Alexei Volkov
Scratch building is a challenging yet rewarding aspect of modelling that involves building a scale model from scratch, using raw materials instead of a commercial kit. It is easiest when original plans of the subject exist, but models can also be built from photographs by measuring known objects and extrapolating dimensions. Modellers can use a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, plaster, clay, metal, and paper, and tools such as X-acto knives, scribers, and sandpaper to cut, shape, and assemble their creations. Scratch building allows modellers to create unique, detailed models that may not be available in kit form or to modify existing kits to their desired specifications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Process | Building a scale model from scratch, using raw materials instead of a commercial kit |
| Materials | Styrene, wood, plastic, plaster, clay, metal, polymer clay, paper, or kits/toys |
| Tools | X-acto knife, heavy craft knife, Olfa plastic cutter, paper cutter, scribers, protractors, squares, sandpaper, primers, adhesives |
| Techniques | Cutting, gluing, scribing, drilling, painting, kitbashing, embossing, texturing |
| Tips | Use plans or photos of the subject, mix colours quickly so they blend naturally, use tape for curved surfaces |
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What You'll Learn
- Planning: Use original plans, or build from photos by extrapolating dimensions
- Materials: Styrene, Plastikard, and Evergreen are popular plastics
- Tools: Use X-acto knives, Olfa plastic cutters, and sandpaper
- Techniques: Cutting, gluing, scribing, and drilling
- Finishing: Painting, weathering, and distressing
Planning: Use original plans, or build from photos by extrapolating dimensions
Scratch-building is easiest when original plans of the subject exist. However, if you don't have access to the original plans, don't worry! Many models have been successfully built from photographs by measuring a known object in the picture and extrapolating the rest of the dimensions.
For example, if you're building a model of a specific building, you can measure the height of a door in a photograph and use that to determine the building's scale. You can then use this information to plan the model's dimensions and choose the necessary materials.
If you're building a model railway, you might not need exact measurements. For example, when building a cattle dock, you know that the platform top must be lower than the bottom of a cattle wagon door, and the slopes at the end will be around 30 degrees. This information is enough to work out the platform face without needing precise dimensions.
When it comes to materials, you can use wood, plastic, plaster, clay, metal, polymer clay, or even paper. For instance, to scratch-build a small board fence, you can use plastic rod stock for the vertical posts and plastic bar stock for the horizontal rails. You can then add details like nail holes using a small pin and finish it off by distressing it with a wire brush to mimic wood grain.
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Materials: Styrene, Plastikard, and Evergreen are popular plastics
When it comes to scratch-building plastic models, popular plastics such as Styrene, Plastikard, and Evergreen offer a wide range of possibilities for creators. Let's delve into the unique characteristics and applications of these materials.
Styrene
Styrene, also known as High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), is a versatile and widely used plastic. Its lightweight and expandable nature makes it ideal for various applications, from bicycle helmets to military armor and wind turbines. Styrene is highly moldable and can be cut into unique forms, making it perfect for scratch-building models. Additionally, its elasticity, waterproof capabilities, and heat resistance add to its popularity. It is also recyclable, as it is classified as a thermoplastic polymer, which means it can be easily melted and reformed.
Plastikard
Plastikard is another popular choice for scratch-building plastic models. It is known for its durability and ease of use. Plastikard sheets can be easily cut, bent, and shaped to create various model parts. It is also a good option for creating small details and textures on models.
Evergreen
Evergreen is a well-known brand in the plastic modelling community and beyond. They offer a wide range of products, including sheets and rods in various thicknesses and sizes. Evergreen's accuracy and selection of parts make them a preferred choice for many modellers. Their products are used not only by plastic modellers but also by architects, artists, and manufacturers in industries such as medical devices, automotive, and lighting.
Each of these plastics has unique characteristics that lend themselves to the creative process of scratch-building plastic models, offering durability, flexibility, and the ability to bring imaginative designs to life.
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Tools: Use X-acto knives, Olfa plastic cutters, and sandpaper
When scratch-building plastic models, having the right tools is essential. Here are the three must-haves:
X-acto Knives
The original X-acto knife has been the standard in precision cutting for over 50 years. Its precision cutting capabilities make it ideal for scratch-building plastic models. X-acto knives offer a range of models, including the #1 Knife, #2 Knife, and the ZSeries Knife, each with unique features for light to heavy cutting. The blades can be used to cut a wide variety of surfaces, from paper to wood to plastic. One technique is to break the tip off an X-acto knife blade, flip it over, and use the blunt side to score plastic.
Olfa Plastic Cutters
The OLFA PC-L Plastic and Laminate Cutter is specifically designed for cutting plastics and laminates. It features a retractable blade that can be placed at unlimited customizable depths, allowing for precise cuts and fine score lines. The multiple blade positions and ratchet-wheel lock provide flexibility and safety during use. This tool is suitable for both left- and right-handed users.
Sandpaper
Sandpaper is essential for refining and polishing your plastic model. "Wet and dry" sandpaper, usually black or grey, is commonly used for this purpose and comes in varying grit sizes. For rough removal of plastic, start with lower grit sizes like 240 or 320, and then progress to finer grits like 400 and 800 for general clean-up. For final surface polishing, use higher grits such as 1200, 2000, or 2500. You can also finish with 0000 grade steel wool for an ultra-smooth finish. Additionally, you can cut up sandpaper and attach it to popsicle sticks to create handy sanding sticks.
