Model Building

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Lets get the brain trust going here. I am interested in building some models, more so for the kids to play with.

There are a few of you that have built some wonderful display models and have posted links to where you obtain your plans. And a couple of you design your own and sell your plans. There are old Wood Magazine plans that have construction toy plans and a number of books available online if one can determine what ones are good.

So, to all of you great model builder's lets share some of your links that you find good with great easy to follow plans.

Thanks for your help.

Main Street to the Mountains

46 Replies

Some plans that I have been looking for are for Tanks, I think one would be a fun build, maybe a little tedious but still fun. Dutchy posted a good Blog about building tracks with a bunch of great photos and descriptions explaining his process. Well done.

Main Street to the Mountains

eric talk to tim, his model skills are off the charts. and there is dutchy who i believe sells plans and has posted many tutorials.  and hey i cant forget my very dear friend tony who aint too shabby himself ! all i can say is if ya wanna make models, craftisian is the place to be.

working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.

If you are thinking of models that can be played with I'd recommend something fairly sturdy - with very few smaller parts. These cars are a good example. They have been used for years and are still holding up well.
I would add crowie's models to the list as well.
I have never made any wooden toys but Toys and Joys sells plans for children's toys

Another one (I have not tried) is Toymakingplans.com  They have several toy tanks as well

--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.

https://dutchypatterns.com/links/


C CAB from Peter for free. This one is for children to play with.
There is also a link to Steve his toys.

https://dutchypatterns.com/

Eric easiest thing to do buy a 3d printer and print some other than that get with dutchy
G’Day Eric, Playable Toy Vehicles are really easy as you can adapt and simplify any plan your find to make it strong & safe. 
Over the past few years I’ve only used plans for ideas and scaling, but saying that I have heaps of books and digital plans. 
All that said I’m my own worst enemy in that I love adding detail with a creative artist flair. 
I’m more than happy to share all my know how with anyone who wants to build a playable toy, and I try to do that with photos in the write ups. 
I hope that is of some assistance. 
Cheers 

Life’s Good, Enjoy Each New Day’s Blessings

C CAB from Peter for free. This one is for children to play with.
Yes Jan has done an excellent job of documenting that truck plan!

Life’s Good, Enjoy Each New Day’s Blessings

Oh, also; the Wood Magazine also have had a number of free military vehicles!

Life’s Good, Enjoy Each New Day’s Blessings

Eric - the "Loft"
Some plans that I have been looking for are for Tanks 



Sorry, couldn't resist.
Yes, the Model builders I follow here in no particular order, you are all great.
Duchy, who posted his link above. He also has some wonderful Jigs to assist.
Crowie, who builds some fine wheeled vehicles to make the kids smile. Donating most for great causes.
Tim, has shared links to those fabulous, detailed models.
Tony, who builds some great models from Toys & Joys.
Steve, who has a blog site with some durable models which include the plans.
HTL, builds some great models also, he has posted some great trains and a few other nice smalls.
Hope I didn't miss anyone.

Crowie, I have not searched Wood Magazine much, but I will for the military vehicles.
Nathan, I'll check the site out, looks neat.
Keebler, I should stay away from the 3D printer, may think about a laser down the road.

Note: I started this thread not just for me but for other also that may have an interest in building models, from simple ones to handle rough play to the detailed ones that are for showroom display. There are many possibilities of wheeled vehicles; cars, trucks, tanks, trains, only limited by one's imagination. One could even deck one out to match a Mad Max ThunderDome vehicle.

Thanks for chiming in Guys, looks like we are off to a good start to add information to help others here on Craftisian.

Main Street to the Mountains

No problem, Mike, just another reason that this is such a great site.

Main Street to the Mountains

Nathan, there is a wide selection in the Toy Making Plans site.

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Nathan, Toy Making Plan site has a wide selection. thanks.

Main Street to the Mountains

Does the model have to be a toy?
Here is a model of the cabin I built.

Figuring out how to do something you have never done is what makes a good challenge.

pretty cool bent. glad you back my friend ! how big is that thing ?

working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.

Bentely, that is cool, Don't think I would call it a cabin though.

Main Street to the Mountains

It was 24 x 40
This is as far as I got before I sold it.

Figuring out how to do something you have never done is what makes a good challenge.

That would be a great place to hang out. The model you built has some great details in the framing. 

Main Street to the Mountains