Psycho House project

[Sunshine Dust]

I discovered the model kit for the psycho house and really want it. Eventually I will buy the model kit however I am attempting to make it out of cardboard.

Crazy eh? I got this idea at work when I was doing shipment. With most of our products it comes boxed in different sizes of cardboard. Instead of throwing the cardboard out I took it home. I am going to start on it tomorrow. I will definately post pictures of my progress.

Wish me luck!

 

[micdavis]

A square box structure like that is a pretty simple build with Plastruct & Evergreen model railroad products.

You can get textured sheets that look like wood plank walls or shingles, railings, window trim, in all kinds of scales.

 

[AnsonJames]

Here's a link to the free Haunted Dimensions paper model page;

The Bates House Paper Model Kit.

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[Sunshine Dust]

Thank you. That site is really helpful. I may now consider a different approach to this project. :confused

 

[DS Operative]

I have the 1/87 HO Scale Model Kit and I started it, but never finished it. I'll be watching your progress for painting tips! Good luck!

 

[PHArchivist]

Here is one I did years ago...

 

[Sunshine Dust]

Here is one I did years ago...

That is awesome! I will have to pick your brain eventually about how you did the landscaping.

 

[AnsonJames]

Just out of curiosity I checked the Sketchup Warehouse and found the most incredible model, it would be the best reference you'll ever find depending on it's accuracy - it even has part of the interior.

I would imagine it's correct - I doubt anyone would put in this amount of work without accuracy...

Screen shots;



Sketchup software, which is free;

Google SketchUp

Bates Motel .skp file;

Bates' Property by pepe - Google 3D Warehouse

You can use the measure tool to get your dimensions.

Cheers,

Anson

 

[DS Operative]

PHArchivist - Your diorama looks great! I'm hoping that mine will turn out looking half as good. Do you mind if I ask where you got your concrete steps? Can you please share some details? Were they readily available, or did you fabricate them yourself? If readily available, what brand are they and what do I look for in Google? If you fabricated them, can you share some details of materials used and steps taken? Thank you! And again, great job!

 

[PHArchivist]

This was the old Polar Lights kit. The steps were part of the kit.

 

[Sunshine Dust]

So I recently changed my mind with doing the model from scratch with the cardboard. I ordered the model kit with the polar lights. I got in the mail yesterday. I was very excited...then I opened the box and saw all the pieces and all that jazz. This is definately going to take me ALOT of time. Thank goodness I have the gift of being patient. I need to go shopping for some paint.

Does anyone have a tip on what kind of glue to use?

 

[superjedi]

For a regular ol' styrene kit, just some Testors cement should do you fine. Either liquid or the thicker stuff in the tube.
If you want your build to go quicker, you could even use some super glue.

 

[DS Operative]

I like the 'thick' gap-filling CA glue that you can find at any hobby shop. The Polar Lights kit is 1/87 or "HO" scale which means that there are literally thousands of accessories available for this kit at any hobby shop that sells model trains. HO scale is extremely popular, so you'll be able to find tree's, grass, figures, and any other detail parts you feel like adding. You'll also want to consider picking up the translucent window panels available from "graphix-man", you'll find his auctions on eBay frequently or just google search him. Make sure to post progress pic's!

 

[Sunshine Dust]

This was the old Polar Lights kit. The steps were part of the kit.

Do you happen to remember what kind of paint you used?

 

[PHArchivist]

I was just wondering that, and I don't really remember. I DO recall the brick (house foundation) being very difficult to make look real. I think it was Testor's Dark Red toned down with white.

But the yellow color on the house now eludes me.

The terrain is a combo of colors of powdered model railroad grass, with tufts of model railroad reeds.

The trees were just sticks from the yard. The stone path was mottled shades of grey, white, and black.

The dirt is - well - dirt!

 

[Jayn]

Awesome project! I think if you do the whole landscape, the motel would be a fun thing to add..with Marion's car..
I just want a 1:1 scale please..

 

[Sunshine Dust]

I noticed that it says " ho scale" I have no idea what that means!

 

[Jedifyfe]

I noticed that it says " ho scale" I have no idea what that means!

HO scale is a scale of model trains.

 

[Sunshine Dust]

Oooo thanks!

 

[DS Operative]

"O" Scale is 1:43.5, and is the scale that the old Lionel Trains are. "HO" scale is "half" of O scale, therefore HO Scale is 1:87. HO Scale trains are one of the more popular scales of model trains and might be the most common one.

Polar Lights made the Psycho House in HO scale, in case any of the model railroaders wanted to add it to they train layout.