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Forum Boards => Scratchbuilding => Topic started by: carl b on January 01, 2020, 11:43:41 AM

Title: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 01, 2020, 11:43:41 AM
Hello & Happy New Year. Been lurking a while here, and thought I'd post a build thread for your interest. Some may know me from RRLine, where I am still a member. Since I retired and now reside in Florida, my newest project returns me to my roots geographically, but also from a modeling perspective. In the past, I've built many waterside scenes, including docks, wharfs and lighthouses, in kit and scratch form. So, welcome to a scratch build in HO scale, of a historical spot back in my hometown of Dunkirk, New York.  The Dunkirk Lighthouse and Keepers Dwelling.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/661-311219181247.jpeg)

For a better perspective- here's the location from Google Maps, beside the southern shores of one of the five Great Lakes, Lake Erie.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/661-311219181450-422231156.jpeg)

A traditional cone shaped tower was built in 1837. A third order Fresnel lens was installed in 1857 and is still in use today.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/661-311219181450-422791254.jpeg)

After the original tower began to crumble in place, it was rebuilt in 1875, being clad in the squared off stonework visible today.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/661-311219181450-422801745.jpeg)

More in a few

Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: ACL1504 on January 01, 2020, 11:48:09 AM
Carl,

I'll be following along on this one. A scratch build of a historical structure will be great.

Enjoyed our phone conversation this morning.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 01, 2020, 12:03:35 PM
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/661-311219203755.jpeg)
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 01, 2020, 12:04:51 PM
If interested, you can read more background history here:
http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=294

The lighthouse is also listed on the National Register of Historic places. It has been carefully restored and turned into a nautical museum and souvenir shop, open May thru October. It was saved by a non-profit organization, and has not fallen into disrepair. Therefore, I will depict this model as it appears today .

Tours are available for a fee. I have been there only once, and it's worth every penny. Regrettably, I took only a few photos at the time.

I became frustrated trying to do some basic research. After contacting the Museum itself, they no longer possessed any architectural drawings or plans. They thought the Coast Guard had them, but the Coast Guard claimed they handed all of those over to the National Archives. Hmmm. In fact, the National Archives in College Park MD does have them, but require a professional researcher to be paid on site to do the necessary locating, copying and mailing. The fees were unacceptable. The Archives are in the process of digitizing all their lighthouse documents & posting them on-line, but they admit that will take years.

So I must fall back on many on-line tourist photos, brick row counting, known common values and personal judgment. In fact, Branchline Trains/Laser Art offers a kit called the "Rocky Point" Lighthouse, which is nearly an exact copy of the place...but I am not interested....

I shall begin this teeth pulling exercise next time....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 01, 2020, 12:06:33 PM
Thanks Tom, appreciate you following along.

Also for your assistance on the phone, pleasure to talk to you.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: S&S RR on January 01, 2020, 12:40:32 PM
Carl


What a great structure.  I'm looking forward to following along on your build thread. And welcome to the Modelers Forum.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 01, 2020, 12:43:07 PM
Great scratch-build for the new year, Carl.

They are both very interesting (and challenging) structures.  I look forward to your progress.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Raymo on January 01, 2020, 01:06:56 PM
Ambitious looking project Carl! I'm following!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: hairball on January 01, 2020, 01:23:12 PM
Dunkirk NY usually middle of May the giant swap meet for vintage car parts, been there many times since 1990.

I have always wanted to build a tapered conical lighthouse, I actually collected a few Cardstock cones that thread is wrapped around , about 5-6" tall.  This would be fine for HO but sadly short and narrow for anything in O scale.  The surface has a dimply finish on it and would easily paint up perfectly.

Food for thought for anyone wanting to build an HO one.  Would look like georges FSM one.

mike lynch.............HAIRBALL
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: GPdemayo on January 01, 2020, 02:06:36 PM
Looking forward to your build Carl.....great structure.  :)


Welcome to the forum.....where are you in FL?
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: ReadingBob on January 01, 2020, 02:35:48 PM
What an interesting project.  Thanks for sharing!   :)
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Zephyrus52246 on January 01, 2020, 05:45:06 PM
What a great looking lighthouse.  Looking forward to your build.


Jeff
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 01, 2020, 06:30:24 PM
John, Mark, Raymo, Mike, Greg, Bob and Jeff, thank you for coming along on this new adventure. And I appreciate the welcome.
My updates will always have several pix, and include tips and techniques too.

All comments will be welcome. No secrets will be kept.  ;D

And Greg, I live in Bradenton.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Janbouli on January 02, 2020, 09:32:14 AM
Welcome to the forum Carl , and what a starter your treating us to , will be following.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: GPdemayo on January 02, 2020, 10:51:10 AM
Quote from: carl b on January 01, 2020, 06:30:24 PM
.....And Greg, I live in Bradenton.


Nice town.....a visit could be a fun road trip.  :)
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: rslaserkits on January 02, 2020, 11:59:20 AM
What a great looking light House will be following for sure
rich
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 02, 2020, 01:56:47 PM
Thank you Janbouli and Rich for the welcome.
I really appreciate your interest in following along.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Pennman on January 02, 2020, 10:52:36 PM
Carl,

Looks like the Master of Diorama's has another fine project under construction !  I will be following along with your progress as well.

  Rich
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 03, 2020, 06:11:24 AM
Thanks for following Rich. Appreciate the compliment.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 03, 2020, 06:20:39 AM
The US Lighthouse Society website (https://uslhs.org/) does have a few measurements of the tower itself, which will be my first task. It's 61' high to the evaporator ball and 13.5' square at the base. The light has a 27 mile range.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/661-311219181450-422801745.jpeg)

I've never built a square light tower before. To mimic the stone used, I chose a RailScale Model product N scale dressed stone block sheet, but the rows were still too tall. At my request, the owner Stephen Miley, kindly obliged to re-cut the block rows for me down to 1.75 mm heights. which is smaller than the stock sheet. I also had him change the material, and burned it onto 1/16" basswood , rather than cardstock or RC board.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010120164155-422831085.jpeg)

First, I made a crude scale drawing of my known elevations of the tower.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010120164156-422941841.jpeg)

Even though I'm using the RSM block sheets here, I first made the carcass of four sides with .050" chipboard. I didn't want to rely solely on the finished block sheets for strength. I also need to miter all edges, and insert a tube to carry the power wires to the light.  So they'll be laminated to these pieces.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010120164156-422952196.jpeg)

Rough mock-up...

