Scratch building with card - tools and materials

[@glnorrisjr]

I wanted to thank you for sharing your information. I am starting to get back into model railroads and using N scale for lack of an empty room just doing nothing. Your videos are informative and the approach is personable. I’m glad that you continue to enjoy your hobby.

[@Chandwell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nicolaiitchenko7610]

Watched this about five times and will come back to it often. It was you who set me on this path and I look forward EVERY WEEK to what can be done and what I can learn. Thank you

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Nicolai! Back to normal next week… mock up of the buildings beside the hotel. Michael

[@heatherscott2766]

Such a useful video and so pleased to finally find one from the UK with brands I recognise.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Heather! Michael

[@CAshleyMoss]

An excellent video, professionally produced, with most helpful and interesting content. Thank you.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you!

[@vivcross2158]

Sublime video . . . only just found your channel this weekend. I'm feeling massively motivated to start my own modelling, returning after a break of 40yrs !! Happy days. Keep up the good work 😁

[@Chandwell]

Thank you! Great news. Pick up your tools and get going!

[@Panpan1568]

Thank you, your video was really helpful to me having last done railway modelling about 45 years ago! I'm looking to start again!

[@Chandwell]

Glad I could help!

[@andyrbush]

A real gold mine of priceless information. And really good of you to share your 'secretes' thank you.

[@Chandwell]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching! Michael

[@ArtbyJoeH]

Wonderful. Made a list s I watched. But I wish my cabinet was as organised as yours!

[@Chandwell]

It isn't always that tidy!

[@Liamlcfc1]

Great inspiration Michael you and John from Manchester Piccadilly have inspired me to build my Leicester station layout keep up the great work

[@Chandwell]

Thank you so much! I shared this with John and we are both really happy to have inspired you with Leicester. I think I’ve seen a couple of posts from you in the N Gauge group on Facebook. Good luck with your baseboard build! Michael

[@MrSteelypan]

I’m so impressed with the models, but also the way you put your videos together. Superb job!

[@Chandwell]

Thank you! That’s very kind. Michael

[@goodrails]

WOW! This is *Exactly* what I need. I'll be doing the same thing. Thank you sooooo much for sharing your, well, um, *everything*! My wife and I will watch it again and take notes. In another time and place I'd hire you to build one or two for me. Best wishes. Steve

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Steve! I hope you and your wife find some use here! Michael

[@andrewretallick4614]

Very helpful Michael 👍 Andrew🙂

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Andrew. Michael

[@ericsainte290]

A small tip from one who used to make architecture models for a few years : use the Scotch gel glue (sold in Green tubes). It's way less stringy, glue paper as well as styrene - a bit like pattex contact glue - but, added advantage, it can be removed from bristol card without damaging it by scraping with a scrap of Bristol card. The dried glue is a bit rubbery and glue 'messes' are easily removed by friction. I use it when in need of gluing styrene on pvc or both on card with great efficency.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Eric. This is an excellent tip. I've not heard of this glue before, so I will buy a tube and see what it's like. Michael

[@goodrails]

@Eric Sainte @@Chandwell I'll add Thak you as well. You guys make it hard to build mountains when I couold make towers. ☻

[@roystudds1944]

Fabulous video full of useful information. Thanks for that Michael. Roy.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Roy! Michael

[@ottorosborough7589]

Thank you for the info. I really enjoy your videos and I always pick up new pointers from you. Your talent is amazing and always interesting. Keep up the great work. Thank you Otto

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Otto, that is really kind. Michael

[@dougbull3289]

Well done Michael, another great to the point video: I agree with you 100%, keep it simple.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Doug! Michael

[@TheHeritageLine]

Great video Michael! I've earmarked this video as you have certainly given me some ideas of different materials and tools to try for future builds, you certainly are the one to watch when it comes to cardboard scratchbuilds. All the best Tony.

[@Chandwell]

Glad it was helpful Tony! Thank you!! Michael

[@davestrains6816]

Great tips and wonderful information. Thanks for sharing. Dave

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Dave! Michael

[@paulwomack5866]

I note your affection for Weetabix cereal packet as a construction material. I don't eat eat Weetabix (my partner does eat "wheat biscuits", but prefers the Sainsburys or Marks & Spencers versions). But I do eat Weetabix Minis, and find the packets are fantastically tough and difficult to tear. For the reason above I can't compare them to Weetabix packets. But I can measure them. The thickness (measured with a 1/10 thou reading micrometer) is 0.018" or (converted) 0.46mm. Direct measuring with a metric dial caliper gave 0.48mm. I suspect the micrometers small faces may have very slightly compressed the material. I keep the packets around for making custom boxes (I enjoy doing rather fancy gift wrapping) or templates to draw round.

