Poor eyesight and 10 thumbs! Metcalfe models yes or no?

[scotsoft]

Hello Peter,

Why not have a go at one of the free kits that can be downloaded?

There is a signal box from www.smartmodels.co.uk
http://www.smartmodels.co.uk/products/railway-models/railway-buildings/free-signal-box

or a low relief warehouse from Scalescenes
http://www.scalescenes.com/products/R002b

This way if you accidently make a mistake you can print off more at minimal cost 

cheers John.

[Bealman]

That's an excellent idea, John. I hadn't seen the signal box before... it's pretty cool - especially at the price! 

George

[petercharlesfagg]

Hello Peter,

Why not have a go at one of the free kits that can be downloaded?

There is a signal box from www.smartmodels.co.uk
http://www.smartmodels.co.uk/products/railway-models/railway-buildings/free-signal-box

or a low relief warehouse from Scalescenes
http://www.scalescenes.com/products/R002b

This way if you accidently make a mistake you can print off more at minimal cost 

cheers John.

Thankyou John,

I have no need of a signal box but I will consider the warehouse.  I have just ordered a tiny nozzled glue applicator ready for my endeavours!
Regards, Peter.

[Bealman]

A wot? 

Sounds like a family planning aid 

[Northman]

Whoa there!  The Smartmodels free signal box is not an easy make and does not stand comparison to the Metcalfe kit in any way - especially for anyone new to card modelling.

I lost the will to live trying to make the N scale steps for the downloaded freebie whereas the Metcalfe kit was actually enjoyable to make and after a bit of weathering looks perfect (to me.)  You also get four buildings in the Metcalfe kit and can practice on the lamp hut and platelayers hut before tackling either of the signal boxes.

I am just about to complete the Metcalfe smaller station - another superb kit.

I'm 100% converted to Metcalfe and don't care if every other layout in the land has the same buildings

[Northman]

another thought - the Roket card glue is perfect for all card modelling and comes with a blue plastic fine tip - just dot a small amount of glue onto scrap paper, dip the tip into it and then paint a line of glue where you want it - no need for the fancy and expensive 'applicators' at all.

[rhysapthomas]

There is a world of difference between the Metcalfe kits and the downloadable ones.  I use Scalescenes a lot and the results can look great but there is a lot of work involved.  Some of the other downloadable suppliers do have simpler kits which would be easier to start with modelrailwayscenery.co.uk comes to mind

The download market has really grown since I started using them

I agree about making the steps!

I have built most of the N gauge Metcalfe and enjoyed making them.  I would say start with a Metcalfe kit then one of the download ones

The little blue applicator which comes with rocket glue is great but blocks very easily my solution is as soon as I have finished the piece I am working on I take off the applicator and drop it in to some water

[Nick]

Interested to see the comments about gluing the windows.

I'm using Bostik (Glu & Fix All Purpose Clear) which I've decanted into a Metcalfe fine tipped applicator bottle, and it seems to be working great on both the card and glazing. Bostik is one of the glues Metcalfe recommend.

(But I'm no expert - I've only recently built my first card kits since I was in school, so perhaps they'll fall apart soon, but so far, so good.)

I've enjoyed putting the kits together. Nice quality. Look good.

The only other comment I'd throw in is to read the instructions carefully. Then read them again. And once more before gluing.... They're not always quite as good or as complete as they first appear. But that's a problem that's hardly unique to Metcalfe, sadly!

[talisman56]

another thought - the Roket card glue is perfect for all card modelling and comes with a blue plastic fine tip - just dot a small amount of glue onto scrap paper, dip the tip into it and then paint a line of glue where you want it - no need for the fancy and expensive 'applicators' at all.

That's what I use, for both the card assembly and sticking the windows on. I have a supply on a bit of scrap card and use a cocktail stick to apply the glue to the relevant components to stick them together.

[Jerry Howlett]

That's an excellent idea, John. I hadn't seen the signal box before... it's pretty cool - especially at the price! 

George

We are going  regarding Peter's original post... However I am sure I posted the smart models freebie signal box a year or so back. I did try to build the steps but after 20 secs of sanity check bought some pre made plastic ones instead.
Back to Peter I use one of those fine tip glue thingy's and they are brilliant.

Step into the world of card Peter...

Jerry

[petercharlesfagg]

A wot? 

Sounds like a family planning aid 

FYI!

http://www.finetip.co.uk/  Fine Tip Glue Applicator or as I described it "a tiny nozzled glue applicator", same thing but different!

[Jerry Howlett]

A wot? 

Sounds like a family planning aid 

FYI!

http://www.finetip.co.uk/  Fine Tip Glue Applicator or as I described it "a tiny nozzled glue applicator", same thing but different!

That's the one I bought Peter. I also purchased a pack of 2 replacement nozzle pins, so naturally I still have the original one after a year dropping said pin several times a day on the patio.   lFor info keep it topped up with your choice of glue and it wont let you down,

Jerry

[scotsoft]

Another handy piece of kit you might wish to consider Peter is the Sakura Glue Pen.  I have been using these for a few years and they are very good for those odd awkward bits 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Quickie-Glue-Roller-Pen-Removable-Permanent-/151414377413?pt=UK_Crafts_RubberStamping_RL&hash=item2341000bc5

cheers John.

[Bealman]

That is crying out for an answer, but I'll refrain myself and leave it for the Kiwis when I arrive in Wellington on Saturday.