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010120164156-422962152.jpeg)

Additional strength with 1/8" square corners...

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010120164406-42298196.jpeg)

Building out the base thickness to match the prototype....

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010120164406-422992372.jpeg)

Dressed the top with 2 levels of borders....and prepped the window cut outs...nothing glued...rubber bands only.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010120164406-423002006.jpeg)

Till next time.....more tower work....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Opa George on January 03, 2020, 09:14:29 AM
Carl, very interesting project and a really nice start. The walls look good in chipboard--can't wait to see them in the textured block.
--Opa George
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Jerry on January 03, 2020, 11:44:04 AM
Nice start Carl.


Great tutorial also.


Jerry
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: PRR Modeler on January 03, 2020, 12:26:55 PM
Very interesting build.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Jim Donovan on January 03, 2020, 01:25:42 PM
Looks great. Look forward to seeing it grow. Thanks for sharing.

Jim D
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 03, 2020, 01:46:21 PM
Coming on nicely, Carl.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 03, 2020, 03:53:40 PM
George, Jerry, Curt, Jim and Mark, appreciate your posts &
thank you for your kind comments.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Oldguy on January 05, 2020, 11:17:36 AM
This is going to be good.  BTW - interesting glue holder.  Makes sense.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 05, 2020, 05:14:52 PM
Thanks for following along Bob.

Glad you like the Aleenes holder- it's just 3 pieces of wood. Always ready-no waiting.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-050120171333.jpeg)
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 08, 2020, 07:46:00 AM
The very small windows for the tower are N scale version Tichy, with the original muntins cut away, and a single vertical bar I inserted in the middle.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010120164406-423011394.jpeg)

I made 4 square bracing blanks from chipboard for the interior. They also hold a styrene tube in the center to carry the lantern light wires. I won't glue the four sides together till later.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-030120092201-423631112.jpeg)

The top of the tube was run long for measurement purposes, previously painted because it's a cut off from another project. Will now begin the lantern assembly....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-030120092202-42364171.jpeg)

The lantern "clockworks room", housing the mechanism to rotate the light, is a slice of 3/4" pvc pipe. In HO scale, it's 6 ft high and 7.5 ft. in diameter.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-030120092202-423651045.jpeg)

The outside diameter (actually a bit over 1") wasn't quite big enough, so I added some blocking so I can "skin over" it with some thin sheet styrene.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-030120092202-42366821.jpeg)

Now with primer gray.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-030120092344-423671731.jpeg)

A trip to the craft store for these wood balls (labeled "dowel caps"), which I will have to cut in half to become the top of the dome.....They were out of stock on the "half split balls". GRRR.  No, I couldn't buy just one.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-030120092344-423682115.jpeg)

And this cheapo necklace, which has a string of plastic 5mm balls, for the evaporator ball....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-030120092344-423691277.jpeg)

Putting it together, a styrene tube (which will be cut super short), a jewelry ring, a 5mm necklace ball, and a needle. Bathed in CA glue. It needs a paint job...

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-030120092344-423701839.jpeg)

Till next time... a 10 sided object....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: postalkarl on January 08, 2020, 02:29:50 PM
Hey Car:

Looks real nice so far. I really like light houses.

Karl
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 08, 2020, 08:07:12 PM
Thank you Karl.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: S&S RR on January 09, 2020, 08:10:54 AM
Carl


This project is coming along nicely. The craft store is a world of parts for the scratch builder.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 09, 2020, 02:47:13 PM
Thank you John.

I never pass up a trip to those stores, never know what you may find.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Jerry on January 10, 2020, 09:54:48 AM
Nice work so far Carl.


Thanks for the tutorial on how this all comes together.


Jerry
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 10, 2020, 03:53:59 PM
Thank you very much Jerry.

More to come in a few days...
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: postalkarl on January 11, 2020, 09:04:08 AM
Hey Carl:

Thought that lighthouse looked familiar. Check out Branchline Trains kit #695 HO Rock Point Lighthouse Kit. I think you will be surprised.

Here's A lighthouse sight all might be interested in. www.uslighthouses.com I find it to be very fun to look at and is rather complete listing.

Karl
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 11, 2020, 02:31:29 PM
Branchline Trains kit #695 HO Rock Point Lighthouse Kit

Right Karl, I mentioned this kit in my first post. It's very close- but they used clapboard instead of brick for the walls.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-110120142840.jpeg)

Karl, didn't you post a build for this back in 2007 on RRLine?
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: postalkarl on January 11, 2020, 03:54:41 PM
Hey Carl:

thanks for the picture.

Karl
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 12, 2020, 06:52:33 AM
A decagon is a 10 sided polygon. I drew it with an on-line graphics generator, available here: https://www.mathopenref.com/decagon.html The Dunkirk Lighthouse tower has 10 panes of glass around its lantern.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-030120092344-423712271.jpeg)

I printed out several sizes and glued them to thin and thick card, in anticipation of much trial and error.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-090120081035-424092359.jpeg)

Cut out a proper size thick card version decagon, which is the base for the "French" dome. Then I cut the wood ball in half. Then styrene strips for the roof "ribs". Topped off with the previously finished evaporator ball and needle..

