Coroplast scale buildings
 

As many may know I've been posting pictures of the scale buildings I've made on my construction site thread. I figured it was time to share here in this section so all could see and maybe get a few ideas and inspiration from it.
The material of choice is Coroplast which is what I like to call, plastic cardboard. Available from Home Depot in 4'X8' sheets. Light but strong, easy to cut , weather proof, cheap.
So with glue gun in hand , utility knife and some wood strips from a arts n crafts store, the building began

First building was the 2 bay garage.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psreezmvpj.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pscpwsjf4m.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psysyinyyx.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pst9nwr7al.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9xqnzhws.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9x9807t0.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psk4xwksl8.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pskpig195u.jpg


http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1gqwyjaq.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pscw0terv5.jpg


And a video tour..... http://youtu.be/ZyNf_ni-qqo

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Next up to build was a house. I want to make a few homes to create a small neighbourhood. Problem was, although I plan on leaving these buildings outdoors for the summer I still need to bring in the house for winter and all these buildings will take a lot of space:eek:. The other thing is wanting to be able to bring my buildings to our club RC shows that we travel to and once again, space is an issue.
So, thanks to this Coroplast boards I had an idea about how to make a building that could be assembled and then disassembled and stored flat.

All started like this....

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pszcpd3ohc.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psoz031vpi.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pscsa9xw8s.jpg


All one piece and became this....

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psvsac9stx.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psyajbdj3t.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psuxe0fyz0.jpg


http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pstuu166fd.jpg


The corner piece I made using same material and a glue gun to secure the top corner where the panels meet.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psj9cbnweh.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pskagwyi9f.jpg

Making the front steps....

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pslulmopek.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psdgnyfbwe.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pslilksn3k.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psci9vfdky.jpg

And a video showing ease of assembly....... http://youtu.be/XvXt94oCL5Q

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Latest building is a 3 storey, started as a apartment but turned into a office building. My RC trucking company needs a head office right? :lol:

Just like the house, one piece and using 1/8 wooden dowels to secure to the base. Still easy to assemble, just a little more awkward than the house but it is much larger. Still lots to do but figured I'd share where it's at right now.
I used the same type of fabric that covers the garage but I didn't want it to look the same color so I gave it a skim paint job with some of that textured brown paint in a spray can. I'm ok with the results for now..... Worst case scenario, it's only spray adhesive holding it on and can probably peel off and try something else if need be.

Anyway, here it is with all its freaking windows! :eek: no idea why I put so many:confused: I have to individually size and cut each and every window trim to fit:eek:. Oh well, labour of love anyway. :lol:

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2xgfqtrk.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psfwfeklfb.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5qbtlbce.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psxovdisfe.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pszi1jmmva.jpg

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

That is a pretty cool idea. Stuff is way lighter than plywood and would make some great buildings to move to a show.

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

They look great Mario. You did a fantastic job!!!

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

wow that looks super easy!

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Yes. Light but fairly strong and no dust or special tooling to worry about. :D

Thanks bud, appreciate it.:cool:

I'm no expert carpenter but this was super easy to work with and build. Made the house in a couple nights.
Haven't done any wind tests but confident it's snug on the dowels and handle a good breeze..... Now the open spaces of Estevan on the other hand...not sure:rolleyes::lol:. Besides, who plays in 40mph winds anyway. :lol:

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

The only tricky part is cutting the fold points. Because of the size of building I had to use the 8' length of the sheet, same direction the ribs run to make it all one piece. Could build in sections for larger stuff but I like the solid feel of one continuous piece.
Anyway, this all means the fold cuts are across the grain of the sheet. So I mark the distance I want, then make a mark 5mm on each side of that line.carefully cut through just one layer and then trim each individual rib off. After you cut a few and have something to grab onto its easy going. Pulling up on the scrap piece as you just touch with a knife and it cuts clean off. Trick is to get as close to the outer layer so it will fold easy but not cut through the outer layer.

I didn't take the time to cut close in these pics And the fold is a little stubborn till I trimmed. Smaller buildings none of this is an issue as following the ribs makes life easy like the stairs were to make.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pssmswmctg.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0ygaupmj.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psw72z04cu.jpg

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Office building is pretty much done except for front steps and interior lighting. Roof is on, window trim done, so I figured.....time for the first family photo! :D:lol:

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psl1hymo12.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psrdj451u2.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psaz3f1qc3.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pscq61elq7.jpg

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Real nice work Mario. And throw a facer and soffit on the little gray house.

