Structures Archives - The Burbank Branch in N scale

Ready-mix Cement Plant

By - admin
Posted on November 23, 2025November 28, 2025

After installing the bridge, I placed the ConRock Ready-Mix Cement Plant

The layout corner where the ConRock Ready-Mix Cement Plant is located will be the first area to receive scenery.

I added rough terrain texture near the bridge and ballasted the first section of track. To protect the bridge scene, I laid a couple of towels over the riverbed.

Then, I installed the cement plant structure. The building is a Japanese laser-cut paper kit that fits my needs perfectly.

Advance laser-cut paper kit of a ready-mix cement plant

The kit is made by a Japanese brand called Advance. It is a 1:150 scale model, but it still looks very good and fits the scene nicely.

I first sprayed a 50:50 mix of alcohol and water to reduce surface tension. Then, I sprinkled on some terrain powders and followed up with a 50:50 mix of matte medium and water.

The kit was weathered with powdered pigments, and the surrounding terrain was glued in place using Liquitex Matte Medium.

Before securing the structure to a sheet of styrene, which was later glued to the plywood base, I installed a micro LED to illuminate the scene at night. I secured the LED with CA glue and poked a hole in the structure base to run the wires through.

Adding Details

The cement plant is finally in place and it feels like the scene has gained real character. Next I will focus on adding life around it, because the area still looks a bit empty.

I added a couple of Woodland Scenics wooden streetlights. I drilled two holes, passed the wires through them, and glued the streetlights in place with matte medium. While the glue dried, I used some metal machine blocks to keep the poles in their final position.

Afterwards I positioned a couple of concrete mixer trucks near the loading spots and added a tree.

Once more vegetation is set, I will install a metal fence to frame the whole structure. So the scene will grow step by step and the finished area should blend nicely with the rest of the layout.

Scratchbuilding a structure

By - admin
Posted on June 26, 2025September 24, 2025

Step-by-step on scratchbuilding a structure with styrene

I had wanted to embark into scratchbuilding a styrene structure for years but never did it properly. This time, I decided to model the Hendricks Builders Supply Company in Lankershim/North Hollywood.

This structure will be placed on the layout according to the trackplan.

Drawing

I started by drawing a rough plan on millimeter graph paper.

I used Evergreen styrene 4041 clapboard 1mm (.040″) sheets for the main walls.

Windows

I had some doors and windows on hand that matched the building’s style.

Using a nibbler tool, I cut out the door openings from the wall.

Then, using a small file I refined the door and window openings.

Scratchbuilding a structure needs some filing to refine the door openings

Test-fitting a window.

Gluing

The four main walls are ready to glue. I reinforced each corner with 2.5 mm Evergreen 175 styrene strips for stability.

Reinforcing the internal walls, ready to assemble

I used Tamiya Cement to glue the parts.

Two 2.5 mm strips also reinforce the middle of the structure.

Scratchbuilding a structure requires some internal reinforcements

I made the wooden door from clapboard styrene sheet and glued it inside the wall. On the outside, I added vertical styrene strips for detail. For smaller pieces, I used Tamiya Extra-Thin Cement.

Wooden door made of clapboard styrene sheet

To strengthen the loading platform, I inserted reinforcement strips underneath.

Then, I glued the platform to the main structure.

Scratchbuilding a structure. Loading platform glued to the main structure

Before adding the roof, I reinforced the center with a triangular styrene piece.

Scratchbuilding a structure: reinforcing the roof supports

Scratchbuilding a structure: Lighting

I wanted interior lighting, so I mounted a warm-white LED onto a small styrene support.

Scratchbuilding a structure: using an LED to light the structure

Roof

Then, I installed the roof. I used Vallejo Plastic Putty to fill a few gaps in the roof joint.

Scratchbuilding a structure: roof added.

I spray-painted the interior walls black to prevent light from bleeding through the thin styrene.

Scratchbuilding a Structure: Painting

I painted the roof with a few shades of Vallejo gray paint, and the walls with Vallejo Aged White (71.132).

Stratchbuilding a Structure: Weathering

I started weathering the walls by applying a dark brown acrylic wash.

Next, I added more streaks of brown paint to weather the roof.

Then, I glued the windows and the door in place. I used products made by the German firm Auhagen.

I added a piece of clear plastic to the inside of the windows.

Next, I applied the “Hendricks Builders Supply” sign on the structure side.

Scratchbuilding a structure: Hendricks Builders Supply Company

Here is a test-fit on the final location on the Burbank Branch in N scale layout.

Hendricks Builders Supply Company structure

Scratchbuilding a structure has been a rewarding project. While I had scratchbuilt a few simple structures before, this is the first time I completed a slightly more complex one.

The structure is not a perfect replica of the real thing; however, it works well as a rail-served industry and adds to the visual experience during operating sessions.