Let's start with 2 pictures, a catalog scan and the almost finished building (window details still missing)...

The original from the Märklin catalog, from 1980...

The result on the way...

Building a loco shed from scratch

As a hobbyist and a Märklin fan I decided to build my own scenery beginning with buildings. Going through the 1980 Märklin catalog (which I got with my first trains - a H0 starter kit) I came upon the 5617 loco shed kit which seemed really interesting to build (same kit is available in the current catalog too) and for various reasons such as money saving, availability in my country, and of course the urge to build it by myself, I decided that that will be my first project.

The finished model lacks a lot of the original details, which I found very difficult to build in this simple kind of model, and using the materials I had in my possession and because the whole purpose of this article is to show what’s possible if you do not have much experience. Like me.. ;-)

Starting with the materials you will see that they are not that hard to get and I personally had all at home.

The things you will need

• A 1.00 X 0.70 sheet of modeling cardboard.
   

• Some Bamboo sticks or any other thin sticks for gutters.
   

• Some transparent material for windows, I used copping machine’s transparency films.
   

• Some round sticks, preferably black for chimneys, I used a marker, which I cut to size.
   

• Some Popsicle sticks or any other flat sticks to strengthen wick cardboard parts.
   

• Some metal wire for lamps.
   

• Paint, preferably acrylic because it’s water based and dries fast.
   

• A strong glue, preferably carpenters wood glue which is very strong and dries fast.
   

• And of course working tools: A sharp knife, I use a surgical blade which is the best, A ruler preferably made of metal so you won’t cut it instead of the wanted material…A 90 degree ruler for perfect markings and cuts and every other tool you own or feel you will be more comfortable with.

The drawings

The drawings (in the downloadable file Parts.zip) are made that way so all you have to do is print them, copy them to the cardboard using a carbon paper and cut along the lines. Measurements are included in the drawings for complete accuracy, if not printed correctly change the printer settings in order for the measured item to fit 1:1. Please note that some parts are bigger than the standard "A4" or "Letter" type paper types, so you might have to extend the drawings manually, but the full measures are included as mentioned before, so you can be sure to get the correct size...

Overview of the drawings included in Parts.zip

Let's put it together

After cutting all the parts, (make sure not to loose the door parts of the operator’s hut, you will need them for doors which you will paint a different color), paint them your desired color, preferably from both sides and let dry. Painting the parts after gluing them together will make a mess!

Now cut the transparent film to the size of the windows adding a centimeter for glue, and cover, from behind, all the windows. Including the sky hatches…

Then, using the colored diagram, glue all the parts together. If you find one part left behind, you probably made a mistake, so keep to the diagram.

The diagram

You should now have a merely complete model, which you can show to all who are interested (I show my works after each stage and wait for a compliment, allowing myself to continue after).

Getting to the gutters, cut your thin sticks the length of the roof and glue them to the edges.

Cutting the black marker make double chimneys connected together with the thin sticks. Allow a slight angle at the bottom to fit the angle of the roof.

Using the metal wire, make a lamp base and glue it to a small rounded stick. You can use the marker for that too.

You should make about four of those and put them at both sides of the shed.

Well how ‘bout it now? Is that great or what? This is a very simple example, but it is your own built model and don’t forget that it’s just the beginning, so don’t think too low of it!