Mr_Creepy
Sr Member
We have/had his posts and links at the BBC - http://www.imperial-fleet.com/BBC/community/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=108 Part 1 is still there, but the links for the rest are dead
How do you start a scratchbuild?
- Thread starter steveo
- Start date
We have/had his posts and links at the BBC - http://www.imperial-fleet.com/BBC/community/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=108 Part 1 is still there, but the links for the rest are dead
Failure is just the "mock-up" for the next one that is better.
To be honest the build part is both Art and Science. science in leaning how to build something that can support its own weight and still be the right shape, Art in that there's 5 ways to do everything, and picking the best that suits you, makes sense to yur head, and still works.
That being said I've seen a lot of new builders have very good success by building the internal structure as "ribs" that follow the end shape. followed by either "skinning", or by filling the ribs with foam then carving the foam to the shape dictated by the ribs, then skinning seaing the foam with Bondo. Lasse's site has a TON of good scratching techniques detailed out.
The short answer is that there is no one way to scratch something. try a few ans see what works for you.
Jedi Dade
3d-builder
Sr Member
If you fail you know you have tried!
thumbsupI don't think you can fail, but you can always start over!
steveo
Sr Member
If you fail you know you have tried!
I don't think you can fail, but you can always start over!
Good call. I'd hate to glue all those pieces down though and have to start over, but....if it'll make it better, I'm all for it.
3d-builder
Sr Member
When are you going to kick off the build?
Commander Max
Sr Member
If you fail you know you have tried!
I don't think you can fail, but you can always start over!
There is never any failed builds just more parts. :lol
steveo
Sr Member
IEDBOUNTYHUNTER
Sr Member
For acrylic and styrene i use weld on number 3 or 4.
for wood and foam i use 2 part epoxy 5 or 10 minute your choice.
and CA for everything else. some times i use both on styrene and acrylic. weld on first and then CA to back it up.
Youll see what works for you as soon as you start to build.
Al
feek61
Sr Member
Well be careful with the CA, as it will bond almost immediatly to styrene and if I'm not mistaken it will fog plexi. I also use Goop which bonds just about everything. Once you get started you will see what works best with what materials. JB Weld is another one that I use a bunch. A lot of it is "how much time do I need to get this part in the right spot before it's too late."
Will
Will
OK. I think I know what you're trying to ask,but so far none of these responses will help without pictures,and an explanation of what's happening. I'm scratch building a four foot version of the X-wing that was shown in Return of the Jedi in my thread. This too,was a little over four feet in length.
If you watch this as it progresses,I'll try to explain the entire process,and why I'm doing all the stuff in the photos. I'll even offer a tutorial on gluing,and painting techniques,as well as weathering for beginners. Maybe that will help you understand scratch building a little better. I'm using a balsa fuselage,and I'll cover it with sheet styrene,and reinforce the insides with acrylic. I'll show the easiest way to make something like this,so that you can learn faster with fewer mistakes. I learned the hard way,and I hope to keep others like you from having to do the same.
If you watch this as it progresses,I'll try to explain the entire process,and why I'm doing all the stuff in the photos. I'll even offer a tutorial on gluing,and painting techniques,as well as weathering for beginners. Maybe that will help you understand scratch building a little better. I'm using a balsa fuselage,and I'll cover it with sheet styrene,and reinforce the insides with acrylic. I'll show the easiest way to make something like this,so that you can learn faster with fewer mistakes. I learned the hard way,and I hope to keep others like you from having to do the same.
star-art
Sr Member
You can build something on the fly as many do. This is sort of like free-form sculpture because you figure it all out as you go.
Then again, many people like to start with a plan in the form of blueprints or drawings. If you don't have something to start with (which is the case if it's your own design), you'll need to make your own.
So, how can you do that? (Warning: shameless plug alert! LOL) I wrote one of the few (maybe only) books specifically for modelers on the subject of how to draw blueprints and get your modeling design ideas down on paper (or into the computer). My book is currently sold out, but I'm working to bring it back, hopefully by this Christmas.
To learn more, visit the following site and be sure to sign up for the mailing list to find out when the book is back in print:
http://www.ModelersNotebook.com
Then again, many people like to start with a plan in the form of blueprints or drawings. If you don't have something to start with (which is the case if it's your own design), you'll need to make your own.
So, how can you do that? (Warning: shameless plug alert! LOL) I wrote one of the few (maybe only) books specifically for modelers on the subject of how to draw blueprints and get your modeling design ideas down on paper (or into the computer). My book is currently sold out, but I'm working to bring it back, hopefully by this Christmas.
To learn more, visit the following site and be sure to sign up for the mailing list to find out when the book is back in print:
http://www.ModelersNotebook.com
cayman shen
Master Member
I've gotta say, I've started a simple Slave 2 build three times now, and each time I've ended up throwing out a big, sloppy styrene rectangle. I still WANT to scratchbuild very badly, but...from my limited, very limited experience, I'd have to say confidence and patience are as good to have as any blueprint! I know that's not "practical," but let's face it, so much of completing a big project is meticulousness and a set of brass balls.
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