[@Chandwell]

A man after my own heart!

[@markhayes789]

I use key stock a lot forsmall weights. Not like a key to open a door, but the key that keeps a pulley connected to a shaft. It's pretty cheap steel. It's about 12mm x 12mm and I cut it into 10 cm lengths. I also have 2 big hunks of aluminum that I found in a garbage can, lol. I use them all the time!

[@Chandwell]

Brilliant suggestion Mark - thank you! I've often wondered about what I could use as decent weights. My whisky bottles and cookery books are good, but sometimes leave me wishing for something more. I'll look into this. Thanks! Michael

[@HemelDownModelRailway]

Thank you for sharing very useful to see some of the things you use, as when I start my next layout I want to do lots of scratch building so this will be most helpful 🙂👍🏻

[@Chandwell]

You are very welcome. I hope you find it useful. Lots of scratch building here on my channel, but I’m just making it all up as I go! Michael

[@radicalforest]

Thanks so much for sharing your invaluable knowledge of this craft.

[@Chandwell]

Thanks - I am glad you found it useful.

[@deansburytownmodelrailway5056]

Great summary video there Michael, I use very similar methods and tools for my models! I had a Fine Point applicator, but sadly no more. I can’t remember what happened to it but your video has jogged my memory of how much finer it was compared to the alternatives. Loved the editing and the transition between the iPad images and the camera, very impressive!

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Liam! I had a lot of fun with the iPad cuts as I was filming and editing one clip at a time. Maybe overdid it a bit but these things entertain me! Michael

[@IronHorseRailways]

Lovely little guide Mike :) I tend to design within inkscape and print directly to the adhesive labels, stick them to A4 card then cut around them - this gives me my finished elements with no risk of warping or drying times. I just cut around where I need to and stick together with rocket card glue! Cheers bud 👍

[@Chandwell]

Thank you! I have never had much luck printing directly to the labels. I find them a bit too “grippy” when folding around corners, and the prints are a little fuzzy. But then I use really cheap labels so that is maybe my own fault! 😂. Michael

[@IronHorseRailways]

@@Chandwell I construct mine a bit differently to you mate, it's a much faster method at a slight trade off with 100% accuracy - if you care to you can see this on my channel, don't feel obligated to though. :)

[@Chandwell]

Gonna have a look!

[@IronHorseRailways]

@@Chandwell will save you looking. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3KXo6ivm6t2m8U

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

Outstanding video! subbed.

[@Chandwell]

Awesome, thank you! Welcome to Chandwell!

[@WheelchairGuyHobbyChannel]

This helps a lot!

[@Chandwell]

Good stuff!

[@frankguy9772]

I was building a city block in miniature for stop motion videos, the "miniatures wr so big because i didnt knew how to nave uktra small windowsm thanks to your videos i lear a good way to make very detail top quality windows, so because of that i burned down my "minuatures" and im starting again, one of my mistakes on my previous models is that everything was imorovised with out looking photo references, rigth now i have my city block designed in corel, well detailed inside and outside, long story short thanks for your great videos. Cant wait to start building my cityblock, i will not print the brick walls, i will put brick by brick, its a pain in the you know where, bt the results are amazing.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you so much! And the best of luck with your stop motion. I’d love to see some of that! Michael.

[@frankguy9772]

@@Chandwell Once i have something ready i coukd send you some pics.

[@Chris-BognorRegis]

Hi Michael - That was absolutely brilliant mate. Lots of goodies that really appeal to me, thankyou very much. Shame about those fine tip glue applicators. Regards Chris

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Chris. Glad you got something from this one. I made it in a bit of a rush! Michael

[@Miertreg1]

Super video 👍👍👍. Greetings Gert

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Gert! Michael

[@stephengibson1106]

Hi Michael You gave me your track plan quite a while ago and I am in the process of building my layout based on your plan. I don't think I'll ever get to your standard of scenic work but will try my best.

