Dr. Cranky

And the point is well made, Dave, and I totally agree. Someone told me there's a cool set to be had at Harbor Freight. I have a micro set from Micro Mark, but I am looking for bigger, wider ones.

Cont. Step 5: Step 6: Results: It took all but 20 minutes and it was some of the best fun I had on the bench.

Here's one very easy scratch-building project that I recommend everyone starting out try, and trust me, it will put a big, BIG smile on your face. So I show you this, the basic components: And I ask: what do you think all these small bits of cut styrene will help create: Here comes the smile: Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4:

I remember one day a friend came over and he saw this: and he said: How many pliers do you need? My answer was, well those are not all pliers . . . but yes, it is true, I repeat, you will have to be ready for some initial investment and also you need room in order to grow and stay organized. It doesn't just happen over night. I think.

Dave, THOSE are essential tools, but my assumption is we all start with those two. LOL! My intention is to help out those folks tuning in for the first time as youngsters and or folks returning to the hobby after long hiatus. The discussion on the subject is wide open. But your point is very well taken, and it actually made me think of yet another part which, regardless of whether you have hands and a brain, you'd be amazed how underrated it truly is. I had a painful and difficult "problem" with that area of the body that you put down on a chair in order to sit and be comfortable, and I could not sit down for long periods of time on doctor's orders and I found it next to impossible to concentrate. I mean I could still build, but I had to do so standing up. There are things like dexterity and the use of our eyes, for example, that we often take for granted. Hand-Eye coordination is imperative, so is vision.

Andy, plenty of builders begin there, or building their first set of hinges or spring suspensions. A little at a time goes a long ways in terms of raising your levels of pride and accomplishment.

Mike, LOL, that's a machine I bought a couple of years ago (paid over 300 dollars for it) and gifted to a friend of mine after a year of non-use and he's put it to some great use. You bring up a good point about where we all think "scratch-building" begins in our development as builders. I'm using the term very loose here to also include the stuff that is "not the norm" when we first start building models, like the cutting of panels, chopping, and building hinges, etc . . . I mentioned at the top of the post that another good word in conjunction with scratch-building is FABRICATION. Ultimately, we know that scratch building entails making your own parts (like a racing chassis) from the raw materials, using tools like jigs and plans, etc . . .

Jason, beautiful paint and build. Another gorgeous addition to your collection of fabulous models. Congrats.

Cole, that's a wonderful picture, and come to find out you have the same cutting mat I have. DING: another valuable tool. Scratch-building a chassis like this is about as exciting for me as opening a kit I've been dying to build.

George, watching and listening to the real car modifiers is a great thing to do. If they can do it, then it can probably be done in our scale.

The lathe leads to a mill: The mill leads to a vacuum former, which is as specific need a tool as you will ever need:

Cole, that's a good start, and then you'll see someone like Jairus or Andy Johnson Z a hot rod frame and then you think want to try it, and suddenly you need a few more tools, a bit more styrene stock, and it goes from there.

I think you are right in your assessment, Joe . . . and it reminds me to tell everyone not to worry about copying someone else's idea. I do it all the time, that's how we all learn. I think the trick to coming up with a very unique vehicle (like all the ones shown here) is to really think about its purpose in the CARAVAN. What is your vehicle going to do? What's it used for? Once you can answer that question, you will be on your way to adding the details and elements that will make your build unique and stand out.

And here's about the priciest you'll end up needing, not any time soon though . . . This is the Rolls Royce of lathes in the hobby, and it's well worth every cent that it will cost you . . .

