Scratch Building (Part 1) an HO Scale Train Station Series | Boomer Diorama ~ # 250

[@timwhitehouse164]

Hi Boomer, great video as usual. If anyone can't find the book that you referenced, they may want to hunt up the plans that I have for a C.N.R. Third Class Station. These plans are identical to yours and appeared in the September 1987 edition of the NMRA Bulletin.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for the info!

[@CNR5154]

I totally agree on the appeal of these CNoR Class 3 stations. There were quite a few of them along the south shore of Nova Scotia when the Halifax & Southwestern (a CNoR property) was built in the early 1900s. One still exists as a cafe and bike shop French Village station in Upper Tantallon, NS. A replica was built in Hubbards. So pure Canadiana since you can find them 6000km apart from Fort Langley to French Village. Superb and inspiring video as always!

[@boomerdiorama]

Yeah. They are awesome. Really thankful to have an original here in town. Part 2 here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYO6k4yjZZesjKM

[@CNR5154]

@@boomerdiorama Grateful here too. A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting in the old waiting room of the FV station having a coffee, staring out the same windows, contemplating what used to be. The 9-pane upper sashes have long been replaced but wainscoting and interior features are still there. I need to replace an end wall and add a kitchen/living extension to the class 3 kit I have. Your journey through the building process and words of encouragement are always very much appreciated!

[@205004gs]

The railroad depots, in our area were like the heartbeat of the small cities and towns they served. This is a remarkable build and will add that touch of nostalgia to the layout! Great work indeed.👏👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@marysenatore8856]

Just love your attention to detail and advice on knives and glues too! When you said that you don't mention safety enough my husband Dave and I both smiled and both remember the vlog when you cut yourself and showed the bandage and said you can get cocky and way too comfortable with modeling. 😂 Even hurt you joked about it, that's what we like! At least that's what we recall. 😅. Thankfully it healed !

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing that. I won't forget it either, and I still think about it when I build and try to cheat sometimes. ;-)

[@davidwilliams1060]

Scratchbuilding is often easier than a craftsman kit just by having a direct understanding rather than trying to figure out the instructions. Great ideas, especially the individual floor boards. I had to pause the video to buy Excel blades and a new German pencil sharpener! Thanks.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for saying that because it's true. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@ericp-ow1eq]

Great video and your ability to scratch build is truly amazing!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for watching!

[@mr.e1944]

Great build! That door knob trick was worth it for me. No one ever told me this type of stuff!

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad to hear it!

[@phmoffett]

Beatiful model depot. Many of us can remember functioning railroad depots. I remember when passenger train tickets were sold at the MKT depot in our small town in Texas. I also remember hearing the telegraph key sounder. We've lost so much in railroading over the past 70 years.

[@boomerdiorama]

This is one reason why I built this station for River Road. It's iconic, it's exists still, and it is not far from the SRY main.

[@DavidBryan-t7c]

Keep up your tutorials!! I absolutely love your unique style and attention to detail. I put you in my top trio - including George Sellios and John Allen. Not sure which I enjoy most - Your Structures, Landscape, Roads, Locos or Rolling stock!!!!

[@boomerdiorama]

You are very gracious and encouraging! Awesome! Thank you!

[@dinatursic5899]

Thank you for doing another series ! I really enjoy watching these and even though I don’t do railways I do a lot within dolls house miniatures / 12th scale. I always learn so much from you that can be related. I would love to be able to create the realism that you always capture so well! Please keep the videos coming.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for sharing. The top shelf above my layout is 1/12th scale doll houses which my wife collects.😁

[@harperlarry49]

Another great build with more useful techniques. Looking forward to part 2. Cheers!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. Cheers!

[@davidsheriff8989]

THis takes modelling to another level....you have patience and a skill that is amazing

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you so much 😀

[@movinfawward]

Thank you for walking us through the process. Very helpful. And you make even the cleanup and corrections look easy. What a cool build.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for watching!

[@silvertrain7945]

I really liked the golden glow inside the building. That adds so much to the character of the build.

[@boomerdiorama]

Lighting is a funny thing. I do see them much but when I do they do look cool.

[@danielfantino1714]

Astonishing work with smart tricks. For a station in service in the good old days, how cool it would be to ear on a very low volume, to give illusion of distance, the op reading train order to crew on the radio. Thanks Boomer. Waiting for next episode.

[@boomerdiorama]

You can visit this prototype station in Fort Langley, B.C. Canada. It opens in May through the summer.