[@Chandwell]

Hello! Great news! Would love to see pics if you want to email [e-mail]! Michael.

[@stephengibson1106]

@@Chandwell hi Michael, tried to send email but it keeps bouncing back

[@Chandwell]

I’m not sure of it applies to you but that can happen if you put a .co.uk at the end instead of just a .uk. So it’s [e-mail]. Can you give it another try?

[@Chandwell]

Or send me a Facebook Messenger!

[@MM-ul7sb]

Very usefull. Thanks 😉

[@Chandwell]

Thanks!

[@davidstokes8441]

Michael, I noticed the comment about music and I have yo agree. If it is any consolation, everybody does it. It is a misconception that music while talking is "high end production" and it is rife on the box, in cinema and KZbin. Brother I can tell you that is just a pain in the brain, If you can't hear the words for the synchopatic noise, your time, and mine is wasted. Love your work and your videos nonetheless.

[@Chandwell]

Thanks David. That is interesting. It was mentioned about a year ago when I used music at a slightly higher volume. I turned it down and assumed it was all good. I personally like it, but if it’s annoying or putting off a proportion of my viewers, then I will have a rethink. Thank you for pointing it out. I’ll see how next week’s video goes! Thanks for watching and commenting as ever!! Michael.

[@peterstecks7660]

@@Chandwell I guess for most folks there is no problem. Its low background music, and after a while you just don't notice it, but... and its a big but... anyone with hearing difficulties who uses a hearing aid will absolutely struggle with background music. The so called background noise gets amplified by a hearing aid disproportionally, and it overpowers the speech. Hearing loss is complex, and hearing aids don't just amplify everything equally, so for the vast majority of people who have normal hearing background music is fine. It irritates some but most are fine with it. But for hearing aid users, I think it is a show stopper. Well, that's what my wife tells me, and I have no intention of arguing. Life's too short, and she's right. Excellent video again. Summary of many things you have said over all of your marvellous videos, and great to see all the tips in one place. Worth bookmarking Michael. Stay safe and keep warm. (Didn't notice the sledge hammer in your tool kit... Hmmmmm...)

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Peter, this is really valuable feedback. It’s all to easy to forget accessibility requirements and inadvertently make things harder than they should be. I’ll try a music-free video next week and see what happens. Sadly the sledge hammer didn’t work out. I broke through into next-door’s kitchen just as they were sitting down for a family dinner. I heard words I’d only ever heard in films before. They took the sledge hammer away so the project has come to a stop. They must be 00 gauge fans. Ah well.

[@peterstecks7660]

@@Chandwell You really do suffer for your art...

[@wollibar5263]

Great video.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you! Michael

[@TimberSurf]

Interesting look at the process tools, I wish my modelling area was as well organised and tidy! But then I am the opposite, I have more tools and gadgets than you would believe!

[@Chandwell]

I had a feeling you had more than just the odd knife!! I work full time at that desk for my day-job and I don’t think I’d ever get anything done if I was surrounded with an Aladdin’s Cave of modelling wonder stuff! Michael.

[@TimberSurf]

@@Chandwell One day, when I have tidied the room, I should make a video, I guess it would blow peoples socks off lol

[@michaelgrange8791]

Really enjoying these videos. Please keep them coming. Also did you know that Asda own cereal boxes use thinker and better card

[@Chandwell]

Thank you! I did not know that - thanks again! Michael

[@derekmurton1656]

Hi really interesting video on tools where did you get your drawers and under counter cabinets from as need to sort out my tools thanks

[@Chandwell]

The drawers are from Ikea. the cabinets were custom-made by a local joiner, out of simple MDF.

[@derekmurton1656]

@@Chandwell thanks

[@derekmurton1656]

@@Chandwell looked on ikea must have discontinued

[@Chandwell]

No they still make them. They are called “Moppe” and are here: www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/moppe-mini-chest-of-drawers-birch-plywood-40216357/

[@derekmurton1656]

@@Chandwell thanks

[@roncarter5532]

Ooooo did I see a mock up of a signal box Michael??

[@Chandwell]

You may have done, Ron! :) Watch out on Friday for an update on that... Michael

[@jeffpiper7523]

I really found this useful and have begun to scratch build in N gauge. I've purchased some textures from Scalescenes but when I have unpacked them they are pdf format. How do you get them to jpg format without changing the scale? Clipping images has been troublesome as well. The image either wouldn't clip or it would only leave an outline of the part you were wanting to clip to. Perhaps a video on clipping sometime.

