LASER-CUT THE new kits on THE block

Not ready to scratch-build your own buildings? Give laser-cut kits a try, says PETER MARRIOTT.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE BUILT LASER-CUT KITS OFTEN COMMENT ON HOW ROBUST THE MODELS ARE

Over the course of the last decade, laser-cut kits have become increasingly popular in the UK. These kits use cardboard and/or plywood cut with computer precision and are available in a number of scales. People who have built laser-cut card and plywood kits often comment on how robust the completed models are, particularly when it comes to delicate details. Working with laser-cut card or plywood is different to working with plastic, so it’s a good idea to try a small kit first to learn this new way of working. Gaugemaster offers a range of small building kits, including a garden shed, and Metcalfe Models’ range includes platform seats, park benches, stable blocks and more in both ‘N’ and ‘OO’ gauges. Osborn’s Models has a growing range of ‘N’ and ‘OO’ gauge laser-cut plywood kits especially for the GWR enthusiast. Some of the latest laser-cut kits from Busch, Noch and other companies feature mitred cut card corners on the main walls. Always use a steel ruler and a cutting board when cutting laser-cut materials. It is always best to use fresh blades when working with laser-cut kits. Blunted blades will leave torn or ragged edges and will require more cutting strokes. A sharp, fresh knife blade is also a must for cutting out window frames and other details from backing sheets. Carefully paint the edges of the window frames and edges of any exposed cardboard with a small paintbrush or a felt-tipped pen. While PVA glue can be used for sticking laser-cut parts together, other adhesives do the job much better because they dry quicker. These include: Busch Laser Cut Adhesive, Deluxe Materials Roket Card Glue and UHU Holzleim Express (available from Noch dealers in the UK). Keep a damp cloth to hand when you are assembling a kit and wipe any excess glue off the model as soon as possible - dried adhesive can leave a shiny patch on the finished model. You can buy laser-cut bridges, and even plants including ferns, reeds, water lilies, bean sticks and cabbages in ‘N’ and ‘OO’ gauges - from companies including Gaugemaster and Noch.