Where would YOU start? Planning to make Bradford Cathedral as an N Scale card model

When I said yes to Bradford Cathedral @BfdCathedral asking me if I would like to make an N-Scale model of the building to help celebrate 2025 Bradford City Of Culture @Bradford_2025 , I didn't think it would be all that hard... After all, the cathedral is quite small compared to some, and not covered in gothic fancy. But the more I looked... Really Looked... the more I learned and the more intrigued I got, as well as scared! Here's a look at where I started on the most ambitious model I have ever attempted.
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[@simonhodgetts6530]

Tremendous video - really well produced and presented, and I am excited to see your build progress. Inkscape never fails to surprise me - what a powerful tool!

[@anthropod888]

This is really great stuff. Bradford cathedral have played a blinder getting you involved, and you're doing justice to a very interesting building. Loving the real history provided by Maggie too. Really looking forward to this build.

[@andybmodelrailways]

I built just the upper part of a local church spire for a layout I was building and when you start looking the amount of detail in even the simplest church building it’s unbelievable, so I doff my cap to you for taking on a full cathedral building, can’t wait to see how this progresses.

[@TheHongKongHermit]

If the cathedral was flipped so the low end of the hill was on the left, you could have it canonically be in Chandwell just in front of where the layout is. The main entry being by the Earl Chandfield, and the extension being up by the station. Might be fun to try and have it all matchup so you could have one video of it in place before it heads out to its permanent home.

[@kyleburkholder6003]

Love the history and that you reminding us that we need to brack down large projects into small pieces.

[@colinpriestley4735]

Interesting for me, as many of my ancester were baptised in what was the Church in the 1800's. My Grandfather lived in Moscar Street above the Church and he worked in the Wool Mill on Pit Lane.

[@valentinsn-ostalgiemodellbahn]

Extraordinary project of yours. The story telling from you two, concerning the real building and the model building process, is amazing. All the best Valentin

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Michael, am in awe for the architectural and historical background you’ve put into this video. Was kind of anticipating you would indeed use the Royal Scott method by sectioning up the construction. To, let’s say, understand the different types of architecture, translate it into a model I think that particular step is imperative. The mock up of the tower is an indication of the largess of the model when it nears its completion. The footprint almost as large as a small model railroad. Think that’s a first takeaway from this project, a kind of reaffirmed awareness how large true scale is and how much modeling areal is needed to make a successful 1:1 model in the preferred scale. Familiar with your method of building up undulations, think it will be also interesting and important to weave in the (although) slight level changes for the Cathedral’s base structure. Of course it’s possible to do that as you go, but it may be helpful to create a steady base for the different sections of the building to be placed on, whether temporarily or more permanent. Cheerio

[@MrVinnyh]

Love the blend how, why & when questions Micheal, with Maggies history lesson! both clear with purpose, I must admit I do like a good old church/abbey/cathedral just to walk round and admire the skill in the manufacture of the building without the likes of JCB's and other modern day plant. Even though any region is beyond me, have upset too many RE teachers in the 1960/70's. I suspect like many this project even on Chandwell this is Grand. Not building two are you? one for a small corner on Chandwell 😃 (please but only joking).

[@daviemaclean61]

So much detail to study and include, and I've no doubt you'll discover even more nooks and crannies as you go along. Cheers

[@Chandwell]

Can’t wait!

[@justinclayton3022]

You really get an appreciation for its size when you hold the tower in your hand.

[@Chandwell]

Yes - and also when I put it on the layout in Station Road and High Street. It's going to be huge.

[@edg1754]

This is the one I've been waiting for! It's going to be a great build to follow, and Maggie's added info adds so much! Thanks!

[@peterhudson4027]

Your opening remarks on how we don't really look at buildings is so true - since I started following your channel and took inspiration to design a few modest scratch-builds myself, I now look at buildings completely differently, and appreciate much more the time and care that went into their design.

