how to make a model metropolis

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  how to make a model metropolis


Author Topic:   how to make a model metropolis
Zumdahl
posted 06-01-2000 07:24 PM           
I was wondering if anyone knows how to make realistic model skyscrapers. Are there any kits out there? Please steer clear of the idea of making these out of cardboard, etc. I want them to look as realistic as possible. No CGI too please. Thanks.

twizted666
posted 06-01-2000 08:41 PM           
Try your local hobby shop, if they don't have kits, they'll have the materials. Good luck.

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"god bless those pagans"

crazy lou
posted 06-01-2000 09:49 PM           
well...the little things matter! what type of scale are you trying to make them, what types of buildings (modern-mostly glass or old-stone&brickwork), how much detail do you want answer some of those and i'll throw some more detailed info your way.

there are so many ways to go at this that i could ramble on for days. I have seen some very small scale (like 1"=12') i dont know what that equals but its small the entire building was only 2 or 3 feet tall and it was something like a 30-50 story building. it was acrylic (plexiglass).


anyway, just give a little more detail on size, type, and i'll help you out some more


later
TOm

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What everyone seems to forget is that once we look past race, religion, gender, and all that, everyone on this planet is first and foremost...


...a PERSON

dont forget to send $ to LAS at:
Like A Story Productions
92 Porch View
Dahlonega, Georgia 30533

TheRookie
posted 06-01-2000 11:14 PM           
You can but kits from a book store like borders, They have kits that interior designers use to create models of rooms and homes. Just go to that section and see what you can use

ebrigman
posted 06-02-2000 07:36 AM           
Think about using 2 dimensional still photographs as parts of the set

alucard
posted 06-02-2000 11:32 AM           
If your not bothered about interiors, just lots of buildings, try using a bit of forced perspective, ie large detailed in the front & smaller less detailed the further you get back.

I would build frames out of wood, cover these in perspex(sheet plastic) then you have a nice clean surface to start from, whatever the finish.

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I Thank You

Zumdahl
posted 06-02-2000 07:10 PM           
I am looking for a really modern look. Kind of like the Nacatomie Plaza from Die Hard. That kind of look. I want these skyscrapers to be about 3 feet tall about 30-40 stories high. I think having a 2-D background is a brilliant idea. Thanks for all the posts you guys.

Zumdahl

Nick Jade
posted 06-02-2000 10:09 PM           
Use an old model railroad trick.. mirrors.
Put mirrors along side building to make the city look bigger. Just make sure the camera can't see itself.

Zumdahl
posted 06-02-2000 10:52 PM           
Nick i really don't know what that had to do with this topic or what you're trying to say- sorry. All I am trying to do is create a mini city with a lot of skyscrapers. I need to know how to build realistic models. And in this case (this is an exception) size doesn't matter. It's a model

Nick Jade
posted 06-02-2000 11:16 PM           
Im just saying that so that you have to have less buildings... Its not going to make the city actaully BIGGER, it going to make the city look like it spawls farther.

Zumdahl
posted 06-03-2000 04:49 PM           
Ohh I think I understand now. Thanks for the tip man I appreciate it.

Later,
Zumdahl

crazy lou
posted 06-03-2000 11:42 PM           
quote:
Originally posted by Zumdahl:
I am looking for a really modern look. Kind of like the Nacatomie Plaza from Die Hard. That kind of look. I want these skyscrapers to be about 3 feet tall about 30-40 stories high.
Zumdahl

ok, well here goes.

try building a simple framework out of something sturdy, a thin plywood or thick balsa (or bass)wood, then start adding the floors, a thinner plywood or balsa wood is ok, just make sure you secure it firmly to the frame. if you want (or need to) you can now paint the interior or add decorations (furniture, and that kind of thing) lighting...that EL wire i posted about (see post for links) would be great for flourescent lights, LEDs and regular lightbulbs would work too. after the interior is "up to code" you could try using plastic like plexiglass, clear wrapping paper, shrink wrap for model planes, anything that can be "firmly" wrapped and secured to the building for windows and the exterior. if a shrink wrap is used then the area between the floors may pull in allowing you to paint the high areas (the floors sticking out past the windows) to look like the window frames

you can build other small details with parts from model kits, plastic stock or whatever else looks like it will work.

get it?

if not email me and i'll try to give you some more help and make this a little easier to understand

later
Tom

------------------
What everyone seems to forget is that once we look past race, religion, gender, and all that, everyone on this planet is first and foremost...


...a PERSON

dont forget to send $ to LAS at:
Like A Story Productions
92 Porch View
Dahlonega, Georgia 30533

Zumdahl
posted 06-04-2000 04:09 PM           
thanks for the tip Lou. I have built stuff out of Balsa wood before and this seems like a good idea, but for the framework is it necessary to actually build every floor. What I want are like reflective metallic windows, so you won't be able to see in. So by building the floors is that just for stability? Also are their any plans out there to building balsa wood buildings or do I just play it by ear?

crazy lou
posted 06-04-2000 07:00 PM           
no you dont need every floor, i was just saying that in casr you wanted a super detailed model with semi-reflective windows that when lit you could see into, but since you want the reflective metalic windows i dont think it's necessary.

just so you know, you can buy acyrlic mirrored plastic at home stores, it can be cut to shape, then you could just glue the "frames" on the outside and give it a light spray of a thinned down paint and possibly lightly sand the back (inside) so that some of the mirror effect is lost


i dont think there are really any plans, but you could start looking through model railroad magazine and stuff like that

later
TOm

------------------
What everyone seems to forget is that once we look past race, religion, gender, and all that, everyone on this planet is first and foremost...


...a PERSON

dont forget to send $ to LAS at:
Like A Story Productions
92 Porch View
Dahlonega, Georgia 30533

Zumdahl
posted 06-04-2000 10:05 PM           
Thanks Crazy Lou--- You have been extremely helpful

All times are ET (US)



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