiday to work on my layout. I finally realized why so many of my fellow modelers elect to use prefabricated structures instead of building them from scratch. The amount of detail required for each structure would take several lifetimes to finish manually.
I had some ideas for the station structure and thought creating mock-ups using cardboard would help visualize how it would look before starting on the final plastic version. Cardboard is far easier to work with than styrene. It took an hour to create the first prototype. I didn't spend effort adding architectural detail knowing it would be replaced by a styrene version if it turned out to be acceptable. I conceded defeat after seeing the first prototype. There was no way I could add sufficient detail that would meet my unrealistic architectural expectations. So I went online and ordered the Baden-Baden station made by Vollmer. Unfortunately it won't arrive in the post until next week when I'm back at work. I may decide to build my own station sometime in the future, but only when 3D printing becomes more affordable.
However, I did like the use of cardboard mock-ups to quickly visualize things. I think I'll continue to use this technique when designing new layout plans in the future. Here's to a new year of modeling. Happy New Year!
I had some ideas for the station structure and thought creating mock-ups using cardboard would help visualize how it would look before starting on the final plastic version. Cardboard is far easier to work with than styrene. It took an hour to create the first prototype. I didn't spend effort adding architectural detail knowing it would be replaced by a styrene version if it turned out to be acceptable. I conceded defeat after seeing the first prototype. There was no way I could add sufficient detail that would meet my unrealistic architectural expectations. So I went online and ordered the Baden-Baden station made by Vollmer. Unfortunately it won't arrive in the post until next week when I'm back at work. I may decide to build my own station sometime in the future, but only when 3D printing becomes more affordable.However, I did like the use of cardboard mock-ups to quickly visualize things. I think I'll continue to use this technique when designing new layout plans in the future. Here's to a new year of modeling. Happy New Year!
4 comments:
Hey...I'm just glad to see your posting again! :-)
This post hits me deep...I have so many ideas and projects going right now, that I have to make choices as well about where to compromise and where to invest the time. In your case, I think the Baden station is a great choice (I plan for this to be my main passenger terminal building as well...I've had the kit for a year thinking about where to put it etc...), and I think with enough paint and other details you can probably get the look you are looking for.
Again, good to see posting/modeling again!
Hi Jerry,
Since coming home from HK, there hasn't been much spare time to work on the layout due to the run up to Christmas. But I'm glad I made the decision to go with the Vollmer Baden station. I have a question for you regarding the station. Can you tell me the height of the platform? I'm worried that Vollmer's platform might be higher than my platform leaving a small gap.
Your last post reminded me I never got that measurement for you! The platform of the Vollmer 7505 measures just a hair under 6mm high.
Thanks Jerry. It looks like I have to figure out how to resolve the height difference. My platforms are 12mm high.
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