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-090120081035-424451836.jpeg)

The lantern housing begins with a thick card but smaller decagon. I used masking tape to measure around the circumference to determine the overall length of acetate for the needed windows. I measured, then LIGHTLY scored the 10 panes, and bent them ever-so-gently in shape.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-090120081035-424462.jpeg)

Again from the craft store, a bag of cheap clear multi-faceted beads. No, I couldn't buy just one.
They don't look exactly like a proper third order Fresnel lens, but that would have been made of real crystal, and cost a fortune. Not likely....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-090120081036-424471597.jpeg)

There's already a hole in the center of these beads, so I simply slid an LED inside and glued it.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-090120081036-424481770.jpeg)

Glued the bead to a base of a short piece of styrene tube. Test fire of the light.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-090120081244-424491602.jpeg)

The hand railing around the lantern glass is .016" brass. To roughen up and clean the brass before soldering, I used 150 grit sandpaper and Isopropyl alcohol. I pre drilled the upright holes in the base according to the out points of the decagon. Inserted the deliberately long posts. It's sitting on a "holder" of 1 1/4" bathroom plastic pipe.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-090120081244-42450515.jpeg)

I glued the posts standing up in their places. I bent a long brass section around a small bottle cap, until I got the right size for the railing when it "sprung back". Then soldered all in place. It's very messy right now. Needs filing, straightening and tweaking..

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-090120081244-42451777.jpeg)

I placed thin white window muntins between the panes before folding and gluing down. Much sanding, fitting, fidgeting and cursing, but finally, all the pieces painted and glued together.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-090120081244-424521966.jpeg)

Till next time...Finish the carcass.....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: PRR Modeler on January 12, 2020, 08:50:38 AM
WOW, great scratch building and use of unconventional materials.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Jerry on January 12, 2020, 09:00:33 AM
I see your up to your old tricks of using everything under the sun to make a perfect scratchbuild.


Just love your work.


Jerry
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: GPdemayo on January 12, 2020, 09:10:56 AM
Very ingenious Carl.....great job. 8)
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Oldguy on January 12, 2020, 12:04:00 PM
Bravo.  Freakin Bravo.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 12, 2020, 01:08:47 PM
Very nice, Carl!  And you've got 149 clear beads left!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 12, 2020, 06:58:02 PM
Thank you very much for your compliments Curt, Jerry, Greg, Bob and Mark!
I appreciate your support.

Mark- Would you like some of those extra beads?  ;)
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 12, 2020, 10:38:07 PM
Mmm - the postage to New Zealand might be a killer.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: postalkarl on January 13, 2020, 08:11:06 AM
Hey Carl:

The tower is coming along just beautifully. Love the top.

Karl
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 13, 2020, 04:09:48 PM
Thank you very much Karl!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Opa George on January 14, 2020, 06:59:05 AM
Carl, truly excellent work, particularly on the light. I built the light from the Builders-In-Scale Tidewater Wharf lighthouse and did not get the beautiful results you have--and I was not working from scratch like you are.  Congrats.
--Opa George
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 14, 2020, 01:06:30 PM
Thank you George!

I also built the BIS Tidewater Wharf kit back in 2013...a great kit....
here's a pic of the lighthouse section....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-140120130151.jpeg)
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: postalkarl on January 14, 2020, 01:27:56 PM
Hey Carl:

Nice job on the kit in the above photo.

Karl
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 15, 2020, 09:34:43 AM
Thanks Karl!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: postalkarl on January 16, 2020, 01:17:19 AM
Hey:

Carl you are quite welcome.

Karl
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 16, 2020, 09:33:58 AM
I have an update of 8 photos ready to post, but must wait until the "Gallery" is restored.

Thanks
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 18, 2020, 04:27:11 PM
Before I assemble the tower carcass, I first blacked out the windows with card. No lights needed here. Then set cleats in to support the 4 square braces. This thing must never twist or warp!

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-140120121224-425241290.jpeg)

Two sides, then inserted the tube.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-140120121224-425271430.jpeg)

Three sides, carefully lining up all corners.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-140120121224-425281961.jpeg)

All four sides now in place, glued together.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-140120121224-425291250.jpeg)

Top layer of RSM block sheet installed. All corners are mitered. I also mounted additional layers of chipboard for the "connector walkway" building walls to be glued against.... later down the road.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-140120121224-425302212.jpeg)

Middle layer of block sheet installed, first coat of browns. Bottom white window installed. Minimal putty in the corners on the top level, then a coat of soft white.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-140120121620-425312482.jpeg)

Bottom base layer of block sheet installed and painted. Additional layers of two level trim at the top. 

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-140120121620-425321252.jpeg)

Top two windows installed, black on black which I don't like, but that's on the prototype. A stone ledge installed between top layer and middle. More weathering added. Cut a piece of styrene for the base of the parapet.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-140120121620-42533165.jpeg)

Till next time...finish this tower up...
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 20, 2020, 06:49:30 AM
The square parapet outside the clockworks room has an iron fence around it. I built this jig to hold .016" brass again, and soldered it. Change of plans, there wasn't enough clearance to clean all the leftover solder and flux residue off. I tried to, but I distorted the brass.

So I reluctantly used only thick gel CA to hold this together. Just have to let each of the four sections sit in the jig overnight. Every piece is run long for trimming later.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-140120121620-425341789.jpeg)

Out of the jig....still as fragile as can be.....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-180120161319-42553196.jpeg)

A base of .030 styrene is drilled out to receive the legs on scale 2 foot centers..

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-180120161319-425541727.jpeg)

Much cursing later, all four in place and ready for paint.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-180120161319-4255579.jpeg)

Railings & floor painted black, then glued on top. Installed two copper tape solder points for power to the LED just inside the clockworks room.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-190120071359-425572023.jpeg)

Few more touchups needed, then it's complete.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-190120071400-42560940.jpeg)

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-190120071400-42559373.jpeg)

Till next time...on to the keepers quarters....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Jerry on January 20, 2020, 09:52:59 AM
Awesome!!