[@Chandwell]

It's not possible to save them as JPGs without causing yourself headaches with the scales. Try using Inkscape to save them as PNGs as they maintain their scale.

[@jeffpiper7523]

@@Chandwell Thank you Michael.

[@FlyOz-b7b]

OMG thats brilliant

[@Chandwell]

Thank you

[@nicholasking1266]

I spy a cheeky signal box in the offing and that Methodist church!!

[@Chandwell]

Well spotted!! The signal box is currently too big and the church too small but that’s what the mock ups are for!! Watch out next week! 😀 Michael

[@mtty1988]

My Hp printer has 2 ink cartridge one black one colour is that not good

[@Chandwell]

It’s neither good nor bad. My old printer was the same. The only issue is that if one colour runs out before the others, then you need to replace the whole thing, thus wasting the unused colours. My individual cartridges always run out at different times.

[@skel3110]

Hi Michael, thanks for a fascinating video. I have been building scratchbuilds for a few years now although in 4mm rather than 2mm scale (big respect to you!) and I do use many of the things you mentioned but some good tips for me to follow up on as well. With regards to UHU, have you tried the solvent free version? A bit more expensive but completely stringless, I keep some in a fine tip applicator as well as PVA. Like you I had a Canon photo printer but the cost of the inks was really getting to me so I have splashed out on a replacement Epson 8550 Eco Tank, expensive outlay to start with but it will pay for itself in a couple of years against cartridge ink costs I think, the inks are supposed to last for about a year for an averge user. Cheers Steve

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Steve! I had my eyes on an Eco Tank printer, so it will be great to know more about how well the ink lasts. I've not tried the solvent free UHU, I will take a look at that. Where did you get your fine tip applicator from? Michael

[@skel3110]

@@Chandwell Hi Michael, did you ever receive my response to your questions above? They seem to have disappeared

[@Chandwell]

Hi Steve, no. I didn’t get anything. KZbin has a habit of deleting things for no apparent reason! Maybe email me at [e-mail]?

[@RoofRailways101train]

How do you cut out curves for let’s say the viaduct

[@Chandwell]

I use a scalpel and cut them by hand. I included a short segment in today's video that shows me cutting round a curved piece of retaining wall. The trick is to take it slowly and use many light passes rather than trying to get through in one go. Michael

[@Chris-BognorRegis]

Hi Michael - Going through your list, try getting 10 snap off blades for £3.99 now LOL

[@Chandwell]

Oh no really!? I only bought these a few months ago. Must have been lucky timing! Michael

[@Luke-20-OLT]

nice music!!!

[@Chandwell]

Thank you

[@folkloreofbeing]

Hey hey!

[@Chandwell]

Hello!

[@richardbradley2335]

Compo ''Eee up Nora im great at building things is me'' Nora'' Give away...the only thing you can build is a stack of pennies so ya can buy a bitter'' Compo'' But im still great at it'' Nora '' But only to get the stack tall enough to buy an arf''

[@Chandwell]

😂 Michael

[@convinth]

No offence meant, but I so wish you'd turn down the volume of the music. You're a softly spoken guy and at times it's hard to make out what you're saying. Yes, I can turn on the sub-titles but I want to watch what you're doing, not read the captions.

[@Chandwell]

Hello! Absolutely no offence taken… I don’t want to have videos where I can’t be made out! I’m so sorry the music is too loud for you. Is it really bad for you? And is it just this video, or all my recent ones? I don’t want to have videos where people need subtitles to understand me! Michael

[@convinth]

@@Chandwell I've only watched one or two of your videos (I shall be watching more!) so I can't comment on whether it's a problem in general or just this video.

[@smartdesignuneed]

Anne Peaks fine tip nozzles are still available from www.smartmodels.co.uk/tools.html

[@Chandwell]

Brian! Thank you so much!!!! That is the best link anyone has ever sent me! :) Michael.

[@smartdesignuneed]

@@Chandwell you might to have a look at the downloadable kits and texture sheets. As well as all the 3d printed and laser cuffs product

[@smartdesignuneed]

that should have said laser cut products