Kitbash ideas... PRR Huntingdon depot

[samusi01]

As Doug stated, check to see if there is a local maker space or fab lab that allows one to rent time. Mine looks like this:



It includes four 12"x24" Epilog CO2 lasers (the product of which was recently displayed in the most recent weekend update) and a single 36"x48" CO2/fiber. Plus a host of other fascinating toys.

[Dave V]

OK, I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m feeling intimidated here. I don't know the first thing about designing something for use with a random laser cutter.

I'm searching eBay looking for kitbash fodder but not finding much. The Tichy arched windows aren't right either. But I'm not prepared to go full-on laser cutter with no knowledge of the design software.

I have a friend who laser cuts structures for narrow gauge... Maybe I could call in a favor. But I wouldn't know how to just stroll into a "maker space" and start cutting. A lot of assumed skill sets here...mine are the traditional kind.

What software do people use and are there tutorials I could do?

[Dave V]

Wait! We may have a winner! I could use these for the upper windows:

https://www.tichytraingroup.com/Shop/tabid/91/c/n_framed-windows/p/2521/Default.aspx



I think I can scratchbuild this one close enough using these double arched windows and other doors/windows from Tichy. I'm not worried about making it a perfect match since it'll be compressed anyway.

Like @davefoxx said, I'll use brick sheet to build up the relief. The roof brackets will be simplified anyway since it'll be hard to see in N scale.

[davefoxx]

I think I can scratchbuild this one close enough using these double arched windows and other doors/windows from Tichy. I'm not worried about making it a perfect match since it'll be compressed anyway.

Like @davefoxx said, I'll use brick sheet to build up the relief. The roof brackets will be simplified anyway since it'll be hard to see in N scale.

Cut one window relief area every night!

DFF

[davefoxx]

You’d be surprised how well you can get away with that layered styrene brick sheet trick.  That’s how I modeled this chimney.  And, cutting and snapping along mortar joints keeps it neat and easy.



DFF

[Stolen Moment]

The laser cutter at my local library is essentially a copier; you feed it a line drawing and it cuts along the lines.  The drafting that I learned in 8th grade shop has sufficed to make some useful parts out of thin plywood and heavy cardstock.