Paper Building Kits - Model Railroad Scenery

If you’ve ever seen photos of Lance Mindheim’s layout you’ll be surprised to know that a great deal of the buildings are made from photos printed on paper. The realism that can be achieved is just as good and if not better than any plastic building on the market.
Aussie Card Models (ACM) are a relatively new company who are selling paper card buildings on the Australian prototype, and from what I’ve seen so far they are certainly taking the quality and expectation for card kits to the next level.
Whether you are building an ACM kit or another paper kit from a different company the basic tips and techniques for construction that I display in this video can be applied. Paper kits when treated the right way will add realism and life to you model railroad or scenery diorama and if you’ve been unsure about trying to make a kit then I urge you to give it a try.
They are much easier to make than any card kit and the end results are more consistent.
If you’ve been enjoying the videos don’t forget you can help support me and these videos by donating to me through ‘Patreon’ every little bit helps and I’m truly appreciative of every donation no matter how big or small.
/ luketowan
Music:
Uptown Summer - Audio Blocks
Aroura Borealis - KZbin Music Library

[@cdjhyoung]

I would suggest spraying the interior walls with dull coat before doing any cutting or scribing to add some moisture and warpag resistance to the main body of the building.

[@w.rustylane5650]

Well now, it's 6 years later and I'm watching your video again to brush up on my card stock model building. I learn a lot by watching other modelers and pick up techniques that are quite helpful. I scratch build all my fencing and water tanks (O scale) and water tanks in HO scale.

[@mosheep]

I'm currently building a castle paper kit, probably too late to apply these techniques on it as it's almost finished. But I'm definitely keeping these in mind for my next projects. Thanks!

[@xxxnamkhaxxx]

Thank you, Luke, for the inspiration. I love your videos and I was absolutely awed when I saw your video on trees. I will start making my own next week. Cheers!

[@NiamhD200]

Best way to score the paper without cutting it is to use the back of the blade ! 8)

[@spicyair710]

Thank you for the tip! I was scared that I would cut my model, but this really helps!

[@davidsheriff8989]

Did this in school with back of scissor blade..

[@w.rustylane5650]

Another great video tutorial; I´ve constructed several cardboard models and they look as good if not better than plastic models. I´ve used the same techniques that you described in the video. I even added bottoms to the models. Last step was to spray with a dull coat. Cheers mate and crack on.

[@BirdYoumans]

Nice job!

[@rexremedy1733]

I loved to build paper models as a child. Brings back old memories...

[@paweprzybya4413]

The texture is just excellent. The building looks so realistic!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Yeah I think the texture makes all the difference! The model looks even better with scenery :) Cheers Luke

[@eddmaple6355]

You're a genius !!

[@jbot6902]

That buiding looks awesome. Thanks for your uploads !

[@Terranscapes]

Great series of tips. With care, paper buildings can really look great. I think that building came out impressively. :)

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

I agree and it came out looking much better than I thought! Cheers Luke

[@Scale-Model]

Very nice Video, thank you very much for sharing. 😀👍🏻✌️😍🚂

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

No worries mate :) thanks for watching Cheers Luke

[@stefanogallo8960]

Thanks Luke , this video is fantastic !

[@nyw11]

That dull coat really works wonders. That shine before you used it didn't seem like a big deal, but once it was gone the model looked way better. have a good one!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

yeah, the dull coat makes a big difference! And your right, it looks good without the dull coat but once it's been applied it looks even better :) I've also tried some cheaper brands of Matt Spray but some actually made the model even shinier! Dull coat is certainly the best I've used so far. Cheers Luke

[@FarlandHowe]

Great demonstration. It makes me want to build it right now. Rob

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Rob, glad you liked it. They look even better in person. Cheers Luke

[@Seyfettin0]

Cool designs Thank you for your cool works

[@MrBsHiawathalandRails]

You sure made that look easy. Looks Great! Mr. B.

[@dannyholt105]

Awesome Luke. The model looks great! We have tried some paper models before but I'll have to give it another try using your tips. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Dan

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Danny, I was surprised myself at how well the model turned out! They look really good with some scenery around them as well :) Cheers Luke

[@theopinion967]

LOVE IT. I wish I would work doing that.