[@paulwomack5866]

Pretty sure you'll already know this, but... In the "standard" open source raster manipulation software Gimp, there's a perspective tool. It's normally used to apply rectilinear 2D graphics (especially text) onto a photograph of a building (which will show perspective effects). But you can apply "corrective perspective" - which REMOVES perspective effects. For photogrammetry this is REALLY helpful. In the case of your tower, a normally taken-from-the-ground image will show foreshortening, meaning the height of items near the top of the tower appear smaller. Applying a perspective correction will make it look extremely odd (and ugly...) but will render the measurements linear. But I'm guessing the scratch modelling community knows all this.

[@MichelletheMiniatureMisfit]

I'm thoroughly enjoying this series, the history is as fascinating as the process as the inkscape planning and building. Major props to you for the work you are doing and the effort you are putting into this Michael.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you very much Michelle.

[@leslieschramm6252]

Thus series is going to be fun. The more you look the more you see. a wonderful challenge. but if you want it to survive 130 years, please use archival card and not acid unbalanced cereal packets. Anyway if you eat enough weetabix to get enough packets you'd probably burst. Folks round the weetabix factory eat theirs dry with butter and jam!! but that's a lot of fibre to "dispose" of.And I love the addition of the guide.I hope you end up as DVD in the cathedral shop .

[@Chandwell]

:) Thank you! I don't actually use cereal packet for my main builds. I use greyboard in 0.5, 1, and 2mm thicknesses. I am less concerned about the card and more concerned about the longevity of the printer ink! I too eat my Weetabix with butter, and sometimes cheese!

[@joelsalmons5627]

Always enjoy a good paper modeler. 👍👍😊

[@mattp1337]

Imagine if you had a LIDAR drone that could take precise 3d geometry from a number of angles. It'd still be a master challenge to model, but nice to have complete confidence in the dimensions throughout. But I feel 99% confidence in your educated guesses. Great job so far.

[@louanderson1264]

Looking forward to following the build. I know it will be amazing once you're finished.

[@StevesTrains]

Wow, great video! I just stumbled across your channel and I'm excited to work my way through a lot of your content.

[@ianbareham5872]

Hi Steve as a viewer of both Chandwell & Your Channel, I say welcome. Michael has created a great channel, really showcasing his work. As you work your way through his back catalogue of videos, there is so much depth. Michael has a great eye for detail and a very likeable style of videos and storytelling. Both this real prototype build or his prototype inspired building on his Chandwell, both are ground in the real world.welcome aboard. Ian

[@doctormo]

So fun. I can't wait to see more, what a remarkably well produced video. But I can't help but see that snapping bug that caused your rectangle to start snapping to the other side of the canvas. How embarrassing!

[@dtrain1634]

Gosh 😮wow 😮

[@Chandwell]

Hope it works out!!

[@paulsharpe3794]

Hi there I'm originally from Bradford but now in Leeds. I also have a small OO layout and ring the bells at my local church. I have an interest in history and architecture. So I was interested when you're video caught my eye. I have really enjoyed it and so much so I have subscribed. And as you have described your layout I can recognise part of my youth. I'm looking forward for the next video

[@user-rp4xi4sz1x]

You are top of your game mate one of the best N gauge modelers l have seen all the best Colin from Mossend railway oo.

[@RolandForest]

Well done. This is exciting …the history and story telling

[@piccadillymodelrailways]

What a facinating challenge that is, lots of varying levels, many many aspects to every view of the building. Will be very interesting to see how you tackle each section as it'll certainly provide lots of content for a fair while to come.

[@musoseven8218]

Interesting project, as you say, the best thing is to break it down into bite size chunks. Detail levels? Depends on how close its to be viewed upon display. Iirc, Allan Downes used different levels of detail depending on distance from the front of the baseboards/viewing distances. It is a mixute of art and mathematics, what looks right is right💜💜👍👍🙏🙏🤞🤞 I note the sacred geometry too, it's even present in your drawings😉😉🙏🙏🏁🏁🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️

[@jonathandavidpope7812]

It looks like the new section doesn't sit quite straight on plan on the end of the old, but is canted over at a slight angle to the North. Churches were often built like this, to symbolise Christ's head bowed to his right on the cross. It's something to check carefully, but I think it's evident in the Google images. It's an exciting and ambitious project. I've made models of a few real buildings, but nothing anywhere near as large or complex. Looking forward to following progress.

