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Forum Boards => Kit Building => Topic started by: Oldguy on July 24, 2019, 10:19:55 PM

Title: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on July 24, 2019, 10:19:55 PM
Next up is the last major structure for my Kansas City yard is a three stall roundhouse.  The kit I bought is has 6 stalls.   The kit has three major packages, two for the two end stalls and one for the four center stalls.  One can get the kit in various configurations, the main difference is the number of center stalls.  The interior framing consists of peel and stick panels, which I am not a big fan of.  I'll see how it goes.  Main concern is being unable to AI them.  I afraid that the glue would be affected.  In the center stall bag I found two windows that were munched.  Hopefully there wouldn't be used.  I'll explain in a bit.


To cut the framing from the carrier sheet, I use a razor blade holder left over from our paper hanging days.  I find it a lot easier to use versus a plain blade.  One needs to cut through the paper backing to get some pieces loose.  Thee were only four tabs holding each piece to the carrier sheet.

Each stall has a "foundation" piece with post locator notches.  I found the center of the front and back as these lines will be needed to ensure that they line up with track center lines.

I started with the end wall pieces.  The instructions cautions about determining left and right framing pieces as no carrier sheet is labeled.  It took me a while to determine that one had to look at the adhesive side and rotate each until I found a match to the diagram.  I labeled the carrier sheet, cleaned each piece and placed them back to protect the delicate pieces and identify them later.


The plan is the wood end stalls will be used fir KC, while for Clinton, I'll be be using brick sheets for the side and back walls.  This roundhouse had wood front, so it should work well.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Dennis Bourey on July 24, 2019, 10:27:10 PM
Looking good Bob :)  can't wait.....Dennis
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: ReadingBob on July 25, 2019, 07:05:09 AM
Interesting.  I haven't build anything by American Model Builders so it'll be fun to follow along with this one.  Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: S&S RR on July 25, 2019, 09:08:40 AM
I will be following along.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: PRR Modeler on July 25, 2019, 09:46:50 AM
I'll be following. Something I have done with some of their sticky backed parts is paint the paper covering it and then glue the entire thing with white glue to the connecting part. Having said that, I've never had a piece the size of a wall to do that to.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: postalkarl on July 25, 2019, 03:28:59 PM
hey Old Guy:

I will also be following along. Look like it should be a fun build.

Karl
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Opa George on July 25, 2019, 05:14:27 PM
I'm also following, Bob. That is a lot of intricate laser-cut components. I'm really eager to see how it goes together.
--George
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on July 25, 2019, 11:38:44 PM
One thing confusing is trying to identify certain parts. One just needs to go slowly and it'll come eventually.At least the wall framing can only go on the wall sides, just one way.  I plan on "painting" the interior using chalks, pan pastels, or weathering powder to get the smokey black color.  But decided to wait until after the adhesive parts are added, since I wasn't all that confident that it would stick to whatever I used.


The process is straight forward enough.  Start at the lower end by gluing in a post, then follow that with the short frame frame section.  I found that removing the self-adhesive backing easier, if you start at the bottom of the wall sections. I used my gluing jig to ensure everything stayed square and aligned with the bottom.  Add another post, middle frame section, another post, tall frame section, and end post.  A couple of cautions - when removing the paper backing, make sure it ALL comes off.  Some of the delicate bits, parts of the backing did not come off.  So inspect each piece carefully.  Because, that adhesive is sticky and once put into place, it will not come off.  You pretty much get one shot at it. 


When all the frame sections are added, next comes the side rafter pieces,  Since I couldn't completely be confident on what wall section I was working with, I had to look carefully at each one as they have a slight angle to them,  They only go on one way.  I had to do a little filling to get them to sit correctly, and then glued them in place.  These should help take the bow out of each wall piece.  The end pieces are a breeze compared to the walls.  Put the frame on the wall and your done.  I have super magnets holding them done overnight.  Drat.  I just realized that I need to do another end wall as I need three of them, not just two.

Another word of caution - there are a ton of bits, most of which go only in one place, so I didn't cut all of them out.  In fact, in each carrier sheet, I have labeled each piece with it's part number to keep everything straight.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Opa George on July 26, 2019, 07:17:08 AM
Bob, I really like the look of this already. I've always been intimidated by the intricacy of building interior framing board-by-board, but this laser cut approach has a fantastic appearance.
--George
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: PRR Modeler on July 26, 2019, 09:05:44 AM
Looks great Bob.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: NKP768 on July 26, 2019, 03:06:13 PM
I've built a number of their Nickel Plate wood caboose kits and everything practically drops together. Fun and enjoyable builds.
Good luck

Doug
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Dennis Bourey on July 26, 2019, 06:40:20 PM
Nice job Bob!!!!..Dennis
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: postalkarl on July 26, 2019, 06:49:51 PM
Hey Old Guy:

Looks like you are off to a great start.

