Virtual Modelers (VM) is intended to be a temporary, loose affiliation of modelers building the "same" kits and connected by the Internet.  These groups will form to tackle similar projects.  The results will be displayed on this web site.  And, the group will be able to communicate via an email list to discuss topics related to the kit-building effort at hand.

• Virtual Modelers 1.0 (AMB IT Cast Steel Bay Window Wood Caboose)

Here are the details:

The group is designed to allow modelers who are building specific Illinois Traction / Illinois Terminal related projects to share ideas, techniques and the finished models. Every 2-4 months we will select a new project to pursue as a group. Only IT projects will be considered and only messages related to those projects are appropriate. Projects may include rolling stock (freight or passenger), buildings or other IT related items. All scales are welcome to participate!

Once the group starts, the modelers will use the email list to share information pertinent to the kits, ask questions, assist others through such means as posting in-progress photos to aid others. The goal is for everyone to complete his or her model within two to four months and submit photos so that the group's efforts may be posted together.

If you would like to participate, but cannot photograph your models, we will locate someone who can assist you.

Previous skills or experience is not a requirement. Only a commitment and desire to complete the project is necessary.  We hope you will join us!

Virtual Modeling 1.0
AMB IT Cast Steel Bay Window Wood Caboose

To help get things started, your humble webmaster will display the progress on his kit.  Any and all comments, suggestions, slings and arrows may be directed to me by way of the Illinois Terminal Railroad Discussion Group.  Where they are available, click on the images to open a full size copy of the image for easier viewing.

Here's a quick view of the basic box parts prior to assembly.  Note that the sides are keyed to the floor.  When you assemble the sides to the floor, be certain that the laser cut lines on either side of the bay window opening are facing to the outside of the box!

I found that using a single edge razor blade to cut out the individual pieces was easier than using my trusty X-Acto No. 11 knife.  After the parts were cut out, I chose one of several "liberated" emery boards to clean the little bit of material left from the laser cutting process to hold the parts to the original sheet.

This view shows the first side (2) and end (4) assembled to the floor (1) with my "Poor Man's Angle Block".  Yes, it's really a partially full container of single edge razor blades.  While I think I could have assembled the side and end without the "angle block", I felt much more comfortable using it as an aide in assembly.

The view to the right and below shows more or less how I used the "angle block' to help maintain a square angle as I applied the recommended Hot Stuff Super 'T' glue.  I use a bent pin chucked in a pin vise to apply the glue sparingly.  I have learned that less is truly better!

Step 1 with "Angle Block"