Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Creating Structures with The CUBE System

Design a Realistic Structure and Build it - The Easy Way


A backdrop built with The CUBE System.
This is also available as a kit.
GCLaser's modular building system makes it simple to design and build your own HO Scale backdrops, factories, warehouses, and small office structures. Check out the Cube System. It offers tons of options for designing and creating structures, without the effort and time required to scratch build them. You decide which of the laser cut components to use; then glue the components onto the pre-cut and tabbed cubes. Multiple cubes may be joined horizontally or vertically; allowing you to build a structure as small as 2-1/2" x 2-1/2"; or as large as you want.

How it works: 

The CUBE System is comprised of: CORES, FACES, and ADD-ONS. The "cores" are the structure of the building. 45 styles of "faces" are available in cinder block, concrete, and brick; no painting required. 19 different "add-ons" complete your building. These include roofs, chimneys, stairs, parapets, corns, ladders, and more. The faces and add-ons are available separately; allowing for many design options.


We've created a series of videos explaining the pieces of The Cube System:

Part 1: The CUBE System; an intro to creating modular structures



Part 2: The CUBE System; working with templates and FACES



Part 3: The CUBE System; working with ADD-ONS




Free design templates are available to help you get started creating your structures. 

Find out more about The Cube System on GCLaser's website.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Tips on Creating the Hunters Stand Kit

The Hunters Stand is a very easy and quick kit to build. It's also a great example of how I like to use markers to finish our structures and details. Check out the video for our tips on coloring and building the HO Scale Hunters Stand kit.


Thursday, June 5, 2014

Weathering Structures with Chalks

An effective way to add a weathered appearance to model railroad structures and details can be easily achieved with chalks. I like to use AIM Brand weathering powders because they tend to stick well to surfaces. Artists pastels (not oil pastels) also work, but in my experience they do not stick as well.

Enjoy the video (our first!) about using chalks to weather our structure kits.




Wednesday, April 2, 2014

A Gluing Tip

I recommend using yellow carpenter's glue. I even use yellow glue to adhere the window acetate in place on our kits. I've found that using an A-West bottle applicator makes gluing much easier. They come in five sizes. I use the white #158-35 (.035 OD and .023 ID) and the black #158-50 (.050 OD, .033 ID). Give them a try. I'm sure that you'll like them!


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

A New Kit: The Duquoin Passenger House in H-O Scale

An H-O Scale model of the Duquoin Passenger House
Our latest build-up received some local media attention. The H-O Scale structure is available as a kit.