Building interior details

Scrapbook shops have a selection of 11 x 11 sheets of card stock which may be used for walls and floors.  John

dollhouse websites (google 1/4 scale dollhouse miniatures or variations) have all the furniture and appliances you’d need. the default scale for dollhouse details tend to be larger (e.g. 1/35) so you have to specifically search for 1/4” scale). 

Paul we just searched on the internet for pictures of what we were working on and usually found what we needed.  Change the size as needed and fit it in.

We have found that when doing interiors, especially where visibility is somewhat limited your eyes see the background scene and your brain fills in what isn’t there. We complete the foreground with details.

Pictures of interiors are great for making sure that things look realistic  and some of the guys here have some incredible detail.  Pictures are also unforgiving and can lack what the brain completes on its own, especially as distance from the building increases.

Paula does a lot of the interiors on our layout and is really good at it with just the right mix. She has a plastic box full of copied backgrounds, floor and wall coverings, clocks, pictures, etc that she has accumulated.

And 2-3 plastic boxes with interior and exterior detail pieces from many sources such as those mentioned above. And at least one plastic box full of less expensive figures to populate the interiors.

But I have to admit that when I get involved the detail level often increases dramatically. It doesn’t really change the look much but I feel better.

@Paul Kallus posted:

Given that I am not a skilled craftsman nor painter.........

That changes with practice.

Thanks, everyone. Links are helpful...

Joe, you're spot on about period stuff...harder to find it seems.

Make sure you search 1/4" scale and/or 1:48 scale dollhouse furniture. Most dollhouse stuff is too large. Most plastic stuff is inexpensive, but the kitchen is very outdated (ice box, water pump). The one in my picture is nice, but $30. on eBay now. I have found some good kitchen stuff, but not easy to find.

Yes, l only put interiors in two structures, a logging bunkhouse, and cookhouse, and l tracked down 1/4" dollhouse furniture, but wound up fabricating every thing but heating stoves, as l couldn't find any "1930's farmhouse" rustic enough.  Haven't looked yet for pots, pans, and dishes.

Thank you for posting this Joe.  There is a real benefit from time to time to return to the basics.  Plus I suspect I am not the only one who would benefit from being reminded to check the Featured Topics or to use the search feature.

 I generally fall in the "the buildings are enough" or the "buildings plus lights and window dressings with lights set up to go on and off at appropriate times" are sufficient camp for most structures.  For structures located close to the front of the layout I think some interior detailing really makes them pop.  For example I made a drug store that was going to be near the edge of the layout.  Since it was located close to the station I felt a lunch counter was a must.  The lunch counter turned out good, but I have never been fond of the merchandise shelves.  I suspect a rebuild in the near future is in the works.  So I will be following up on some of the leads here.

Paul:

1. Plastruct has a whole mess of stuff though you would need to paint

2. Model Tech Studios

Joe

In the days before digital printing at home, or even at print shops, Gramps would have the whole family looking in magazines for usable images.  Talk about waiting patiently; some images just never came along.

3d printed is another option.  Assuming you don't have a 3d printer, you can purchase items at Shapeways that others have designed that are available to purchase printed in various materials.  This is good for unique foreground items that probably are not mass produced.
https://www.shapeways.com/mark...roduct&q=o+scale