Jerry
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 20, 2020, 12:11:30 PM
Beautiful work and a very interesting project.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Janbouli on January 20, 2020, 04:26:19 PM
Great modeling , thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 21, 2020, 07:10:45 AM
Thank you Jerry, Mark and Janbouli for your positive comments and following along!

Any questions, just ask!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Oldguy on January 21, 2020, 05:16:41 PM
That is fantastic!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 22, 2020, 06:26:50 AM
Thanks very much Bob!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: sdrees on January 22, 2020, 12:31:16 PM
Great looking project
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 22, 2020, 07:08:16 PM
Thank you Steve!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 24, 2020, 07:48:30 AM
To begin the High Gothic Victorian keepers quarters, I drew up the remaining HO scale wall elevations. 24 windows and 3 doors total.  Since the brick row counting and other estimating techniques didn't always coincide, adjustments were made to "look right"..

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-220120122921-425841711.jpeg)

I cut out and taped some card together for a mock-up-, a real balancing act of finding the correct proportions..... I included the roof because it will provide me a preview of some major challenges down the road...

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-220120122921-426052342.jpeg)

I prepped all the windows and doors I need. Some of these are hacked-up or added to Tichy doors, especially the front with the transom and side lites. The 6 basement windows are the tops and bottoms of 3 regular masonry windows.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-220120122921-42606747.jpeg)

Two years ago I made hundreds of hydrocal blocks for a stone bridge in another project. These leftovers were saved and are being repurposed as the single row capping stone course of the foundation.  I chopped them down even thinner- to about 8" high in HO.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-220120122921-42607310.jpeg)

I painted them several colors and glued them to a backer board for strength. These will be just underneath the brick walls.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-220120122921-426082122.jpeg)

The foundation was built up with mitered stone sheet, chipboard , stripwood and basement windows. Approx. 3 scale ft high. The split in the middle will be covered by the front porch. It's approximately 45' x 26' HO scale.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-220120123051-4260932.jpeg)

Capping stone strips applied, squaring chipboard triangles, window sills installed. Also built the "connector walkway" section foundation, which ties in the light tower to the keepers house..

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-220120123051-42610641.jpeg)

The side walls now have most of their windows and doors cut and test fitted. 33 scale feet high to the gable peak.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-220120123051-426112408.jpeg)

Front wall complete, very tricky with those dormers, so VERY slow going...Must brace this unit immediately to prevent any disasters...

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-220120123051-426121948.jpeg)

Till next time...little things can help a lot....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Oldguy on January 24, 2020, 08:31:35 AM
That looks sooooo gooood.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: GPdemayo on January 24, 2020, 08:50:24 AM
Great progress Carl.....the foundation is especially well done.  8)
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Jerry on January 24, 2020, 09:00:34 AM
Moving right along.


What excellent job on that foundation.  if I ever build a house I'm hiring you to come to Jersey to do the stonework!!!  ;)


Jerry
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 24, 2020, 05:48:22 PM
Thank you very much Bob, Greg and Jerry.

Appreciate your posts and comments, and for following along.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: postalkarl on January 25, 2020, 04:55:08 AM
Hey Carl:

Wow you have come A long way since I visited your build. Foundation looks great and I'm sure the main walls will be very nice also.

Karl
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 25, 2020, 04:06:58 PM
Thanks Karl, I'm grateful to be done with the light tower finally-
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 28, 2020, 07:08:16 AM
All windows and doors are cut out. 1/8" square bracing complete.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250120112842-426132333.jpeg)

Little things help a lot. For mitered corners on sheet stock, I built this simple 16" long sanding jig. The bottom is 1/2" plywood, with a glued-on piece of 60 grit sandpaper for rough, and a 2nd separate piece, with 150 grit, for finer work. The diagonal 1/2" plywood table has a 45 degree cut, screwed against a 2x4 cut with a 45 degree cut. "Non-skid" material is on the bottom. Just slide under whichever grit sandpaper you need.... underneath the table. You must keep even pressure along the sanded edges at all times.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-270120131126.jpeg)

The 6 dormers are almost swallowed from view by the thickness and angle of the roof. I built out the dormers side walls to keep those strong. It also prevents the "just sitting on the roof" look.  Installing blocking and my insistence on mitered corners dragged out this operation.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250120112843-426242415.jpeg)

Walls in place temporarily on the foundation. Now beginning the landings and steps for all three doors. Cellar entrance doors are on the left side of the front porch.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250120112843-426251338.jpeg)

Pasted and painted all bases. The Ensign stopped in- "I feel like I belong here" he said.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250120112843-4262685.jpeg)

The front porch has Tichy corner posts that were cut to the appropriate length, then glued to the sub-roof. Couldn't find any suitable commercial offerings, so I made the center finials on my "Dremel mini-lathe" out of 4x4 strip wood.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250120113028-426271583.jpeg)

Actual lathe owners will find this humorous, but I simply laid my veteran #395 Dremel in a cardboard & wood cradle, and chucked in either 1/8" poplar rods or 4 x 4 strip wood . I ground the very tips down on sandpaper, and then used a sharp X-acto blade to gouge out the curves or ridges, spinning at the slowest speed.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250120113028-426281258.jpeg)

I tried making the fancy roof top spires and bottom finials for the gable ends and dormers. After some pieces flew across the room or disintegrated completely, I continued to forge ahead. Had to learn the right "touch". Needed 8 of each, but will make a lot more and choose the best ones that match each other. Just used my eyeballs to keep them about the same size.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250120113028-426291543.jpeg)

Till next time...paint and light.....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Janbouli on January 28, 2020, 08:07:49 AM
Absolutely fantastic , love the techniques you're showing us . Would it be possible to show a little video of turning those posts?
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: PRR Modeler on January 28, 2020, 09:11:00 AM
Beautiful modeling.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: sdrees on January 28, 2020, 12:03:36 PM
Some great ideas Carl.  Thanks for sharing
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: engine909 on January 28, 2020, 05:09:29 PM
Well done. You are a most creative rascal.
ed
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: ACL1504 on January 28, 2020, 05:39:44 PM
Carl,

This is absolutely fantastic. Just beautiful and creative work.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: postalkarl on January 28, 2020, 05:49:56 PM
Hey Carl:

Wow!!! really looking greater by the moment. Are you going to do red brick or leave it as yellow brick?