Karl
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on July 26, 2019, 11:48:13 PM
Thank you for your interest,  Here are the parts just for the two stall kit.


One thing about this kit, I am going to add a ton of scrap material to my wood scrap box. Here are the scraps just for one back wall.


Next up was gluing the "foundation" pieces together.  More like trying to glue the ends of paper together, albeit a bit thicker, but still . . .   Had I thought about it, the notches are to line up the posts and it would have helped in the alignment.  I got close, very close, but no ceegar. 


Since I am still thinking of interior colors, I decided to do the doors out of sequence.  There are five pieces for each door, starting with the exterior piece sticking to the inner door, which results in a very fine for the window to set into.  Then you attach the inner door framing.  This results in the self-adhesive window frames to show though.  The adhesive is white.  Hmmm.  That's going to affect my interior color choice.  I know some roundhouse interior were white washed, but also turned black from the smoke and oil fumes.  Going to be hard to have a smoky interior with white window frames.  The other thing that popped out was the acetate windows.  The window mullions are on the outside.  And the doors will be open, so the inside of the windows are going to show.  i.e.  the flat acetate.  looks like I will just have to ignore my building OCD and live with it.  The only problem that I ran into was the installation of the inner door panel.  I aligned the bottom of the outer and inner door and it came out perfect.  The inner pane is shorter (not noted in the instructions) and needs to be aligned at the top.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on July 26, 2019, 11:56:26 PM
The kit does have a full scale placement template to aid in it's relation to a turn table.  It mates with the Walthers 90' unit very well which I completed last week.

I plan on mounting it on a removable layout section.  The "T" indicates track center lines and those with a cross line indicate those for the roundhouse.  I need to have access to the interior and most have a removable roof.  But this one has an absolute ton of rafters, so I don't see how this is going to work out as the roof card already has a decent bow in it.  So I might have to have the entire structure to be removable.

Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: deemery on July 27, 2019, 09:02:59 AM
When I built my roundhouse, I spent a lot of time mulling over and getting the geometry with the turntable correct.  I mounted the whole TT/roundhouse base on a piece of MDF, to make sure things stayed in alignment.  (Not the best job cutting out the pits, fortunately you can't see those holes underneath the roundhouse floor!!)

dave
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on July 28, 2019, 06:13:12 AM
Dave, I'll probably do that when I get around to the Clinton yard.  I have a Diamond Scale Turntable to install and it'll take a different approach than the Walthers unit.
I seemed to do a lot of work with little to show for it.  I managed to get the other 5 doors done and all "painted."  I like this weathering powder color and will most likely use it for the roundhouse exterior.  I did install the windows backward so that the mullions are on the inside so that will show with the doors open.  The white is the adhesive.  Since this side will mostly be hidden, it should be passable.


I'm still fiddling with the interior color.  It looks like a white wash with soot overcoat should work out okay.  We'll see.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: MAP on July 28, 2019, 09:43:07 AM
Coming along nicely Bob!  Thanks for all of the pics.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: deemery on July 28, 2019, 11:00:03 AM
I've seen many photos of roundhouses that had white paint up to about waist level, and then 'dark' above that.  Not quite sure why they did it that way. 
(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/36/33/a7/3633a783712b208150cf67304080100d.jpg)

dave
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: ACL1504 on July 28, 2019, 02:12:42 PM
Bob,

I'm very much enjoying the build process on the AMB roundhouse. I've built several of their caboose kits but never a structure. Oh wait, I did build their ACL Freight Station.

Great job on your build.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on July 28, 2019, 08:58:16 PM
Dave, it was to improve illumination at ground level.  The white will reflect more light back into the work area.  If you notice the back wall, the white goes all the way up, while the post probably at or not much higher than eye level.

