Scratch building is the last subject as part of evaluating a model in a model contest, but this is not the last article in this series. More about that later.
As I noted in an earlier article, the points that you can earn in scratchbuilding a model has changed from 25 points to 15 points. Part of the thinking on this, is that, today there are so many detail parts available, there is a decreased need for scratchbuilding. There are those pure modelers who will continue to argue against this decision, as scratchbuilding can be the most challenging and possibly creative part of model building. Scratch building certainly requires more skills than that of assembling premanufactured parts. Scratch building also allows the modeler to create a one of a kind structure or piece of rolling stock not otherwise available. It is also possible that scratchbuilding some projects might be a way to save some money, as some structure kits are rather expensive. Most likely a person will learn more about how a real car or building is made, as many scratchbuilding techniques follow real life construction methods. For those who are working toward some of the achievement programs or the Master Modeler recognition, scratchbuilding is a required part of the process.
In the construction of rolling stock, scratch building can be a part of adding details that
were not provided with the model. This can include the addition of wire grab irons to the
model, or the addition of brake line detail underneath the car. Sometimes scratch-
building could include the creation of detail parts such as an antenna stand on the roof of
a locomotive or caboose. Scratch building materials are often bulk styrene sheets, sheets
of brass, or brass tubing, or wood that has been cut to scale sizes. The resourceful
modeler can also adapt other materials for scratchbuilding. I have used the connecting
strips of metal from etched metal products as material for a project. I find it very hard to
throw anything away and sometimes my work bench reflects that!
There have been some good examples of scratch building here in Central Indiana. Frank Hermanek has entered some outstanding models of rolling stock in both Division and Regional contests. He has done some of the finest work that I have seen. Just this October, at the Bedford Meet, Matt Hewitt had some very nice structures entered in that contest. They were really sharp, and I hope that we all see some more of his work. Matt likes to create his own materials which can be an additional aspect of scratch building.
In the judging of a model, judges will be considering how much of the model was scratchbuilt and also how well do the materials look authentic in their part of the model. The main criteria here however is how much of the model is scratch built.
Finally, there will be one more article in this series as we talk about actually entering contests and providing documentation. See you at Indy in January.
Thomas H. Cain
[Rusty Spike - Vol. 28 No. 1, Jan-Feb 1998]
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