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Techniques: Cutting, gluing, scribing, and drilling
Cutting, gluing, scribing, and drilling are fundamental techniques in scratch-building plastic models. Each technique demands careful consideration of the type of plastic being worked on and the specific tools employed.
Cutting
When cutting plastic, the chosen tool depends on the thickness of the plastic. Thick plastic can be cut with a fine-toothed saw, jigsaw, or a non-melt blade. For thin sheets of styrene, a paper cutter can be used. For intricate cuts, a sharp blade, such as an X-acto knife, can be used. To ensure precision, it is recommended to secure the plastic with a C-clamp to a stable surface before cutting.
Gluing
The choice of glue depends on the materials being joined. Cyanoacrylate superglue and PVA (white glue) are versatile options for gluing various materials, including styrene. Solvents, such as Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), can be used for gluing styrene, but they may damage paint and are ineffective on certain plastics and resins.
Scribing
Scribing involves marking or engraving lines on the plastic surface. It is a technique that requires experience and careful planning, as correcting scribed lines can be challenging. Scribing tools such as the Tamiya Scriber or a homemade protractor scriber can be used to guide the scriber along a straight edge or a curved surface. Before scribing, it is essential to consider the characteristics of the plastic, as some plastics may require additional steps, such as sanding or airbrushing, to accentuate the scribed lines.
Drilling
Understanding the type of plastic being drilled is crucial for selecting the appropriate drill bits and techniques. Different plastics have varying hardness and characteristics, requiring matching drill bits to achieve clean and precise holes without cracking. For example, PVC is heat-sensitive, so sharp drill bits and moderate drilling speeds are necessary to prevent melting. Harder plastics may be prone to cracking if drilled too forcefully, so adjusting the drilling technique according to the plastic's characteristics is essential. Additionally, using lubrication or cooling the plastic with water can help prevent cracking during drilling.
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Finishing: Painting, weathering, and distressing
Painting, weathering, and distressing are essential techniques in scratch-building plastic models, bringing the model to life and making it appear realistic. Here are some detailed instructions for each of these finishing techniques:
Painting
Painting is a crucial step in finishing a plastic model. It involves carefully applying paint to the model's surface to achieve the desired colour and finish. When painting, it is important to use appropriate paints and tools specifically designed for plastic models. These paints should be durable and able to adhere well to the plastic surface. Take care to prepare the surface properly before painting, ensuring it is clean, dry, and free of any debris or residue. Consider using a primer to improve paint adhesion and coverage.
Weathering
Weathering techniques simulate the effects of age, wear, and exposure to the elements on your plastic model, making it appear more realistic and lifelike. There are various weathering techniques you can use, including:
- Dust and Dirt: Apply a thin layer of dust or dirt to the model's surface to create a worn, aged appearance. You can use actual dust, dirt, or powdered pigments specifically designed for modelling.
- Stains: Create stains and discolouration to mimic the effects of rust, grease, or grime. You can use oil paints, enamel washes, or specialised weathering products to achieve these effects.
- Scratches and Scuffs: Use a fine brush or a sharp blade to carefully create small scratches and scuffs on the model's surface, simulating wear and tear.
Distressing
Distressing involves intentionally damaging and manipulating the model to create a worn and aged appearance. Here are some distressing techniques you can use:
- Denting: Use a blunt object to carefully create small dents and dings on the plastic surface, mimicking the effects of impact and damage.
- Wire Brushing: Use a wire brush to distress the surface, creating scratches and a rough texture. This technique is especially effective for mimicking wood grain on plastic models.
- Abrasion: Rub the surface with a rough material, such as sandpaper or a metal file, to create scratches, scuffs, and a weathered appearance.
- Melting: Carefully apply heat to specific areas of the plastic to create melted or warped effects, simulating damage caused by extreme heat.
Remember, when finishing your plastic model through painting, weathering, and distressing, it is important to work slowly and carefully, building up the effects gradually. Less is more, and you can always add more distress or weathering if needed. Take inspiration from reference images to ensure your techniques accurately reflect the desired level of wear and tear.
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Frequently asked questions
Scratch building is the process of building a scale model from scratch, using raw materials instead of a commercial kit. Scratch-built models are usually made from materials such as wood, plastic, plaster, clay, metal, or paper.
Styrene is a common material used for scratch-built plastic models. Evergreen and Plastruct are two popular sources for modelling-type styrene. For thick sheets, a heavy-duty craft knife can be used, but an Olfa plastic cutter will make a neater job.
One technique is scribing, which involves gently dragging a blade across plastic to create a recessed panel line. Scoring is similar, but the plastic is then popped apart along the line. Another technique is kitbashing, where parts from different kits are combined to create a unique model.
It is important to have a straight edge when scribing straight lines. Tools such as thick PE guides, a Tamiya Scriber blade, or a homemade Protractor Scriber can be used to guide the blade. When cutting thick plastic sheets, a heavy craft knife can be used, but an Olfa plastic cutter will produce neater results.
Finishing work includes sanding and polishing, painting, weathering, and distressing. For example, to create a stone edge, you can mix a small amount of white paint into a mortar colour and dry brush it on.