[@user-br9hv5ku2o]

What a superb video and a different take on so many videos out there juxtapositioning elements of history with Maggie and the modelling aspect from yourself. I am very surprised that the cathedral can't supply you with drawings from their archive particularly as some of the extensions are relatively modern. BTW the horizontal bands around the tower are called stringer courses. Looking forward to more in this series.

[@nineoneten]

Subscribed instantly when I had seen the first video. Great attitude to modelling and the buildings are the starts of the show. Such a shame the real buildings are often so run down. Will look out for more videos. Must find a decent Inkscape tutorial.

[@John_N_Quay_Harbour]

Love the story you and Maggie are telling

[@ddewit1969]

This is going to be a great series I really like how you put it together you’re really talented I have H0 trains Fleischmann and when I start working on my new layout I will try some off your ideas and tips in the beginning you talk about the n scale but my question is I was under the impression that n was 1.160 scale keep up the good work greetings from Holland 🇳🇱

[@Chandwell]

Thank you! Yes! European N Scale is 1:160 but British N Scale is 1:148 with the same gauge track. I have no idea why, but that’s the way it is! 😂

[@ddewit1969]

@@Chandwell okay thanks for letting me know that’s information I never knew I know that H0 and 00 have the same rail size N scales is wining in popularity but the hobby is not so big in Holland anymore it had a revival during the coronavirus people were starting back with the hobby like me I think it’s a great hobby and this platform is excellent for people like you to help people with great ideas and tips thanks and have a great weekend

[@JohnSmithShields]

I must be too ingrained in Chandwell lore. When you announced you had serious help, and a female voice was heard before showing Maggie Myers, the lovely cathedral education lady, I was expecting Brittany Scroggins. (I apologise for any spelling errors.)

[@Chandwell]

You never know your luck... I know that Britney enjoys a trip to Bradford every now and then!

[@JohnSmithShields]

In all seriousness, now I'm at the end of the video, you've had to make some big decisions already, and thanks to your previous videos, I was right there with you. I knew you would break it down into individual builds but how, was the question. My first thought was using the nave as a central spine to act as a foundation for the spurs of the rest of the building. The tower reminded me straightaway of the station clock tower, and I was so pleased when that was brought up when discussing it. Overall I can see how your building method will fit nicely with the cathedral, but those 20 hours looking, measuring and drawing will become priceless by the end.

[@ianbareham5872]

Michael Great next part of the Bradford Cathedral Series. Brilliant combination of Inkscape design work and model planning and prototype information. Welcome to Maggie, great to hear some of the history of Bradford and the origins of the Cathedral. Learnt lots and lead down those knowledge rabbit holes. Broad Ford eventually becoming the name Bradford. Also looked into the actual location of Bradford Beck on its journey under the city to joining the River Aire at Shipley. This is struck me who close Bradford & Surrounding Area has inspired Chandwell. The project is going from strength to strength. Your overall style, eye for detail and model work practises will set you in good stead for the developing project. Thanks for bringing along on KZbin. Ian

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Ian!!

[@adrianroberts6983]

Hi Michael. This is a fascinating start to what will clearly be a wonderful project. I can't help but notice however, that on the google earth images, and the floorplan document you found, that the Cathedral seems to have a kink between the old 14th century, and new 1960s Eastern side - on your sectional plan, parts 11 to 24 - and isn't a straight line West to East. Are you "correcting" this to make a better than the real thing model?

[@Chandwell]

Very well observed! It took me a while to observe that. The first time I noticed was when I was filming a shot of the interior and the whole back end seemed to be skewed to one side. I will definitely be modelling it this way, and there will be a section in the next video about it because it was a deliberate decision by the architect to make it this way, and for a very interesting reason.