[@patmccarthy1624]

As usual, another masterclass - building structures in styrene! Can't wait for the rest of the series! Thanks, Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for watching and supporting the channel!😁

[@johnkelley4874]

It's so rare nowadays that I see something completely scratch built that looks so realistic that no kit manufacturer could even come close to producing. Fantastic job Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

@@johnkelley4874 Thank you for the encouraging words! Cheeers ~ Boomer. 👍

[@bobhastings6464]

Hi ya Boomer Absolutely loved this video. I have spent many hours searching out old CN stations here in small town Ontario. Great content. I have been scratch building for almost fifty years and learned 3 more tricks today from your video. Excellent Cheers Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

Cool, thanks! I learn from others as well all the time.

[@555metroman]

I so enjoy your tutorials. My models are nowhere where yours are, but I am so much better than I was before and for that I thank you.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are so welcome and thank you for supporting the channel the way you do. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Boomer, really like to spread some deep appreciation for the patient work you’re putting into all your builds, projects, footage and editing. Apart from the unavoidable hand shots, there are so many different angles you show, whether it’s on the research, drawing, tweaking ready made HO scale windows, cutting sheets, window and door openings, how to snip off the excess for the eaves supports etc. etc. It’s simply awesome to witness as a viewer, fellow model railroader, homegrown artist. Love the way you showed the making of the ticket window cutout. Indeed when we’re talking scratch building, such tweaks and adjustments are a necessity. If only for the fact that any (drawn) plan can be as good as it is, but under the hands its where the model becomes familiar, the sight lines start to reveal themselves and the possibilities for extra details become unveiled. Am looking forward to seeing the next episodes on the build. Cheerio

[@boomerdiorama]

Every model is a new adventure with problems to solve and rewards to glean. Cheers!

[@FHollis-gw4cc]

I fell in love with this station the first time a saw it. I want one for my layout although it's not Canadian. It's my railroad and I can do what I want. Although I can't start on it right now, and it'll be my first scratch build, I'm determined! Believe me, I'll be watching this series many times. Thanks. Thanks a bunch! Think of me while you're creating these videos. BTW, I don't know how accurate my memory is, but this station reminds me of the CP station in Rutland Vermont. But the last time I saw it was in 1960. So... Bart

[@boomerdiorama]

Have fun!

[@robertbeaty4909]

Excellent. I like the way your models 'snap' together before you apply any glue. That's a little tough to in N Scale.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@JeffRichBLET129]

I need to adapt to " former " interior structural building for kitbashed buildings as well. They tend to be flimsy when the original structure is changed. I can't stand straight from the box, lol. This build reminds me of architectural models in approach which gives the building a more robust form to use. I will be using this technique whether scratched or bashed. Thanks! Cheers Brother.

[@boomerdiorama]

You have to watch plastic because it can deflect with temperature change and humidity if you don't brace it up.

[@JeffRichBLET129]

I'd like to add an observation if I may. Most of us are kit minded. We think in terms of a model door and a seperate doorknob as a small piece glued to the face of the door. You're teaching that a piece of styrene rod pushed through a carefully drilled hole becomes not only a doorknob after trimming and heating but is also better built because of it. Boomer it took me literally decades to see this because many of us work in a bubble with few peers and fewer resources influenced heavily by manufacturers. We never get past gluing a knob on a flat plane and getting frustrated because it fell off due to paint, glue type or what have you. You're teaching us to climb a steep learning curve with your experience and showing us it is easily attainable through patience and work. That's the joy of your vlogs. It's a great series. Thanks again!

[@boomerdiorama]

@@JeffRichBLET129 Right. Scratch Building is easier than you think if you attempt simple building projects first and grow from there. 😉

[@johnkelley4874]

I have never seen such an exquisite scratch build model. Many of the walthers cornerstone kits are short coming to yours! You are a master modeler! Boomer . I have learned much from you! Many thanks 🙏 best John

[@boomerdiorama]

Scratch building is one of the best skills you can practice so you have a unique model. Start with a trackside shanty. ;-)

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

Great inside look at advanced scratch building. Really appreciate this. 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

I hope it inspires Bill! ;-)

[@canoeingnav7618]

Learned so much. I have made two pages of notes with you tips, tricks and techniques. Thanks Boomer.

[@boomerdiorama]

Excellent!

[@thisoldgoat3927]

Building double-hung, 9-pane windows in HO scale from scratch would be a true act of masochism.

