Top Tips for Scratch Building with Styrene: The Barge, Ep 1

How to build a styrene model | scratch building model railroad details | scratch building model ships
Scratch building is one of my favorite parts of model railroading and scale model building. In this detailed sereis I show some easy to follow tips, tricks , hacks and techniques to build an ultimate model from scratch.
In Episode 1, I have documented in detail the background of the model, i.e. why I needed one in the first place, how I did prototype study and then most importantly, how I scratch-built every single piece from stock styrene supply: no kit, no reference model, no reference drawing - just a few pieces of styrene, a hobby knife and some cool tricks can help in making a really awesome model!
Part2: Painting and Weathering: • How to Create Realisti...
Part 3: Fine Detailing: • How to Add a Story in ...
QUICK NAVIGATION
0:00 Scratchbuilding with Styrene
00:11 Introduction
00:40 Background
01:52 Prototype Study
03:05 Planning and Drawing
04:50 Cutting out basic components
06:45 Building the hull
09:57 Building the coaming
15:12 Fine finishing with DIY Micro Files
18:22 Building bitts and bollards
__________________________________________________________________________________________
I needed a barge for my layout, but I thought why not make it a little special for my KZbin followers! So, I thought why not build an N Scale model with fine scale standards? Why not try to see what's the best I can do building something from absolute scratch? Then I thought, why just end there - let's document every little detail of the build so that it can help others as a good reference.
Some of the referral links:
gpsmarine.co.uk/fleet/barges/
www.igg.org.uk/gansg/12-linin...
www.allaboutshipping.co.uk/wp-...
forshipbuilding.com/
www.maritimesales.com
Visit Website: www.trainsanddioramas.com
Follow my blog: www.trainsanddioramas.com/blog
SOCIAL CONNECTION:
Follow me on Twitter: / tdioramas
Connect on Facebook: / trainsanddioramas
Connect on Instagram: / trainsanddioramas
CREDITS:
Music Credit in the order of appearance:
Midnight Special by E’s Jammy Jam
Dancing Star by Akash Gandhi
Swing Theory by Freedom Trail Studio
This is a Jazz Space by Midnight North
The Current Blues by Freedom Trail Studio
Hurts So Good Blues by Unicorn Heads

[@TrainsandDioramas]

PLEASE READ: A few people have brought to my attention the health and fire hazards of using methyl-ethyl ketone or MEK, also known as Butanone which I used as a solvent in this video to glue different pieces of styrene. I wasn't fully aware of these hazards when I built this model over 2 years ago - All I knew was that many commercial 'plastic cement' are basically butanone sold at a higher price so I got it. Moreover, I have already been using Acetone and Isopropyl Alcohol which have very similar fire hazards associated to them so I didn't pay as much attention. Knowing what I know now, I would definitely treat this chemical with more respect. If you are using this chemical AND/OR contemplating to acquire this chemical after seeing this video, then PLEASE UNDERSTAND THE RISKS OF USING MEK BEFORE YOU MAKE THAT PURCHASE. Basic Information: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butanone Fact Sheet: www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/mek.html

[@ericklassen742]

Good job. Not trimming to perfection in itself is "perfection". Congratulations!

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you very much! Yes, I think realism is essentially representing imperfections perfectly!

[@jimbowers8278]

I absolutely loved watching this build, with thanks. The micro-sanders are genius!

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you Jim! The micro sanders were a game changer for my model building. Glad that you’re enjoying my work.

[@vincentvandevorst5575]

Your microfile tip just blew my mind! Thank you!

[@TrainsandDioramas]

I am glad that it was helpful. I cannot take the credit though because I learned it from one of the best N Scale model makers I know, Sunichi Matsuba. Hopefully you can achieve much better surface finish for little models you make. Cheers! Kaustav

[@marksawyer5299]

Kaustav.. Simply amazing skill! I shows us what we can do with a flat piece of styrene and our imagination. You and Luke Towan need to get together and take over the super detailing world.

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you Mark! Quite a compliment. I would love to collaborate with Luke one day if the opportunity comes, but I can tell you that there are so many talented people in the miniature world. If you look at the works of Marcel Ackle, Sunichi Matshuba, Abdulrahman Eid, Joshua Smith, Chris Nevard, Troels Kirk, Vikas Chander... you'll be awestruck... for days!