Here is a photo of the Clinton Mo roundhouse and one can see the white part way up the walls.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: sdrees on July 28, 2019, 10:49:16 PM
I will remember this since I am putting together my roundhouse now.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: jerryrbeach on July 29, 2019, 09:14:36 AM
Bob,

I really like your progress and will be following as I, too, have a roundhouse to build.  What "powder" did you use to color the doors?  I did not see where you mentioned what you used, or did I just miss it?
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on July 29, 2019, 10:26:55 PM
Quote from: jerryrbeach on July 29, 2019, 09:14:36 AM
Bob,

I really like your progress and will be following as I, too, have a roundhouse to build.  What "powder" did you use to color the doors?  I did not see where you mentioned what you used, or did I just miss it?
I used Bragdon weathered brown.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on July 29, 2019, 10:43:17 PM
As I previously mentioned, the basic kit is two stalls.  Any larger and you get center stalls, and the parts between the two may look the same, but aren't.  The first photo shows the end walls.  If you look closely to the right and left edges, the framing is further away from the wall edge, than the center piece.
To paint the interior, I masked off 6 feet up and added painter's tape for an edge.  Then cam the task of painting just about everything below it.  The end wall sections looked okay, but the long wall sections are another story.  I'm not all that happy with the upper edges.  I seriously considering making the white on the walls another foot or so higher, but instead of free handing, I can use the removed framing pieces as masks.  As far as the upper wall blacking, I just might spray paint it then do a quick soot job.  Not sure at this point.  I weighted everything down to eliminate any curling from the paint.
I wanted to do something to the front, but  . . . .   According to the instructions, the front wall  is built after the three other walls are glued together.  Now, I haven't seen any photos with white on the doors, so I might just skip those and the framing.  I also need to skip ahead a bit and see how the side and rear windows are installed to see if they need some white wash.  But that is for another day.
I'll be taking several weeks off to recover from hip replacement surgery.  The timing will depend upon rehab.  So take care all.





Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: jerryrbeach on July 31, 2019, 08:21:54 AM
Quote from: Oldguy on July 29, 2019, 10:26:55 PM
Quote from: jerryrbeach on July 29, 2019, 09:14:36 AM
Bob,

I really like your progress and will be following as I, too, have a roundhouse to build.  What "powder" did you use to color the doors?  I did not see where you mentioned what you used, or did I just miss it?
I used Bragdon weathered brown.

Thanks, Bob.  I think the color using the Bragdon is very close to the interior of my 100+ year old barn.  I normally use a mix of brown shoe dye and alcohol to try to replicate that color on my models, the powders are something I am going to try. 

This is coming along nicely, I will be following, if only lurking.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Lynnb on July 31, 2019, 04:17:35 PM
This is going to be a nice roundhouse.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 10, 2019, 09:31:45 PM
So it's been a little more than a month, and I'm able to get back to the man cave and the layout. 

One thing about roundhouses, one must model both the interior and exterior.  A feature lost on most kit builders; this one is no exception.  As typical for a roundhouse, this kit has a ton of windows with self-adhesive backing.  The side windows are double-hung units and with the glazing consists of four parts.  The upper sash and lower frame are a single piece and very delicate.  One has to pay close attention to ensure that all the adhesive comes off before adding the next part.  And the adhesive is somewhat aggressive.  You only get one real shot and getting everything together.  And yes, once the window is together, you are stuck with a white interior sash.
The rear wall sections get a piece of exterior trim that holds the upper windows in place.  Although not stated, the upper windows have a top/bottom, so you have to pay attention to the thickness of the top and bottom sashes.

Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 10, 2019, 09:41:46 PM
I painted the lower wall sections white, followed by black for the upper portions.  It was way to stark for may tastes.  So I went over the black with a white wash, followed by soot weathering.  At least it gives the impression that the walls were all white washed initially, and then got sooty and the lower sections were repainted.
I was feeling real proud on how it was coming together when it occurred to me, that I hadn't done all the interior columns and overhead beams.  So these had to be found, cleaned up, and painted. 

Then on to coloring the wall exteriors.  Again, I used Bragdon weathered brown followed by dark rail brown.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 10, 2019, 10:04:47 PM
I'm a roll again.  Then reality smacked me upside the head - Ya dummy, ya gots to do the front of the bloody building. 

Um, yeah.  No siding to work with.  Just posts, beams, and windows.  And all made of different material from the siding.  So the powders are going to color differently.  Then to add insult to injury not only is the main beam cut at an angle, but there is a ground mounted board that the rails have to go over.  So I decided to make up the center stall framing and do the end stall window assemblies at this point.  These window assemblies look weird.  The windows are to be flush with the back, with a roof trim piece across the door posts, and the center post taller than everything else.  I got nothing to indicate that it should be any other way, so  . . . .