Karl
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 28, 2020, 07:14:29 PM
Janbouli, Curt, Steve, Ed, Tom and Karl, thank you very much.

I sincerely appreciate your positive comments.

Karl- Yes... I'll be painting the walls an appropriate red.

I made a You Tube video of my Dremel "mini lathe" in action...click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32FaV__guAI
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: engine909 on January 29, 2020, 01:19:54 PM
Great video. Looks easy the fool said.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Janbouli on January 29, 2020, 04:45:47 PM
Thanks for the video Carl , looks like not to difficult and not as fragile as I thought it would be. But then again maybe you just make it look easy  ;)
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on January 29, 2020, 07:37:13 PM
Ed- Thank you. Just trying to help....

Janbouli- You're welcome. It isn't hard to control, just need to keep your hand steady.
Easy on the caffeine....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 01, 2020, 07:45:44 AM
Almost complete on the porch, testing fit and clearances. The decorative corner trim was made by pre-bending 1 X 4 styrene strip.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-290120071129-427211736.jpeg)

The first coats of paint on the walls..a mix of two brands of burnt sienna, and a few highlights of terra cotta...will keep mortar to a bare minimum following the prototype...

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-290120071129-42726554.jpeg)

Building light boxes for the windows- using yellow card to reflect on the warm white LED's , and brown card will cover any direct light...

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-290120071129-427271072.jpeg)

Windows, doors, lintels, sills and acetate are now installed. Lintels are 1 x 10 styrene strip, and sills are 1 x 6 strip wood.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-290120071129-427281988.jpeg)

Light boxes attached to the backs of selected windows...

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-290120071129-42729425.jpeg)

Bringing together the walls ....2 corners first...

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-290120071225-427301786.jpeg)

Then all together... squaring chipboard corners on each floor...Now building out the resistor bridge for the LED's ...resting on the second floor "hatch"....11 lights total.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-290120071225-427312413.jpeg)

Planning how to connect all the pieces together.......

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-290120071225-427321090.jpeg)

Till next time...up on the roof....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 01, 2020, 09:58:31 AM
WOW Carl. It's just beautiful.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Oldguy on February 01, 2020, 10:15:47 AM
All I can say is AWESOME!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: GPdemayo on February 01, 2020, 02:21:28 PM
Wonderful - wonderful.....the light boxes are a great idea.  8)
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 01, 2020, 07:05:14 PM
Thank you Curt, Bob, and Greg!

Greg- the light boxes are a great way to avoid any light leakage issues...
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: engine909 on February 02, 2020, 04:02:05 PM
Attention to detail makes a great build even better.
ed
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: S&S RR on February 02, 2020, 09:47:49 PM
Carl


This is a fantastic build - great modeling.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 03, 2020, 10:15:08 AM
Thank you Ed and John. Appreciate your interest.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 03, 2020, 12:42:44 PM
Really enjoying this build, Carl.  Top notch - as always.

I might have to make one of those mini lathes.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: GPdemayo on February 03, 2020, 02:55:50 PM
Quote from: carl b on February 01, 2020, 07:05:14 PM
Thank you Curt, Bob, and Greg!

Greg- the light boxes are a great way to avoid any light leakage issues...


I understand about the light leakage problem Carl.....just never thought of your box approach.....impressive.  8)
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 04, 2020, 07:16:17 AM
Mark- Thank you. The mini-lathe is certainly cheap enough!

Greg- Appreciate your comment. Light boxes are a lot more work- but you get complete control over your lights....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Jim Donovan on February 04, 2020, 08:32:48 AM
Hi Carl;

I have been watching and learning a lot from your work, thanks for sharing. Really amazing work and some I can put to use immidiately.

Thanks

Jim D
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 04, 2020, 02:00:49 PM
Thanks very much Jim. Appreciate you following along and glad to be of help.

You have a great name for your project too!  ;D
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 05, 2020, 07:23:25 AM
The roof is thick, I estimated about 12". Due to the roof pitch, it extends far down beneath the dormers. After I cut a master card template to fit, I cut 4 pieces of .022" card, 2 for each side. These will form the carcass of the roof.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-020220071602-427782133.jpeg)

I glued 6 x 6 stock to the side of one card, then glued the 2nd card on top of it at an offset to provide the angle at the gable end. This assembly gave me the necessary "bulk".

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-020220071602-427791763.jpeg)

Two cards glued together and trimmed to the proper angle.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-020220071602-42780265.jpeg)

Both roof sides now test fitting. All exposed edges will be covered with 1 x 12 & 1 x 4 trim. I will need 3 tab shingles, and twin chimneys. I went ahead and glued the building to the foundation.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-020220071603-427811461.jpeg)

Dormer sub roof cards were cut with a few trial and errors. Six sets and a spare. More 3 tab shingles here too.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-020220071745-427831335.jpeg)

The "connector walkway" must be attached now because it has two lights that must be soldered to the resistor bridge inside the house. I also provided a solder point to connect the light tower, which won't be attached until the very end.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-020220071603-427822031.jpeg)

The front porch is also attached & soldered now- the LED light wires were passed thru a hole drilled into the front wall. Several touch ups are needed.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-020220071745-427841708.jpeg)

All resistors are soldered in place. I used some higher resistance values than in the past to try to dim them some. The roof can now be completed and set down in place when ready.... This area will never be seen, or accessible again.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-020220071745-427851183.jpeg)

Till next time...do you have shingles?
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 05, 2020, 08:45:07 AM
Top notch modeling.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Oldguy on February 05, 2020, 08:54:35 AM
That is looking good.  No.  Great.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Jerry on February 05, 2020, 12:35:54 PM
As usual your work is top notch!


