Most of us buy ready-to-run models or model kits, which you glue them together and paint to your theme. An extension of this modelling hobby is either scratchbuilding i.e. as the name suggests, building models from scratch, or kit-bashing i.e. making a new model from different parts of other kits. Whichever methods you choose, it is a different dimension of this hobby that I am interested to explore.

Starting Point: AK Interactive Learning Series 15 “Modeling from Scratch”

I love their Learning Series. In this Series 15, the 88-page booklet explains the concept of scratchbuilding, materials, tools and techniques as well as simple and complex examples to follow. I higjhly recommend this booklet as a starting point in your modelling journey. It need not been building a model from ground zero. It could be making parts to be added to yours. Whatever you want to do, it is an enjoyment and personal satisfaction.

All Starts With a Technical Drawing

Is scratchbuilding new to me? Nope.

I have worked with various materials before as you can see below and in my posts. Each method involves detailed planning on paper. A technical drawing of what you want to build. This technical drawing should includes all perspectives: front, back, both sides and even from top and all the outer dimensions and taking into account the thickness of the material you will use for the model.

Technical drawings of my Loewenherz modules before construction

Technical drawing of the visitor vierwing platform and a prototype made from 2.2 and 5mm XPS foam

The Fun in Working with Different Materials

Besides wood for module construction, I have used other materials for building models. Working styrene is new to me and in this Modelling Series, I will explore more modelbuilding with styrene in combination with other materials.

Viewing platform made from 2.2mm and 5mm XPS foam

Pedestrian underpass made from 3mm cork for the side walls and 5mm XPS for the cobblestone path

Sandstone plinth made entirely from 3mm cork

Concrete plinth made from wood covered with plaster of paris

International Scale Modeller (ISM) Community

If you are interested in scale modelling, you might want to join the ISM community

Der lustige Modellbauer

For the German-speaking modellers, Der lustige Modellbauer provides the forum to exchange ideas on scale modelling.