How can I make a bespoke roof for my buildings?

For many modellers, part of the fun of assembling a layout or a diorama is to create their own buildings. Although there are many manufacturers who supply building kits in a variety of mediums, including plastic, resin and card it can be a rewarding experience to create something from scratch. Bespoke buildings are inevitably random and varied in size and characteristics and can be created quickly and cheaply with standard modelling materials. They also allow a modeller to model a specific subject that would otherwise be difficult with an off-the-shelf kit.  

One aspect that can really bring a model building to life is the roof, after all, most audiences will inevitably be viewing the subject from above so the roof is likely to be the first thing they see. A number of manufacturers have produced a wide range of roofing styles in plastic, resin or paper sheets to suit the needs of modellers. Many of these have a self-adhesive backing and are pre-painted to speed up assembly, especially when there is a need to build a number of buildings quickly for a diorama or layout.

Additional touches such as ridge tiles and guttering with associated downpipes can be easily created using plastic tubing. With clever painting and the application of washes or other weathering techniques, it can be surprisingly easy to create stunning bespoke buildings that can really bring a layout or diorama to life. Why not try creating your own building on your next layout or building project?