Building Tips
Tip # 1 - Parts For Your Kit bashing Projects
Kit bashing is a wonderful way to make your layout look unique. When you
kit bash, you modify a store-bought kit to make it look different than intended.
However, there's another reason not to assemble a building kit according
to the instructions. Many people are afraid to try to create a building
from scratch. One of the reasons is that doors, windows and accessories
can be difficult to make. And, purchasing them separately can be expensive.
But many vale-priced kits can provide a treasure trove of items to use in
scratch building. Life-Like's General Store (Item no. 1351), for example,
has 15 different size windows, two regular doors, two barn-type doors, stairs,
a porch, hand rails, bench, brick chimney, workbench, loading ramp, dumpster,
stove pipe chimney, signs and much more. So, buy two kits! With one you
can assemble the General Store and with the other you can scratch build
your own unique structure.
Tip # 2 - Signs Of The Times
In older industrial buildings, windows and skylights were the source of
much of the interior light. Over the years, many of these were filled in
or covered giving buildings a unique look. Select a window. Remove the current
window. Cut out a brick section from another building wall or scrap material,
making it about 1/32" oversize. File it to fit exactly in the window
opening. Put it in the opening and glue it into position by applying cement
from the inside of the building.
Tip # 3 - Buildings Should Be Planted
Unlike the model world, real buildings are "planted" in the ground,
not placed on top of it. Make sure your structures look like they have a
foundation by bringing the scenery right up to the bottom of the walls.
Glue grass, earth, lichen bushes and other ground cover along the edges
of buildings in rural settings. Use glue, paint, trim details, accessories,
plaster, sidewalks, auto body putty or plastic model putty where the palls
meet the ground on city structures.
Tip # 4 - The Ole Cookie Sheet
You may find that the most realistic way to use some buildings is to install
them directly onto your layout, without using the base supplied with the
kit. Personally I seldom use the base. Although this approach might give
you the most natural appearance, it can cause difficulties during construction
when you don't have the base to help you place the walls while gluing. This
tip may help you. Buy a metal cookie sheet at a flea market or discount
store. Buy some large magnets from a hobby store or electronics parts store.
Use the magnets and the metal cookie sheet to hold the wall in position
while you glue them.
Tip # 5 - Make A School
A Town Church Building Kit, can be easily kit bashed into a small town school.
1. Remove the cross from the steeple
2. Using a hobby knife, trim the arch off the tall church windows. Also
cut out the plastic inside the round window above the front door.
3. Remove the stained glass and the church service sign.
4. Leave the walls white or paint them to make a "little red schoolhouse".
5. Using bits of plastic, wood and cardboard, make some playground equipment.
6. Add children. Don't forget the teacher!
