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Forum Boards => Kit Building => Topic started by: Opa George on June 07, 2019, 05:16:40 PM

Title: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 07, 2019, 05:16:40 PM
Time for a new project. I have Bandits Roost but am saving that for the cold, dark winter. Something simpler first.

I can't be the first modeler to notice what natural mates Bar Mills' Saulenas Tavern and 4th Street Bail Bonds are. Both are Carpenter Italianate style, with their heavy cornice trim, low or flat roofs and turreted ends. As fate would have it, if built end-to-end, they make up a short city block with sidewalks included.

My plan is to build the basic shell of each structure with only minor modification to the roof and cornice where they will join. As I get further along in the build, I may make more significant changes as inspiration or opportunity strikes.

Each has a three-layer base that builds up as the sidewalk, entry porch, and building foundation. I first dry-stacked them for both structures to test how well they fit.  Rats--the Bail bonds base, as built, was 1/16th inch higher--a relatively large difference if they were to be joined. I contemplated removing one of the layers, but then decided instead to raise the Saulenas base by adding 1/16th wood panel to the bottom. Problem solved.

Below are the bases pushed together as they will be later joined, and the Saulenas walls with bracing.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-070619165230.jpeg)

Sometime this weekend I will brace the Bail Bonds walls and distress/add nail holes to the fronts of all walls, then make some wall color decisions.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: ReadingBob on June 07, 2019, 05:40:39 PM
Following along with great interest.  Looks like I got a front row seat too. :D
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Dave K. on June 07, 2019, 05:52:05 PM
Move over, bleacher hog!
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: S&S RR on June 07, 2019, 06:10:55 PM
You guys are always cutting in line. I will be following along from the second row.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Janbouli on June 07, 2019, 06:26:50 PM
I'll look on from the loges , best seats in the theater.  ;)
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Raymo on June 07, 2019, 06:27:39 PM
I'll sit over here on the floor, watching
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on June 07, 2019, 07:14:31 PM
I'll definitely be following George.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Dennis Bourey on June 07, 2019, 07:41:33 PM
I call 3rd row :)
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: jimmillho on June 07, 2019, 09:33:38 PM
I guess I am in the back row cheap seats, but I have got my good Glasses on.

Jim
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: EricQuebec on June 08, 2019, 07:23:54 AM
I will follow too
Eric
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: GPdemayo on June 08, 2019, 04:52:08 PM
I'm here somewhere....not sure where.....but having a good time.....I'll be looking in on this one George.  :)
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: MAP on June 09, 2019, 06:25:21 AM
I'll be following along as well, sitting at home with my drone hovering over watching your build!
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 09, 2019, 07:55:11 AM
Wow, full house!  Better get this show started. We'll skip past the dancing girls, Enrico and his Trained Squirrels, and Lily the Amazing Psychic Mime to the main event.

The Saulenas Tavern walls were painted flat black on the reverse to help minimize warping, then a coat of A&I to bring out the slight distressing (nail holes and a few lifted boards). I usually also add a heavy-handed treatment with a file card and/or a welder's brush to add a lot of extra grain, but did not this time, as this building should represent somewhat more diligent upkeep by the Saulenas family.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-090619073131.jpeg)

Now the big decision--what color to paint the walls and trim? This, and its companion building, will be seaside resort businesses catering to the tourist trade. The other structure, 4th Street Bail Bonds, will become "Mermaid Gems and Jewelry" (working name), with a blue and white color scheme, so I wanted something complementary for the tavern.  I settled on a light green and rich yellow, as below.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-090619073206.jpeg)

I sponge painted the walls, and wet brushed the trim.  Both colors are craft store Acrylics: Mistletoe Green and Golden Wheat. Although the walls should represent relatively good repair, I still applied the paint sparingly to show fading in the salt air. The small wall left unpainted adjoins the next structure and won't be visible.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-090619073240.jpeg)

Windows and trim painting next.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: richbeau on June 09, 2019, 08:23:25 AM
This looks interesting. Until I just scooted over to the Bar Mills site, I was not familiar with 4th Street Bail Bonds. Oh yeah... I see a few possibilities. Definitely deserves a follow.
--Rich
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: ACL1504 on June 09, 2019, 09:04:36 AM
FIRE - FIRE, everybody out. Now I can get on the front row in the middle.

