Where to find scratchbuilding references?

While the Internet is handy for quick answers to a large number of questions, nothing can replace a well stocked home library. Although I have been building models for more than 40 years, I have 10 times more reference books than I do models, somewhere close to 500 books. There are other folks on this forum with similar numbers. Generally speaking, if you choose a subject you wish to scratch build, someone here will be able to suggest the proper reference materials for your project. Just keep in mind that these sort of books often cost as much, or in some cases, several times more than the cost of the model you are building. Some people might recommend trying your public library, but I doubt most public libraries are going to have these types of highly specialized books with accurate line drawings, close-up photos of details, etc.

 

 

good point. Thanks!

Kykeon wrote:

While the Internet is handy for quick answers to a large number of questions, nothing can replace a well stocked home library. Although I have been building models for more than 40 years, I have 10 times more reference books than I do models, somewhere close to 500 books. There are other folks on this forum with similar numbers. Generally speaking, if you choose a subject you wish to scratch build, someone here will be able to suggest the proper reference materials for your project. Just keep in mind that these sort of books often cost as much, or in some cases, several times more than the cost of the model you are building. Some people might recommend trying your public library, but I doubt most public libraries are going to have these types of highly specialized books with accurate line drawings, close-up photos of details, etc.

 

This Genteman Is a true model builder that only builds from scratch, or kitbashing, heres his Forum site and note everything Charles King builds is only from scratch.. And Kitbashes.. Or he rebuilds Toy models into Military models.. This is a true Scratchbuilder.. Heres his Site...

 Enjoy.."RC"

UP DATE:  I'm sorry to say its no longer available..."RC"

"sorry, the site you requested is disabled"

I agree that a good collection of books are good sources ............but you can get along pretty well and start in the Internet. In the last year I have found all the information I needed for three models I am currently making. Last year I did not buy a book!!!!!....so don´t let the lack of "specialized" books block you from scratchbuilding!!!! please............

I suppose the Internet will be the main supplier of all kind of info in the next decade. I have been modelling for over 45 years and if I had the internet 20 years ago, as it is today, I would have saved me a lot of money.

What do you want to scratchbuild???? exactly.........For scratchbuilding you have to "set your mind to it". By that I mean, after getting all possible references of the subject in the way of History of it, photos (as much as possible), a good plan (sometimes there is none so you either draw it yourself or do the model by using other methods to get the scale) and..............start to see "everything" as possible materials..paper, card, pins, wire, cork, plaster, etc.......
As you become more experienced you will find that eventually "there is no subject..."that´s too difficult!!!"..and you can scratcbuild any aircraft or whatever you desire"....and materials for it abounds all over......

Get started right away...find what you can in the net and start working, after all if you don´t get it right the first time ( which you probably will not) you can do it as many times as you desire, there is no need to buy another kit!!!!!!..............

Welcome to scratchbuilding...............1.....2.....3..........GO!!!!!

OH Yea!!!!...Skill, none of us had "Skill" when we started, you aquire that by practise,
practise, and more practise.......those that tell you they had the "skill" to make scratchbuilt models from the outset are from planet Gooney!!!!!!!!!!!!......
From " From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia"

 

 I.I.B. --HI !!  I don,t know how to help . What do you plan on building ??? Although I am all over the place I do a great many scratchbuilt work and pleasure boats . I use Taubman plans and also scale up from pics if I know the size of the subject . Now , For oddball stuff (o.s.r.v.s )and environmental cleanup and restoratation vessels I do my own drafting . If it,s armor ,I am sure there are references out there somewhere . Have you tried any ARMOR MUSUEMS ? Most things that we scratchbuild has a source sometimes museums ,sometimes photos and of course the profile publications . These must be had ( the profile publications ) at your local hobby shop . Another source has got to be the public affairs office at the aberdeen proving ground . Give them a try . For planes I have been lucky , I know a lot of naval and s.a.c. pilots and groundcrewguys . I think you should try a simple airplane first . No matter what you want to build ,this will give you the feel for the scratchbuilding mindset .. tankerbuilder

Hi Ian, when I set out to scratch build at subject, I go to the the local university, in my case Ferris State University.  For 5 dollars a month, I can get a community card to check out books.  I am always amazed at how many OLD books that this library has.  They have been very valuable to me as I pursue my scratch building projects (Spanish American War warships, and some WW1 ships).  The great thing about old books, is that they show photos of the ships in conterporary context.  The problem with the internet, is photo's are available, but from what source?  I find the library to be a cheap solution to the research problem.  Incidentally, most libraries are now in networks, so if your's doesn't have a book, chances are they can get one to fill the bill.  Good hunting!

If you can find it, try The art of Scale Scratch Building, A Guide to Professional Model Building by Michael J. Dario & Sydney P. Chivers.  It might be available at Barnes & Noble, or at least your local public library... It was published in 1974, so it's hard to find for sale anywhere..

EDIT: Found TWO copies for sale-  http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0006WZT5I/ref=olp_page_1?ie=UTF8&shipPromoFilter=0&startIndex=0&sort=sip&me=&condition=used