[@thesaers]

I started I guess what's called scratch building not knowing it was a thing and before stumbling upon videos like this. I've been at different things lately and still building. Awesome video

[@Pedro116092]

What a fantastic review you are the man for the dirama production. If I am half as good as you are I would still only be average at making this stuff. Keep up the great work.

[@dannylaguer515]

Nicely done Luke !!!.....amazing!!! cheers, Danny

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

No worries glad you enjoyed it :)

[@3dkdownloadablemodelrailwa199]

Nice looking kit and great video. Card kits are the way to go.

[@jessiematthews2432]

ten mins ago i watched the palm tree tute. thought you were nuts. now watching anotherone. thing you are awesome. subscribed.

[@rickwade906]

Very nice, Luke! Thanks for sharing.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Rick, glad you enjoyed watching :) Cheers Luke

[@jimwatson2110]

another great video thanks Luke you are so talented

[@Superseanbarry]

Great job! You make it look so easy :D

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Wow Luke! I just did a vid on this and I WISH I would have seen this first. Thanks a ton mate!

[@cnerunner3845]

Excellent as always. After some disastrous attempts, I gave up on cardstock models...I think you have inspired me to visit that medium again. Very well done video.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks for the compliment, yeah it definitely depends on the quality of the kit. Some kits are not quite as good as others even though it's just paper, a lot of work went into the design of the kit I built. Cheers Luke

[@RYSEproductions]

Never been into this stuff but I'm really glad you asked me about the G7 because this is fascinating as fuuu*...

[@earlteagrey]

Brilliantly done!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks, glad you liked it :)

[@projectclockcodes]

Well done handsome. Had an idea you might like. How about embossing the bricks with an inkless pen but from the blank part of the paper. It may give that real life brick look. Love ya!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

That's a fantastic idea that I will certainly be trying on the next building... Thanks gorgeous :)

[@SeamusMcNeil]

Great video mate - Thanks for posting Cheers Jim

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

No worries Jim :)

[@senju6198]

Thanks for help and that was awesome! Do more videos like this!!!😃😃😃😃

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol, no worries :) Plenty more on the way

[@RahulTalwar]

I`m in Heaven. Ok

[@jasonsands8943]

I like to use a round fine tip scribe to slightly indent the paper around the edges of the stone walls. I gives them the effect that they are 3D (you have to glue the paper wall to Styrofoam to get the effect to work right)

[@kristen1441]

I love paper craft, please do more.

[@hanielulises841]

all your videos are awsome

[@rodU65]

Love the videos, they are therapeutic. haha. Keep the good work!!!!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks mate 😊 Glad you're enjoying them 😊

[@fgeneturner]

Very good instructional video. It has motivated me to try a card kit.... I've been putting it off for years. I'm going to give it a go now.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Good luck Gene, I'm sure you'll do a fantastic job

[@eisbaerkalle9547]

Nice video, thanks for the inspiration for N gauge

[@kunalchangoiwala7474]

Hey Luke, You are probably one of the most creative person I have found on KZbin... You do amazing work man! However I have something for you.. Instead of buying models, make videos on how we can design our own out of paper etc

[@nickanderson9553]

Awesome 👍👏

[@Slamm]

Another very cool video Luke. Always happy when I see a new vid pop up from you

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks mate :) I'm glad you've been enjoying the videos, I have plenty more ideas to film :) Cheers Luke

[@danorley5575]

Thanks Luke have been wanting to try a printed building you presented the instructions very well. Think I'm ready to give it a try. Dan

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Cheers Dan, they are really easy to build and look fantastic! Have fun building

[@peterpocock9062]

Yes, this brand of paper models are very good. I've built several of this brand and if you follow his instructions the results are pretty speccy! I like that stone shed Luke, might have to invest in one of those. I do like his round roofed goods shed of Hawker tho. Pete

[@tristiancorbett8896]

It's like crack cocaine for when I can't sleep so good I found you even though I can only aspire to your epic skills

[@wernerrunkel5378]

Verx, very good work ! I enjoyed this video .

[@humanperson8363]

“Yeah I own weights”. “Oh so you lift, them that’s nice”. “Oh. oh no I just use them as a quite literal paper weight”.

[@struck2soon]

Looks very convincing!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Yeah it's quite a well designed model :) Cheers Luke

[@viniciuslacerda1]

Sorry luke I just saw the first page of the video…thanks…….you do real nice work and inspire me to keep trying with paper models.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

😊 Thanks mate.

