Making Rural Buildings for Model Railways by David Wright

Late in 2019 I posted details of some of the books and magazines I had received as Christmas presents. For more information see this link. Since then I have had chance to fully read these books and feel I have to add some more comments on this book in particular.

Making Rural Buildings for Model Railways by David Wright is without doubt one of the most informative books I have read on building model terrain and in particular model buildings. I had previously met David at one of the 7mm Narrow Gauge Association displays and seen in person some of his fantastic model buildings and dioramas but had not picked up any of his books (or DVD's). For Christmas 2019, I received a copy of this book as a present from my Mother-in-Law and at the time I said how much I liked the presentation and content. Now that I have had chance to read the whole book, my views have not changed. I repeat this is one of the very best books on building model structures I have ever read and well worth searching out.

The title is a little misleading as the contents and techniques would be just as relevant to wargamers or diorama builders and usable for scales from 15mm - up to 1/32nd scale (if not smaller and/or larger scales). it really is that good at highlighting methods for sourcing and building and painting and weathering model buildings.....

The book starts with a history of rural buildings in England - but just as relevant to Europe or America and far more detailed and informative than any other book on the subject that I have seen. Chapter two shows how to research, measure, photograph and draw plans or working drawings with useful and practical hints and tips for both the novice or the more experienced model builder. Chapter three is a very in-depth treatise on constructing the models and Chapter four shows how to paint and weather the buildings. Each and every step is well illustrated and described in detail with simple text and beautiful drawings and photographs.

Further chapters give details of setting your buildings into the landscape and then follows a number of chapters on specific projects. The book finishes with a number of practical appendix - for example a section on mixing paints to reproduce different coloured stone finishes (a unique feature as far as I can tell). The book ends with the usual references and contacts section seen in many model railway books. 188 pages of practical and useful advice suitable for any model maker looking to build structures in any scale.

Finally I should add that David has written two additional books -
Modelling Branch Lines and Making Urban Buildings for Model Railways as well as producing a number of DVD's.

Making Rural Buildings for Model Railways by David Wright
Published by The Crowood Press in 2016
ISBN 978 1 84797 460 0
Retail price £18.99 (however I am aware that copies can be found on e-bay and Amazon at a much lower price).
188 pages, soft card covered book 190mm x 246mm

Highly recommended - in fact a book I wish I had written.....

Tony

Finley's Birthday Treats

Here are some of the props that I've made for my grandsons birthday party, a set of stocks, two jousting shields and a bow and arrow target for use at the medieval knights and castle themed party.

The stocks were built from scrap and spare corrugated cardboard glued together with my hot glue gun and painted with craft acrylic paints.

The two shields are also built from corrugated cardboard with detailing from corrugated cardboard, card and foam. Again painted with craft acrylic paints.

The bow and arrow target was built from some packing card supplied by my daughter and painted with more craft acrylic paints. I chose the simple RAF design as I though it looked better.

Happy Birthday Finley.....

Tony

Commando Comics with a Napoleonic theme - update

Following on from this earlier post I have recently picked up these two Commando Comics. The first called Cold Steel (5193) deals with Napoleons advance and retreat into Russia. While the second called The Phantom's Revenge (5131) is about the early months of the Peninsular War.

I'm sure that they will supply some inspiration for a Flintloque short story or scenario. I look forward to reading both.

Tony

Zombie Attack in 28mm scale anyone?

Home Bargain (the UK discount store) has these Fun Stickers for sale in the children's section. I picked them up for just 49p a pack as I thought they could be used as wall posters and/or placards in a post apocalyptic wargame setting.

The pack is 160mm x 100mm. In the second image I have included a 28mm scale archer to give a better idea of the size and suitability as scale posters.

I hope this prove to be of interest.

Tony

Old Hot Wire Foam Cutter

Earlier this week, I posted details of two new Hot Wire Foam Cutters that I bought via e-bay, for details see this Blog post. But I thought you may want to see the home-made model that I have been using for some time.

The cutter was built from scrap strip wood, some spare nuts and bolts plus a second-hand (and very well used) Hornby train set transformer. It has done sterling work over the years that I have had it but I thought it was time I upgraded to the two newer models. My biggest criticism with this model is that it does NOT have an on-off switch. If I was to build another I would definitely add a simple switch.

I have to admit to tidying it up for this photo - I added new cable ties and re-wrapped the handle with more yellow tape. I think this is the best it has ever looked!

Tony

Practical and Simple Wargame Terrain - part two

Miniature Wargames issue 443 (March 2020) has the second of my simple and practical wargame building articles in which I scratch-build wargame terrain using the simplest of everyday materials. For details of the first article/tutorial see this link.

This simple Thatched Hovel is constructed over a corrugated cardboard core with egg box card detailing and green scourer thatch. It was painted with a palette of acrylic craft paints and varnished with Galleria Matt Varnish.

I have included a couple of additional images showing the finished model.

Throughout the series I have tried to stick to the following (self-imposed) rules;

1 - The model should be constructed from simply sourced or everyday materials.

2 - The model should be generic and able to be used in a wide variety of different games or genres.

3 - The model should be robust enough for wargame club use.

4 - The model should be finished to a good standard and resemble the building it represents.

5 - Finally, it should fit into a 6 inch x 6 inch x 6 inch box - for easy storage.

Tony

New Hot Wire Foam Cutter/Cutters

I have recently treated myself to a couple of new tools. Two hot wire foam cutters, the first a hot wire table with additional guide tools and the second a hand-held model with inter-changeable tips or blades.

Both will be needed for a current modelling commission that I am working on (details will be posted on the Blog once I have more information). I am looking forward to playing with these new toys.

My initial plan was to build my own and I have read and watched many You Tube tutorials on building similar tools. However in the end, I thought it was better to purchase a new model/models. Both were purchased via e-bay.

Tony