cancel
Showing results for 
Show  only  | Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Kit building

g-pa1
Enthusiast
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
Message 1 of 114
latest reply
113 REPLIES 113

Kit building

Gene, What kit is it? A simple one with few parts or a busy one with loads of parts and 17 pages of instructions? I have always suggested that a first time wood kit be a simple one. Ask Dot what fun she had building her first wood laser kit, a watch tower. I'll be glad to help once I know what kit I'm talking about. I may have built it already. B-)
Message 2 of 114
latest reply

Kit building

g-pa1
Enthusiast
Pete it is DeLoney's Barn. Gene
Message 3 of 114
latest reply

Kit building

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6024952144 Gene, I think this is the kit you are referring to. Showcase makes very nice, but complicated kits. There are small parts that need to be carefully removed from the sheets as well as the larger pieces. My advice would be to definitely build a smaller kit first. This kit has special conctruction techniques that result in interior framing showing through to the outside, lots of "stick" framing and some delicate parts. If you want to go ahead with this kit, or any kit, here are some brief suggestions. 1. Thoroughly read the instructions several times and identify all the parts. 2. Decide what colors you want to paint what parts and paint them before you cut them out of the sheets. It is best to prime both sides of the wood with a cheap spray grey primer. This helps cut down on wall warpage. You can touch up the exposed eges after the parts are glued together. Note: If you will not be painting, but staining per the paragraph below, Do Not Prime the wood. 3. If the instructions call for interior bracing, do it! 4. Use a #11 blade to cut through the remaining mounting tabs holding the parts to the sheets. Sand the resulting nub smooth and flush with the part. 5. Dry fit all parts and sub-assemblies before gluing. Sand as needed for a good fit. Some parts have tab and slot construction which sometimes need a little trimming. 6. Use yellow glue for a strong hold. You can use CA to glue any metal parts to the wood. 7. Allow the glue to dry while keeping the parts square or meshed in proper alignment. Above all, do not rush this kit. I would suggest that this kit be weathered with an agent like A-West "Weather-it" rather than painting. Look in my album for the miners building. There is no paint there except the window frame. The "Weather-it" does all the work. This is brief and if you have specific questions as you go along, you know where I am. B-)
Message 4 of 114
latest reply

Kit building

Gene, Here's a kit that you could practice on: http://cgi.ebay.com/NORTHEASTERN-SCALE-MODELS-PASSENGER-SHELTER-LASER-KIT_W0QQitemZ6027040287QQcateg... Here's another: http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/520-30002 If you built either of these or both you would get the feel of working with wood. Just a suggestion before you tackle the barn. B-)
Message 5 of 114
latest reply

Kit building

g-pa1
Enthusiast
Thanks Pete for the info. I did try a J.L Innovations tower once made of wood and it was very frustrating. I'll have to get the kit and have a look at it. Gene
Message 6 of 114
latest reply

Kit building

Gene, J.L. kits are very much like the Showcase or Bar Mills kits. Full of small parts and lots of them. Try one of the simple kits first. If you don't like working with wood, you can always sell that barn kit. Heck, I might even take it off your hands. Next thought. I could build it for you as I have done for others in this group. Another thought. When you get it, look it over, and if you want, I can help you build it step by step via email and pictures. You just have to send me a copy of the instructions. I'll be glad to help you experience the satisfaction of a craftsman kit successfully built. B-)
Message 7 of 114
latest reply

Kit building

Pete, Did you see the prices of shipping the North Eastern shelter, 3.95 to the USA and 26.95 worldwide of which we are included. Wonderful price to us here in Canada especially when the sticker price is only 5.95 Jack
Message 8 of 114
latest reply

Kit building

g-pa1
Enthusiast
Pete thanks for the offer. I just may ship it up to you. I will have to see it first. Gene
Message 9 of 114
latest reply

Kit building

crazyd37
Enthusiast
Gene, I was watching that barn! It looks like a great addition to your layout. Have fun with it. I did do the tower kit like Pete told you. It was ok to build. I haven't built another wood kit since then however! Wait til you get it and look at the directions......... Dot
Message 10 of 114
latest reply

Kit building

Jack, Yes I saw that shipping. Unreal! Gene, I'm serious about the build offer. Let me know if you feel you would be overwhelmed. We can discuss fees later.;) B-)
Message 11 of 114
latest reply

Kit building

g-pa1
Enthusiast
Thanks Pete, Will do. I should be getting the barn soon. Gene
Message 12 of 114
latest reply

Kit building

A lot better looking than the one posted in the other thread. B-)
Message 14 of 114
latest reply

Kit building

g-pa1
Enthusiast
Pete, I sent you an email re the barn. Gene
Message 15 of 114
latest reply