So at this point, the decision as to what can be made removable, building or roof, was made for me; it has to be roof.  I should also reiterate that the instructions call for the sides to be installed, then the windows installed, and then the front wall installed.  And there are a lot of mall pieces to it, including the stall door strap hinges.  It also became obvious that the tracks need to be added, since they have to go over the door sills.  I have also decided to chicken out and not add any pits and will most likely just add a ballasted floor.






Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 10, 2019, 10:20:58 PM
Since I needed to set the rail. the roundhouse board (1/2" homasote on top of 3/4" plywood) was reinserted into the yard.  I had laid everything out before I even cut out for the turntable, so there was no issue for where the building and tracks were to go.  The "foundation" was previous glued down and the two outer door sills were glued and colored.  Then the track was cut and added.  I do spike down the track to hold it in place, but thick super glue (the dark spots) is used as the main adhesive to keep it in place until ballasted.  I got the center stall door frame assembly glued down.  Once set, I can then add the center track.  Now I have to remember and add the track feeders before adding any walls.
As an aside, I found that operate my Walthers T/T using a 15.6 volt battery from a Sears drill.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: jerryrbeach on September 11, 2019, 07:08:18 AM
Bob,

You've made great progress.  I really like the way the wall coloring came out both inside and out.  I'm staying on board with this one, it has been a great ride thus far.  Thanks for all the pics and detailed explanations.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: MAP on September 11, 2019, 07:37:37 AM
Looking really good Bob!  Keep those progress pics coming.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: postalkarl on September 11, 2019, 11:02:15 AM
Hey bob:

looking just great so far.

Karl
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 14, 2019, 10:07:40 PM
Well, this sucks.  My last update didn't make it.  So, I'll do a quick recap.
I added all the tracks and cut gaps along the lift off, but aligned with the ties.  Feeders were added and rail sides painted.  One side wall glued into place.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 14, 2019, 10:43:57 PM
With the one sidewall firmly in place, the two back wall sections were added along with the a front wall section.  These should give me some working room to add the ballast floor.  I temporarily added one main beam and two support columns jut to see what the interior is going to look like.
So, I went through my ballast stash and found a bunch of John's Lab and Campbell Scale Models ballast.  Mostly all gray.  Okay, that's good to go.  IPA, hmmmm, down to about a third cup.  But sufficient.   Note to self - make sure that you screw the cap down on volatile liquids.  Glue.  Glue?  What the  . . . . .  How can I not have Elmer's white glue?  Need to make a stop by Dollar General tomorrow am.
So, being glueless, I'll work on the roof.  Somehow I need to make it removable.  This could be a real trick since there are 24 ceiling joists per bay and the roof deck pieces are warped.  Those pieces maybe not get installed.  Step 1 was to add the "eaves".  Okay, I found them but had no idea if the go on flat or on edge.  Since there is a bias cut that reflects the corner angles, I installed them flat.  I got the two end pieces done, but then noticed that the "eaves" for the center stall were all too long.  SIGH  Why am I not surprised.  And oh BTW, one has to pay attention regarding the end stall decking.  There is a left and right section.  Of course, they aren't labeled.  Just make sure that the smoke jack opening  is centered over the stall rails.

The front window sections still don't any sense and even less now, since I added the 3x12 that go in front of the windows.  These pieces go on top of the framing but come up short of the underside of the roof deck and the support that is located between the windows.  It looks like that if I add another 3x12 on top of what is installed, then the height would be correct. 






Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: PRR Modeler on September 15, 2019, 09:27:12 AM
Very nice Bob.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: jerryrbeach on September 16, 2019, 08:43:53 AM
Bob,

Looks great!  I have to say it seems to me that adding the extra stall to the roundhouse has made it closer to a scratch building project than a kit.  I admire your ability to work through the issues with both fit and finish.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: deemery on September 16, 2019, 10:13:21 AM
Interesting!  Building the walls in-place, like the prototype.  (My roundhouse was constructed as a single piece on the workbench, with multiple test-fits on the layout.)


dave
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: ACL1504 on September 16, 2019, 03:46:29 PM
Bob,

Great job, I really like how the interior walls turned out. I can smell the grease, oil and coal smoke!

