Scratchbuilding

Sometimes S-scale is labeled as the "scratch-builder's scale". There was a time in the past where this was largely a requirement if you wanted something. Today, however, it is more of a personal choice. Just like in any other model railroading scale, if you want something specific, sometimes you have to resort to building it yourself from scratch. The purpose of this page is to provide some information, tips-n-tricks, and some inspirational examples.

Building things from scratch involves taking raw materials and turning them into realistic models. Materials can include wood, plastic, metal, card-stock, etc. Once the core model is built, you can add details you make yourself or those purchased from manufacturers, such as windows, doors, pipes, steps, grab-irons, etc., and/or any other item found in your "junk" drawer. Starting in the 2000s, we now also have available 3D-printed parts.

To help us narrow-down what we want to cover in this section of the web site, we are going to limit it to models for which the main core of the model was made from raw materials. If the model is predominantly made from 3D-printed components, we have a separate page to cover those models. Additionally, if the model was mostly made from various commercial parts, i.e. kit-bashing, we also have a separate page to cover that. The NMRA has a definition for scratchbuilding.

Topics

Examples

External Links

Here are some more S-scale scratchbuilding efforts available via other web sites:

• A Scratchbuilders Approach to Tracklaying (YouTube video)
• Build a Brick Farmhouse (YouTube video)
• Concrete Retail Coal Silo project by Hugh Sinn (started with a 3-inch mailing tube and some scrap wood).
• Creating Grass
• How to Make Trees (YouTube video)
• Interview with Mike Ostertag Showcasing His Projects (YouTube video)
photo for more photos and info)
• Miniature House Diorama Build (YouTube video)
• Model Pirod Radio Communications Tower (YouTube video)
• O-27 to S-scale Conversion
• Pennsylvania M1 4-8-2
• Photo Buildings on Backdrop (YouTube video)
• Quick AF Flatcar Conversion
• S-scale Uncoupling Bars
• Scratchbuilding Hydrocal Structures in S
• Scratchbuilt Boiler Flue Storage Rack by Tom Troughton
• Scratchbuilt Outside-braced Rock Island Caboose
• Snow Cabin Diorama Build (YouTube video)
• Time-lapse Video of Building a Grain Elevator Display. The non-sped-up version is available on their subscription-based how-to web site