Mean Streets

[theoldschool]

I've been trying out the Mean Streets buildings from TVAG. I wasn't too sure what to expect from the photos on their web site, but I was really impressed when they arrived. The service from Patrick at TVAG is excellent.

Here are some photos of my first attempt at making up one of the blocks. I have mounted the building on foam card and recessed the windows.

Pat

[RJ]

I think they look great!

very nicely put together and good quality

[twrchtrwyth]

Wow, that's really effective.

[Mosstrooper]

Look good ! 

[Bulldog]

Ahhh, now that is nice.  Very crisp, very clean.

[Uncle Mike]

Those look great for paper buildings...I always thought paper was the 'easy' way out with poorer results...those look fantastic...could be nicer than the stuff on my table...

[theoldschool]

Those look great for paper buildings...I always thought paper was the 'easy' way out with poorer results...those look fantastic...could be nicer than the stuff on my table...

Thank you all for the kind comments. I agree Uncle Mike, I have never been a great fan of paper models. I had plans to scratch build my buildings, and really only ordered the Mean Street stuff as a stop gap until I got around to doing my own.

I didn't have high expectations, but hoped they would do. However, when the PDFs arrived and I started putting the first building together I was astonished at how good they look. I am now totally taken by them and plan to build all of the models available from TVAG (enough to cover an 8x5 city).

For me the trick is to do some 3D modelling on them. I recess all the windows and doors and mount the signs of 2mm art board. This takes a bit of time, but really makes the model pop. It adds depth and makes the building look less like paper.

Patrick at TVAG also does a fantastic range of interior stage sets. The night club and gambling joint are surrently sitting on my workbench.

[marianas_gamer]

theoldschool,
I had been looking at these recently and had thought that they just looked too flat.  Your buildings though with the recessed windows and doors and a couple of signs that stick out really change the topography and make them look much more real.  I wouldn't have thought to do that and think that you have totally transformed these into a very nice option.  I shall be sure to steal this simple but very effective idea!
LB

[d phipps]

Not bad at all. I am impressed!

[warrenss2]

Theoldschool -

Can you go into more detail on how you recessed those windows?

I'd like to try it on other paper buildings I have.

[General Roos]

Wow. Great job with those paper buildings! Looks awesome!

[Mr.Dodo]

Yes, thankyou for bringing this good work to our attention. They look very solid, though maybe a tad gaudy in places. Can we have a link please, and yes please too for details on the recessing.

[theoldschool]

Theoldschool -

Can you go into more detail on how you recessed those windows?

I'd like to try it on other paper buildings I have.

warrenss2

It takes a bit of time, but it is not difficult. I start by printing the walls on Matte Photo Paper; standard resolution on my Canon ip4500 works fine. I then cut out the windows with a craft knife. The ones with the snap off blades are best as you need to have a sharp blade. In some cases I only cut out part of the window, for example if the top half is arched it's easier just to cut out the bottom half.

I then cut out the wall blanks the same size as the printed walls from 3mm foam card (I use Kapa bought from Great Art www.greatart.co.uk/ good price and superb service). I prefer the 3mm to the 5mm which I think makes the windows too recessed.

I then trace the window openings onto the Kapa by laying the printed walls onto the foam card (sometimes I will lightly pin one edge to keep it still). I always match the left edges of the printed walls and Kapa, that way I know the final version will always match up.

I then cut the window openings in the Kapa (cut them slightly larger than the openings in the printed wall - it makes it easier to fit the windows) and glue some thin card behind to give something to glue the printed windows to. I paint the inside and edges of the window frames a dark brown.

Then I glue the Kapa walls together to create a shell. Once that is dry I then glue the windows in place and the printed walls to the Kapa shell. I use UHU glue sticks which work much better than white glue. That's all there is to it.

The link to TVAG is http://fauxtoys.com/tvag/610-Mean-Streets-Main-Page.html

Mr Dodo: The buildings of the period could be quite gaudy. Bear in mind that this block includes a high-class jewellers, Sport Inc was where Capone bought his guns from and the florists was the headquarters of Deanie O'Banion who ran the north side of Chicago. Other sets are far less salubrious.

I hope this helps, happy to answer any other questions.
Pat

[Mr.Dodo]

Thankyou, I think I've been looking at too many black and white photos!

[Galman]

Nicely done.  For paper/card buildings, they are bright, crisp and clean!