You can Build Contest Quality Models

Building a Model Railroad takes many skills and techniques. One part of Model Railroading that I have personally become infatuated with is building Craftsman quality models and kits. Craftsman kits to me represents true artistic expression, add to that a touch of history and you have a hobby that produces lasting pride.

I want to help you, to make any kit, Craftsman or not into a Craftsman quality structure.

Fact is, not many kits sold are really eligible for the term “Craftsman”, some just fall short. It is very popular in today's market for manufacturers to make “Craftsman Kits”. My question is not if they are or not, it is , do they need to ? If we take each task and apply a set of laws, all kits you build will finish off as a Craftsman kit.

Before we get into “all that Jazz”, let me describe what makes me so qualified to write this guide. I have built over one hundred kits in the past five years. I am not a professional, I have followed the tried and true method of practice makes perfect to guide me. The combination of these two facts will give you a modern approach to modelling that is missing old bad habits and out of date techniques.

I don't share secrets created by me, nor are these secrets owned by anyone alive today. Most “professional writers” will admit that the guidance of their mentors are the source of these tips and techniques. I consider myself, and the way I learned, no different.

Good question, there are a number of responses you will get from those that care. My opinion is that a Craftsman kit is, one part good quality, easy to handle materials, one part detailing components, followed up by two parts properly described and displayed instructions and diagrams. The combination of such should get you a fully built scene/diorama, less tools and scenic materials.

There are few undeniable Craftsman Kit Manufacturers in today's market. Some of the companies that I consider worthy of the claim are,

• FineScale Miniatures (FSM) with their highly sought after subjects and designs
  
• SierraWest Scale Models (SWSM) the finest in details and building techniques
  
• SouthRiver Model Works (SRMW) with their large and very realistic scenes
• and more recently RailScale Miniatures (RSM) that shows off a Canadian style of urban setting. These companies create kits that fit in all the components to a great scene. The main component the competition lacks is the level of instruction provided in the kits.

Fact is these "secrets" are age old techniques found in the notes scratch builders diaries.

A little jug of vinegar add a ball of steel wool and wait for 48 hours. Just make sure you leave the cap loose to vent. This will turn into a penetrating barn board stain for Balsa wood.

It is important to know.

Don't buy an expensive kit to learn how to model. Instead, buy the expensive materials they suggest to build a kit.

Learning the techniques is easy, recreating the results from products you don't have can be much harder. We address the drop dead cheap alternatives, just have faith with the expensive ones we promote.

Follow the links to my other guides and have fun learning to become a craftsman.