Ballpark model input

[mets16]

I figured i want to give models a try. I am just inexperienced.
So i have some questions..
1. What material should I use for the outside to make it look realistic?
2. What should I use for the seats?
3. What should I use for the grass/ dirt
4. How would I make a scoreboard?

thanks in advance

[Lions/[email protected]!]

the easy answer is whatever works. Beyond that there are millions of scratch materials available through model train and hobby shops. My current stadium is a combination of wood and plastic and being built on a scale of 1:160. The field level rise was constructed with wood with polystyrine "L" strips for seats and the upperdeck is being built using flat strips of polystyrene. any more questions or information let me know.....

[mets16]

would a material like oaktag be good?

[Lions/[email protected]!]

I would think so. Again, it depends a lot on what your planning on building, the scale, the effect... Elvis does a lot of really nice smaller scale models out of wood. If he checks in this thread maybe he'll post his website for you to look at (I can't find the link at the moment).

I've seen gorgeous ballpark models made entirely out of posterboard. I've also seen ones like this: http://majorleaguemodels.com/

My best advice would be to use what ever materials you're the most comfortable with.

[mets16]

I would think so. Again, it depends a lot on what your planning on building, the scale, the effect... Elvis does a lot of really nice smaller scale models out of wood. If he checks in this thread maybe he'll post his website for you to look at (I can't find the link at the moment).

I've seen gorgeous ballpark models made entirely out of posterboard. I've also seen ones like this: http://majorleaguemodels.com/

My best advice would be to use what ever materials you're the most comfortable with.

I think ill try foamcore like astros did with his model but im still unsure about the exterior... like should I paint it?

[Yoda]

use ginger bread for delicious results

[PowerAlley21]

I think ill try foamcore like astros did with his model but im still unsure about the exterior... like should I paint it?

If you plan to paint foamcore, be sure to "prime" it with liquid Gesso before painting. Otherwise, the exposed foam edges will melt when in contact with chemical based paint (spraypaint, etc). Avoid waterbased paint (tempra, etc) becase the paper facing of the foamcore will soak it up and ruin the appearance. Foamcore is a good material to articulate concrete rakers in the stadium.

An alternative material is "artcore" which is similar to foamcore, but utilizes plastic film instead of paper facing. It's thinner and easier to cut.

[gooberkitty]

Before yoiur start constructing a ballpark model, either your own design or replicating an existing for former stadium/ballpark, you should define the scale you are most comfortable with...i.e., 1 inch equals 60 feet, 1 inch equals 30 feet etc. The scale will dictate the detail of the stadium. I biuld all of my models to fit on a base of 24 inches square in a scale of 1 inch equals 60 feet. This scale allows me to detail the stadium as well of the surrounding neighborhoods. This scale also alloiws me to indicate the seats by scribing the basswood or balsawood (after painting the solid color) via a number 5H (very hard) pencil. Matboard works great fore constructing the exterior walls, you just need to investigate the right paint colors to make the walls look like concrete or brick. As to the grass, if the stadium had a cross hatch design, you may want to use a green grass color paint, then draw in the cross hatching lines using a ink marker of a little darker green color.
For the scoreboard, use a computer to indicate the various color lights and signs, then you can enlarge or reduce the scoreboad design to fit your scale.

Try also to draw the model completely before building anything.

Best of luck...I have been co0nstructing ballpark and stadium models for over thirty years and find it very relaxing and rewarding.

I will be happy to send photos, just let me know.

Bruce

[email protected]

I figured i want to give models a try. I am just inexperienced.
So i have some questions..
1. What material should I use for the outside to make it look realistic?
2. What should I use for the seats?
3. What should I use for the grass/ dirt
4. How would I make a scoreboard?

thanks in advance

[JWB13]

I have seen models of Yankee Stadium and Dodger Stadium.

[NYFan1stYankFan2nd]

Before yoiur start constructing a ballpark model, either your own design or replicating an existing for former stadium/ballpark, you should define the scale you are most comfortable with...i.e., 1 inch equals 60 feet, 1 inch equals 30 feet etc. The scale will dictate the detail of the stadium. I biuld all of my models to fit on a base of 24 inches square in a scale of 1 inch equals 60 feet. This scale allows me to detail the stadium as well of the surrounding neighborhoods. This scale also alloiws me to indicate the seats by scribing the basswood or balsawood (after painting the solid color) via a number 5H (very hard) pencil. Matboard works great fore constructing the exterior walls, you just need to investigate the right paint colors to make the walls look like concrete or brick. As to the grass, if the stadium had a cross hatch design, you may want to use a green grass color paint, then draw in the cross hatching lines using a ink marker of a little darker green color.
For the scoreboard, use a computer to indicate the various color lights and signs, then you can enlarge or reduce the scoreboad design to fit your scale.

Try also to draw the model completely before building anything.

Best of luck...I have been co0nstructing ballpark and stadium models for over thirty years and find it very relaxing and rewarding.

I will be happy to send photos, just let me know.

Bruce

[email protected]

Hey if the tip of that 5H pencil of yours breaks, are we gonna have another broken bat injury case??

[cgcoyne2]

...

I will be happy to send photos, just let me know.

Bruce

[email protected]

I'm letting you know. POST some pictures!!!!

Please?

[Manhattan]

Ballpark model input

I'm letting you know. POST some pictures!!!!

Please?

I also have seen models of Yankee Stadium and also of Dodger Stadium too.

[gooberkitty]

Stadium Models

Check out the membership list, search under "gooberkitty" and a photo ablum of the stadiums/ballparks I have completed to date is posted on my picture album.

Enjoy!!!

BG

I'm letting you know. POST some pictures!!!!

Please?

[The House That Ruth Built]

What material do you use for the lights/light towers?

[gooberkitty]

Pictures of Models by B. Genther

Per your request...several photos of model completed by B. Genther
Enjoy!!

BG

I'm letting you know. POST some pictures!!!!

Please?