model making for beginners

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splitlid
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model making for beginners

Post by splitlid »

ok so you got your dream house plans from the architect, but are you sure it will look ok when built.
heres a way to make sure.

as im here in oz visiting the family, i have decided to get my nephew off the xbox and into making his first model.

first get yourself the materials, we are going to use balsa wood, so will need a selection of thicknesses and sizes, some glue, sharp cutters, rulers, sandpaper. :D and a surface that is ok to end up with cuts and scratches on.

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Last edited by splitlid on Tue Jul 21, 2009 11:32 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by splitlid »

ok now get your drawings, this is an old set we had laying around.

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Post by splitlid »

you will need the floor plans and elevations to make this work.these are scaled 1:100 so they are easy to calculate.

here we have cut out the floor plan.

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this image shows the plan stuck with glue onto a balsa wood base.

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Post by splitlid »

accurately measure the wall lengths, heights, doors, windows and use the cutter to make the walls. the floor plan outline pasted on the wood is mainly a guide, (but will also show layout details once the model is complete) measurements are best taken from the dimensions provided on the elevations and floor plan.

the edges can be square but are best if sanded at 45 degree angles to butt up agains neighbouring walls, heres the nephew sanding away.

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Post by splitlid »

glue the walls together, using the floor plan as a guide. only two pieces can be glued at a time, but, in between, time can be spent making the next wall section.if using the 45 degree method then make sure they are accurate or gaps will appear. you can see how the floor plan shows the room layout and door openings.

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Post by splitlid »

ok the house is getting bigger.

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make sure you have plenty of sharp blades or the wood will not cut properly.

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Post by hhfarang »

Split,

This thread is so cool. I love seeing how this is done. Keep it up! :thumb: :cheers:
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Post by richard »

Great thread Split

Takes me back to days of making model aeroplanes out of balsa

Marquetry (sp) too :D :D

The days of hobbies. No internet or computer games :guns:
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Post by Randy Cornhole »

This thread is cool and the gang... 8)

You could build a scale model of Hua Hin if you were in prison and had plenty of time... :shock:
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Post by splitlid »

ok so here we are with the main structure nearly built.

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the roof is a problem as it requires some maths, so heres the nephew getting in a bit of practice. :D

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Post by splitlid »

the garage has been made now, just a few walls to add in and then the roof can be started.

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because the model is being made from cut wood then its difficult to do 100% accurately so a book is placed on top of the model to level it all off over night. :shock:

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Post by hhfarang »

Great stuff Split,

Your nephew looks like he is learning while having fun and that is the goal of all teaching. I'm enjoying watching the model unfold as well.

Keep it up... :thumb:
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Post by richard »

I am absolutely riveted to this thread. Its a breath of fresh air

Something that maybe will inspire those of us who are retired here in Thailand and are bored. Reading, writing, surfing the web or walking are all good pursuits but modelling seems a very worthwile pursuit and creative. Also great to see a boy do something other than watch TV or play computer games.

Many moons ago whilst between proper jobs I used to manage a security guard service and part of my job was to visit sites overnight to make sure they were awake. They were supposed to stare at security screens and patrol the grounds and premises every few hours. A thoroughly boring job.Some of course catnaped, some read but a couple of guys were into modelling and making model boats and aircraft. Not with kits but with the basics. Balsa, glue, dope etc.

Incidentally can you still get the old modelling kits. Not the plastic type but balsa, glue, dope and deisel engines etc. Probably no in Thailand but who knows. With the children here in Isaan already acquiring basic woodwork skills, it would be a great thing to introduce. They would learn I would help teach them and get satisfaction from it. Oops. Would I need a work permit????

Maybe I am lapsing into my third childhood !!!!!!!!!!! Sorry fourth!!!!!!

:lach:
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Post by Khundon1975 »

Great thread splitlid. I used to make balsa models as a kid and this has taken me back more years than I care to remember. :oops:
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Post by chopsticks »

Get him to make a balsa wood ship - like the Titanic it will be unsinkable :mrgreen:
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