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . I come close now-and-again. ;-)

[@gregcctrn]

My mother grew up on the CN - her father was a CN station agent - she lived in stations in Smithers, Chilliwack, Prince George, Lousana and Swalwell Alberta, and Redpass Junction.

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow! That is quite a career. Thanks for sharing that.

[@ISAACBATENBURG]

I built a lot of buildings in the past but I van stil learn a lot from you video. Love the station!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@jesselomas8626]

Love it so far. Even if I had to listen to my wife chundering on 😂😂😂... TY for episode 1, looking forward to the rest!

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you enjoyed it . . . lol. ;-)

[@sferguson1130]

My favorite part about Monday mornings. Been looking forward to this one. Thanks Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

Enjoy!

[@ioanekirarahu951]

Actually, I feel the "ideal scale" to build structures, equipment, etc., is 1:64, or "S." I don't do 'Flyer at all, but rather "Finescale S," with prototypically-sized track and rail (code 100 or less). Love your channel, especially all your scratch building. Keep up the good work.

[@boomerdiorama]

S Scale is great for sure. Especially for vehicles. ;-)

[@donhanley1213]

I made a sign for my personal woodshop years ago. It reads "These tools have no brain USE YOUR'S!" It applies to the hobby as well.

[@boomerdiorama]

It's always about practice. Anyone can get proficient at something if they practice. I make mistakes all the time when I practice . . . lol. ;-)

[@ironwolfusa]

An AWESOME build! I certainly learned some things for sure. If you didn't know it was a model, you would think it real.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you liked it!

[@Advogator11]

Thanks as always for sharing this fun build. That station is really cool, and a perfect addition to the layout.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@michaelimpey1407]

Boomer, amazing work, I could just sit and watch and listen. Great thoughts into the building process. I am really enjoying this. Thank you for sharing, and looking forward to the next part(s). Cheers, and stay safe, and watch out for sharp tools, Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks a bunch!

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

Another amazing video, great tips and tricks! Looking forward to rest of build.

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome, thank you!

[@DRCRailroard]

Thanks, Boomer. It's about time. I've been patiently anticipating this build for a while as I've been contemplating scratch building a 50's tractor dealership and repair shop. As you may be aware, there just aren't as many 0-scale accessories made like one can find in HO, and scratch building or kit bashing is the only recourse we have if we expect it to ever materialize on our layout. I really like the classical design of the depot and you have captured the look perfectly and much more superior than any commercially manufactured model. For those who are looking to assemble styrene plastic structures the liquid styrene cement or MEK, is the best option for assembly. It fuses parts quickly without a glue mess. Because of the capillary action, I've discovered it's also the best way to fasten the clear plastic window glass without fogging over the window panes like the styrene glue does.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds good! O Scale is what got me into scratch building 40 years ago. ;-)

[@DRCRailroard]

@@boomerdiorama I can see why that's the case. I can only assume the manufacturers can't make any profit like they do with HO. HO may be only half the size of O but the accessories that are available are more than twice as much for the same item and O isn't considered the prototypical scale to model in for realism so the things that are available are usually quite toy like in appearance. I discovered if you want something with more realistic qualities, or something that doesn't exist. you'll need to build it yourself.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@DRCRailroard You can get classic windows and doors for O scale from Tichy and Grant lIne. So any building of this period in O scale is possible.

[@DRCRailroard]

​@boomerdioramas Thanks, Boomer. I didn't know Tichy made anything for O. I'll be sure to check them out. I've been wondering where I could find some windows and doors. looking for a good source for linear plate girder sections also.

[@keithdenner9441]

Boomer, Your scratch building is phenomenal!

[@boomerdiorama]

Pick a simple project and dive in, anything is possible. Even a trackside shanty looks good when scratch built. :-)

[@billkenkel9532]

Boomer Just incredible. There are way to many tricks in this video. I'm going to have to watch this one a few times.

[@boomerdiorama]

Great to hear!

[@boriskucke7053]

Awesome work. Thank´s for this another great building tutorial. Have a nice sunday. Greetings Boris 😀

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@alexandersalomon8257]

Awesome content 👏

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@larryhurd8111]

Hey Boomer, hope you are well. Great video, the best I’ve ever seen on scratch building that shows the how to with exceptional planning and detail elements involved. I can relate to this build for I am scratch building a depot myself right now, great timing! Thank you for a fantastic educational video.

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow, thank you!

