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Tips for Making Model horse drawn vehicles:
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Several
people have asked me questions about building models, because I have one of the
largest supply of books and plans for building model horse-drawn vehicles in the
world, people assume I know something about this - I don't. But I will
offer some of the information made available by the late master modeler, Mr.
John Thompson. I am not a builder so I really can't tell you any more than what
I printed below.
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Materials, as Mr. Thompson suggests, I will quote:
"The materials required are
very similar to those used in making model boats or dolls house miniatures...
Timber
You can produce good results with many different kinds of wood, although some
are easier to cut and others will require less preparation before applying a
finish. If the model is to be painted then an even, close-grained texture is
needed, but if a model is to be left in a natural finish then an attractive
colour and grain pattern will be important.
Boxwood is
the ultimate model-makers timber but is expensive and difficult to obtain.
Lime is generally used by miniaturists and is fairly readily purchased. The
variety sold in the USA is known as basswood. Beech, pine and spruce are all
suitable for painted models, provided that the surface is primed with a grain
filler. Ash or oak can look attractive with a waxed finish, but are not
suitable for painting....... the balsawood..... is too soft and it is
difficult to apply a good finish, although it can be useful for a quick
"mock-up" model. Many hardware shops sell hardwood strips for general
household use. This timber is usually "ramin", and although rather brittle and
dusty to work is a reasonable timber for modelmaking.
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Metal
Brass and mild
steel are generally used for the metalwork on models, and a wide selection of
strip, rod and various sections can be purchased from the specialist suppliers
who advertise in the magazine published for modelmakers. It is quite expensive
to build up a stock of all the sizes you will need, so far a first effort you
may prefer to make do with scraps of wire and strips cut from old tins. Please
take care when working with such materials, and ensure that no sharp edges are
left on the model.
Tools
No special tools are
needed, other than those the average household tool kit will contain, unless
you intend making your own wheels; a lathe is then helpful, although you can
manage with a bench mounted electric drill.... Also a band saw is useful for
cutting out the curved parts.
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Pre-made Wheels |
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