• Question: Why do all the scales cost the same? Why wouldn’t O scale be more money than N, since there are so many more pages?

We use a formula based on how much it costs us to produce each project. Altogether, research, travel or paying others to attend the site, photographing and measuring the original structure, drafting, numerous calculations, graphics, and many other things that go into each plan can run into hundreds of hours for each plan. If we were to produce only one or two common scales, we could not afford to offer the selection of plans that we have, and we also feel it is important to represent all modelers, whether they be N or O scale builders, not just the most common, being HO scale. Therefore, the price of each plan is based on the anticipated total sales across the full spectrum of scales. And as a footnote – YES, illegal sharing DOES hurt us, so please help us to continue in our endeavors.

• Question: Can I build models to sell using your plans?

Our plans are intended for individual use, not for mass production. We encourage scratch building, however, if using our plans to produce saleable models please purchase one plan set (license) for each individual model produced, and contact us prior to starting. Please refer to the License Agreement for more details. Any other use could be a violation of International Copyright Laws.

• Question: Can I share my plans with a friend?

No, the plans are copyrighted and registered to the email address associated with the order. A considerable amount of research and technical work goes into creating each plan, and we depend on the sales to support this and further development.

• Question: I received a copy of a plan from a friend but don't feel right about pirating and wish to purchase it legitimately. How do I do this?

Thank you for your honesty. You can make this right by purchasing a legitimate copy from our online catalog.

• Question: Will you be offering any other payments options?

We have looked at a few better known money order options, but they did not meet our level of customer service or reliability, so we have deternined that PayPal is the best option. We would rather put our resources and energies into what we do best, and let PayPal do likewise with what they do best. We think that this is the most prudent strategy.

• Question: Can these files be used for laser cutting or 3D printing?

No, they are designed and intended to be used for scratch building only. They will not produce the desired results with laser cutting or 3D printing. We do not offer any support or advice on laser cutting, Cricut, or use other than building from scratch.

• Question: This might be a dumb question, but how do I know I will be able to "scratch build" a model if I have never done this before?

That is actually a very good question. Since these are 'plans' similar to a set of house plans, and not kits, a certain level of capability is assumed, much like when a set of plans is given to a carpenter it is assumed that the carpenter knows how to build a house. That being said, although these plans do not include specific instructions per se, they include general construction guides for both the scratch built version and the cardstock version. In addition, our tutorials page has several tutorials and videos on various techniques used in model building. Most people learn as they go. Probably the hardest part is dealing with small parts more than the actual level of technical ability. If you are not sure try our Free Download 2 car Garage project found on the Catalog page. At the least, you can challenge yourself to learn some new skills. There are no building inspectors watching over you, so you are allowed to make mistakes and try again - no pressure!

• Question: Can these plans be used for 1:10 Scale RC vehicles?

Some plans are available in 1:10 scale at http://scalemodelbuildings.com/ Other traceable templates would need to be print-enlarged, but the scaled plans could definitely be used.  Click here for a brief tutorial.

• Question: Will you be offering plans for 3D printing?

We may sell 3D models or kits in the future, but our goal at scalemodelbuildings.co is to encourage model building. We believe that it is important to preserve the skill and not let model building, particularly scratch building, become a lost art. In order to do that we will continue to provide plans that provide for a range of abilities and skill levels.

• Question: Will these plans work with other printers?

Yes. The brand of printer should not be a problem.  As long as you can open a PDF file, (any computer and most smart phones & tablets can do this), you should have no trouble printing. Scaling to Z, TT, S scales, etc. should be no problem either.

• Question: Just curious, you don't seem to do much weathering on your catalog examples.

Yes, you're right. There are two reasons: One - we like the buildings to stand on their own merit, and don't want too many distractions, and two - it's always a nice surprise to see the variety of ways our customers finish and embellish our plans.

• Question: What weight of cardstock should be used for the cardstock version?

For HO and OO I usually use 65 lb. cardstock, which is about .008" thick, but most of the time I just use Kodak 39 lb. (7 mil) Matte Photo Paper. The thicker the paper the sturdier the structure, but as the material thickness increases the bend radius also increases. For N scale I would definitely stick to photo paper. For larger than OO scale I would use 90 lb - 110lb  cardstock, but you can also reinforce the inside of the structures with scraps of balsa, mat board, or foam board. I like to use Mat board or 1/16" balsa for the base of the structure, and also for a roof subsurface, but for HO and N scale, it's not always necessary. The cardstock guide will also contain some useful hints.