Jerry
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 05, 2020, 07:03:29 PM
Curt, Bob, and Jerry, thanks very much for the compliments and following along!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 09, 2020, 09:01:51 AM
Started shingling the two main sub roof cards.... I previously spray painted these shingles black and gray...difficult to see during application...

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-060220063716-429161063.jpeg)

And the dormer sub roof cards too...

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-060220063716-429181996.jpeg)

Due to the odd shape of the roof, I am using a prototypical style of framing support here, vertical rafters tied to a wide ridge beam. This will give me extra rigidity during dormer roof construction, prevent any sagging, and the wide beam will provide a solid level base for the two chimneys to come....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-060220063716-42919723.jpeg)

In order to get the roof glued down, I had to do.... what I had to do.....a cardboard cradle cut to the same pitch, to hold some weights at all the right spots.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-060220063716-42920561.jpeg)

I built up the connector walkway roof supports in the back, and am ready to attach the shingled cards.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-060220063716-429211078.jpeg)

I used almost prototypical framing for the dormers roofing....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-060220063829-429221537.jpeg)

Then built another "cardboard concoction" to hold the roof cards down while gluing.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-060220063829-429232113.jpeg)

Till next time...it's definitely Goth.....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 13, 2020, 07:29:09 AM
I knew the Victorian Gothic boarding and brackets (also called Apex trim) at the gable ends were going to be difficult. I glued two pieces of square styrene strip at the same gable roof angle (actually about 88 degrees) on a ceramic tile as a jig. Used card first as test pieces to get approximate lengths and angles.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-100220150848-429751158.jpeg)

Tried wood to begin with, but the pieces didn't paint up well and were way too rough. At the bottom is one of the finials I made on my Dremel "mini-lathe".

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-100220150849-429761991.jpeg)

Switched to styrene for everything, and it was "cooperative".. Cut, fit, sand, fit, sand, cut.......

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-100220150849-42977669.jpeg)

Glued in place, now an exact duplicate must be made for the opposite side......the pointy spires will wait till much later.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-100220150849-42978988.jpeg)

The dormer boarding are a smaller & simpler version of the gable ends. Using the same jig to build them, again with styrene, and built 6 smaller versions.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-100220150849-429792453.jpeg)

Very frustrating and delicate work, but dormers boarding were finally glued in place...

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-100220151007-42980338.jpeg)

The main roof has eight large brackets, 4 for each side. These were a real pain and required several tries, but I eventually made some reasonable units. All styrene, except basswood for the curving piece. Ready for putty & paint.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-100220151007-429811792.jpeg)

Each dormer has two simpler brackets, for a total of 12. All styrene, ready for putty & paint.
At 1/4" x 5/16", probably some of the smallest I've ever made....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-100220151007-42982808.jpeg)

All painted and in place.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-100220151007-42983129.jpeg)

Till next time...down to the chimneys....



Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: postalkarl on February 13, 2020, 07:40:59 AM
Hey Carl:

All I can say is WOweeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a beautiful job you are doing with this. I just can't wait to see the finished product. And all that wiring ummm ummm ummm.

Karl
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 13, 2020, 03:22:17 PM
Absolutely beautiful detail work.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: sdrees on February 13, 2020, 03:52:48 PM
This is a great looking building Carl.  I give it another big WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Zephyrus52246 on February 13, 2020, 03:59:22 PM
I'll second that.  Wow!


Jeff
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Jerry on February 13, 2020, 05:04:51 PM
A master at scratchbuilding!!


One of best you've ever done and you've done some real masterpieces!


Jerry
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 13, 2020, 06:35:06 PM
Karl, Curt, Steve, Jeff and Jerry thank you so much!

Appreciate your posts and following the build....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 15, 2020, 11:23:49 AM
I have been asked which brand shingles I used on the model:

Short Hill and Western. No affiliation, just a satisfied customer.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-150220112057-43038983.jpeg)
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 17, 2020, 07:54:18 AM
Two identical chimneys are needed, and they are smaller than I would have expected. Building them with the same Rail Scale Models brick sheet as the walls, they are approximately 6 feet high.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-150220072918-43013571.jpeg)

Almost finished here, glued in place. Need a bit more work.....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-150220072918-43026433.jpeg)

The 8 spires are fragile, but they finally all landed up on the peaks....They cannot be bumped....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-150220072918-430271386.jpeg)

Side door and back stoops can be attached. I am using a small dowel for extra strength, embedded in the base...and runs through the foundation.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-150220072918-430281059.jpeg)

The base for this model will be small and viewable from all 4 sides. I used cardboard to determine my maximum dimensions, then rounded the actual base piece. The top layer is about 15 scale feet, or about 2" higher. I have a perimeter cut out of the building sitting in the middle to finalize its shape. This form is nothing like the prototype.... I'm taking some major liberties here.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-150220072918-430292405.jpeg)

I used the cardboard as my cutting guide for 1/2" CDX plywood. Approx. 17" side to side, and 15" front to back. The "plan" is a block retaining wall in back, shale rock in the front & right sides hitting the lake water. Sandy grassy cliffs all along the left...

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-150220073111-43031338.jpeg)

Expanded polystyrene (yep: the little white balls) in place for landforms, glued down and to each other, with yellow carpenters glue. Black & white power wires has been fed to the side from the middle.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-150220073111-4303266.jpeg)

Plaster cloth laid over and dried. Hmmm,...looks like a mitten, or a slice of bread?