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Great high-rise Mr Builder :cool: Who are you going to handcuff....:cop:

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Thank you, glad you like:) I plan on putting facer but waiting for arts n crafts store to get some more basswood in stock! It seems I've cleaned them out lately.:rolleyes::lol:

Something tells me I'm going to have a hard time explaining pink plastic hand cuffs so I'll just say..... Didn't name our RC company S&M for nothing! :eek::lol::lol:

Always check pictures before posting :cop::lol:

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Office building gets remote controlled lights using a IR system. :)
All self contained in the roof and still maintains a flat pack storage when disassembled.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psqssksacf.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pstsuxqt2k.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psr5nnhr2v.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psbrggz0py.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psjsmpaplm.jpg


http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psyrxhw5fd.jpg

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

You need to make some shadows of people doing "stuff" in the widows. You know, after hours paperwork...lol Bo needs entertainment when he's camping in your backyard this summer.:rolleyes:

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Yeah i sure do.......and i like red velvet curtains too..........:D

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

awesome builds, great idea!

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

reg you going to make the S&M party in august ??

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

I think he must do............it's going to be gnarly good :p

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

That's a great idea! Not sure if I can pull it off but definitely going to give it a try. :D

im so excited the east boys are coming, sure would be nice if some friends from the west could make it. :)

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Thanks NYhowie I appreciate it.:cool:

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Next up on the build list...... One of these.:)


http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pssises69z.jpg

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Ok, not quite like the reference pic but hey, not bad for a one nighter build. :)
Only had red pin striping, not sure if I'm going to paint the roof grey or leave it white?:confused: just needs stairs and lights and another one done! :D

My 8'X20' job site trailer....:)


http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psrpy81q1i.jpg


http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pspl1aiq9w.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pshzeswrom.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pshsr3rski.jpg

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Man, you are knocking these out my friend! I really like this one! Now you need another truck to haul it around!

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

I'm on a roll! Don't stop me now! :D

Another great idea Reg ! Guess I have to make another one for cargo and incorporate some lift points for the crane..:cool:

never thought of that when I made this one with a 3ft skirting. Oh well, more the merrier.


Painted the roof and I think looks better than white. Made some steps tonight. Was trying to think of what to use for round hand railings when suddenly remembered something I got at the dollar store awhile back. :D
Just needs a coat of paint and should look good.....from 20ft away. :lol:

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pspbuen0is.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psiowaeiqa.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psnufk6hln.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psi8tjqs8v.jpg

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Final update on the worksite trailer. That's it for awhile, 4 buildings in the last 2 months :eek: time to get back to work on maintenance and upgrades on the trucks and equipment before spring arrives! :cop:


http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1cw5hwoi.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psaqdcpkvl.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psohr9xgix.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1veejnvl.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pshvj3tidu.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psy59jgzvg.jpg

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Looks great Mario

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

I will Report to the office........:cool:

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

I really like that worksite construction office, what are the dimentions on it?

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Thanks Mike.:)

Something tells me your use to reporting to the office Bo. :rolleyes::lol:

Thanks Frizzen. ATCO makes all kinds of sizes but I was limited to the 4ft width of a sheet ( wanted the ribs to be vertical and all one piece) but still created a scale size. It measures out to 7" wide , 17" long and 9.5" tall. So , about 8' X 20' X 11'. :)

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

i just had an idea tonight for making another look to my future scale buildings and it works so well I just had to share!

Using nothing but a light diffuser from a fluorescent light fixture I trimmed the ribs to make a brick pattern, layed on top the Coroplast and sprayed.

Here's what the very first test pieces look like. So easy and can use same template over and over. :). This kinda puts me back in a building mood.:bounce:

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psfq4t4905.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8ywy5xc2.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pstnimcyx0.jpg

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Pink Floyd?

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Smart idea Builder Floyd.....:lol:

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

I'm getting slow in my older age, I actually had to think about that for a minute then it hit me like a brick wall :lol::lol:

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

You must have been comfortably numb. :D;)

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Or Marooned!

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

you are to cool for school!!!

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Alice and I have been out of school for a long time!

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Such a teenage lament. :D:lol:

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

Yeah you know, when your eighteen:rolleyes:

Re: Coroplast scale buildings
 

No pain , no gain..... Making myself a nice large template for the brick look template.Time spent now will pay for many paint jobs going forward.
I'm going cross eyed cutting and looking at it but getting there. :lol:

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...psxylzfuvg.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8plni1lm.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pstqfj5idn.jpg

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/...pshy2kt288.jpg