• Question: How are the "plans" different than the "templates"?

The plans are similar to an actual set of blueprints that you would get when building a house, but are drawn actual size, so you could take the dimensions right from your computer without having to print them out. Some people are more familiar with this method of building and enjoy the challenge.  Templates are actual size and actual shape, so they can be printed and traced directly onto the building materials. This is convenient for roof sections, which would otherwise require considerable calculation. We include both, as well as a few other options.

• Question: I like to work in metric. Are the plans in metric or imperial?

The traceable templates as well as the plans are actual size, so working in either measurement system is possible.  The provided dimensions are in inches but you can measure the plans directly with a metric ruler.

Vous pouvez travailler dans métrique ou les pouces. Les plans sont la dimension réelle. Les dimensions fournies sont dans les pouces mais vous pouvez mesurer les plans directement avec une règle métrique.

• Question: I do "O" Scale. Can I still print out the plans to scale?

Yes. All of our plans are printable on standard size office paper, (8 1/2" x 11" letter-size). For G, O, and some OO scale plans this is done by 'tiling' the sheets.  All plan pages are printed normally, then some of the sheets are then taped or glued together along the 'crop' marks.

• Question: I've built plastic kits before. What specialty tools do I need for building scale model buildings from scratch?

You can get started with a minimum amount of equipment and add things if and when you need them. I would suggest a razor saw, some reinforced edge razor blades, a few hobby knives (x-acto type), some sandpaper, crazy glue, tacky glue to get started.

• Question: Do the plans come with a materials list?

Good question, but no, they don't for various reasons, the main one being that there are so many methods of construction, including foam core, balsa, styrene, scaled lumber, or a combination. Most of the structures can be completed with just one strip of scaled siding, beech wood, or balsa, and one sheet of roofing material, so we don't want to complicate things with unnecessary calculations.  If using foam board, as an example, one sheet of foam board will do several scale buildings. 

In the long run it is probably more economical to buy extra materials and have some left over, than to pay more money for plans that include a materials list that may or may not be relevant to the type of materials you are using. We try to keep the plans affordable, but if we were to include materials lists for each of the various methods of construction it would just add too much to the cost of the plans.

Specific window dimensions are given in each plan set, but in most cases window sizes and styles can be individualized. To make things easier, check the Window Cross-Reference Chart to decide on which windows to use.

*Suggestion: Order a selection of windows, doors, and building materials to have on hand. You will most likely be building many more structures, and it's nice to have a readily available selection.

• Question: I don't have a printer. Can the plans be mailed to me?

Unfortunately we are not set up for printing and International shipping. Our suggestion is to use a local print shop to print out only the pages you wish to have printed. This would be far more economical and reliable than insuring and shipping a package of printed materials.

• Question: I ordered my plans last week. When will I get them?

You should have immediately been re-directed to the file download link. Also, it could be that your spam filter is blocking the backup email version of the download page. Please contact us (click here) and we will gladly re-send any ordered files.

• Question: Do you sell the models that appear in your catalog?

No, for now just the plans. Our focus is to encourage and help enthusiasts discover the excitement and sense of satisfaction in creating something from scratch. However, at some point in the future we may decide to sell the actual models as well.

• Question: Will you be offering G Scale plans any time soon?

Yes, Garden Scale plans are now available at ScaleModelBuildings.com

• Question: Will you be coming out with any other scales?

We will be adding other scales at some time in the future, but in the meantime, some existing scales can easily be converted to Z Scale, S Scale, and TT Scale.  Click here for more information.

• Question: Will you be offering any other payments options?

We may introduce a check or money order option in the future, but other than that, we consider that PayPal is the best option. We would rather put our resources and energies into what we do best, and let PayPal do likewise with what they do best. We think that this is the most prudent strategy.

• Question: Can I suggest an addition for your plan catalog?

We welcome suggestions but ask that they meet certain criteria. The building should have some historical significance and should complement a wide range of layouts. For example, there was only one "Cookstown Tavern" (plan 1768) in the world, but it would look right at home in any era of layout. The building also needs to be within driving distance for one of our contacts in order to get the necessary dimensions and photos.

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