Welcome to the forum   
Welcome Guest! To enable all features please Login or Register.

Notification

Icon
Error

Share
Options
View
Go to last post in this topic Go to first unread post in this topic
Offline alehrfeld  
#1 Posted : 26 May 2021 18:02:17(UTC)
alehrfeld

United States   
Joined: 17/01/2021(UTC)
Posts: 6
Location: Connecticut, Stamford
Hello, I would like to add a "City Station" to my layout, however I don't have the skills or patience to assemble one properly from a kit -- my attempts at kit-building in the past have been awful! For this reason, I prefer the assembled "built-up" models which are offered by Woodland Scenics, for example. Unfortunately, I have not found an assembled railway station (City Station) that is suitable; the Woodland Scenics people offer only "train depots" which are quite small. Does anyone know of a resource for this? For example, someone who would assemble and paint a kit professionally for a fee? If this has been asked and answered already, I apologize -- I just couldn't find any similar inquiry. Thanks for any and all help!
thanks 1 user liked this useful post by alehrfeld
Offline scraigen  
#2 Posted : 26 May 2021 18:24:16(UTC)
scraigen


Joined: 29/01/2009(UTC)
Posts: 297
Location: Sheffield,
Quality would vary but lots of built kits on eBay at low prices.
Must build something
thanks 2 users liked this useful post by scraigen
Offline Marklineisenbahn  
#3 Posted : 08 August 2021 23:01:49(UTC)
Marklineisenbahn

United States   
Joined: 14/05/2011(UTC)
Posts: 153
Location: New York City
Hi there,
PM send long time ago.
Offline bgemski  
#4 Posted : 26 September 2021 15:50:29(UTC)
bgemski

United States   
Joined: 15/05/2003(UTC)
Posts: 162
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ
I believe Euromodeltrains.com in New Jersey may. I haven’t done business with them though.
Offline Toosmall  
#5 Posted : 30 September 2021 13:35:06(UTC)
Toosmall

Australia   
Joined: 26/07/2021(UTC)
Posts: 454
Location: Sydney
I am a professional architectural model builder, retired now, building physical and 3D models.

Most people are surprised at the complexity, time and cost involved. A small marketing model of a block of units will take about 3 weeks to construct.

And that is if you get a good set of architectural drawing. Often I refused work because it simply wasn't worth dealing with shocking drawings. One could see where it would lead to. Not worth the stress.

The more detail on the model, the longer it takes to build.

You could get a model 3D printed. But it still has to be build as a working 3D model, a lot of work. I have seen some failures as the 3D model had mistakes with points and polygons. Every single one has to be exact.

Then painting, usually in separate parts for painting different colours. I have spent 3 days simply masking a model as it was too difficult to do separate parts.

Then you have glazing, you can only do so many windows per hour. Window frames, more time.

thanks 3 users liked this useful post by Toosmall
Offline 5HorizonsRR  
#6 Posted : 30 September 2021 17:58:59(UTC)
5HorizonsRR

United States   
Joined: 05/12/2004(UTC)
Posts: 3,239
Location: CA, USA
Originally Posted by: Toosmall Go to Quoted Post
I am a professional architectural model builder, retired now, building physical and 3D models.

Most people are surprised at the complexity, time and cost involved. A small marketing model of a block of units will take about 3 weeks to construct.

And that is if you get a good set of architectural drawing. Often I refused work because it simply wasn't worth dealing with shocking drawings. One could see where it would lead to. Not worth the stress.

The more detail on the model, the longer it takes to build.

You could get a model 3D printed. But it still has to be build as a working 3D model, a lot of work. I have seen some failures as the 3D model had mistakes with points and polygons. Every single one has to be exact.

Then painting, usually in separate parts for painting different colours. I have spent 3 days simply masking a model as it was too difficult to do separate parts.

Then you have glazing, you can only do so many windows per hour. Window frames, more time.



I second the point above. I know several people who do it, but be prepared to pay for an artisans time, skills and expertise.
FS + SBB Era 2-5 and Vintage Marklin
Offline mrmarklin  
#7 Posted : 01 October 2021 00:02:36(UTC)
mrmarklin

United States   
Joined: 27/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 879
Location: Burney, CA
Originally Posted by: 5HorizonsRR Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: Toosmall Go to Quoted Post
I am a professional architectural model builder, retired now, building physical and 3D models.

Most people are surprised at the complexity, time and cost involved. A small marketing model of a block of units will take about 3 weeks to construct.

And that is if you get a good set of architectural drawing. Often I refused work because it simply wasn't worth dealing with shocking drawings. One could see where it would lead to. Not worth the stress.

The more detail on the model, the longer it takes to build.

