pre-build design assistance

[Travis]

I am not much of a CAD person, in fact, most of CAD in the past has been done with MSPaint! I have noticed a few on here donig some scale models of their TTT prior to jumping in, and I think that is the route I am going to take. However, I am always open for new ideas, and paper/pencil go a long way with me as well. For those that have made the scale models, where is the best place to get supplies, craft store or hobby store? Also, how do you remember what you did after you make the scale model, do you take notes as you go, or do you already have a predetermined plan of action and stick with it, only making changes as needed?

[Ageless]

You can get art supplies at the box stores. The foam core 1/8" posterboard works well for walls, floors. Thin cardbord (beer case) works good. Stores like Office Depot carries craft knives and drafting supplies.

I also use pencil and paper for design. I also have a few spiral notebooks for rough sketches and notes. I never know when and idea will pop up in here and I ain't too proud to 'borrow' from them

[dh]

One great thing about a cardboard modle is that you can make you notes right on the model as you encounter problem areas, etc.

[aggie79]

I didn't make a model, but did several scaled sketches on graph paper to get a profile I liked. I first sketched a few of the profiles that I liked from the design library.



From these, I then picked the shapes I liked and blended them to come up with the profile I used.