[@piratinacestach8896]

Excellent job

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks for the feedback and great comment :) Cheers Luke

[@ScottDowneywoundedbear]

Paper models are getting better all the time. Scott

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

True :)

[@abdoff9393]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad Can you download the video of making a scout tent

[@liiisajarviiis]

Fantastic content as usual :)

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Lisa :) glad you liked it :) Cheers Luke

[@jamesmurray5444]

Very good tutorials. Keep up the good work!!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thank you for your inspiring words James 😊

[@kblue98]

Thank you ..ขอบคุณมาก

[@brabopainter8282]

very nice done mate!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks mate :)

[@steamsearcher]

Inspiring thanks!!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

No worries :)

[@Bruno.Trains]

Very very interesting.!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thank you :)

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Luke excellent build, I was toying with trying card stock buildings on my N scale layout. Sadly she is coming down, need the space. But might look into this for back drop building on my new HO switching layout, I am building in the new year.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Cool, I moved from N scale to HO scale and I'm very glad I made the move. I prefer HO because I can get much better and smoother operations especially when switching. Card stock can look quite good if done properly, not to mention it's cheap and affordable. Thanks mate :) Cheers Luke

[@bobbyslater1198]

Nice!

[@billd.iniowa2263]

I like carpenter's wood glue for paper. Its pva with alot of the moisture taken out, Gives about 15 seconds work time before it gets really tacky. Then you can move on to the next piece. I'm quite impressed with the way paper buildings have come so far recently. The new generation of printers can even mimic 3D effects somewhat. But you always need to add the trim and other bits to round off that realistic look. Nice video Luke. As usual it was concise and helpful. Cheers. :-)

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Bill, I too am quite impressed with the quality of printing these days. I considered embossing some of the bricks to add some extra three dimensional effects?? Maybe on the next model. Cheers Luke

[@Creativity_ki_khadan]

very nice sir you are genius

[@KathyMillatt]

Don't know how I missed this video but it makes me want to go out and try your techniques.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Kathy, I've also really been enjoying you Halo Diorama build, great tips and techniques that I'll be trying for sure! Loved the bark texture you achieved, not to mention the moss! Awesome!

[@KathyMillatt]

Luke Towan Thanks! It was fun working in such a large scale for a while.

[@ArtCraftStudioIhtis]

Awesome!!! Thx...

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

No worries :) Glad you liked it.

[@alexandrekrutzsch8024]

Very good tank you

[@Jim-tn3vq]

Nice instructions Luke Excellent clear presentation, have you ever built the Digcom Design Card Containers - People can purchase these from DigcomDesignsAus on Australians ebay site plus other HO model kits like Cattle Australian Trailers

[@garyallentheroguesimracer687]

Just down loaded 5 different paper models from the internet ,built them all in couple of hours i am looking in to reprinting them use them for stencils on thin styrene board then down load different paper brick patterns you can do so much with these models wood brick concrete they are awesome thanks for the inspiration.

[@afie7694]

This is so relaxing and make me chilling..im subscribe to ur channel..

[@alanjaikaran4290]

dis was unusual and fun tnks u lots

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

No worries Alan :)

[@azimuddinsaiyed7451]

good job

[@urwusgotxihcisiufzkgxigx7777]

perfact bro👌😎

[@Hannibalonthelamb]

The music whispering Hey Now....

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol, I didn't even realise! I'll have to watch it again :) Cheers Luke

[@dasani7524]

omg lol it does

[@christinakrause20]

Luke Towan pi like your videos

[@luisantoniomarrega3713]

Ficou uma maquete realista. Parabéns! Rio Brasil

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thank you :) Glad you liked it

[@act9246]

very cool...

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks mate :)

[@anaheloisacelpa]

Queria ter todos esses materiais incriveis para criar! muito fã

[@Chris.Davies]

Ha! I use exactly the same markers to do the exactly the same job!