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-150220073111-430331891.jpeg)

Till next time...interested in getting plastered?
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 21, 2020, 07:44:07 AM
The back of the model, which is actually now the front of the keepers house, needs a wall to support itself. I wanted to try pouring some plaster blank wall sheets to scribe in some block. Plaster of Paris and strip wood forms, onto a piece of glass for an extra smooth face. Actually made a total of 6 for possible future needs. Approx. 2:1 water to plaster ratio. Poured some into small rubber rock molds too. I am a total mess... when it comes to this stuff....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-210220073233-431302313.jpeg)

Scribing the block pattern while still not completely hardened.....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-210220073233-431311314.jpeg)

In place for a check. Also glued a piece of card on the back for additional strength.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-210220073233-431321144.jpeg)

Began first layer of paints & washes.....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-210220073233-431331905.jpeg)

I marked the perimeter of the house and tower, then built wood sidewalk forms. Joint compound tinted grey was dumped in and smoothed....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-210220073233-431341993.jpeg)

Two sides of the dio need cliff faces of the local shale. Plaster of Paris was mixed to a heavy batter consistency,  a bit more plaster, rather than an exact 2:1 ratio.  I studied photos of real shale at the actual site and tried to mimic the thin but chunky layers of that rock....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-210220073406-43135495.jpeg)

To elevate the building even with the sidewalk I previously laid, I laid strip wood just under the perimeter of the structures. Then I put down a thick layer of dyed green sawdust as a base lawn & some gravel for the spots between the sidewalk and foundation.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-210220073406-43136154.jpeg)

First coat of paint onto the shale...the top is medium gray, middle is nutmeg brown, and the bottom is graphite. Some lighter green grass shades were tossed in too. Much more manipulation to go....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-210220073406-431371946.jpeg)

Till next time...more on the base

Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: JimF on February 21, 2020, 08:24:09 AM
Carl,

After admittedly losing interest earlier with this thread (the light tower techy part), I have just caught up.

WOW! Simply fantastic, both the structure and your engineering of it all.

Great info, thank you.

Jim
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 21, 2020, 09:24:19 AM
Very nice looking.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 21, 2020, 07:09:46 PM
Thank you very much Jim and Curt!

Appreciate your comments and following along.....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Jerry on February 21, 2020, 11:51:42 PM
That is some fine looking stone work Carl.


Jerry
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 22, 2020, 09:42:04 AM
Thank you Jerry!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: rslaserkits on February 22, 2020, 11:12:29 AM

Coming along great love the brick and stone work will be a work of art when done
rich
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: postalkarl on February 22, 2020, 02:29:30 PM
Hey Carl:

Looks just beautiful. Really like how your base turned out.

Karl
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: ACL1504 on February 22, 2020, 02:30:33 PM
Carl,

Love the look of the rocks. Fantastic job sir.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 22, 2020, 06:41:49 PM
Thank you very much Rich, Karl and Tom!

And I appreciate you following along....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 22, 2020, 07:46:50 PM
I'm running out of superlative's, Carl!

Surprising, stunning, staggering, shocking, startling, stupefying, shattering, sensational, spectacular and stupendous!

Cheers, mark.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 23, 2020, 07:59:42 AM
Sheesh, thank you Mark, you are too kind!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 24, 2020, 09:32:56 PM
Everything is top notch Carl.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 25, 2020, 11:21:08 AM
Thank you very much Curt!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: tom.boyd.125 on February 25, 2020, 11:37:56 AM
Carl,
Beautiful modeling, excellent use of jigs, outstanding !!! Thanks for sharing !!!
Tommy
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 25, 2020, 01:13:26 PM
Appreciate your comments Tom. Thank you!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 25, 2020, 04:13:43 PM
With the shale in place, I decided to reduce the sandy cliff area, so I added plaster and carved it around the corner, then painted... I laid down real sand as a base coat, it's too coarse & dark as is. The top layer of sand is "linen" colored tile grout, shaken thru a tea strainer....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250220065233-4323549.jpeg)

Next I planted two different color tall grasses, and add some rock debris at the bottom..

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250220065233-43236169.jpeg)

I added more grass, clipping off the too long pieces, then a little darker beige grout in random places.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250220065233-432371802.jpeg)

Painted the bottom of the future lake water, with two coats of the three colors shown. This is very shallow water, so no attempt was made to mimic any real depth.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250220065233-432381760.jpeg)

I added to the sidewalk I previously laid.  I need a stairway down to the "beach". Two platforms first. Began laying that out....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250220065233-432391347.jpeg)

Two sets of steps completed....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250220065408-43240725.jpeg)

Hand railings installed.....

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250220065408-432412472.jpeg)

To disguise the DC power jack, I enclosed the area just behind the stairwell with wood and pilings. Later this will be covered with the false top and two pilings, with sand applied over the entire piece.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-250220065408-432422331.jpeg)

Till next time...
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 25, 2020, 06:47:35 PM
WOW
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Oldguy on February 25, 2020, 11:13:39 PM
My scenery hero
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: ReadingBob on February 26, 2020, 08:04:37 AM
Wow!  That looks fantastic!   :D  :D  :D
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: sdrees on February 26, 2020, 04:29:29 PM
Let me say it again. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 26, 2020, 07:11:08 PM
Thank you Curt, Bob D., Bob B. and Steve!

Glad you all like my project....getting closer to the finish....
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Jerry on February 26, 2020, 08:38:06 PM
Perfect scenery for the building.  Your usual awesome work my friend.


Jerry
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 27, 2020, 10:00:05 AM
Appreciate your comment Jerry. Thank you!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on February 29, 2020, 09:50:52 AM
I installed a row of pilings on both sides of the block wall area in back (actually the front of the building). This will frame it up square, and provide additional glue area. I finished painting the wall, and slid it down into place.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-260220095411-432431985.jpeg)

The prototype also has a very large ships' chain along the sidewalk. I used 3/32" styrene tube for posts and some leftover chain from another project.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-260220095411-43249509.jpeg)

A 2-rail iron pipe railing surrounds the entire property next to the rock cliffs. I built this jig to hold .016." brass at the appropriate spacing, and soldered the pieces together.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-260220095411-4325050.jpeg)

Installing the railing was a real challenge, because some areas under the posts were solid plaster. 