[@nlbroomhall]

Really nice work

[@markavis7232]

Wow, you made a long-ish telly program - that must have taken ages! Well done both of you - that was slick in a good way. I wonder if you can keep it up and avoid extraneous background music, the introduction of manufactured jeopardy, and the imposition of supposedly photogenic presenters who don't know what they are talking about! :-) Again, well done - looking forwards to following it. Promise not to agitate for broken windows.

[@martinpook5707]

It's quite a challenge, but I think you are on the right lines. One of the joys in life is just to walk around and look at buildings, how they are built, how they've been altered and how they fit into the landscape. Sometimes you'll find that things don't quite add up as the 'experts' say. Keep going, you're doing well with nice presentation as ever, the BBC will be after you in no time!

[@railwayjade]

My GOODNESS, this is so interesting with circles and all that goes into the design and building - would have never thought

[@wombat_models]

Wow! When you look at the project like this you get an indication of what a massive task it will be!

[@TPT6148]

Great work Michael, your way of breaking a big project down into bite- size chunks definitely works. All the best with your project, will enjoy watching it take shape.

[@paulevans3699]

Wow Michael, what a project to take on, good luck! Will you also be able to still work on buildings for Chandwell?

[@robmooijaart5313]

Thank you for, the update. Excited to follow the process!

[@davidstokes8441]

Thanks Michael, this is really exciting stuff and I can't wait for the cardboard to start flying as you build the mock ups. They will be a work of art in themselves. I see a book in the offing, with you and the Cathedral staff collaborating.

[@martingreen999]

A fascinating and informative video. Thank you for all the time and effort you devote to this. I really appreciate it and always learn something new. For example, your comment about treating a building as several different units has made me rethink how I approach a new project. For me, what started as a railway that needed some buildings has become a collection of buildings with a railway nearby 😂

[@Chandwell]

That is EXACTLY the same as what happened to me - a railway has become secondary!

[@paulhayton3423]

You have your hands full this time, well done, great project.

[@afm1948]

Very interesting learing about the history and, of course, seeing the scope of the challenge ahead of you. Arthur

[@jo-bahn8737]

The idea to focus on the proportions is to me the inportant sentence in this episode. Btw you are developing to producing documentaries. Well directed!

[@Chandwell]

Yes indeed!!

[@andrewbillinghurst1968]

Great video, really informative and helps demonstrate the challenges you face. Wishing you all the very best with this project and can’t wait for the future updates. Guess you will be eating a lot of Weetabix😁

[@Chandwell]

Thanks so much!

[@glnorrisjr]

Glad to see the passion you have for working in the medium and the attention to detail that you put into the build.,

[@allotmentuk1303]

Well worth waiting for. I was up in Bradford last month visiting family and while there had a good look at the Cathedral and thinking how were you coping with this task. It looks to be in safe hands. Take care Mike Brotherton

[@mpetersen6]

You need to get Weetabix as a sponsor.

[@davidirving6914]

Really looking forward to your method on this complex building.

[@StocktonStation]

Brilliant to hear the start up and admire your commitment to such a great project. The method you are using makes good sense and will surely lead to success.

[@PeachyTT120]

Where would I start? By watching your video 😂

[@georgeclements2742]

Thank you. I enjoyed the video and look forward to seeing how the building progresses.

[@nicholasking1266]

What a great video. Thank you

[@Chandwell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ChobertonJunction]

Absolutely amazing project with incredible challenges that you will without a shadow of a doubt overcome and enjoy. Going to be an excellent series.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you so much!

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good update on the channel nice work thanks lee

[@johndurran614]

Well done. Keep up the good work

[@johnschutt9187]

Wow. What wonderful work!

[@djrobi61]

Interesting history, another great twist. Just the textures of the stonework look amazing. Are you going to capture these textures and replicate them? Definitely the clock face, that just looks very cool.

