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Tips for Making Model horse drawn vehicles:
Several people have asked me
questions about building models, since 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 have found in John
Thompson's catalog "The Carriage and Waggon Handbook". These Handbooks are still
available for $12 plus s/h. As an answer to the question in his Handbook: Can I
buy parts for the models? He said;
"The short answer is no, horse-drawn
vehicle modelmaking is still a hobby for people who enjoy making everything
for themselves. Actually the metal parts are not difficult to make up
yourself, from strip or rod brass."
That said, there are a few
parts I can get from England. If there is a US supply, I don't know where, maybe
you know and will share that information with us here. I do not intend to stock
these right now, but if I get a lot of requests for them, I might reconsider. If
you wish to order any of these parts, please keep in mind I can not or will not
order one small item at a time. My wholesale supplier would get tired of my
calls for small orders plus the shipping would be awful. As I said, if I get a
lot of requests I will stock pile some of these so let me know what you need.
I sell the Wheel Chart that Mr. Thompson made
available if you want to build you own. The chart is one sheet of oversized
paper for $7 pp.
Materials, as Mr.
Thompson suggests in his Handbook, I will again 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.
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.
Pre-made
Wheels &
Other Parts
I do not stock these I order from
England as needed - allow 3 to 6 weeks for delivery. All orders must be
prepaid.
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