Editing Rail transport modelling (section)

== Scratch building ==
[[File:Model of Russian Class FD locomotive FD20-2865.JPG|thumb|right|Model of a [[Russian locomotive class FD]] number FD20-2865 at [[the Museum of the Moscow Railway]]]]
Modern [[manufacturing]] techniques can allow mass-produced models to cost-effectively achieve a high degree of precision and realism.{{Citation needed|date=March 2009}} In the past this was not the case and [[scratch building]] was very common. Simple models are made using [[cardboard engineering]] techniques. More sophisticated models can be made using a combination of [[Industrial etching|etched]] sheets of [[brass]] and low temperature [[Casting (metalworking)|castings]]. Parts that need [[machining]], such as wheels and couplings are purchased.

Etched kits are still popular, still accompanied by low temperature castings. These kits produce models that are not covered by the major manufacturers or in scales that are not in mass production. [[Laser machining]] techniques have extended this ability to thicker materials for scale steam and other locomotive types. Scratch builders may also make silicone rubber moulds of the parts they create, and cast them in various plastic resins (see [[Resin casting]]), or plasters. This may be done to save duplication of effort, or to sell to others. Resin "craftsman kits" are also available for a wide range of prototypes.