Tom AKA: Firestarter per Jimmy D.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 09, 2019, 09:26:46 AM
Quote from: richbeau on June 09, 2019, 08:23:25 AM
This looks interesting. Until I just scooted over to the Bar Mills site, I was not familiar with 4th Street Bail Bonds. Oh yeah... I see a few possibilities. Definitely deserves a follow.
--Rich
Rich, I very eager to start in with the 4th Street Bail Bonds kit, which I will try to start in the next few days.  It is Saulenas Tavern on steroids--Bar Mills really went the extra mile with detail on that kit. The security gate alone is amazing.  More on that when I get to it.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on June 09, 2019, 10:14:56 AM
Looks Great George. It will be interesting to see how the colors work out.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 10, 2019, 08:10:10 PM
Thanks, Curt. Here is a picture of the walls with trim added. The colors look more faded in this pic--they are a little more vibrant in person.

I have also begun adding the windows. All are peel and stick windows, and quite well done. I primed the window sheet with Rustoleum Camouflage "Sand Camo" as a base, then lightly brushed on the acrylic "golden wheat."  I work slowly with these--only got four windows done, but enjoy this step. Lots of thought put into positioning the open sashes--air conditioning from a simpler time.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-100619200232.jpeg)

--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: swisstrain on June 11, 2019, 01:58:12 PM
Very nice start.  I think I will be checking in on this one also.

I have a port area back alley to fill, and this might make a nice addition!

Urs
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Dennis Bourey on June 11, 2019, 04:03:38 PM
George, Looking Great there!!!! Dennis
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on June 11, 2019, 04:47:09 PM
Looks good George.  Looking forward to seeing it all together.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 12, 2019, 08:34:35 PM
Thanks, Dennis and Curt. Thank you, Urs. As built, the (second) bail bonds structure would be a good back street type of business. I'm going slightly more "legit" as a jewelry store with a dance hall on the second floor.  I will build this first structure as Saulenas Tavern because I like the signs that come with it, and I could always use another tavern in a tourist town. The upstairs business will be a Psychic/fortune teller--a little more on the shady side--but fun--a typical seaside "diversion."

Here are the main walls of the first structure ready to go up.  The windows will have curtains before the roof goes on. I also glued heavy black paper to the inside of the "blind" wall (window openings but no windows) that will adjoin its partner structure.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-120619202105.jpeg)

All four main walls are raised and squared up. Front side:
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-120619202141.jpeg)

And reverse (alley side):
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-120619202217.jpeg)

The fancy entrance will be constructed next, before the four small walls that make up the overhang.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on June 13, 2019, 09:17:44 AM
Very nice George.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Janbouli on June 13, 2019, 03:03:27 PM
Doing well George , Saulena's is a nice kit.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: ACL1504 on June 13, 2019, 03:47:42 PM
George,

I'll be following along as well. I have the kit but it's way down the road to being started. Nice start.

Tom   ;D
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 13, 2019, 08:38:28 PM
Glad to have you along, Tom. Thanks, Jan and Curt.
Here is the structure with all walls and entrance up, plus the turret floor in place but not glued.  It should remain loose for adjustment when the turret walls are added.  The raggedy-looking yellow window treatment is curtains. You'll have to trust me they look better from the outside as intended to be viewed!
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-130619202946.jpeg)

Top-down view, to give you an idea of how it all fits together so far. 
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-130619203031.jpeg)

Turret installed. The ocean breeze is kicking up!
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-130619203110.jpeg)

Here is the back side.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-130619203142.jpeg)

Up to now it has been easy to put together. The roof and cornice are a bit more complicated. I will be tackling that tomorrow.
A big shout-out to HO Scale Customs and their tutorial on modeling blowing curtains. This is my first attempt following the instructions from Todd and Brett.  I hope to improve with more practice, but I'm satisfied with this first attempt.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: postalkarl on June 14, 2019, 12:10:48 PM
Hey George:

It's coming along nicely. Like the dry-brushed green.