You could get a model 3D printed. But it still has to be build as a working 3D model, a lot of work. I have seen some failures as the 3D model had mistakes with points and polygons. Every single one has to be exact.

Then painting, usually in separate parts for painting different colours. I have spent 3 days simply masking a model as it was too difficult to do separate parts.

Then you have glazing, you can only do so many windows per hour. Window frames, more time.



I second the point above. I know several people who do it, but be prepared to pay for an artisans time, skills and expertise.



Brima in Germany offers the service, I'm sure. But it won't be cheap. I would expect EUR several hundred for a medium sized model.
From the People's Republik of Kalifornia
Offline Toosmall  
#8 Posted : 01 October 2021 06:42:09(UTC)
Toosmall

Australia   
Joined: 26/07/2021(UTC)
Posts: 454
Location: Sydney
I built this 1:500 model a decade ago. It was over au$22,000.00 white painted so wasn't difficult to paint, but it had translucent glazing and stainless steel etched detailing.

1to500model.jpg
thanks 9 users liked this useful post by Toosmall
Offline cookee_nz  
#9 Posted : 02 October 2021 10:10:00(UTC)
cookee_nz

New Zealand   
Joined: 31/12/2010(UTC)
Posts: 3,864
Location: Paremata, Wellington
The way I read the request, the member (no name?) was looking for someone to assemble an already-produced kit - ie Faller, Auhagen, Kibri etc, rather than designing and constructing something from scratch.

Correct me if I'm wrong of course.

Either way, even a basic very simple kit can easily take an hour or two, and that's literally a 4-sided box with a base and roof.

Some station buildings are quite elaborate, and the more 'glass' there is (windows etc) the more fiddly it can be. nothing spoils a windows or join more than a run of glue or a smudge.

It would help a great deal for a reference to an existing model that was desired, or at least something close to it.

All the major manufacturers have their catalogue online or a simple google search for railway stations in the style you want would be a starting point.

The likelihood is that the labour to build the kit could easily exceed the cost of the kit itself. In the earlier years of Faller, they offered fully assembled versions of many of their models and they were definitely more expensive than the kits, because of the labour factor.

If you have a retailer you intend to purchase from, why not ask them?, they may be prepared to build it for you, or have customers they know to ask if they are interested.

But do be realistic about the time it will take and the possible costs. You might also consider approaching a local model-railway club if you have one in your area, they could either offer assistance or refer you on to a member willing to assist.

And don't overlook younger people. With the right guidance they may do an excellent job. Having young eyes and nimble fingers can make a big difference. But have them practice on a couple of test 'sacrificial' kits first to see what their skills are like.
Cookee
Wellington
NZ image
thanks 1 user liked this useful post by cookee_nz
Offline Toosmall  
#10 Posted : 02 October 2021 15:43:36(UTC)
Toosmall

Australia   
Joined: 26/07/2021(UTC)
Posts: 454
Location: Sydney
Some information on model construction in this thread which I posted.

https://www.marklin-user...sts/t27449-Glue-question

One of biggest headaches with a model is getting your head around drawings and building up a mental 3D image in your mind.

Once I built a model which took 12 weeks. Then they asked for a second copy which took 4 weeks, as I had mental picture of it. Later they wanted a third one, I was not happy as by now I was bored. Anyway, it took two and a half weeks.

Apart from been bored to tears I think if they had asked for a fourth one I could probably get it down to two weeks.

It is not the cutting of styrene and polycarbonate which is the issue. It is the drawings and building a 3D image in your mind, and you can have dozens of drawings for a single building.

Not to forget, you do need to check dimensions before you start, I have seen numerous errors. Work out a base RL (relative level) for the model.

Highrise, in some cultures they leave out floors with a number 4 in it (4, 14, 24, 34...), so you have to recalculate the height. Fiddling with level names, calling floors lower ground, basement 2 to suggest that the building is lower.

Roof plans which more often than not do not work. It all adds to the time it takes to finish a model. Let's not get onto the schedule of finishes!
Offline Toosmall  
#11 Posted : 04 October 2021 01:42:52(UTC)
Toosmall

Australia   
Joined: 26/07/2021(UTC)
Posts: 454
Location: Sydney
This is a "nothing" building, already spent a good days work on it. Made from 1mm styrene, no glazing yet. Will need to get some "Aral blue" or similar. Still need to make the pumps etc. So far the most fiddly bit is the Aral fascia board which has a split angle front face. Not really difficult, but basically fiddly. On one hand the fascia is a minor issue but as one looks at roofs on all scale models whether architectural or railway, it is worth putting in the effort on roofs... sadly! The actual metal roofing is separate from the fascia so I can paint it separately to save masking.

