Andrew G

Wow! Exactly the type of detail that I was looking for. The plasticard thickness is very helpful, and the way of doing the windows is one of those "obvious once it's explained" things. Thanks everyone. Now to start making some drawings.

Thanks very much - that's exactly what I've been looking for, and very helpful! Do you happen to have any photos from underneath showing the "inside" of the electric loco body? I started with a TEM2 - an off-centre single cab shunting type loco - and so far it has had about half a dozen long ends as I tried each approach I could think of, and a similar number of short ends, none of which quite match the long end. One good thing about 1520-land is that it is often possible to find quite detailed scale drawings online,

Hello I've signed up in the hope that someone can point me towards some "how to" resources on scratchbuilding diesel (or electric) locos; photos of someone's else approach, online videos, even dead tree books etc. Everything I can find online seems to be about steam locos which have rather different shapes, or kitbashing using hard (and/or expensive) to obtain kits from niche producers. How do people make full-width diesel loco bodyshells: self-supporting thick plasticard; structural frameworks with thin skins over the gaps; ship-style with a covering over a skeleton-style frame; layers, solid boxes with shaped panels applied; built up from individual panels? What is the best approach to curves, such as front ends; I've tried shaping filler, I've tried filing down stepped layers, I've tried bending sheets of plastic over warm water, with varying degrees of success. My interests are modern locos in the 1520mm gauge region (=former USSR and neighbours), where commercial products seem to be unaffordable museum quality, obscure resin products or cardboard kits. I'm working in HO and use RTR chassis, as this makes life simpler and, ensures it will run, while I can live with the incorrect gauge. Thanks for any pointers!