[@Jan-hx9rw]

Amazing! Another informative video with some new techniques to absorb. I'm going to use a variation of your method for facade interior doors to build several watertight doors on the superstructure of an HO scale model of my father's WW2 icebreaker. Pretty much the same, except the interior and exterior corners are all rounded, so the raised panels will probably be drilled out of .020 sheet as a single piece. Your detailing of the interior rooms is inspiring me to start thinking of detailing the upper pilot house's interior and maybe even opening up a couple doors on the superstructure and building out one of those compartments. Lighting as well to think about... oh boy, these rabbit holes are starting be as deep as the Hoosac Tunnel. But it's all great fun. The hull is about complete and the basic superstructure and some deck fittings are done as well. Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

When you really get into building like this in plastic there is no limit to what you can do. It is actually quite addicting as well. I solve the problems when they come and there are endless ways to solve them as well. Cheers. ;-)

[@danielpaulson786]

Love your videos boomer, relax your doing great.thankyou for all the little things.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you like them!

[@achb-railway]

Great video. Thank you! I have a station in mind - from the ACR - that I want to scratch build eventually. Going to be watching your videos for sure!

[@boomerdiorama]

Go for it!

[@PeterTillman3]

A master class Boomer. Each step clearly explained. I am in the middle of moving countries so can’t seem to get the “$thanks” feature in KZbin to work. :(

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Peter! Cheers!😁

[@ronaldjoyce7374]

It’s truly amazing how you do all of this scratch building and it all fits, better than any kit would be 👍🏻 Can’t wait to see the rest of that detailing. Maybe that small room in the back was a unisex bathroom? You do make great toilets, LOL Ron

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. Cheers!

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

As usual I love the videos. I have had bad experiences with scribing lines to cut plastic with the sharp side of the #11 blade. I've ended up with cuts that went crooked. Maybe I held the knife at an angle away from the straight edge I used? Not sure how the cuts wandered. I now use the back side of the blade to scribe lines to later break. Interior doors and doorknobs are excellent.

[@boomerdiorama]

Light passes for the first few works perfectly. Just use the weight of your arm - don't force it. ;-)

[@davidwilliams1060]

Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow! Thank you!

[@Vman7757]

Thank you for sharing.

[@boomerdiorama]

My pleasure!

[@FarlandHowe]

Watching you build is very revealing. Inspiring too. It seems like you’ve thought way ahead in the planning of the way the model will go together. Is it method applied to all models or just planning on this building? You probably don’t even know at this point in your long experience and life of modeling. Great stuff, Rob

[@boomerdiorama]

I don't plan that far ahead actually. I just solve the problems as they come. Model making is more about solving problems, rather than knowing what you are doing. ;-)

[@FarlandHowe]

@@boomerdiorama 😄😅🤣😂 I get that...

[@timmueller9586]

I learn new stuff every episode.love your work.

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome! Thank you.

[@sferguson1130]

That window cutout at the end, is when tamiya’s micro saw blades work wonders, for anyone that doesn’t feel comfortable nibbling it out with an 11. They have different shape heads and different sizes ( 0.15, 0.2, 0.3mm ) and they fit into the same knife handle that an 11 does.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing the tips! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@XBOXShawn12thman]

WOW 😳 .... Thats Amazing!!!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers.

[@joelvale3887]

I like small town train stations.

[@boomerdiorama]

They are cool for sure.

[@bernicemeade3232]

Let the single 🚦 Blink often on

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@steves.922]

Awesome!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Seanmmvi]

Quick question for you! We have started gluing down the final scenery for our layout - Ground up leaves, twigs, a bit of dirt here and there, and it looked AWESOME before we sprayed it with some alcohol and saturated the area with diluted white glue. It's been 36 hours and the glue has tried, but the area we glued down is much darker than it was before we glued it down, it looks like it's still sopping wet, but it's completely dry. Gluing it down totally changed the look of the ground cover, made it much darker. Any pointers on how we can glue down this final scenery without altering the way it looks after gluing it down?

[@boomerdiorama]

That is the way it is when you use natural material over artificial - like woodland scenics, etc. It goes dark because you saturated and compressed it with moisture. It's not as easy as you think, especially if you are not willing to paint terrain. You learn how to paint terrain by doing it and learning from your mistakes which are easy to cover up on terrain. I show forty years of experience on painting terrain extensively in my videos. I use natural materials as well but I paint it. When you see my layout, it has been airbrushed with very thin earth colors. In fact I paint everything, including the grass as well.😁

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

Thanks for sharing your layout and scratch build process. I just started in railway modelling and scratch built all the little N scale buildings for my first diorama. As you suggested - a 'small shanty' in a farm field as the first one plus some acrylics weathering. Your thoughts on using balsa wood vs. plastic? (I like Balsa as it already has a wood grain and the paints blend very well) New sub today love the channel! (from AUS).

