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Miniatures Adventure => The Second World War => Topic started by: grant on 06 July 2015, 02:40:50 AM

Title: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: grant on 06 July 2015, 02:40:50 AM
I am building a whole lot of Stalingrad, in 1:285/6mm scale. I decided to start with something recognizable, the grain elevator. Yes, there is a lovely commercially available one from Timecast (http://www.timecastmodels.co.uk/range_3/range_3.html#grainelevator), but the shipping is obscene to Canada, and well, the roof doesn't open.  :D

The real Stalingrad grain elevator was 90m long, which scaled at 1:285 would be 31.5cm roughly. Mine worked out to be 33cm. I'm ok with that result.

Hope you all enjoy.

A lot more pictures from start to finish on my blog, if you are interested. https://cama4.wordpress.com

Here goes:
Raw materials.
(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-BOEOGLON-D.jpg)

Train tracks. They're next in the build. All z scale Micro-Trains. If anyone has ever thought about this stuff, don't. It's so expensive it will make you cry and broke all at the same time. Seriously.
(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-JCLLUDMO-D.jpg)

Make tubes. Lots of tubes.
(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-L4DIHUFM-D.jpg)

Stack the tubes.
(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-CEMANSPD-D.jpg)

Make a base with the tubes. (so ... many ... tubes ...)
(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-STEZRCBU-D.jpg)

Why not show the conveyor system inside the silo area? Sure, let's do that.
(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-CTMGWK6M-D.jpg)

Looking like something.
(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-EKQT6KYD-D.jpg)

Massive structure.
(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-VGOSU8YR-D.jpg)

Little buildings.
(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-6LJOE6VJ-D.jpg)

Spray it.
(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-T8QRR7ZW-D.jpg)

Paint it.
(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-8OM3DPLT-D.jpg)

Finish it.
(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-N8TYXSML-D.jpg)

(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-UYTSEPA4-D.jpg)

T-34s for scale.
(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-TJYH46VG-D.jpg)

Infantry for scale. Technically, these are modern Chinese in Mali peacekeepers, but the 20mm square bases work. That's what's important.
(http://www.myalbum.ca/Photo-JPDJCQLL-D.jpg)
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: Mr. Peabody on 06 July 2015, 02:52:34 AM
OMG!  :o :o :o

That's insane, but also you make it look easy. Mucho respect!
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: Sendak on 06 July 2015, 03:05:33 AM
If a Nobel were available for scratch building you would be top nominee. Kudos!

Best,
Sendak
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: von Lucky on 06 July 2015, 04:16:17 AM
Lovely, lovely stuff. Will be a great centrepiece to the table.
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: jclaxton on 06 July 2015, 04:22:46 AM
Well done.  I'm jealous.
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: grant on 06 July 2015, 12:21:03 PM
Thanks guys! It was a lot of fun, and the first time I've tried building anything, so I'm happy it turned out.

More to come :)
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: warburton on 12 July 2015, 04:51:21 AM
Brilliant :)
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: grant on 12 July 2015, 08:08:56 AM
Brilliant :)

Cheers - thanks!
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: Mick_in_Switzerland on 12 July 2015, 09:56:06 AM
This is fantastic :-*

I would not dream of doing something so complex.
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: 6milPhil on 10 October 2015, 06:56:05 PM
Stunningly good but only discovered it via Reddit.  :o

Just how expensive is the train track?
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: grant on 11 October 2015, 07:20:02 AM
Stunningly good but only discovered it via Reddit.  :o

Just how expensive is the train track?

Thanks! :)

I'm in for $100+ on the track already; one pack of straight tracks I bought new for ~$25, and then the rest was purchased used (50% off) - the turnouts are obscenely expensive. I was very lucky to find some at a local shop used.
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: 6milPhil on 11 October 2015, 02:55:24 PM
Compared to 6mm goodness that's very pricey indeed. Were I doing it I'd be tempted to buy base pieces, fill them and cast some off.
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: grant on 11 October 2015, 04:06:32 PM
Compared to 6mm goodness that's very pricey indeed. Were I doing it I'd be tempted to buy base pieces, fill them and cast some off.

If only I knew how to cast! That would be ideal. Oh well, I have my track now.
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: FramFramson on 11 October 2015, 05:39:27 PM
Tell me about the cost of rails. I bought S scale track myself (still need to base the stuff), which is larger but still has the same problem (really, every scale but HO is expensive) and the prices are eyewatering on turnouts (I bought ONE - really I'm never going to have any games that show a whole open railyard).
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: grant on 11 October 2015, 06:06:59 PM
Tell me about the cost of rails. I bought S scale track myself (still need to base the stuff), which is larger but still has the same problem (really, every scale but HO is expensive) and the prices are eyewatering on turnouts (I bought ONE - really I'm never going to have any games that show a whole open railyard).

