Author Topic: Backing/making kitbashed structures?  (Read 1394 times)

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nuno81291

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Backing/making kitbashed structures?
« on: July 17, 2020, 10:05:40 AM »
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Hey guys, my layout has quite a few kitbashed structures to be put together. I wanted to see if there is any consensus on how best to glue these parts? Some are various angles but here is a flat backdrop building for instance:

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Do I cut small pieces of styrene to make a backing joint on each segment? Run a longer piece at the base/top to keep it square? I am at the point where I need to finish these mockups so I can glue the corresponding track work and move on to scenery.

Thanks
Guilford Rail System in the 80s/90s

Philip H

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Re: Backing/making kitbashed structures?
« Reply #1 on: July 17, 2020, 10:26:13 AM »
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For long runs like that I'd go with a long stiff strip.  0.040 or 0.060 cut to length and maybe 1/4 inch wide.
Philip H.
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Baton Rouge Southern RR - Mount Rainier Division.


peteski

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Re: Backing/making kitbashed structures?
« Reply #2 on: July 17, 2020, 11:53:22 AM »
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Gutter downspouts (brass rod or round styrene) can also be used to hide the joints.  Friend did that for his N scale buildings (I don't have any photos).
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Ed Kapuscinski

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Re: Backing/making kitbashed structures?
« Reply #3 on: July 17, 2020, 01:59:43 PM »
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Do I cut small pieces of styrene to make a backing joint on each segment? Run a longer piece at the base/top to keep it square?

Yes. One of those. Or both. It kinda depends on what you've got around, honestly.

I'm a big fan of using square tube for such things, but bulkier strip stock works too.

Then again, I've actually got a building that I've had for over a decade and has appeared on a number of layouts that is held together with masking tape.

pdx1955

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Re: Backing/making kitbashed structures?
« Reply #4 on: July 20, 2020, 10:30:26 PM »
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I like to use 1/4" (or 0.188")  square styrene strip for these larger buildings built up in a frame to give support for the front wall top to bottom and also for short stub side walls and the roof. I like to have some 3-D effect away from the backdrop. This way it's all one unit and not flexible. For larger buildings I'll do the same, but using basswood strips glued together with wood glue and then the wall sections are attached with canopy glue.
Peter

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LIRR

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Re: Backing/making kitbashed structures?
« Reply #5 on: July 31, 2020, 07:50:07 PM »
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Attach the flats to a single piece of plywood. 3/4 if you have the space, I’ve used 1/2 as well.

thomasjmdavis

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Re: Backing/making kitbashed structures?
« Reply #6 on: August 24, 2020, 12:15:12 AM »
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Can I ask what building you started with to get the parts?  That freight dock might solve some problems for me, as the building I want to model has a similar construction.
Tom D.

I have a mind like a steel trap...a VERY rusty, old steel trap.

nuno81291

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Re: Backing/making kitbashed structures?
« Reply #7 on: August 24, 2020, 08:42:15 AM »
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That is the walthers grocery distributor in HO
Guilford Rail System in the 80s/90s