The stuff above you pick slowly, and over time you get what you need, then begins the real serious addiction: Here's one of the indispensables, one of those tools of 1001 uses and probably (other than an airbrush) the first pricey item you will have to get:

I hope this thread will serve all those looking for answers and inspiration for ALL THINGS SCRATCH-BUILDING. Another useful word to keep in mind is FABRICATION! (NOTE: Please do not post extensive how-tos or step-by-step here, you can do so over in the HOW DO I and Tutorial section of the forum.) My interest if to stay in a general discussion of special challenges, joys, and other emotions you feel when you scratch build.) Scratch-building is one of those terms you hear early when you begin to build models, which springs from a need of the builder to create something that is not available or does not exist. For me, for quite a number of years, it represented a skill set I would not have for a while either because I didn't know what I was doing (some would say I still don't know what I'm doing!) or because I didn't have the right kits and parts around, or right styrene stock, or because I didn't have the right tools, etc . . . in short, I kept myself away from the idea of scratch-building for a while until I started venturing into what I would call the REALM OF THE SAW! We all come upon that first obstacle in our building where you say: "How do I open this door? This trunk? Chop this roof?" Scratch-building begins there and moves on to where you find yourself making your own roll cages, chassis, suspensions, etc . . . the possibilities are endless. Again, having to create things from your imagination that do not come in the box with the instructions or the kit. Harry P. says: "My definition of scratchbuilding: creating a part, or a component, that didn't exist before, using any of a number of raw materials, including (but not limited to): sheet stock (brass, aluminum, styrene, etc.), rod, tubing or channel (again, brass, aluminum, styrene, whatever), or anything else that you may find applicable and appropriate to use. Customizing, to me, means altering existing kit parts... either by cutting away, adding to, reshaping, etc... but starting with an existing part. But the lines can blur. Chopping a top, to me, is not scratchbuilding, but customizing. Opening up doors is not scratchbuilding, but customizing. But hinging the doors? Well, obviously you'll need hinges, and they would most likely be scratchbuilt. So it can get a little fuzzy sometimes where the exact dividing line between customizing and scratchbuilding lies. And just to muddy the waters more, there's kitbashing... " That's how it began for me with a need to cut out panels, or chop a 32, and it went from there. A saw, some masking tape, calipers, dividers . . . pretty soon it felt like I was picking up tools and tips and techniques every day, not only from the forum and watching over others' shoulders, but from this magazine and many real cars mags . . . I spent those early years really paying attention to how other builders went about the art of scratch-building. Many here, myself included, are in awe of builders like John Teresi who is constantly pushing the envelope on what is possible with the art of scratch-building. Well, you get the point. I hope those of you looking for answers or those of you (at whatever skill level) who have good tips, techniques or discussions about the tools of the trade will chime in. Everything related to the Art of Scratch-Building is welcomed here. Following are a few pictures of some of the things that got me on the way. And no, you are never done learning or picking up new tools to help make the job easier. Your workbench will soon get pretty crowded with stuff you need in order to scratch-build, but that's part of the fun of building models. It might be a little expensive at first, but it's a small price to pay to advance the old learning curve. Here's what I would call the essentials kit:

Looking beautiful already, John. I've been curious about your bench and the tools you use to work your magic with all this wonderful scratch-building.

Krishna, beautiful model. Another wonderful addition to your collection.

John, you hit the ball out of the park with this one. What I love about it is that it looks like a tank at first until you see that engine right in the middle of it and the grill and lights . . . very cool. Nice work.

Jerred, excellent work on your build. I love the shovel up front, the louvers over the windows, and the command center details in the back. You are clearly building a wonderful TZH. Keep up the great work.

Joe, if they have the RUSTALL system, pick it up. I started with that years aga, and I still use it. You also can pick up whatever AK-INTERACTIVE or MIG products they might have, rust pigments, filters, washes, etc . . . Remember that you can make simple but highly effective washes with oil paints and mineral spirits. Rustall comes with a supply of finely ground dirt and dust that I use to weather my tires. Good luck and happy shopping.

I didn't think of the black, that might actually work very well, Frank.

I'm glad you made it a two-tone paint job. Nice job.

You got my attention with this one right away. It looks different, and I think when you paint it and add details it will really stand out.

And for those of you who will scratch-build your own 55 gallon drums, here's a painting pictorial how-to done by Mr. Ken Hamilton! http://public.fotki.com/khamilton/models/model_how-to/how_to_turn_resin/