[@TheNakedSilo]

Stunning, meticulous work! I love your dedication to realism.

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you very much! I'm glad that you enjoyed this. :) Cheers!

[@basementninja676]

Thank you so much!! Well-cut, entertaining, informative, I learned more in the first 9 minutes of this video than all the other styrene tutorial videos ive seen before combined. Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos

[@TrainsandDioramas]

I am so glad to hear that! It's quite rewarding to take a plain sheet of styrene, carve out all these little pieces and then bringing them all together to build your unique model. It's like designing your own kit first and then building it! Hope you enjoy making your own unique models. Cheers! 🙏🍻

[@ajkleipass]

Thank you! A million times, thank you. I was looking for a ship hull tutorial for a railroad car ferry. A barge is close enough to what I have in mind, and your barge gives me an idea for a second hull build. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Glad I could help! Thank you so much for finding my channel and it makes my day that you found this tutorial useful. Feel free to take a look around. Cheers! Kaustav

[@SchuylkillRiverValley]

Very nice build. Looking forward to the next episode. Best, John

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you John. Episode 2 and 3 will be exciting, I can tell you. :) Cheers! Kaustav

[@kje3429]

Fantastic project!

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Many thanks!

[@pebblesthecat3625]

Thank you for sharing your skills and showing how easy it looks to make something in styrene (yeah... of course it is !). I found the video highly informative, extremely entertaining, and because of your lovely voice, very relaxing, which helped me chill after a hard day at work. Thanks.

[@TrainsandDioramas]

I am so glad that you enjoyed this and it was helpful at the same time! And that's the best compliment I've got about my voice till date! Cheers and hope you enjoy the other content too. Cheers! Kaustav

[@paulhayton3423]

What a great video, very well done, the workmanship is exceptional.

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you Paul! I’m really glad that you enjoyed it. Cheers! Kaustav

[@stmichaelshill7421]

Really great work Kaustav! Really impressive result and it's great to watch your process! I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to seeing more videos! All the best, Rich

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you Rich! I'm glad that you liked the video and enjoyed there process. Thank you for the sub, I hope to keep you entertained. Cheers! Kaustav

[@adamwalker3071]

Thanks for the inspiration. 😍 Loved it and would like to try one for my self.

[@TrainsandDioramas]

I am really glad Adam! Have fun. Styrene is a fantastic material to build with and is very rewarding. Cheers! Kaustav

[@dacuzzz]

hi Kaustav... that is looking very cool so far... looking forward to part 2..thx for sharing... vinny

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you Vinny! It will be here before you know it! :) Cheers! Kaustav

[@djstrains]

Amazing

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you DJ, glad that you enjoyed my work. I watch your videos regularly, your content is great, especially your analysis of prototypes. Cheers! Kaustav

[@warrencourt3120]

You sir are a master craftsman.

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you Warren!

[@mikesmith2905]

Nice to see some proper old school scratch building and some nice ideas in the mix. Slaters Plastikard may be cheaper than Evergreen (it is in the UK anyway).

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you! Yes, I think some of these old chool techniques are 'evergreen' (pun intended!). I will take a look at Slaters the next time I need supply - thanks for tip. Cheers! 🙏🍻

[@SmR8008]

The micro files are a brilliant idea!😊👍🏽

[@TrainsandDioramas]

I think so too! It's very easy to make your own and if you're a precision freak, then you would love them! Thanks for stopping by. Cheers!

[@milgeekmedia]

Of all the tips (all of which were great) I loved the baking paper on the cutting board trick while gluing trick!!! I hate getting glue on my pristine cutting matt! :) Thanks for a really interesting video!

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Oh, I have a slight OCD when it comes to clean stations. Unfortunately it is not always practical especially if you’re under pressure on your deliverables, but I do try to keep things as clean and organised as possible when I make my own models. Glad that you enjoyed the video and the tips were helpful. Cheers! Kaustav

[@johnthewatcher]

Building the barge was fascinating enough but please p-lease tell me what the background is. I love it!

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you kindly! The layout is my first serious layout in N Scale. You can find a full tour of the layout here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpi6dJWGedZrj80

[@adityakoli2002]

I am soon gonna make a model of Kai Tak and I needed some ideas to make barges to populate the Victoria Harbour and this video really helped me

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Capt Køli 47 I’m glad to know that! Building a model of Kai Tak is a massive undertaking, I’ll look forward to your photos on Insta. Cheers!

