Help regarding custom fabrication?

TS1984 · 09-09-2008

Firstly, I am new to the site.

I haven't built a scale model for years, but have decided that I would like ot get back into it.

I would like to try to fabricate custom pieces for scrap builds and I am looking for some advice.

If any of you can provide comprehensive advice or resources (tools, equipment, books, tutorials, materials, methods, etc.), I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Tyler

**GEEDUBBYA** · 10-09-2008

Howdy Tyler,

First, welcome to the forum, we are glad to have you here.
Now on to your question. I am not real sure what type scratch builds you are considering but I have been known to create a few "scratch builds myself, usually nothing very elaborate...maybe a drone or a surface to air missile, but I have found that like other modelers, all of the "extra" pieces found in model kits do come in handy later on if you will take the time to save them.
Also, you can purchase sheet styrene and styrene I-beams, Channel beams, "C" and "Z" beams at your local hobby shop which can be cut into any required length for bracing and support. If you look in google for "Polystyrene sheeting" or "polystyrene beams" I am sure you can come across any manner of building material you could possibly need to start you building from scratch. There are even sheets of polystyrene that are "textured" like corrugated sheet metal and the boarding on frame houses.....if there is a need, rest assured that you can probably find a manufacturer out there that makes it.
I have even used "sprues" to create brush guards on tanks as well as using them for antenna (Although I have found that "bread tie twist wire" makes better antenna's).
I am sure that there will be other replies to your request for information by other members.

welcome again to the forum and we're glad to have you here,

Greg aka GEEDUBBYA (GW)

TS1984 · 10-09-2008

Thanks for the response.

However, I was thinking of something a little more complicated - I would like to produce my own parts for aircraft, cars, etc (when I find some free time). However, I would also like to produce complex parts for architectural models and product prototypes

I am thinking that this might require some sort of mold-injection method. If any of you have ever taken anything that far, I would really love to hear how to go about it.

don_jarr · 01-10-2008

Hi m8

Pending the complexity of the parts you want to make you can make a two part silicon mould and cast them from that. Using a slow set resin simple parts come out fine from just pouring the resin in, but the more complex the part the more chance there is air bubbles will get trapped. To eliminate this you need to pressure cast them, but this is a big commitment and fairly expensive to set up. You need a compressor, a pressure vessel big enough to take the size parts you want to make and an inline dryer for the air.

Also when making bits you have to work out how it will be cast and from what angle to make sure the cast comes out cleanly. I make RC pick up truck parts which are 1:10th scale so they are not to fiddly to cast, ( Detail make'ith the model ) and also 1:20th scale boat bits ( Made in Great Britain ) I make the bits mainly for myself, but to offset the costs of making and casting I sell bits to other enthusiasts.

Both pages I linked to show the bits I have made and also shows how they were made up. It's no good making a super complex part, then when it's done try to work out how to cast it. You need to work out the casting first and if very complex cast it in several pieces to be assembled when done.

Hope that helps

Don