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 19, 2019, 09:44:44 PM
Quote from: jerryrbeach on September 16, 2019, 08:43:53 AM
Bob,

Looks great!  I have to say it seems to me that adding the extra stall to the roundhouse has made it closer to a scratch building project than a kit.  I admire your ability to work through the issues with both fit and finish.
Yeah, pretty much.  And remember, the kit I bought was for six stalls!  I am using half here and will use the other half on another roundhouse, albeit with brick sidewalls.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 19, 2019, 09:45:21 PM
Quote from: ACL1504 on September 16, 2019, 03:46:29 PM
Bob,

Great job, I really like how the interior walls turned out. I can smell the grease, oil and coal smoke!

Tom  ;D
Glad you liked it,  it means mission accomplished.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 19, 2019, 10:04:54 PM
Now it was time to add the ballast floor.
With the sidewall and end stall installed, I could lay down the material even with the rails.  I used a 6" plastic ruler as a screed.  A spritz of alcohol/water followed by a mixture of elmers and water applied with a pipette.  Once that was died, I need to add the first of the two sets of support columns.  Those had to dry, before the next round of ballast.  Let that dry, add the next set of columns, rinse and repeat, adding end stand walls as I went. 

I should mention that I didn't add any ballast to the first set of tracks as I couldn't find my old pizza-cutter trucks.  I went my local train store to get some cast-off trucks.  It is a little weird that south of me, there is a train store in a town of 3,500.  Not a hobby shop, but a train store.  And yes, he had a couple of drawers of old wheel sets.  What I do, is once the ballast has been laid down between the tracks, I used these deep flanged trucks to clear out the loose ballast.  Once the glue had been applied, I run the trucks down the tracks again.  It works for limited applications like this, I would never do this for routinely operated track.
So with the addition of the last sidewall, I was able to get the first round of ballast down.  There will be a topping layer of fine material yet to be applied.   And with the last side wall added and ballast laid down, I can add the last front stall window.  I do have to add some angle supports and ledgers to the front.
I should mention that this little vacuum does a credible job of picking up loose ballast material.  It runs off a cord attached to a USB port or jack.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 19, 2019, 10:27:23 PM
While waiting for glued rock particles to dry, I worked on the rood deck.  I made the decision to forgo add the roof rafters in order to make the roof removable and make interior access more a priority.  I had to do this primarily because the roof deck cards were warped.
I found out that I can use 3x16"s that will sit on top of each of the 4 roof support beams.  In between the beams I'll add 1/8" bracing for each side card.  For the middle card, I'll add the bracing transversely, to connect all three cards. 

Remember that I mentioned that the two side roof decks cards are unique and one needs to pay attention to orientation for the smoke stacks?  Yep, I blew it and got one upside down.  The paint brush handle shows this painfully.  It is an easy fix as I just enlarged the hole.  The kit provides a cool looking roof material.  It is cut/lased with lines for the rolled roofing.  Sad to say, they made the same mistake that I did and included matching side stall roof cards, so these were going to be unusable anyway.
While the roof decking bracing glue is drying, I decided to start on the smoke stacks.  Each is made up of 39 parts.  36 of these are on adhesive backed material.  There are 11 parts just to get to the photo.   Another 8 parts get added just to get to the step of adding the stack from the underneath of the roof deck. 
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: jerryrbeach on September 20, 2019, 06:33:24 AM
Bob,

It looks like the finish line is getting closer with the roof panels coming alone nicely.  I am curious why you chose to use stone rather than cinder ballast. 
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 20, 2019, 11:12:09 AM
Quote from: jerryrbeach on September 20, 2019, 06:33:24 AM
Bob,

