Have you ever wondered how to scratch build a model? The easiest way to get started is to get a simple flat sided model, Before you assemble the kit use the parts as templates to copy the pieces. At first you can trace the shapes of the onto plastic stock. Carefully cut them out and glue them together. If you feel that you will waste the plastic stock make a mock up with paper stock. You can use the folders used to hold notes of paper etc. or some other paper card stock. The main idea is to make simple things and graduate to more complex shapes and angles. Before you know it you will be scrathing everthing.

That's the way to start Animal, you hit it right on the head. Start simple! Research your subject thoughrily and go for it. BUT be warned once you start down this track it is almost impossible to do an OOB kit without wanting to 'tweek' it!

Might I suggest the Abrams maybe? :-) I know this really cool sight with lots of pics!

Rob

hmmmmm. I think animal and I were thinking Trucks Rob #:-)

GUNTRUCKS!!!!! flat armor.....hehe

hehehehehehe

Ain't THAT the truth!!

Tread.

Hmmmm, flat-sided.......M113, M114, V-100, V-150, VAB, BTR, LAV, MOWAG, ....oops, GunTrucks right?

I've forgotten how fun "out of the box" models can be. To tweak or not to tweak...there is NO question!

Hi guys,
try this experiment, this is how I start my models. this is a 1/16th scale model of M1.

1st: transfer the numbers to a sheet of Styrene (a Tamiya M1 kit for example)


2nd: cut every plate individuly. uper hull, lower hull, turret:




3rd: assemble each plate at their correct angles:




4th: put together:


the rest is up to you. try it with an easier model. It's very easy once you get used to it.

Have fun
Best
Talal Chouman

well done my friend. Thank you for showing this to us as each picture is worth a 1000 words and are easier to understand.

Hey Gunnie and Animal, take a look at the thread I started in Guntrucks. See what you think.

I saw the thread this morning. In answer to your question: I used a wooden "plug" to form the Extended Cab for my Ford F-450 Truck that makes up the "Bloommobile". However, I cast the final pattern in resin - not "thermalformed" like you were thinking. In my experience (meaning I haven't found it acceptable) the "heat-smashing" technique doesn't work well for the contours and curves that I had to get to replicate the truck.

The resin casting allowed me to refine the contours with a contour gauge and some careful sanding. Resin was easier to work than the thermal-formed plastic.

It took many different techniques to bring that model together - and make it look pretty simple and easy in the end. That's the trick of real successful "scratchbuilding" - it shouldn't be apparant how you got to the end result, and should be indistinguishable from "mass-produced" parts in finish and quality...

I did read your question and wasn't quite clear on what you were trying to model other than perhaps a M5 Half-Track's rounded end quarters...

Was that what you were thinking?

Gunnie

Just a funky, 4x4, .50 cal. flaunting, go-anywhere guntruck ala "Road Warrior" kinda do-hickey thingy. :-)