Scratch build

i'm still hung on the idea of a caravan model, and i was thinking about it today.

at school we have a laser cutter, so if i designed the sides and got the materials i could have them cut out and embraved on there.

questions :

1 / what is the plastic that models are made out of? (i.e. body shells?)
2 / how would i go about making a tow hook for the tow car and the caravan?
3 / custom interiors...like seats and a table, any ideas what i could make this out of ? i could use MDF and paint that i suppose, probably the easiest option, and provided it was sanded and painted well enough it should look god.
4 / any ideas on how i could mount some wheels? get a scrap model and use that?

hmm...i'm turning it over in my mind, would just like any contriubtions really...thanks guys.

Answers to 1, 3 and 4:

Answered many times in many ways before, the search feature will be your best friend ;)

Oh, and styrene....

Caravan? As in a trailer with living quarters?

1. Styrene

2. Thats something that will be tricky. Open up the design side of you, and think out side of the box. Carefully designing and measuring is key to a good scratch build.

3. I suggest styrene. MDF is way too rough, thick, and would be very difficult to work with in scale.

4. Refer to #2.

Are you planning a kit bash, or a scratch build? A scratch build requires a lot of work, and design. Its beyond tedious, it becomes a lifestyle. I'm not trying to scare you by any means. Just be prepared for lots, and lots of work.

By the way, the laser cutter would be pretty useless unless you're doing it out of metal.

You may want to check out my scratch build seminars, and my scratch built street rod for ideas.

By the way, the laser cutter would be pretty useless unless you're doing it out of metal.


Rubbish....laser cutters aren't only for use on metals...silly Georgian....:p

You can cut certain plastics and wood on laser cutters too, it's all about what gas and speed settings you use, as well as lenses.

Rubbish....laser cutters aren't only for use on metals...silly Georgian....:p

You can cut certain plastics and wood on laser cutters too, it's all about what gas and speed settings you use, as well as lenses.

You learn something new everyday.

The laser cutter i use at work is only used for wood, 5/8" ply, flat and rotary. But we have cut metal for fun. Lots of possiblilities, but for this aplication, dont know if it would be of much use.

What ever happened to a knife, a straightedge, and a prayer?

A member had scratchbuilt a teardrop trailer a while ago.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=81956
I know it's alot smaller than a "caravan" but it might get you in the right direction.
Would you be making this in periwinkle blue?;)

What ever happened to a knife, a straightedge, and a prayer?

You forgot "a pint of blood."

For my job I used to order stuff to some warmcast service: they laser-cut casted or flat panels also from plexiglass, abs and also styrene: yes I think is only a tune-up problem. And balsa wood? It's from ages that i dream about a wooden1/24 caravan ;)

i had searched, but obviously not well enough :P

styrene : pic this up at your local stationary shop? i think its gonna take a lot of planning, measuring and then making!

got some really good ideas off that other thread too.

hmm...first things first, get the real life dimensions of the caravan i want to make.

Hi Rob! :)

By styrene, I think that they mean plasticard, which is essentially sheet modeling plastic, which is very useful. A decent model shop will have some in various thicknesses & also in clear (for windows / glazing). It will be ideal for the body sides, & rubbing strakes / feature lines etc can be created by additional layers or strips of plasticard as appropriate. However, I'm not sure how easy it is to curve it (for the front / rear panels) - I haven't tried this myself, but no doubt someone else here will know.

Don't bother with MDF! However, wood veneer might work well (especially for cabinet fronts & a table top), and also save you the hassle of having to paint the wood grain.

The suggestion of balsa is a good idea - I'd recommend using it for the corners (esp if they are double curvature). Just a thin skim of filler / putty and the balsa will be ready for paint. If rebated, the plasticard sides should slot in quite nicely. Could be good also if you want to do a large area of double curvature as it's very easy to sand - however, you'll need plent of putty & filler primer before it's ready for paint.

Hope this helps!

Just don't buy a caravan from a pike. They always close the deal with a "dag".

A member had scratchbuilt a teardrop trailer a while ago.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=81956
I know it's alot smaller than a "caravan" but it might get you in the right direction.
Would you be making this in periwinkle blue?;)
Good one Frank! As I was reading the start of this thread that's the build came to my head and I was thinking "how the heck am I gonna find that?" :)

What ever happened to a knife, a straightedge, and a prayer?
Dude, you got the dryest sense of humor - I love it ;)