its rare I actually refer to my work as CAD, though I suppose it is. To me it’s just a model I create on the computer instead of plasticard etc, sometimes I’m simp,y drawing a prototype. What I’d like to do here is show you a step by step guide as to how I created Hadlow Road and Hassan Green boxes (both are the same wood structure, but Hadlow Road is its preserved location and guise for those up in the CLC area) After a site visit in Feb 2017 with a friend, all the main dimensions were taken of what survives in preservation at Hadlow Road. It had been moved here for preservation on the station site following the BR line closing at Hassal Green. It was later found to not be as original and was much butchered, so I can only reinforce that photo reference still plays a huge amount of info. So, a start was made on the upper structure. Here we see the main 4 verticals timbers Andy horizontal timbers. This is quite a simple start. It gives the window lines on 2 sides, but waits the door position and windows on the third side. We then add the floor. The back at this time was going to be all timber. More about that later. So We move on a bit, the slanted outside timbers are all in below and above the window line. Also visible are the vertical inside timbers. The third side and door frame are now also installed. Same again from another angle. Why does the triangle top half only extend to the window inside? It’s to do with the internal roof. All will become apparent in the next few pictures. So now we have the internal roof in place (this gives a nice void to hide light fittings and batteries) and can be slid out. The first of the window frames have also been drawn and put in situe. All the windows complete... or so I thought... more about that later. Note also the internal panels have been coloured. Another angle. And from the rear.
Starting to add the roof, also a change to more correct colours Internal view showing tie beam. Inside view looking towards the door Start on the barge boards. At this point the first error was found, Hadlow Road as it now stands had only 8 lap boards to the roof apex. Inspection of Hassal Green shows a steeper roof, so at some point it was reroofed and lowered. Finials on the worked on barge boards. Side view. Tiles on the main roof. Drawing the porch. Blue parts are for guidance. From below.
Porch work continued. It was at this point that it was observed that Hassal Green clearly had 3 sides made of windows, so it seems the rear windows have been removed post preservation, so were added at this time. Not much reworking, just a bit of copy and paste. Better angle of the rear. Getting the angles right on the porch. Front side An exploded model to show the separate parts as they would come to ease the painting or adding detail. Porch panels and walkway being added. From below. Rear shot with tiles.
We move on to the tedious bit of “bricking” once I have the base size worked out (from photos etc and known measurements) we can remove the top half of the signal box to save on some of that memory on the computer. First a mock up of the lever frame inside the box, note the wheel. At one point, every brick has to be placed on all four sides until a point is reached where you can copy and paste them. The tall base. Brickworks complete. Adding stairs. Adding the stairs and railings. Awaiting name boards. Complete minus the name boards.
Original Hassall Green box for comparison. From the crossing side. Note name board placing. (Photo photo from my collection.) Showing porch details and a name board placing. (Photo from my collection) Finished model. Finished model. Finished model, Close up. As it is now at Hadlow Road, also modelled. Note lower roof.
Wow, I'm still on basic shapes with 123D, have you thought of using Fusion 360, there are free licenses available, home use and light commercial use. I've still to produce a cylinder with it, but the power of the program is amazing, especially the time line function allowing you to re-order the processes / steps used to make the model. Paul
I’m still on 123d - tried fusion. Can’t get on with it. Too complicated. If you can do this in 123d, why go anywhere else? And despite being the next version, I was very annoyed that it doesn’t support its earlier files. Only STL which is not great. I’m happy to help Paul. Only thing I’ve not sussed out is curved text like for a headboard. Well I have, but it’s each letter manually and takes ages.
Hello Wizmacnz, Its on the website, but alas, I have not yet been able to do a test print myself in either OO or O, but there have been no issues with the other buildings I have done and its created to the same specs, so I don't foresee any issues ? Andy
Hi Andy I just had a look at your Shapeways shop. Some great stuff there. I think you probably have the same problem that I have. Price !! It's a shame that people will pay big dollars for locomotives and rolling stock, but won't put their hands deeper into their pockets for quality buildings and scenic items. At least that has been my experience.
It’s something I’m looking in to in 2019 to see if I can find a different way of doing things. However, that may then incur other costs in an on line shop else where that has to be paid for... pros and cons...
You can blame/thank York Paul for that! He gave me the concept and told me of my errors etc... but having the surviving wood cabin to measure for a change helps, even if it’s been butchered about in height and lacking some windows. Always pay attention to the detail where I can, and would be great with the lever frame and gate wheel I have also modelled.
