Lead Adventure Forum

Miniatures Adventure => The Second World War => Topic started by: soldado on June 19, 2018, 09:51:12 PM

Title: Request for advice - cardboard scratch build
Post by: soldado on June 19, 2018, 09:51:12 PM

Hi All

Im trying to scratch build a CMP F30 troop transport for my Desert rats out of cardboard so far this is where im at
 
initial first nights work next to the inspiration model
(https://i.imgur.com/5uwZPzr.jpg?1)

and a little bit of further detailing

(https://i.imgur.com/FNdBHJd.jpg?1)

now I realise its rougher than a badgers behind, wonky and the cargo bed is a bit too big, but hey its my first full scratch build attempt so be gentle with me...

so here where we come to the question, how do I do the wheels? anyone done something similar and know any tips as right now im lost as to how to build them and as Im planning on trying to build 3 trucks I'll need 12 - 15 wheels which is not a little daunting.

Title: Re: Request for advice - carrdboard scratch build
Post by: Fitz on June 20, 2018, 02:52:05 AM

Back in Olden Tymes, I made scratch-built cardboard wheels (from instructions in a Military Modelling magazine article) by layering multiple discs of card. It was a terrible pain, and I was only making four.

I would suggest, rather than doing that, you make or otherwise obtain one, make a mould, and cast as many wheels as you need in epoxy. It will be far less painful. Silicon rubber will give you best results, but InstantMold reusable moulding putty or even plasticine will do the trick.

Title: Re: Request for advice - carrdboard scratch build
Post by: Rich H on June 20, 2018, 12:22:50 PM

You've picked a tough subject with those curves!  Looks good though! 
I'd not want to build 3 either!  That said each one will get better ;)

I always try to work the other way around - wheels (or tracks) first.  They are the hardest part by far!
Layered discs of card would work.  Mould and cast. 

My wheels on the BTR-40 are ~5 layers of 1mm MDF (Laser cut though!)
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=98310.0
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f127/richardhumble/Mobile%20Uploads/20170226_205522_zpswnypl85u.jpg)

Fine sand paper will work on card and will help tidy up the edges (be gentle as card is very soft) it will also soften the edges a little which makes it look more solid.  If you paint the card after cuttign in something that will soak in (like thin varnish) it will harden the surface and make it easier to achieve a finer edge when you sand it. 

Title: Re: Request for advice - cardboard scratch build
Post by: soldado on June 20, 2018, 08:20:06 PM

thanks for the info guys, layered card it is, lets see how badly this can go  :D

Nice work on that BTR model

Title: Re: Request for advice - cardboard scratch build
Post by: Rich H on June 20, 2018, 09:28:34 PM

Thanks - good luck!

As you have so many to make then cast them in resin, it'll be relatively expensive in materials but it'll save loads of hours of work.