Kit building

[g-pa1]

Most every structure on my layout has been made with plastic of some sort.(except for a scratch built wooden fire tower) I now have won a lazer cut kit and was wondering if it will go together like the plastic buildings or what problems will I run into trying to build this wood kit. I take it that lazer cut kits are wood? Thanks for any suggestions. Gene

[ginzokid]

The picture in the kit is of a model painted with a dark brown wash. If you want it brown tell me. Otherwise, the pictures posted do not give you the real look of the barn. The individual boards do show with the red. Also the nail heads. These will also become more prominent with the ink wash that sinks into the crooks and nannys. But you tell me. If you want brown, you got it. The beam is an easy thing to do, but I'll have to hunt for a small enough pully. I'll wait until I get your instructions before continuing. I'll be back on early tomorrow, before you get up of course. B-)

[g-pa1]

Pete, I've looked real close at the pictures and you are right it is hard to judge the color. It does look as though the boards will show up well enough with what you've painted on already so go with that. As for a pulley how about a small wire attached in a u shaped fashion and a small round washer from an N Scale truck set. If you can't find a pulley set just mount the beam and I will figure something out I'm sure I can find something. Gene

[montanabud0]

For what it is worth, a fellow modeller friend of mine here in Ottawa makes pulleys in N Scale by cementing two sequins back to back with ACC. They come in different sizes. Bud.

[modelrr_hobby]

I find I am more of a "buy it and build it" person that a scratchbuilder. I have put off expensive kit purchases because I said "but I could build one for less..." only to get stuck with the reality of the time consuming process to "get it right". I have scratchbuilt a freight shed and signal tower, and it took quite a while for me to be happy with the both of them. If I had to do it over again, I probably would purchase a quality kit or kitbash several. I can understand kitbashing-as this would be a very enjoyable form of kit building with multiple kits. I am working in G scale and O scale so these kits can get expensive, but the great thing about that added cost is the "instant gratification" you get when putting it together in a couple nights. Sure, you must detail, paint, weather to really make it look right, but its still very satisfying to actually see accomplishment in a short duration. Scratchbuilders are VERY patient people! I cannot imagine how they can create such beautiful structures...I just simply do not have the patience for "fine scale" type work. So a caution to those who want to jump from kit building to scratchbuilding: realize the satisfaction is a bit more tempered, although once the project is close to completed you may be very proud you "did it on your own". Regards, Tom M.

[ginzokid]

Bud, Thanks for the idea. I'll see if I can find small enough ones at the variety store. Gene, I'll try some wethering powders in the board cracks and see if that brings out the detail better. You have to realize that this kit does not have very deep texture. I'll work on it....stay tuned. B-)

[g-pa1]

Pete, Your the expert. I'll be happy with anything you decide.I know it will shurely be the focal point of the layout. Gene

[ginzokid]

Working on it Gene. I'll post pictures later. No luck with small sequins though. All too big. I have something else in mind for the pulley. B-)

[jamajack]

Pete, Does the hobby shop in St Johns you talk about have ship models. Most shops that carry ship kits also carry extra parts for scratch builders, block and tackles,pins etc. Jack

[g-pa1]

Pete, Maybe a small fishing swivel would work. Gene

[ginzokid]

Yes they do Jack. That was my idea. They carry a fair amount of Model Shipways fittings. I small block and tackle would be just great. Meanwhile, Gene, new pictures are up of the new finish. Just a little bit of the red still shows and I used several different washes and powders and sanding and....now it has a "silvery" aged finish. Hope you like it because this is what you are getting. :^O B-)

[g-pa1]

Looks good Pete!!! Looks like a barn to me. Got a meeting at the Chamber of Commerce. Do whatever you think is right. I trust your judgement. Gene

[ginzokid]

Progress photos are in the album. Just wanted to show you what will be covered up in the end. Hope you like the color now......]:) B-)

[g-pa1]

Pete outstanding. Thanks for the pictures Now I see the sequence of building. Not that I would have had the patience tho. By the way your camera work deserves applause also. Gene

[crazyd37]

Wow, I am impressed Pete! How DID you make that framing so straight? (and neat too) You must have the patience of a saint! Dot

[beastranger]

I can just see that framework crumbling in my fingers if I tried to build that! Punk