How to Attach Buildings to Your Layout?

Charles,

Usually I bank some ground cover (foam turf, gravel, earth, etc.) up against the foundation. Then spray everything with "wet" water (spray bottle of water with a few drops of dishwash liquid added). Then, squirt on some dilute white glue (50/50 glue-water mix).

When dry, the building is held securely and looks as if it is "in" the scenery instead of sitting on it.

Jim

I use gravity.

i usually draw an outline of the structure and mask that area and then scenic the area.  after all is done i pull up the tape and put the strructure in place.   this way all my buildings are easily removed for future layouts if needed.  Bob

I have been using 3/8" Fan-fold blue foam insulation. When I place a building, I just trace the building outline and then cut it out with an Exacto knife. Then like Jim said, put ground cover up around the foundation. If I need/want to remove the building, then I just lift it off.

Gilly

Here is a slideshow of blending all the small grades together.  A little more work than you might think.   Each building has a base, the object is to make it look like it doesn't have a base. Plywood, masonite and floor joint compound are less expensive than scenic detail material.  I used a lot of filler materials to cut the expensive stuff.   Slideshow is backwards, finish to start. Sorry about the glitch.  Mike.  



The next project is a little more intense.

I need to build some Jim Policastro mountains.

May be by next year.

Me too.

I glue ot screw it down on a 'pallet' - a 1/4 inch thick plywood base the size of the lot or parcel of land/space it will occupy.  Often I put grass, sidewalks, trees, driveways, other stuff and details on the pallet, too, then position it in place, where there will be a 1/4 inch deep "hole" just that size for it to fit in.

Set it infusionfiber, add ground covers let dry. Once dry I can pop it out with putty knife and have perfect form. This makes it easy to add lights , etc later. just set back into form when done.  No screws no glue required

Also makes it easy to set buildings into hillside

Remember buildings are often a bit higher for drainage in many areas.

Wow! So many great ideas. Thank you.

Me three.

ME FOUR!!!

FREDSTRAINS

I reckon I'd be number five on the gravity.  Honestly, I can't think of a reason to fasten buildings to your layout.  If you ever have to move it, you certainly wouldn't leave the buildings on the layout.

Curt

I like to be able to move or remove structures from time to time, so have always wrapped the base in Saran Wrap and then brought the scenery material (usually Sculptamold) up to the level of the base, shaping it with a small butter knife or other tool so the base appears to be built into the ground and not sitting on top of it.  When dry, I simply lift the structure up, remove the Saran Wrap, add whatever paints and/or ground foam I care to on the surrounding landform, and then nestle the structure back in place after everything has dried.

Which hobby shop do I go to to buy some of that gravity stuff?!?

Gee, I get lots of it free in my area!

I like to use galvanized roofing nails. 

You can get gravity on eBay. Carefull...some guys are selling moon gravity and passing it off as earth gravity, it just does not keep the buildings in place. One bump of the layout and the buildings fly off everywhere.

I used to use static electricity. I rub the building on my head for 8 to 10 seconds and then quickly put it in place. Be sure you are wearing sneakers when you do this. I am bald now so that is no longer an option and my wife says it messes her hair too much...sheeeesh. You think she would be more on board with my mistress...ummmm I meant hobby.

On my building fronts against the wall I use a small piece of Velcro.

For the major freestanding strtuctures I may use Jim's galvanized roofing nails--the long ones!

Jeff, LOL!  I like your style.

What do you think of using adhesive magnets on the bottom of the buildings to hold them in place? I want to be able to change things up from time-to-time. 

Go for it!

The forum is a most valuable source of information and/or entertrainment !