Full Version: Scratch sketch set (Sss) overview and evolution
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A Scratch sketch set is a collection of 3d drawings, step by step assembly sketches with directions and materials, some photos, and templates. These sets make it easy to do a scratch project of your choice.

When I first did a set of N scale plans for scratch building a structure, it was a crude collection of 3d sketches done with google's "Sketchup". The "sets" included overview sketches, dimensioned (drawn to nearest 1/64 of an inch) parts layouts, and assembly sketches. These sets resembled what I had seen online, but lacked an easy way to cut out parts.

I had the beginning scratch builder in mind, so an improvement was in order. The main solution was the creation of parts templates drawn precisely to scale. Changing to decimal dimensioning allowed me to get to the nearest ten thousandth of an inch. With totally accurate templates, I then eliminated dimensioned parts layout sketches. That much accuracy is needed when dealing with material thicknesses in the .010 range. The newer templates are not dimensioned, so you won't see it, but the precision is there.

The other thing that was lacking, was an easy way to print the templates. The answer to that was creating PDF's. All of my sketch sets now include PDF's. All you have to do is print them, cut out the parts outline, use rubber cement to glue to your building material, and cut on the lines. The paper peels off easily.

This whole process makes scratch building fun and easy. BTW...my sketch sets are all public domain, so they are free.

I will be posting some of my Sss's here soon.
So far I have posted 4 sketch sets (plans for scratch building). I have 92 others, but am wondering if there is any interest in me continuing to post them.
Hi Gary,

I have seen your sketch sets over on the Railwire forum, they are quite comprehensive, though I must admit I've not yet made use of any, you have clearly put a lot of time and effort into this project.

Perhaps a link to your index page over there would be useful:

http://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.p...ic=31109.0

Cheers,

Kev
Kev1340 Wrote:Hi Gary,

I have seen your sketch sets over on the Railwire forum, they are quite comprehensive, though I must admit I've not yet made use of any, you have clearly put a lot of time and effort into this project.

Perhaps a link to your index page over there would be useful:

http://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.p...ic=31109.0

Cheers,

Kev


I thought about posting that link but wasn't sure if that was acceptable here. Will sure save me a lot of time.
Thanks Kev!

A neat thing about that link is that you can view, copy, or print any of them, with no requirement to join!
gary60s Wrote:but am wondering if there is any interest in me continuing to post them.
Gidday Gary, I already have a list of "to do model railroad projects" marginally longer than "Her-in-doors" TO DO List, (and of course there's no prize for guessing which list gets Piority!!!), so having perused your index page that Kev1340 linked, I am not sure whether to be Big Grin or :cry: to find some items to add to my MR list.
Thank you for Sharing, Cheers
Cheers, the Bear
gary60s Wrote:I thought about posting that link but wasn't sure if that was acceptable here. Will sure save me a lot of time.
Thanks Kev!

A neat thing about that link is that you can view, copy, or print any of them, with no requirement to join!


Hi Gary,

These sketches are great! Are they available in SketchUp format as well?

And no problem with posting a link. You've created a very useful resource.


Andrew
Thanks Andrew. I have the skp files and can PM them to you. Which set are you interested in?
Not sure... I haven't had time to review them all yet...! Wink

Andrew
Hi Gary,

I have recently gained access to a laser cutter and a CNC machine! I am very interested to try some of your models, as "printing" with the laser will cut parts for me out of wood, acrylic, or styrene.

If you wouldn't mind, I love to have the Sketchup drawings for Office Building, Repair Shop, Sears "The Cedars" house, and the Single Story Row House.

I'll have to scale them up, and I'd like to get a closer look on how you take the buildings apart to flat pieces. I have a bunch of CNR drawings from OSHOME as well as a CNR maintenance of way handbook that I can reference as well. Everything from stations to section houses, sheds, turnout diagrams, whistle posts and so on.

I'll PM you my email address.

Thanks!

Andrew
Andrew, I initially draw my surfaces flat (or plan views), and then extrude them to the desired thicknesses. I make each wall, floor, roof, etc. an individual component, then put the components together for final assembly.

If we can't work out a way to email the skp files, you may have to work from the PDF's.