discussion Pantile Roof Tiles

[Johnners]

I'm about to start a scratch build of my previous house but have run into trouble before I even get started. The house has Pantile tiles on it's roof (see attached photo). As I can't think of a way of making them from scratch I've been searching the 'net for ready made tiles, but to no avail. I decided to use 1/50 scale though I've also searched for "0" gauge as it's near enough. I have found printed sheets but I wanted to get much more realism than can be achieved with a 2D print. I am considering using the rippled inner layer of cardboard but am concerned as to how realistic I can make it, and also finding the right scale. I'd be very pleased for any and all suggestions as to how I might go about this. Thanks in advance.

 

[Jim R]

Ok I'll start with my suggestion, it is what I'd try although may well not work.
Make the profile of the tile from a piece of wood. Then cut flat pieces of pewter sheet to the tile size. Position on the wood profile and press to shape. Pewter should hold it's shape ok as it is not very "springy". Then repeat a few hundred times

 

[pjgtech]

As above, I also thought maybe make some sort of a "former" 1st, eg: from wood, or plaster, or filler, or whatever, then use some sort of thin material to shape over the mould. Maybe tin foil would work ok, as its quite pliable, if too thin, then just double it up, etc?
Also toilet paper coated in PVA can be formed into pretty much any shape, so could make a former as above, then layer up toilet paper (or any sort of thin tissue really) and coat each layer with thinned pva (50/50 pva/water) build it up into several layers and let it dry, it should remain in the shape it was formed, bit like papier mache....

 

[pjgtech]

Wills SSMP206 Pantiles – OO/HO Scale

Wills SSMP206 Pantiles add realistic detail to your scratchbuilds. 4 sturdy styrene sheets perfect for 1:76 scale roofing and scenic work.

www.scalemodelscenery.co.uk

 

[pjgtech]

Pantile roofing sheets for model making

Pantile roofing sheets for model making at 1:76 scale - for model railway scenery

www.scalecast.co.uk

 

[pjgtech]

Also check out Ali Express and Temu as they seem to do more and more modelling stuff, scenery, diorama accessories, etc, cheers

 

[Tim Marlow]

Wills scenic sheets are good, but probably too small for you. Avoid the slaters sheets, they are very 2D in appearance. O scale is 1/43, so might be a little large for you, but Continental O is 1/48, so perhaps try one of the Continental manufacturers like Faller or Kibri. There is a lot out there check on. Probably someone does 3D printed sheets these days as well.

 

[Johnners]

Thanks gents - a few things here for me to get my teeth into. I'll pinch a tub of my granddaughters Play-Doh to experiment with making a former and trying the 'paper-mache' method to see what sort of effect I can get. I'll also check out continental "0" gauge suppliers. I did find some Italian Pantiles of the right scale but they just don't look the same as the ones on my house. I didn't realise there were so many different types.