Can anyone give me some advice on making buildings from scratch? I am making a diorama and need to create some ruined buildings. Thanks

Here is one nice way to start
https://armorama.kitmaker.net//features/248

I put a twist on it and poured straight on a floor tile with a balsa wood 'damn'. I poured a solid flat blank. Then I drew on doors and windows and cut them out with a pin vice for pilot holes and a razor saw. I attached two together at a corner with paper clip pieces and drilled holes.
You can see some of the progression here
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/photos/showgallery.php?cat=12178&ppuser=242

Don't forget the window details, frames, sills, glass, and exterior architectural details. I made mine out sculpy (baking clay).

To make the damage I drilled pilot holes along the damaged area and then connected the dots with a saw. Then broke the big pieces with a hammer. I mared the edges with a dental tool.

This should get you going and if you have questions - ask away.

well, I tend to work on a buget when doing a dio, so i use Polystyrene sheets. Cut out details such as doors and windows, then break it!

Stick it to the base with PVA glue. Once set, coat with Tetrion. A form of pollyfilla although it dries faster and harder. Once dried ad windows & doors, paint and finished..........

an example of the finished thing.........





the same method was applied here on a smaller scale.....the bricks carved in afterwards.........



just experment a little to you find a teqnique you like...........

good luck

I cast a flat sheet of plaster and the cut the shapes out using a motor tool, which is also used to engrave bricks etc. Usually the piece will crumble slightly around the edges when cut through and this creates rubble.

Check my posting "Drywall for Modeling" (page 3 or 4) in Scratchbuilder's Forum.

Art

Hey,
I just used plaster of paris for the first time the other night and I let the mix cure for about 45 min. before removing it from a mould( It was just a round clear plastic lid). The plaster wasn't totally cured and I was able to carve a step into it without having the plaster chip. When I was done it went into the oven at 200 F. for about 1 1/2 hours. It worked great!
Jeff

Hi, I currently in the process of scratch building a house. I used styrofoam and wall putty as material for the walls. I scribed the walls with whatever design I need before the putty completely dries. Once dry, I re-scribe them to get more detail. Maybe you could also apply the same method. Since I'm using styrofoam, I already pre-cut the windows. The wall putty can be used as glue -- for joining other walls together.


other photos can be found in my post
[urlhttps://armorama.kitmaker.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=SquawkBox&file=index&req=viewtopic[/url]

Longshanks

That "Medic" diorama looks great! I like it that the picture is blurred. It gives a sense of motion and chaos.

there is an osprey modelling masterclass book on construction of buildings which maybe worth picking up

I use the method explained at the link https://armorama.kitmaker.net//features/248

Use your imagination, you'll see there's nothing imposible with that method.
and this is the result, I'm satisfied

Thanks guys, Im gunna go get some polystyrene, can i buy it at a hardware store? Or do i have to get it wholesale? Thanks for all the help!

I built a church one time with polystyrene. I used old meat trays (washed of course), so my supplies was free. I changed to casting blocks of filler instead and carving, as washes always seemed to burn the styrene. Its a good method to know and use though. See the file in my gallery called buildings with polystyrene trays. It might give you some ideas.
I never finished it beyond what you see here ...... i threw it out a few months ago as i didnt want to spend any more time finishing it! PM me if you have any specific questions