It looks like the finish line is getting closer with the roof panels coming alone nicely.  I am curious why you chose to use stone rather than cinder ballast.
My cinder ballast is 100% magnetic, so it was a no go.  My plan is to add a fine topping layer and then dust on some soot powders.  I'll try all this on a trial panel to ensure that I am on a decent path.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 21, 2019, 09:31:17 PM
I managed to brace the underside of the roof decking.  Still has a little warp to her, but should be manageable.  The taller pieces are 8x16" that will sit on the four beams.  Everything else is 1/8".  I went ahead and painted this side flat black.
The smoke jacks are a royal pain to put together being that they are mainly self-adhesive bits.  I'll have to "smoke them up" a bit.  They really look good, but  . . . .  I shouldn't be too down on AMB, but how hard can it be to figure out how long to make the parts so that they meet at a joint?  I have put together two and have one left to go.  And they stay like this until they are added to the roof section.  They get pushed through from the underside and glued.   This means that the roof deck would have to already been installed, along with it's complement of joists.  And since the slopey part of the hood is parallel with the tracks, it means that the entire structure could have not been attached to the base board to install the smoke jacks.  FYI - this is step 15 and the final step in construction.  The conundrum is that the lower front door frame member has the track going over it.  So how to solve the puzzle?  If I had to do it over again, I would have used Atlas track as it is loose in the ties.  Cut the track inside a bit and add a longer piece than the ties would indicate and slip the rail over the lower sill.  Kinda like a latch bolt.  It would hold the front section down.  Want to remove the roundhouse, slide the track back.  Oh well.
The last photo shows the front and the lower sill in question.  The doors fit in the space below the windows and above the door sill.  It also shows the quirky window construction.  I'll need to add three pieces of 8x16" on top of the existing material for the roof deck to set on.

I'm still fiddling with stone color.  It looks like it will be more of a black dry brushing.  My idea of a fine back material didn't work all that well.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: jerryrbeach on September 22, 2019, 06:55:07 AM
Bob,

Your struggles with this kit remind me of a line from the movie "Josey Wales".  "I will endeavor to persevere."  Your perseverance is definitely paying off, looks better each time you post your progress.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: deemery on September 22, 2019, 11:00:41 AM
On my roundhouse, I  had a similar problem with large roof panels warping.  I also wanted to make the roof removable, so I played with small powerful magnets that, at least in theory, had enough strength to hold the roof flat.  See http://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=1617.0


dave
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: sdrees on September 22, 2019, 09:26:11 PM
I am close to the point where I need to place the roof on my roundhouse project and I am thinking that I want to be able to remove it also.  I am using scribed basswood and am very concerned about warping and what to do with the roof joists.  In the mean time, I am working on the interior detail and installing lights.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 22, 2019, 10:46:56 PM
Quote from: deemery on September 22, 2019, 11:00:41 AM
On my roundhouse, I  had a similar problem with large roof panels warping.  I also wanted to make the roof removable, so I played with small powerful magnets that, at least in theory, had enough strength to hold the roof flat.  See http://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=1617.0 (http://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=1617.0)


dave
I remember that build as I had that same roundhouse with thoughts of modifying it.  Your build changed my mind.  I do have a collection of rare earth magnets and will be looking at options.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Dennis Bourey on September 23, 2019, 07:57:48 AM
Looking great Steve. You did a beautiful job........Dennis
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: postalkarl on September 23, 2019, 10:44:17 AM
Hey Steve:

Looks just great so far.

Karl
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 23, 2019, 10:04:45 PM
I added some stippled oil colors (umbers and siennas) but it looked like the ground around here come October.  Great for fall leave litter.  I just added some powders to cover it all up, since the oils were still wet.  So, I calling the floor good.
The smoke jack tops were a royal pain.  Cut the four sides off the carrier sheet, expose the adhesive backing and try to get them to stick to each other and not to anything else within a 2 foot radius.  I found it was easier to just remove the backing off one piece and attach it to another, basically forming 1/2 of the cap.  Add some glue, let set overnight.  then put the other half to it and glue.  Mine look, and are rough, so I'll need to do some major rework on them.
Next was marking the roof deck for my rolled roofing application.  Since the strips are 3' scale feet wide, I decided to mark off line 2'9" for guides.  I have an ancient contractors calculator so I could easily come up with all the measurements quite easily.
One of my major faults is being too focused on following instructions in an orderly fashion (well, for the most part).  And these front windows have been bothering me for some weeks now.  But, me being the idiot that I am, I never really gave the first page of the instructions too much notice as it was mainly a historical overview, not how things go together.  And in the mayhem of building, this page got buried in the kit box now full of extra parts.  Well, there is a photo of the front wall.  And it doesn't look like what the instructions had me build.  Apparently, the folks at AMB got the upper door frames all wrong.  The windows should be up front, not towards the back.  So anyone wanting to build this, ignore the middle notch and placement of the post between the front windows above each door. 


Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: postalkarl on September 24, 2019, 07:38:37 AM
Hey Bob:

It's looking just great.

Karl
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: ACL1504 on September 24, 2019, 01:08:34 PM
Bob,

I agree, looks great and very well done.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on September 24, 2019, 10:38:23 PM
Karl and Tom, thanks for the encouragement. 