Karl
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: NKP768 on June 14, 2019, 12:42:48 PM
Curtains are a cool touch George

Doug
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on June 14, 2019, 01:47:57 PM
Very nice George. The blowing curtains are wonderful.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 14, 2019, 04:33:33 PM
A little bit more work. I added light baffles with heavy paper, then installed the roof.  On top of the roof I installed the cornice frame, all per instructions.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-140619162644.jpeg)

The cornice face pieces then went on top of the frame, and then I began installing the corbels.  A toothpick made a handy tool to remove any oozing glue.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-140619162744.jpeg)

Here is the structure with all corbels in place.  They installed quite easily and once seated, required very little straightening.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-140619162831.jpeg)

More roof work later.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on June 14, 2019, 04:49:08 PM
Looks great and nice that you didn't have to cut out the decorative trim pieces from scratch.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: richbeau on June 14, 2019, 05:07:26 PM
Coming along nicely George (or is it Yiorgos? ;)). When I built this (ages ago), I put a wooden fence around the 'rear' edges of the roof and put a clothes line up there along with assorted clutter.
--Rich
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 14, 2019, 06:52:51 PM
Quote from: PRR Modeler on June 14, 2019, 04:49:08 PM
Looks great and nice that you didn't have to cut out the decorative trim pieces from scratch.

Indeed, Curt. I don't know if I have that amount of creativity and patience in me. Laser cutting for model kits arrived sometime during my hiatus from model railroading--what a pleasant surprise when I got back into the hobby!
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 14, 2019, 07:00:19 PM
Quote from: richbeau on June 14, 2019, 05:07:26 PM
Coming along nicely George (or is it Yiorgos? ;)). When I built this (ages ago), I put a wooden fence around the 'rear' edges of the roof and put a clothes line up there along with assorted clutter.
--Rich
Thanks, Rich! I love your idea for the roof activity. I may borrow it--hope you don't mind :).  In fact I have something special planned for the turret, another idea borrowed from someone else.

Yiorgos is cool--call me anything but late for dinner.  Actually, though, in this case Opa is German for grandfather, which is what my grandsons call me. Although I did grow up in a neighborhood with lots of Greek kids, so I suppose it could go either way.
--Opa George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: richbeau on June 14, 2019, 08:26:51 PM
Quote from: Opa George on June 14, 2019, 07:00:19 PM
Thanks, Rich! I love your idea for the roof activity. I may borrow it--hope you don't mind :).
<snip>
--Opa George

I'm sure I've got a photo. Let me dig it up.
--Rich
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: S&S RR on June 15, 2019, 07:54:37 AM
George


Very nice work. I just got caught up on your build thread.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: richbeau on June 15, 2019, 08:27:28 AM
Here are a couple of pics of my version George.

This first one from 2008 shows Saulenas' on a FreeMo module I had built...
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/641-150619082059-390671039.jpeg)

This shot gives you an idea of the roof top additions.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/641-150619082059-390681459.jpeg)

I did add more clutter as time went on but right now I have no idea where those pics might be. In any case I hope these are food-for-thought.
--Rich
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 15, 2019, 11:12:41 AM
Very nice, Rich. Thanks for those--good inspiration for some rooftop goodies. Did you scratchbuild the clothesline?  I even see clothespins.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Bruce Oberleitner on June 15, 2019, 12:08:50 PM
Quote from: ACL1504 on June 09, 2019, 09:04:36 AM
FIRE - FIRE, everybody out. Now I can get on the front row in the middle.

Tom AKA: Firestarter per Jimmy D.

You better not be up to your old tricks Dr. Evil. 

8) 8) :o
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Bruce Oberleitner on June 15, 2019, 12:14:48 PM
Opa George,
It looks like you got another winner on your hands.  I really like how Bar Mills did the cornice and corbels on the model.  That's got to be about as easy as it gets for doing that kind of detail work.

;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: richbeau on June 15, 2019, 12:39:23 PM
Quote from: Opa George on June 15, 2019, 11:12:41 AM
Very nice, Rich. Thanks for those--good inspiration for some rooftop goodies. Did you scratchbuild the clothesline?  I even see clothespins.
--George

The figures, and the leftmost part of the clothes line, are from Preiser. I've seen a Woodland Scenics version that is pretty nice. The right section of of the clothes line is scratched with a tall piece of lumber for the fence corner and a piece of thread.