[@pukavita]

G’day Luke, very nice model! How durable are these models. As you know, in Perth, garages can get very hot in the summer and if he railway layout/diorama is located in the garage, I’m concerned that this paper/card model might contort over time. Either than or moisture might damage them. Do you have any long time experience with them? Cheers mate

[@mateuszciszewski2613]

Very cool ! :D How to creat building to print? Microsoft paint? :)

[@nigelferris1403]

Can these be scaled to 'N' scale, and are they only Aussie buildings. Great build looks so real. Cheers Nigel

[@robertwalker6387]

Hi there! Just discovered your how-to video - nicely done... where do I purchase Aussie Card Model products? They don't seem to have a web site... are they available in HO scale? Thanx!

[@loolaloo2122]

The BAM Collection on eBay

[@Scorpwanna]

This guy would be amazing at Pepakura

[@lenniecapuano521]

i wish i had youre patience luke to biuld these

[@barbillosantander8226]

Exelentes videos, me gustaría saber en dónde puedo obtener esos modelos para imprimir desde mi casa. Muchas gracias

[@exile182]

Gday Luke, I got my first paper kit and its asking for 1 & 2mm or 600 & 1200gsm card. Ive looked for it but cant seem to find any, could i just double up the cereal box or do know of where I can get it?

[@mikel4510]

Do you have any comments on gluing the panels/pieces to foam core board and then assembling /finishing the project?

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

I think that would work well, it would be a lot more rigid that way and would probably last a lot longer! You'd just need to make sure the thickness of the wall doesn't interfere with adjacent pieces as you start gluing it together but even if it did you could simply use a hobby knife to trim away the excess. Cheers Luke

[@scottfw7169]

I love paper models but problems with my hands have put the brakes on doing them with all the folding and other manipulation required. On that lacquer - it usually begins to yellow after a decade or so. For another thing involving lacquer - often I will use brush-on woodworking lacquer on both sides of card or balsa sheet to stiffen and stabilize it a little bit. Wood and paper may then be glued to it with tacky craft glue. Using that kind of lacquer is _definitely_ something to do _outdoors!_ And I do use clear gloss so it is easy to see where it has been brushed on and it is going to get painted over anyway. Also, on those porous materials it doesn't come out all that glossy after all. Lacquer somehow seems to be less watery than shellac and causes less warping the when shellac was tried. For color printed parts, have both brushed them from the back with clear acrylic, or airbrushed form the exterior. Back to talking about yellowing, even the acrylic floor finish the aircraft modelers like will yellow after a decade or so.

[@scottfw7169]

Paper modeling web forum which might be worth browsing, www.papermodelers.com/

[@trainsasachild]

Other fun paper models can be had from ScaleScenes.com (British railway oriented) and Historic-Models.com (American historic buildings). These excellent instructions will be handy for them too.

[@ultrakool]

6:09 the brick quoined corners were the pièce de résistance of this model, imo

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

yeah I agree with you, they make a huge difference 😊

[@brancoquitto7557]

haz uno de las pirámides

[@robswain3357]

Create tutorial and review Luke. Do you have the website details for ACM? I was unable to find them online.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

It appears they are redoing their eBay store last I heard, hopefully they don't take too much longer to finish setting it up. I'll post a link once they get the store running again.

[@gonefishing5415]

would it work using a pressing tool on the bricks before you glue the walls, for some 3D? Over some rubbery base or even a bit of dampness...

[@gonefishing5415]

even an old ball pen

[@dhimanghosh9435]

when you said under weights u werent kidding lol

[@lomejordelaluchalibre460]

where can I download the paper molds

[@mikaelafox6106]

I just like listening to your voice! Do you have any horse stable tutorials?

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Not yet but I'm planning on a few country scenes with some horses in the future.

[@user-sr7ux1sv9f]

Здорово

[@valborchardt3596]

Thanks Luke, do you also have a model railroad that you use these models on??

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

I am currently working on my main model railway, I build the buildings and store them on the shelf, eventually I'll use them on the layout when it's ready.

[@valborchardt3596]

Thanks Luke

[@rodeltimmalog6964]

can you please make a tutorial for a car garage like for 1:64 scale hot wheels cars? thanks!

[@variousartists-topic6823]

where can I buy those tools? please answer my question

[@MrFusselig]

Hey Luke, I am working for a computer game developer, and I would like to create something like this with buildings from our game. Nobody in our studio has experience with paper building kits, do you think we are able to do this? Could you recommend something? We would like to produce the tamplates on our own and make them available as free downloads to our community.

[@timf2279]

I guess the answer was no?