#scratchbuilding

Thank you for asking.

The first thing I'd say is to make sure the locomotive runs well. That it has a good chassis and smooth motion. I've had a couple where I didn't, so they ended up looking okay but running poorly.

It helps to have a good idea of where the project is going. Unlike a 3D model on a computer, making a scale model doesn't have an 'undo' function. Parts can be removed, but they'll leave glue marks. These can be removed, but it'll be tricky. Knowing where you're going also saves time and money, as you can focus just on what you need.

For example, my latest build (which I haven't posted here yet) was to make a 'On30 SW9'. With this clear goal, I was able to take a HO model of an SW9, identify what I needed to do to make it an On30 model (new cab & running board) and figure out the steps needed from there.

Having the right tools for the job is important, as well. It's important to keep your hobby knives sharp, as a dull blade will wander and not cut properly. Also, keep a first-aid kit nearby (don't ask 🙂).

Using the right glue for your materials is important as well. PVA/wood glue is good for wood, cardboard and paper. It also dries clear, so I usually use it to stick window glazing in place. Plastic weld cement works on plastic only. Cyanoacrylate adhesive, or CA, is good for sticking anything to anything (including fingers). However, it'll turn clear parts cloudy, hence why I use PVA for those instead. (It also makes them easier to replace if they get cracked or marked.)

It's worth buying some copper craft wire, also known as 'beading wire'. I've made dozens of handrails, grab irons and other bits from it over the years. It's easily found on sites like eBay, and I keep a few different thicknesses of it in stock.

If you're using DCC, make sure to leave space for the electronics - decoder, speaker and keepalive module (if applicable). Also consider if you're going to put lights in the model and where they're going to go.

The King President of the Most Glorious Nation State of Zilch in his capacity as "Commander In Chief" gets first pick of military research projects. It was in that capacity that he discovered the design for the Skorpiomega Tonk 9000. Designed by a dying cancer riddled child and arriving on his desk thanks to the "Make Happy the Sad Childrens" charitable organization.

The design includes "Turbo Death Lazer" and "Grabby Kill Claws" and "Built In Dad" Technology. Truly impressed by the specs of what is obviously some sort of prodigy, he put it forward into production. The end result was overly heavy, impossible to move, and the laser cannon proved to put out far too much Ionizing Radiation. It also turned out… that the design was a copy of the more reasonably constructed "SK-47" (pictured above) from the neighboring nation of Burgerstan. Thankfully the dying child was execute, and the MHSC foundation have been branded enemies of the Most Glorious Nation State of Zilch.

Lore Over! This was my first ever attempt at making a Tonk for a game of TONKS. But never finished it because I think the scale was off... but have since decided not to worry about and finish it up with additional valves and a new lid.

“Not a coin or crown lies in the dragon’s lair. If not for the golden hue, you would think the dragon’s hoard a vast pool of quicksilver. But as you draw near, the surface ripples and, with an unearthly roar, it breaks as a dripping draconic form emerges to defend the boiling remains of its molten hoard.”

For Smaugust 2023 over on Instagram I am following prompt 3, molten. I knew it needed to be the dragon’s comeuppance for hoarding all that gold. Part ooze, part undead, part dragon, this is intended as a surprise boss at the end of dungeon for a lower level party of adventurers. It’s slow enough to keep away from, until it closes the distance along its trail, or locks you down in molten gold.

The Walking House

Desde lejos se escucha el sonido chirriante de sus articulaciones avanzando. No hay relieve que la detenga y sus ocupantes se sienten a salvo de cualquier peligro que rodeen sus patas. Inexpugnable como una fortaleza, sutil en su andar como un ciervo precavido. Camina la casa caminante sin necesidad de un camino.

Tres personajes particulares conviven en ella. El viejo sabio, conocedor de las escrituras mecánicas y alquimias antiguas, que la construyo, vestido con pesadas túnicas luce una frondosa barba blanca que asegura nunca a tocado el filo de un metal. Vive para y por sus estudios, y solo se detiene para comer alguna vitualla.

El enano, traficante de pociones, medicinas y sustancias, que ha tomado para si el más alto de los altillos, cuyo carácter irascible solo es comparable a la más exitosa de las sustancias explosivas que comercia. Su enojo y su cara de pocos amigos permanente, solo cede ante la dulzura de la tercera de la casa.

Es la joven que endulza sus vidas, cuya edad se desconoce y parece nunca cambiar. Hermosa como el primer día de primavera, se ocupa de sus dos compañeros y las tareas de la casa Le gusta cantar pero siempre y aunque intente cambiarlo, termina con la misma e hipnótica canción que no recuerda haber aprendido nunca. Viste largas y permanentes faldas que ocultan dos patas de cabra con la que ha sido maldecida y que la averguenzan.