Other ideas you might try - beehives and beekeeper, chicken coop or a pigeon coop. I've seen all of them on rooftops.
--Rich
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: deemery on June 15, 2019, 06:55:46 PM
Or sunbathers (clothed or otherwise...)


dave
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 15, 2019, 08:30:04 PM
I made some modifications to the cornice with scrap.  I needed to expand the footprint of the inner cornice wall to accommodate the tower roof.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-150619201840.jpeg)

The tower roof is made from more scrap plus some "L" channel from my stock. The Bar Mills box kindly sacrificed itself for the roof board.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-150619201935.jpeg)

And a few pictures of the tower roof in place. I used up about 60% the rolled roofing supplied, but I think I have enough leftover from the FOS Terminal kit to cover the flat roof.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-150619202013.jpeg)

Some of the self-adhesive roll roofing is not cooperating and lying flat. I will need to sneak a touch of glue underneath.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-150619202051.jpeg)

One more pic. 
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-150619202148.jpeg)

Lots more details to add. The outside stair to build, yet.  Roof to finish. A few more items I may not have thought up, yet.  Then it will be on to the adjoining structure in this build.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on June 15, 2019, 08:56:38 PM
Neat job on the peaked roof.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: postalkarl on June 16, 2019, 12:37:29 AM
Hey
George:

Love the peaked roof. Great job.

Karl
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Janbouli on June 16, 2019, 06:25:52 AM
The peaked roof is an excellent alteration. I did Saulena's in N-scale and the stairs were just not doable for me so I altered them.
(http://janbouli.com/images/gebouwen/saul/saul24.jpg)
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Dave K. on June 16, 2019, 06:09:04 PM
I've been following daily, George, just not posting much due to the database error issues. She's coming along great. I love the heavily weathered walls...the salt air has not been kind to Saulena's. Now I've got a hankerin' for some salt water taffy. :P
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Oldguy on June 16, 2019, 10:40:37 PM
Looking good!
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 18, 2019, 06:25:49 AM
Thank you for the supportive comments, Bob and Dave. Jan, nice job with the N-scale version. The steps in 1/87th beat me up, but I finally got them on after several hours of working with it.  Quite a challenge!  I can't imagine trying the same thing in 1/160.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 18, 2019, 06:31:25 AM
The basic Saulenas structure itself is done, sans weathering, roof tar, signs, minor details, etc.  I want to get the next structure in place before those steps so that I can work with it all as a unit.  Here are some pics:
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-170619160508.jpeg)

In addition to the roof tower, I cobbled together a side entrance and rooftop access from this and other kit scraps.  Also added a support column to the front overhang.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-170619160540.jpeg)

Another view.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-170619160713.jpeg)

It is just sitting on the front of my layout for pics--not its chosen location.
I have already begun distressing and bracing the walls of the next structure: the jewelry store with upstairs dancehall (Bar Mills Bail Bonds).
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Janbouli on June 18, 2019, 08:11:55 AM
Looks great George , the side entrance works well , and I love the curtains.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 18, 2019, 10:20:03 AM
Thanks much, Jan.
More rain here today, so more opportunity to get ahead on the next part.
Below are the walls of the jewelry store with bracing.  I followed the instructions closely.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-180619101104.jpeg)

A light coat of A & I.  I did not spend a lot of time on distressing the walls this time. The building should be in relatively good repair--maybe mostly just a fading, sea-salt worn paint job. But also, a lot of walls overlap, and there will be plenty of signs, so a lot of that work would have been covered anyway.  The alcohol is still drying, so some wet areas are still evident.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-180619101148.jpeg)

And the walls sponge painted.  I used acrylic craft paint--Nicole's brand "Scuba."  Corner trim (not shown) is white.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-180619101226.jpeg)

I also spray-painted the reverse of all walls flat black.

--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Jerry on June 18, 2019, 12:28:58 PM
Looking good George.