IMG_9580.jpg

IMG_7826-1.jpg

IMG_7826crop.jpg
thanks 2 users liked this useful post by Toosmall
Offline David Dewar  
#12 Posted : 04 October 2021 12:49:49(UTC)
David Dewar

Scotland   
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 7,170
Location: Scotland
The fun is in the building. If you take your time and follow the instructions building is not difficult and mistakes can be rectified. IF looking for a station why not try just building a platform kit first which is easy. Faller have plenty to choose from. Give it a go and you might just enjoy building.
Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
thanks 2 users liked this useful post by David Dewar
Offline river6109  
#13 Posted : 04 October 2021 13:36:22(UTC)
river6109

Australia   
Joined: 22/01/2009(UTC)
Posts: 14,186
Location: On 1965 Märklin Boulevard just around from Roco Square
Toosmal, will you be able to get cheaper petrol ?
https://www.youtube.com/river6109
https://www.youtube.com/6109river
5 years in Destruction mode
50 years in Repairing mode
thanks 1 user liked this useful post by river6109
Offline hxmiesa  
#14 Posted : 05 October 2021 06:50:01(UTC)
hxmiesa

Spain   
Joined: 15/12/2005(UTC)
Posts: 3,392
Location: Spain
Originally Posted by: river6109 Go to Quoted Post
Toosmal, will you be able to get cheaper petrol ?

No, but filling it up will be only around 0,05 cents, because of the reduced size...

Best regards
Henrik Hoexbroe ("The Dane In Spain")
http://hoexbroe.tripod.com
thanks 1 user liked this useful post by hxmiesa
Offline Toosmall  
#15 Posted : 05 October 2021 07:09:03(UTC)
Toosmall

Australia   
Joined: 26/07/2021(UTC)
Posts: 454
Location: Sydney
Here is the raw 0.75 and 1.0mm styrene skeleton of the finished model. This is probably the hardest part of building the model. Initially turning two dimensions into three.

You have to look at what surfaces you can leave off to paint separately, like balcony tiles, roof surfaces, obviously glazing, louvres will be separate, balustrade whether glass or metal will be added later but you need to plan ahead so it can be attached in a presentable form, maybe a slot or held with a gap at the edge of the tiles.

The model is like a giant jigsaw puzzle, different colours, different textures like balcony tiles.

I couldn't separate all of this model, so had to mask off some of the brick surfaces. I will mask off balconies even though tiles go on top so paint doesn't build up.

Always spray paint the difficult corners first.

Fortunately these models are rarely lit, but if it is, it needs to be painted black inside when white.

For glazing you still need to build the model so it doesn't collapse but still have access to get the glazing in. Modern buildings with lots of glazing are difficult to build as there is lot less structure to hold it together. You do have to build a model with structural integrity.

I have often had feedback from builders and even architects that they refer to the model to see how the finished building will look like. The model maker finds the skyhooks in the architectural drawings!

A physical model has no option but to work. A 3D model you can get away with things not actually working.

It's a pain in the neck when architects have curves in their design. It takes 10 times longer to build. There are various tricks to help, but curves are more painful.

If the model needs custom metal etched balustrade or other features. This has its own lead time so you need to design that to fit the model, looking for all the architectural drawing mistakes.


1:200 scale model
_MG_7313.jpg

_MG_7332.jpg
thanks 7 users liked this useful post by Toosmall
Offline Carim  
#16 Posted : 05 October 2021 08:14:41(UTC)
Carim

United Kingdom   
Joined: 15/09/2014(UTC)
Posts: 619
Location: London
What are the tricks with curves?

Carim
Offline Toosmall  
#17 Posted : 05 October 2021 09:50:19(UTC)
Toosmall

Australia   
Joined: 26/07/2021(UTC)
Posts: 454
Location: Sydney
Like 1:1 scale, build templates to form curve & laminate a few layers of thinner styrene.
thanks 4 users liked this useful post by Toosmall
Offline Toosmall  
#18 Posted : 05 October 2021 22:27:41(UTC)
Toosmall

Australia   
Joined: 26/07/2021(UTC)
Posts: 454
Location: Sydney
An internal 1:100 model from a decade ago. A bucket load of work. The car & people were bought. Everything else started as basic styrene except for the real timber floor & some adapted etched stainless for the wine rack and growie. I used real timber here to get a realistic looking floor, a touch over scale, but it works well.

Bathroom tiles were individually masked for spray painting, a bit tedious. Internal doors were left off.

If you want detail you have to spend the time.

Internal model 1 to 100.jpg
thanks 10 users liked this useful post by Toosmall
Users browsing this topic
OceanSpiders 2.0
Forum Jump  
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.

| Powered by YAF.NET | YAF.NET © 2003-2023, Yet Another Forum.NET
This page was generated in 1.602 seconds.