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-260220095411-432512016.jpeg)

I made a small batch of Scenic Express Supertrees, then picked the most natural one. Big mess of course. It'll be all by itself in the corner, I don't have room for three!

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-260220095412-432521928.jpeg)

To prep the area for water, a layer of Liquitex varnish was poured on to seal the paint. Added some loose rock and driftwood first.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-260220095641-432531405.jpeg)

The area on top of the block wall was dangerous for wandering patrons, so I found some Faller iron fencing in my inventory, and installed that straight across the top.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-260220095641-432541138.jpeg)

The water begins with the Dave Frary method of Mod Podge application. Many coats ahead. Then a couple coats of varnish to eliminate any "stickiness".

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-260220095641-432551816.jpeg)

Till next time.........the final pix...
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on March 04, 2020, 07:22:09 AM
I'm calling this done. The Dunkirk New York Lighthouse was built in 1875, and still stands and operates today. My HO scale version.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010320093222-4330957.jpeg)

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010320093222-433101272.jpeg)

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010320093222-433111819.jpeg)

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010320093222-433122211.jpeg)

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010320093222-433131536.jpeg)

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010320093313-433142309.jpeg)

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010320093313-433151110.jpeg)

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-010320093313-433161099.jpeg)

Thanks to everyone who read and commented on this thread. Many challenges were here. I learned some new things-tried a few techniques I'd never done before, which is how you improve.

I hope I explained my procedures plainly, and passed on some usable tips along the way....

I posted 140+ photos, they do a better job of showing the process than words ever can. There were many sessions of head scratching, and trashed "first attempts".

Thanks again!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: S&S RR on March 04, 2020, 07:27:38 AM
Carl


Absolutely beautiful! The modeling and photography. I really enjoyed your build thread, too. Thank you for sharing this wonderful work with us.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Janbouli on March 04, 2020, 07:27:56 AM
That came out fabulous Carl, the photo's outside are just dazzling , one would have to know it's a model to see it, thanks for sharing, can't wait to see your next project.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: GPdemayo on March 04, 2020, 08:41:55 AM
Beautiful dio Carl.....well done.  8)
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: PRR Modeler on March 04, 2020, 09:05:10 AM
Unbelievable that it's a model Carl. It looks like a 1:1 photo of the lighthouse. Beautiful modeling.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Oldguy on March 04, 2020, 10:35:49 AM
I'm utterly and completely gobsmacked!  Fantastic work.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: sdrees on March 04, 2020, 12:14:11 PM
I am with Curt Carl, I thought it was also a photo of the real thing.  I liked the way the lights worked out. Just and amazing model.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Rail and Tie on March 04, 2020, 01:42:16 PM
Holy Crap on a Cracker! That is 100% perfect! Looks exactly like the real thing! Absolutely Brilliant!!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: deemery on March 04, 2020, 01:50:56 PM
EVERYTHING came together perfectly on this.  I'm particularly impressed with the landscape, you nailed that!


dave
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: halrey on March 04, 2020, 02:18:01 PM
Carl, very very nicely done!


Hal
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: cuse on March 04, 2020, 04:47:35 PM
Beautiful work!


John
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: PaulS on March 04, 2020, 06:50:12 PM
Magnificent as always Carl !!!
Thanks for taking the time to share your build here and all of the photos and explanations along the way.  I know I learned a couple of things along the way with you as well.
Much appreciated and looking forward to seeing what's next on your modeling bench,
All the best,
--Paul
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on March 04, 2020, 07:12:49 PM
Thank you very much John S., Janbouli, Greg, Curt. Bob, Steve, Darryl, Dave, Hal, John and Paul!

I appreciate your compliments and interest. Glad you all liked the thread and topic.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Pennman on March 05, 2020, 09:59:48 AM
Carl,

Excellent work!! among other nice words already spoken... Thanks for another fine example of your exquisite modeling and tutorials.

Rich
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: postalkarl on March 05, 2020, 12:10:05 PM
Hey Carl B:

WOWIE!!!! Just absolutely beautiful work. A lot of painstaking work went into this. I just can't tell how well you did.

Karl S.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: ACL1504 on March 05, 2020, 02:10:14 PM
Carl,

Very very well done and very  impressive craftsmanship as well. Just beautiful.

Tom   ;D
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on March 05, 2020, 07:07:38 PM
Thank you very much Rich, Karl and Tom!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: rslaserkits on March 05, 2020, 09:44:32 PM

what a great build  looks so real
rich
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Jerry on March 05, 2020, 11:19:59 PM
Like I've said before you are a Master Scratch Builder!
It doesn't get much better than this!!


Jerry
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on March 06, 2020, 09:43:17 AM
Appreciate the compliments Rich and Jerry!
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: craftsmankits on March 09, 2020, 11:23:29 PM
Really nice build, and very informative.  One of the top posts.

Thanks for sharing.

Mark
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on March 10, 2020, 12:11:21 PM
Thank you very much Mark. Appreciate your interest.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on May 12, 2020, 04:23:38 PM
Just want to thank everyone here on the forum for their interest in this thread, by recently reaching over 5000 views!

I sincerely appreciate it.
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: postalkarl on May 12, 2020, 05:05:34 PM
Hey Karl:

It's just beautifully done.

Karl
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: Jerry on May 12, 2020, 05:40:50 PM
It was a work of art.


When do you start the next one??


Jerry
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: GPdemayo on May 13, 2020, 08:43:21 AM
Quote from: carl b on May 12, 2020, 04:23:38 PM
Just want to thank everyone here on the forum for their interest in this thread, by recently reaching over 5000 views!

I sincerely appreciate it.


We appreciate the time and effort it took to write the narrative and post the photos.....thanks for sharing the journey with us Carl.  :)
Title: Re: Great Lakes Lighthouse Build
Post by: carl b on May 13, 2020, 10:42:14 AM
Thank you Karl, Jerry and Greg.

Jerry, due to circumstances beyond my control, I probably won't be posting a new project till the fall.