Building Design For Model Railroad Hobbyists

by Bill Murphy

Not everyone wants to be an architect, but when it comes to model railroading it seems like everyone gets into the act sooner or later. It is often just too hard to find the perfect bridge, building or train station to match the vision in our minds unless we build it ourselves.

So what is involved in this anyway? Do you need a degree and a table saw or can you work with what you have around the house?

In reality, building your own detailed replica buildings can take some advanced woodworking skills, and the tools to go along with them. But an often easier alternative is the “kitbashing” method - taking an existing model and using it as the foundation for your own creation, modifying it to suit your own taste.

For kitbashing, the tools can be quite simple. An X-acto knife or scissors is often enough to manage, along with some imagination.

There are a number of materials that can be helpful when making your buildings. Balsa wood, mat board, cardboard, foam and lightweight plastics are all good choices.

Plaster and corkboard, gold and silver foil, spray adhesives and even beads and glitter can also be useful. Most of these materials are very inexpensive and can be found at local hobby supply stores.

Where To Turn For More Ideas

There have been numerous article in various magazines over the years, explaining how to work with these materials. Your local second-hand bookstore or library can be a great resource for finding them. And remember - look to other hobbies for ideas as well. These skills aren’t solely the realm of the model railroader.

About the Author:

Want some more ideas for designing model railroad scenery? Visit TheModelRailroader.com for lots of helpful information. Get a copy of my special report “Model Railroad Design Secrets” at http://www.themodelrailroader.com