Yeah, I've noticed everything but HO is obscene. I have FOUR turnouts, and The General nearly sacked me when she was informed of how much - at half off - I paid for them. Crazy. The shop where I finally found them hasn't had any rolling stock come in used, that's what I'm really hoping for. A locomotive, a bunch of cars, something to dress up the track. Z scale locomotives are $150 - $400 - it's insane; rolling stock, $25 per piece. I envy the HO guys; the shop has several tubs of HO stuff used, perfect for 1/72 gaming (close enough) at like a few dollars a piece.

Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: 6milPhil on 11 October 2015, 11:15:33 PM
If only I knew how to cast! That would be ideal. Oh well, I have my track now.

Should you be in a similar situation in the future I'll give you some ideas on how to do it cheaply.  :)

There's also these of course: http://www.levenminiatures.co.uk/railway.htm
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: grant on 11 October 2015, 11:41:40 PM
Should you be in a similar situation in the future I'll give you some ideas on how to do it cheaply.  :)

There's also these of course: http://www.levenminiatures.co.uk/railway.htm

They have the Leven track at the shop near me - they are, at best, roughly cast. Loads of bubbles, lots of work I think to bring up. But they do have a train set, too. :)

IMPORTANT EDIT: THEY ARE LEVA, not "Leven". Totally different company. Apologies!
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: 6milPhil on 12 October 2015, 12:34:22 AM
That's interesting as I've had half a dozen of their buildings off them and they've all been fine.  ???
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: Vermis on 12 October 2015, 01:10:17 AM
Going back to the OT: I sometimes wondered what a 'proper' sized building would look like in Epic, and this is just missing the imperial eagle to match my imaginings.  o_o (Good old Uncle Joe)

Brilliant!
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: levenminiatures on 12 October 2015, 01:57:28 AM
They have the Leven track at the shop near me - they are, at best, roughly cast. Loads of bubbles, lots of work I think to bring up. But they do have a train set, too. :)
mmm ... Can't be Leven tracks - I don't sell tracks with holes in, and I haven't sold any to Canada lately so if they are advertising these as Leven models they are breaching my copyright.
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: grant on 12 October 2015, 02:20:47 AM
mmm ... Can't be Leven tracks - I don't sell tracks with holes in, and I haven't sold any to Canada lately so if they are advertising these as Leven models they are breaching my copyright.

You know what - you are right. They are LEVA. Made in Winnipeg I think. Not very pretty, probably useable, but too much work for me.

My sincere apologies!

I've sent you a PM to apologize as well.

Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: levenminiatures on 12 October 2015, 02:30:21 AM
You know what - you are right. They are LEVA. Made in Winnipeg I think. Not very pretty, probably useable, but too much work for me.

My sincere apologies!

I've sent you a PM to apologize as well.


not a problem, apology not necessary Grant but thanks anyway.
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: grant on 12 October 2015, 02:34:31 AM
not a problem, apology not necessary Grant but thanks anyway.

Cheers, thanks.

And now, back to Stalingrad ...  :)
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: mrausten on 12 October 2015, 01:20:00 PM
Just wanted to add a quick note saying that I bought some of the Leven Miniatures track recently and was very pleased with both the quality of the items and then service I received.  Would definitely recommend to anyone who needs to get their 6mm grain to Stalingrad  :D
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: grant on 16 October 2015, 01:46:44 AM
Going back to the OT: I sometimes wondered what a 'proper' sized building would look like in Epic, and this is just missing the imperial eagle to match my imaginings.  o_o (Good old Uncle Joe)

Brilliant!

Cheers and thanks.

I'm going to get back to this project soon(ish?) and want to get some of the smaller buildings cast up for ease rather than making many of some of the multiples. Something to think about :)
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: 6milPhil on 16 October 2015, 02:07:28 AM
Makes sense, you casting them yourself?
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: grant on 16 October 2015, 02:15:37 AM
Makes sense, you casting them yourself?

I've got a guy maybe. Not 100% sure yet. Have to make them first, and think they are good enough to cast. The grain elevator won't get cast  lol
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: 6milPhil on 16 October 2015, 02:26:19 AM
I've got a guy maybe. Not 100% sure yet. Have to make them first, and think they are good enough to cast.

Have you made models for casting before?

The grain elevator won't get cast. 

Well if you did you'd discover why the Timecast one costs so much.
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: grant on 16 October 2015, 02:45:52 AM
Have you made models for casting before?

Well if you did you'd discover why the Timecast one costs so much.

I can only imagine that much resin!

I haven't made anything for casting yet. I might have to email you for some tips.  ;)
Title: Re: Stalingrad in 1:285/6mm - scratchbuild start to finish.
Post by: 6milPhil on 16 October 2015, 02:47:05 AM
Feel free fella.  ;)