[@boomerdiorama]

Balsa wood is fine for model building as well. I prefer plastic because I am allergic to the dust from balsa wood unfortunately, but I still use it if I have to.

[@curtishaywood2165]

I love this instructional video but could you please list the materials you use for the construction of this project on part two of this build? I’m just starting to scratch build and it’s very helpful to know what to buy in person or on line. Again this is a great video but I need help with list of the materials. Waiting with anticipation for the next installment 👍🏻😊

[@boomerdiorama]

I list them in the video.

[@rickdee67]

BSI is the only glue Ive gotten to work with sheet styrene, I’ve used 3 different bottles of plastiweld and none even kinda worked the way i feel they should.

[@boomerdiorama]

Just go with what you feel comfortable with. I treat paint the same way. No need to change if you are comfortable with it. Cheers and thanks for sharing. ;-)

[@rickryb4587]

I apologize if you brought this up in your video, but why not build using basswood? It's easily available from "Northeastern Scale Lumber", clapboard walls, scale 2x10, 2x6, etc.

[@boomerdiorama]

I have built plenty of models in the past out of wood. Wood is awesome, but it is just another medium. I build many models that have steel and concrete so why would I use wood? Plastic is easier to model the subjects I choose. I also prefer to weld plastic. I can also model any surface and material there is with plastic and acrylic paint. I don't care for wood anymore even though I think it's a fantastic medium to build models with. Cheers

[@4everdc302]

Door knob technique 👌👏 🚪🖌🎨🚂🏚🇨🇦🙋

[@boomerdiorama]

Simplest with big payback. ;-)

[@mikefronczek7862]

Who makes your blue pin vise, that looks like a nice tool

[@boomerdiorama]

Some obscure hobby company which I can't recall.

[@charlie1872]

Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome. Thank you Charlie! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@elmete8]

Really looking forward to this series, thanks so much for posting it. Can I ask for advice? When you're scratch building, and you're gluing two components to each other but you don't want to glue them also to the surface you're working on, what do you use? I've heard you mention wax paper in one video, but it was only by way of saying you'd forgotten to put some down. Is this your solution for this problem? Many thanks in advance for your reply.

[@boomerdiorama]

I like to use "Parchment" paper because it does not leave wax on the model part like wax paper does. You can buy parchment paper in sheets or rolls at the dollar store. It's very cheap.😁

[@elmete8]

Thanks for your help!

[@johnsoule9667]

Loved it and learned lots. Can you tell us the brand and model number of the pencil sharpener? Thanks

[@boomerdiorama]

No idea. No number, No model indication. It's made in Germany. 😁

[@johnsoule9667]

Thanks. I will investigate further and see what I find. 😊

[@boomerdiorama]

@@johnsoule9667 Try a drafting or stationary shop.

[@PeterTillman3]

Thanks

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome! Thank you Peter! Cheers ~ Boomer.👍😁

[@memberofamreg676]

Top👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@goforitpainting]

Professional

[@boomerdiorama]

It's nice when you find the zone and milk the build momentum like this. Thank you!

[@politicsandtrains]

Good day, where can you buy that Plastruck, cant seem to find it, have alot of old HO building kits that need repair.

[@boomerdiorama]

Most hobby shops should have it. Try Intercity Trains & Hobbies.😁

[@spikesp9223]

Good afternoon, I grabbed a bottle of GAC 900 by mistake can that still be useful like the 500? thanks

[@boomerdiorama]

Read the label and try it out . . . ;-) Have you tried researching it through Google.

[@toddpilcher3804]

What brand of #11 blades are you using?

[@boomerdiorama]

Excel - Made in U.S.A. ;-)

[@breydence_8912]

Hi I would like to build a train depot

[@boomerdiorama]

Find one you love and go for it! 😁

[@joelvale3887]

Only a rivet counter will measure a small window like that.

[@boomerdiorama]

I think the term rivet counter is subjective. ;-) Cheers!

[@derz-crackmodellbahnvideosinsp]

Besser hätte man es nicht sagen können BOOM😊 ...CHEERS🤫

[@boomerdiorama]

@@derz-crackmodellbahnvideosinsp Cheers!😉

[@FHollis-gw4cc]

Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow! Thank you! Cheers ~ Boomer.