I just couldn't stand it anymore.  I removed the front set of windows and reset them towards the front of the wall.  Now all roof supporting joists will be behind the windows not in front.  One nice thing about Flamingo glue is that it stays flexible, which made it easier to cut through the joints.

Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on October 02, 2019, 09:35:26 PM
Progress has been slow but steady.
Once the front windows had been moved, it was time to install the front barge board.  These old hair clips provide just enough hold and grip area.
I added my standard roof of 220 grit sand paper.  I cut it 3 feet wide and each strip came just a little over 30 feet long.  Lines were drawn 2'9" apart, giving a 3" overlap.  Considering the minimal slope, it made sense to tar the rolled roofing joints. 

Each side has a rear door and one decides which door style goes where.  You pretty much have to have them open as the backside is nothing but self-adhesive backing.

Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on October 02, 2019, 09:44:28 PM
Next up was getting the smoke jacks attached to the underside of the roof deck.  Once those have set, the upper bands can be added.  Even though there is self-adhesive, I added some glue for insurance.   Not a lot of material there.
Then the pyramidal caps.  I will need to add some spackle once these have set as they look a bit rough.
I added some 1/8x1/8 rare earth magnets to the corners and front and rear of each stall beam, for a total of eight.  Then it was a matter of find some thin steel.  I wound up using a Campbell soup can lid cut into strips, then cut to length.  I made sure that I glued down the outside of the can as there is some coating on the inside.  I'll find out tomorrow how this all works out.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: PRR Modeler on October 03, 2019, 09:54:50 AM
Excellent modeling Bob.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on October 06, 2019, 08:43:39 PM
With a bit of tweeking, the 8 1/8x1/8 rare earth magnets are holding the roof deck in place.  This allowed me to finish off the weathering of the smoke jacks and the roof.

I added the bay doors just for show,  They are just sitting there.  When this gets placed in the layout, ground dirt added, then I can add the hinges and glue the doors in the open position.
This build is done.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: jerryrbeach on October 07, 2019, 06:41:52 AM
Bob,

It came out great!  I really like the subtle colors and how you managed to work out all the issues with parts that didn't fit exactly as expected.  Excellent modeling!
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Zephyrus52246 on October 07, 2019, 07:51:04 AM
Great job on the roundhouse.  Nice weathering.

Jeff
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: PRR Modeler on October 07, 2019, 09:45:41 AM
Very impressive build Bob.
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Dennis Bourey on October 07, 2019, 10:31:14 AM
Dido, Very Impressive.........Dennis
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: jimmillho on October 07, 2019, 11:27:38 AM
Good looking Roundhouse Bob.

Jim

Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on October 07, 2019, 11:40:28 AM
Thank you all for the compliments. 

I need to take on something a bit easier this next go round.  I have a need for a feed store and office. Maybe something like the Chooch Feed and Grain Store combined with a Campbell's Richmond Barrel or Seebold Mfg combination?
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: postalkarl on October 07, 2019, 01:47:59 PM
Hey Bob:

Looking really great.

Karl
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: deemery on October 07, 2019, 02:38:39 PM
Do your own scratchbuild!  Get some Mt Albert or NESL clapboard, Tichy doors & Windows, and someone's shingles/roofing (lots of choices there).  Also be sure to get some 1/8" square for bracing, and probably 1/16" square and 1/16x1/32" for trim.

Sketch out a building on paper, or if necessary, do a to-scale set of drawings.  (I use PowerPoint for that, I'm ashamed to admit!)

dave
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: Oldguy on October 07, 2019, 09:21:31 PM
Quote from: deemery on October 07, 2019, 02:38:39 PM
Do your own scratchbuild!  Get some Mt Albert or NESL clapboard, Tichy doors & Windows, and someone's shingles/roofing (lots of choices there).  Also be sure to get some 1/8" square for bracing, and probably 1/16" square and 1/16x1/32" for trim.

Sketch out a building on paper, or if necessary, do a to-scale set of drawings.  (I use PowerPoint for that, I'm ashamed to admit!)

dave
Oh I will.  But just not for this.  I have a minimum of 4 depots that will have to be scratchbuilt.  A total of 8 if I get to the upper level.  No two are alike.

Like a lot of others here, I have a ton of unbuilt kits that have been saved as possibilities for the layout. 
Title: Re: American Model Builders Laser Art 85' Wood Roundhouse
Post by: sdrees on October 07, 2019, 10:26:58 PM
Nice looking Roundhouse Bob