discussion to outline pros and cons of both

The subject of which method of construction to use for buildings on a layout crops up time and time again and always the same debates begin over the pros and cons of different building methods.

As with all things, personal preference of an individual plays a big part in the method they promote to be the best. What I would like to achieve with this thread is to create a reference for all members that can be used by them when deciding what methods they should use on present and future projects.

So if many members can forward their views that will be helpful and we can edit it at a later date to make a good reference thread.


So to start this off I have highlighted a few areas that need consideration when deciding what construction method. If anybody feels there are more areas please post and they can be added to the list.

I will give a brief synopsis of each area but these will be enlarged shortly with more description. Bear in mind some areas, in some case,s cross into others sometimes

Layout Environment:

Where is your layout situated? is it in your home in a centrally heated room or is it in your shed which is a bit damp and widely changing temperatures. Where in the world you live -  the climatic conditions

Cost:
Dependant on each individual this is an important factor plus of course the size and number of buildings required also affects this area.

Construction timescale:
Again this will vary dependant on many factors like available modelling time and amount of buildings

Longevity of models:
What is the anticipated life expectancy of the model? this does need to be taken into consideration.

Skill level of modeller:
This has to be taken into account as we can't all be doofers or Jim Sw

Overall look wanted of model and its position on layout:
This should spark some good discussion as this aspect often can be one of the deciding factors in what construction method to use.

 

Please feel free to add and comment of any of the above and feel free to add sections and put your views across on any of them.

cheers Brian

I usually use card models for my background buildings, normally as low profile buildings etc..  I usually use a mat varnish to fix card so that it doesnt warp. I then useo plastic for the foreground buildings where I want depth .  I have modified a Metcalf terrace house with Slaters brick to give it depth and I modified its roof with Wills tiles.  However what I have seen in some card modeling I would be hard pressed to criticise, they are just fantastic.  Like the pub project by one of our members.  So my opinion is what ever tickles your fancy.

William

Hi Brian

lets just say there is no 'or' about it for me.  Its very rare indeed that I will only use 1 type of material in the construction of a building.  Even something simple like a retaining wall will be made up of a combination of Foamboard, card and embossed plastic. The finished surface will depend on several factors,  what is the texture that I want.  Card is good for concrete as its not super smooth. However if I need to scribe lines on it with a scriber then the sriber will tear the surface of card so I use plasticard instead.  This will then need the texture adding back in later.

For sub structures its usually foamboard or perspex depening on how much of the finished structure is 'glass'.  Sub structures are normally card and the top surface normally embossed plastic.

HTH

Jim

I'm firmly in the camp of using the best material for the particular job in hand.

I do like the Scalescenes papers for brick, tiles etc as they have a slightly weathered finish that I would find hard to produce better myself, but where I need to have a specific painted finish on a building, such as corporate GWR colours for example then I prefer to paint on plastic. I often use a combination of materials on the same building.

My layout is in a cellar which is dry and keeps a reasonably constant temperature of around 60f and i've not had any problems with card warping

As with the above comments, there is a place for all materials.  Card and papers like Scalescenes are excellent photographic reproductions and I could never hope to achieve that level of painting.  On the other hand, they are "flat" although someone - sorry, can't remember who -  produced a dock wall with them that I'd swear was embossed.

For texture, I think plasticard is unbeatable although often "out of scale" - the use of 7mm stone sheets on 4mm layouts being an example.

I like the speed of plastic - a quick slice with a sharp knife, snap along the line, a quick wipe with solvent and it's stuck. Painiting is another problem area for me !!!!

Card, even with "sticky" glues, takes time to set and I'm never totally sure about how good the bond is but at least I can cover it with printed papers.

On the other hand, card is most definitely much cheaper (if it's not free) than plasticard.  I also find it harder to work with.

As I don't currently have a layout in place, the "environment" isn't of importance to me.

I use both, but I try not to mix them, it might be my lack of skill as a modeler, I think both look good with others of the same material but mine don't appear right when stood side by side, though my station platforms are card andstation buildings plastic. 

My only attempts at scratch building are in plastic and I have enjoyed what I have done.

I never seem to be able to get the brick papers to stick to the card to a standard that I am satisfied with.