[@adityakoli2002]

@@TrainsandDioramas can you please upload a video about how to make custom buildings for a model layout

[@TrainsandDioramas]

@@adityakoli2002 There are some that are already planned in a diorama set-up, but I will take a note to do one that is specific to Model Trains. Thanks for looking. :)

[@kiratski47]

great video I've learning on how to scratch build models so I can make dioramas for my starwars figures

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you! I have a few Star Wars dio planned as well, but I have such varied interest that it often gets difficult to make way for everything that I want to build! Someday...

[@vasili1207]

great work mate, I may pinch this idea for 1:35 scale, Germans used lot s of barges

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Super! In that scale you will have a lot of room to play with more details, depth of rust effect and weathering. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers! Kaustav

[@danagreen6518]

You outstanding. I am in need of a barge for two locations on my layout, I now have a plan on how to complete the process since I have all the materials you used in your build...did you make a template for your barge design? I tend to design templates first since I am new to this work and I am 66 yr old with right hand paralysis and partial left hand contracture disease that limits fine detail work...but I push on...thanks for your efforts and great videos. Your a blessing to a guy like me. Thanks dlg via Maine

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Your notes just made my day, Dana! If you consider me a blessing, then you just became my inspiration to always take life in stride. To answer your question, I would highly recommend making a jig for your models if you can, especially for vessels. Something else that I could think of is to keep things square and simple, and also you might want to avoid open hold - they tend to complicate things. As we were chatting on Facebook, please feel free to send me a note if you need any help.

[@sumitdhara2200]

Sir, Can i use these same tips & tricks on Hip sheets for modelling ?

[@TrainsandDioramas]

In principle, yes, but HIP is a much tougher material so cutting them will not be as simple as styrene. You also will need a different welding solution.

[@FrogieFishOfficial]

Nice barge

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thanks 👍

[@abhimanyu7573]

Cool bro!! ❤️👍 🙏 Are there any alternatives instead of styrene? I was using 2mm pvc foam boards which are easily available here. But the 1mm is hard to find. I'm just a beginner so kindly bare such questions from me 😁

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thanks! Unfortunately there is no alternative of styrene for ease of work and details that you can achieve. For serious build, you can always import them, they are actually not that expensive even after importing. For casual builds and building at larger scales you can definitely try PVC foam board /sun board, HIP sheets and acrylic, but my vote goes to cardboard and water color papers. I have been making models with cardboards for as long as I can remember and there is not end to the level of detail you can achieve with them. Check out my N Scale boat video with Darren where I showed what can be achieved with modest cardboard: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZXWYYereLefeNk Hope this helps. Cheers!

[@abhimanyu7573]

@@TrainsandDioramas Genius bro! ❤️ First of all thank you for the suggestions. While we all think of using expensive materials to give a life for the models, I just can't beleive that you have just used cardboard, that too on N scale to build that tiny cute boat 😳 Everytime I'm learning something new from your videos. This is one of the best Guru 🙏❤ the weathering was so cool bro.

[@JohnSmith-dz9zl]

Great work with styrene-what number is it or mm

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you John! The sheet I used here is a 1 mm sheet. Apologies for the delay in response - I lost your comment in the mix of others' .Cheers! Kaustav

[@customconstructionmodels4625]

What pencil is that your using

[@TrainsandDioramas]

It's a standard mechanical pencil with 0.5 mm lead needles.

[@nokiot9]

Can I send you some digital calipers?

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Thank you for the offer Tommy, very kind of you. I'd hate to put you through all the trouble especially since they are prettly commonly available here. I have just been lazy to get one for myself, mostly because I have become comfortable working with rulers and the models I build don't need that level of precision measurement, but I realise that it would be easier for the viewrs to follow along.

[@nokiot9]

Trains and Dioramas i used to use rulers and squares all the time too, but then I got a set of calipers and it has made things so much faster and easier. I love em

[@TrainsandDioramas]

@@nokiot9 I've been delaying that for a while now, I think it's time that I finally place tht order. Thanks for tip and the push - lazy bums like me need those once in a while. :) Cheers and thanks again.