1/25 scale plywood suggestions/help

[Yekoms]

Hi All,

I'm not into doin' a full diorama yet but, I'm addin' small diorama type things to each build. Like the car on a trailer or a figure with the car.

I would like to build a utility trailer with 4' x 8' plywood sides in 1/25 scale. I'm lookin' for suggestions for what to use for the plywood.

Thanks up front, Smokey

[highway]

It's really not going to have the "ply" look of plywood, but I'd suggest either basswood or balsa wood. That's where I'd start. If you could find them thin enough to still look right in scale, you could use the bass or balsa and glue a few sheets together for a true plywood look.

[Yekoms]

Thanks Highway,

I'm not worried about the "ply" look as much as the grain to look in scale. Maybe along with the natural grain and paintin' some grain will do.

Photocopin' a picture of plywood is another thought. I better get off of the computer and just start workin' on it...

I see you on here pretty much.Thanks again for your input on this site.

Smokey

[highway]

You're quite welcome, and thank you too. I try to help whenever I can, and sometimes even when I can't!

[Sixties Sam]

You can use real plywood. I've gotten birch plywood for R/C planes down to 1/64" thickness. 1/32" thick would be about 3/4" in 1/25 scale. Hobby shops should have it. Basswood works good, too.

Sam

[GTMust]

Don't forget that small utility trailers are usually made from the cheapest grade of plywood with lots of knot holes and rough surface grain. You can achieve the rough grain by dragging coarse sandpaper along the length of the wood... or even dragging a razor saw along at a 45 degree angle. Then drill a few small holes in the surface (maybe two or three) and plug them with wood filler. The surface grain should "split" either side of the holes to look like the holes were where a small branch had been cut off. You'll see what I mean if you look at real plywood at your local lumber yard.

I would personally try to use the real plywood (1/32") sheet that Sam suggested, that you can get at Michael's with those good old discount coupons.

Hope this helps.

Tony

[Dennis]

Hobby Lobby has a good assortment of Balsa and Basswood in all shapes and sizs.

Edited April 30, 2011 by Dennis

[stewart]

GTMust is correct. Unless it is a high grade plywood, It will have knots in it. Also, the grain is going to be a lot different that a scale sheet of plywood will have. Here are a couple of pictures to give you an idea of what most plywood looks like

This is a high grade plywood

Lower grade

Here is a pic of the most common and cheapest plywood. It is called CDX. Do a google search for CDX plywood and you will find a few other helpful pictures. This is probably the look you want for the sides of a utility trailer.

BTW, I work in a lumber yard so I am around plywood all day

STewart

[charlie8575]

Don't forget that small utility trailers are usually made from the cheapest grade of plywood with lots of knot holes and rough surface grain. You can achieve the rough grain by dragging coarse sandpaper along the length of the wood... or even dragging a razor saw along at a 45 degree angle. Then drill a few small holes in the surface (maybe two or three) and plug them with wood filler. The surface grain should "split" either side of the holes to look like the holes were where a small branch had been cut off. You'll see what I mean if you look at real plywood at your local lumber yard.

I would personally try to use the real plywood (1/32") sheet that Sam suggested, that you can get at Michael's with those good old discount coupons.

Hope this helps.

Tony

I third Sam and Tony's combined suggestion.

Charlie Larkin

[Yekoms]

Thanks a bunch guys. This plywood trailer build will be an extra detail for a 2012 NNL East build. It's only in the plannin' stage as of now.

Another member asked about wood grain on the tips section of this site. Lots of good info there also.

I gotta get buildin'...

Many thanks,Smokey

[MikeMc]

Another thought is the cedar wrappers that some good stogies are shipped in.....its a thin veneer with perfect grain...

Or even better yet...Revell....y'now the plastic kit people?

They now sell scale plywood...I got it at Michaels with my coupon....

1/64 " thick birch, 6" x 12"

(# 88-7625) $4.99 list

they have larger sheets...I thought it was veneer when I saw it, but it is real plywood!!

Tower Hobby lists it( price is wrong!!)

http://www3.towerhob...p?&I=LXXJM0&P=7

from Revells catalogue...

Plywood Sheets

• Genuine plywood (no single layer veneer substitutes) ensures strength in thicknesses ranging from .4 mm to 12 mm.
• Easily cuts to desired length and shape — unfinished to accept paint and varnish well for outstanding results.
• Superior grade wood compliant to current laws, including California CARB Phase 2.

Revell plywood is available in these sheet sizes:

4 (101.6 mm) x 12 (304.8 mm) inches / 1/8 (3.1 mm) to 3/8 (9.5 mm) inch thickness

6 (152.4 mm) x 12 (304.8 mm) inches / 1/32 (.8 mm) to 1/2 (12.7 mm) inch thickness

12 (304.8 mm) x 12 (304.8 mm) inches / 1/8 (3.1 mm) to 1/2 (12.7 mm) inch thickness

12 (304.8 mm) x 24 (609.6 mm) inches / 1/32 (.8 mm) to 1/2 (12.7 mm) inch thickness

Edited June 30, 2011 by MIKE THE MANIAC