Method for assembling wall segments for miniature model buildings

Abstract

A wall component for receiving associated alignment clips is illustrated and described. The wall component comprises a molding strip, an array of mounting studs, and a molding frame that is inserted between a pair of wall panels. More specifically, the mounting studs are affixed to an inner surface of the molding strip and inserted through the wall panel where they are secured to the molding frame. A gap is formed between the inner surface of the molding strip and an outer surface of the wall panel for receiving associated alignment clips. The alignment clips are releasably secured to the wall component by interlocking with the mounting studs in the clip receiving gap and/or wedging the gap. The alignment clips may be affixed along an abutment edge of the wall segment or to associated model pieces. Model pieces may also be laterally slidable with respect to their associated alignment clips.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of assembling a wall segment having a wall panel including a wall panel slot, a molding strip having at least one mounting stud extending therefrom, and a molding frame including a lateral slot and a central stopping member, comprising:
 aligning the lateral slot with the wall panel slot;   affixing the molding frame to the wall panel; and   inserting the mounting stud through the aligned wall panel slot and lateral slot to abut the central stopping member, thereby forming a clip receiving gap between the molding strip and the wall panel.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1  further comprising affixing the mounting stud to the central stopping member. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1  further comprising affixing a wall segment alignment clip along an abutment edge of the wall panel. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1  further comprising inserting a doorway molding frame into a door opening in the wall panel. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  where the steps are repeated along an opposite edge of the wall panel. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising connecting a second wall segment to the clip receiving gap. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising inserting a model piece alignment clip into the clip receiving gap. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising interlocking the model piece alignment clip with the mounting stud. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising sliding a model piece laterally along the model piece alignment clip.