[@Chandwell]

I still think I’ll just use my usual Scalescenes textures. Will see.

[@djmoulton1558]

Something that helped me with older local buildings is that I found my local planning office had digitized all their architects' drawings of old buildings and facilities. It just cost me for all the CDs and a fee from the planning office to transfer the digitized drawings. It might be worthwhile to see if something similar is available for your case.

[@Chandwell]

That's interesting! I've looked at their Planning Portal. Are you based in the UK? This building has been in private ownership and Bradford Council are unlikely to have anything other than what's been submitted for planning applications...?

[@djmoulton1558]

No, I'm in Canada, but I'm suggesting there may be some sort of public planning office that maintains records of some kind that you could obtain copies from of old architectural drawings. Or maybe it's in a library or museum. Any time someone wants to build new or modify, the local bureaucracy usually wants architects' drawings. Perhaps there is something like that since your church was modified not so long ago. Just a thought.

[@philkirk4571]

I’m guessing weetabix sales are going to go through the cathedral roof!!!

[@stevenflebbe]

The devil is in the details (if that term isn't too jarring in reference to a cathedral). Having done a project similar to this in HO scale, the hardest decision was what level of detail to go for. In the model I made, some decorative items were simply too small to represent in scale, so I had to settle for the impression of them. I'll be interested to see your approach to this aspect of the build.

[@Chandwell]

These are super points which I’ll look at in more detail in upcoming videos.

[@alecoldroyd6213]

The overall length sounds less than what some may imagine... I certainly pondered for a few minutes. But in my head I just doubled it to OO, and realised "wow". When you think of the commercially available churches, most OO ones will be half the length of this! Me..? I'm off to buy shares in Weetabix!!!!

[@Chandwell]

Yes, it's a monster... The cathedral model in N scale will be 480mm long by 265 wide. In 00 that will be almost a metre long. I'm going to present it as a diorama on a baseboard 639x538mm.

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Have you ever used Sketchup? I use it to create my models and pull the dimensions from the 3D models in Sketchup....and start building.

[@Chandwell]

Yes, I used to use it a lot actually, but I gradually stopped as I realised I could work just as well from 2D drawings, and I like to keep my toolset to an absolute minimum just to save head space! :) Sketchup is (or was... I've not touched it for almost 8 years) an amazing piece of software. Truly easy and obvious and intuitive to use.

[@johnboren8928]

I too am modeling actual buildings in N scale. The complication for me is that I'm modeling 1956 and only some of the buildings which existed back then still exist, and in some cases they've been modified. In many cases I have just a single photo from a period within a decade or two. There's airplane photos of the town, but they have very poor resolution and generally are just fuzzy blobs. Unfortunately the town was too small to have the insurance maps which are helpful in larger towns. So I'm having to guess, though the "good news" is that there are few people around who know if I guess wrong! Add to that limitations of my modeling skills, and well, even if I had the time and other skills to do videos, I wouldn't.

[@johnboren8928]

Meant of course to say that your videos are very helpful in teaching me new skills and providing inspiration.

[@terryglover3215]

Isn't it on a slope? I't start with that.

[@mpetersen6]

Where whould l start. Proper drawings of course. And then determine just what is the core element of the structure/s. Just be glad you aren't doing interiors. Or are you?

[@typhoon2827]

Did you delete my post?

[@Chandwell]

Which post?

[@typhoon2827]

@@Chandwell about taking plenty of photos of the prototype.

[@Chandwell]

@@typhoon2827​​⁠no. I never saw it. Sometimes KZbin deletes comments before I ever see them. If there is a word that may even remotely be related to dr*gs, then I’ll never see it. You can try emailing me if that works better. [e-mail].

[@peterstecks7660]

There is a LEGO Man wearing church vestments - I think you need to invest to get the scale across Michael... 🤣🥸🤣 Brilliant work mate.

[@cargy930]

Stoppit! You're already making it look too easy, and it isn't! 😁