Your Computer
Having spent so much cash on a PC, it makes sense to get the most out of it you can. I have already covered printing posters etc., as well as printing your own bricks or brick papers and flagstones. There are, however, many other ways you can use your computer and printer to aid you in your modelling.
Accurately drawing parts out on a computer can be so much simpler than doing it the old fashioned way. If you look at the pictures of Bannister Hall, you will see that there are many window frames. These were drawn up and printed on thin pasteboard. It was then a simple (if tedious) task to cut them out. The main time saver was the fact that I only had to draw one, then copy it.
A tip: When cutting out parts such as this, cut round the panes first but leave the pieces in place till the end. This will prevent distortion.
I have just completed some new passenger cars in laminated card. Again these were drawn up on the PC and printed on thin card. Depending on the thickness required, some were mounted onto thicker card with spray mount and then the relevant panels were cut out. The various layers were then assembled. This method gives you an easy way to draw up and align all the windows, doors etc.
A tip: When cutting out parts such as this, cut round the panes first but leave the pieces in place till the end. This will prevent distortion.
I have just completed some new passenger cars in laminated card. Again these were drawn up on the PC and printed on thin card. Depending on the thickness required, some were mounted onto thicker card with spray mount and then the relevant panels were cut out. The various layers were then assembled. This method gives you an easy way to draw up and align all the windows, doors etc.
Below is a carriage side made from laminated card, plastic rod and metal mesh, together with a couple of the traffic signs.
Among other things I have printed out are road signs, miniature wallpaper, framed pictures, sheets of floorboarding and even Chinese rugs etc., for room interiors.
It’s probably obvious but drawing and printing your track plans for your control panel is a neat idea. Labels for your control switches fall into this category as well.
You really are only limited by your imagination.
