scratchbuilt structures before, and built the Walthers “Quality
Investments Kit,” which is a modular kit. These kits can be built
quickly and are easy to assemble, even for a beginner.
Our layout has two areas where tracks penetrate the center
peninsula backdrop, to allow access to the L&T Branch area
which sits behind the main JL&T area. These connections al-
lowed me to expand the layout design and incorporate more
operating areas.
The penetrations also required a unique solution to hide the
drywall edge of the backdrop and the framework in the middle.
I thought through several solutions to hide the plaster edge,
1. Walthers “Modulars” allow the builder to adjust the
width, height and depth of a building to fit their own
special needs. The segments are easy to assemble,
even for a beginner.
1
Hiding modular seams - 2
2
2. The modular parts include sections with large and
small windows, personnel doors, and other variations.
When more than one level is assembled, the joint
between the two sections becomes an unsightly line
that can be concealed using Jason’s techniques.
and came up with the solution of a modular kit to hide the dry-
wall and the wood backdrop framing on both sides.
However, there is one issue with these kits that I’m sure has
been faced by many modelers in the past and has caused many
a frustration about a structure looking like a model instead of
the real deal. This is the small gap that is left when two sec-
tions are joined vertically.
The solution? Hide the gaps with a small piece of styrene on
the front façade that will simulate either a decorative ledge or a
structural piece of the building frame. Follow me as I show how
MRH-Nov 2014
