Using Cardboard effectively for buildings.

[Olly_5]

Hello, 

I am quite limited in what I can use for dioramas, and cardboard has not given me the results I want. I was wondering if anyone had any tips and tricks for using this method to create houses? Currently making a 1:35 Scale diorama around Arnhem and Operation Market Garden so the house/houses will be in that sort of style. Below are some images of what I am trying to achieve. 

Thanks all,

Olly.

[Graham Boak]

Look in your nearest model railway shop for scenic books.  I've seen several magazine articles over the years on using cardboard, and it is widely used for building in the hobby.  The only tip I can remember is always use at least 3 ply to avoid curling due to the glue.  Metcalfe Models specialise in cardboard building for model railways: if you drop them a line perhaps they have a booklet for more general help.  Perhaps the magazine Continental Modeller can provide some suitable contacts for more representative types of buildings.

[bootneck]

Hi Olly and welcome to BM.

Card should be fine for that sort of modelling in 1:35 scale.  The main problem is probably bending or warping, especially with multi-storey or heavy roofs etc. I find it works if I laminate two or three sheets together for each wall, floor and roof.  The inner laminate can be just plain card, with all the detail only on the outside. 

The cheapest source for card that I use is cereal boxes; mainly Shreddies

 

When adding floors, that can be seen through smashed walls etc., I find it best to make some rafters to support the floors.  For these, I have used lollipop sticks (OK, showing my age here, I should have said McDonald's coffee stirrers!), otherwise just use strips of card laminated together with PVA glue. 

The cheapest source for card that I use is cereal boxes; mainly Shreddies

 

I don't have any images so I hope this explanation is clear enough.

 

Mike

[Olly_5]

Thank you Bootneck and Graham, I shall  try these methods.

[Circloy]

1 hour ago, Olly_5 said:

 

Reminded me of the project a team i'm involved with is currently working on

 

https://www.facebook.com/192967507490617/photos/a.541393592648005/1717868858333800/?type=3&theater

 

Laser cut from thin MDF with none of the dimensional/warping issues you get with card. These are then clad with plasticard to suit brickwork, tiles etc. In our case window frames will follow to get rid of the bombed out look.

 

 

[bar side]

Have you had a look at scalescene card kits? They are aimed at model rail building but come as downloadable pdfs.  You can print them in any size and re-use them as many times as you like.  Helps if you want to make a row of similar buildings

 

https://scalescenes.com/railscenes/

 

You can print them & then cut a card wall to fit them too.  For 1/35 I would then add some 3D additions - recess the windows & doors, add window sills, drain pipes etc.

 

i would be keen to see how your Market Garden dio comes on.  Always had an interest in The whole Arnhem story.