Jerry
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 18, 2019, 02:53:06 PM
Quote from: Jerry on June 18, 2019, 12:28:58 PM
Looking good George.

Jerry

Thanks very much, Jerry!
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 19, 2019, 09:54:08 AM
Added windows, window dressings, corner trim and got the walls up. This part of the assembly was extra easy since I am using the sidewalk base. In addition, the tabs and interlocking walls helped keep it all square to start. I still used square clamps while it dried.
Here is the basic shell assembled.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-190619094147.jpeg)

I want to point out how easy it is to get a wall upside down. The small inset wall with the window, on the alley side, can be deceptive if you are not paying attention to the direction of the clapboard.  I installed the window and window dressing, and actually installed the wall upside down, mostly because I was mistakenly putting the tab slot at the top, to match the other walls.  This is incorrect, and the tab slot goes at the bottom. Fortunately I caught it before the glue set.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-190619094232.jpeg)

I set the two structures of this build in place next to each other. Not yet glued. Just wanted to check out the basic look of both structures together.  Here is the front:
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-190619094317.jpeg)

Different angle view:
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-190619094353.jpeg)

And the alley side:
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-190619094436.jpeg)

So far, so good.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on June 19, 2019, 11:30:32 AM
Really nice modeling George.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 20, 2019, 01:48:00 PM
Thank you, Curt.
Today I tackled construction and installation of the cornice. I really liked the detail in the Saulenas Tavern cornice, but this one is Saulenas on steroids.  Very detailed--but it went together easily, although not quickly

Artie noted in the instructions that he assembled it prior to painting--fearing that paint would cover up the finely etched guide lines for the two layers of decorative panels. But the possibility of having a multi-colored, detailed cornice drew me to the dark side of ignoring Artie's notes.  I am happy to report it turned out well.

Below are the various components painted via rattle-can, with some of the cornice pieces under construction. I used Rustoleum colors, and the fine enamel spray did not cover the guidelines, fortunately. I did have to cut apart one of the laser sheets, to separate two different panel types, but that went easily enough.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-200619132438.jpeg)

I installed the corbels after the panels were mounted on the building, but before installing the top plates. I had a minor issue, in that the mounting holes for the corbels did not line up as I thought they should have. I worked around that by shaving off the tiny tab on the corbel and placing them where I wanted them. (apologies for the blurry image--got too close with the camera)
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-200619132517.jpeg)

I moved on to staircase construction. As this is a closed stairwell, the kit included a spacer for the stair stringers--a huge improvement over fussing with the staircase on the Saulenas building.  This took no time at all.  I spray painted the completed stairs white.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-200619132610.jpeg)

All for now.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Janbouli on June 20, 2019, 03:15:45 PM
The corbels and panels look great , what a nice kit.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: postalkarl on June 20, 2019, 03:59:15 PM
Hey George:

looking good.

Karl
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 20, 2019, 04:27:21 PM
Thanks, Jan and Karl--Bar Mills really went the extra mile with this kit. I'm really enjoying the build.

Here is the structure with stairwell, news-stand and store entrance installed. The store entrance and news stand involved painting the different overlays contrasting colors, then putting them together (they are self-stick components) for the installation. The biggest step is planning out what colors to use.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-200619161613.jpeg)

Shot from the street corner entrance.  I still have pilasters to install on the entrance. I did not spend a lot of time on interior details or even lettering on the windows.  The entrance will be covered by a security gate--one of the unique features of this kit--so most details will not be visible.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-200619161650.jpeg)

Another view.  Although this looks nearly finished, in actually it is only about 3/4ths done.  There are a LOT of goodies in this kit to construct yet, plus I have some of my own variations planned.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-200619161723.jpeg)

Note: the end wall you see above adjoins Saulenas Tavern, so has no detail.  In fact I need to trim the cornice so it will sit flush to its sister building.

Stay tuned.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on June 20, 2019, 05:09:44 PM
Looks really good George.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: ReadingBob on June 21, 2019, 10:36:40 AM
Looks great George!  Interesting color combinations.  I doubt I would have ever thought of using them but I think they look good.   :)
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 21, 2019, 11:19:09 AM
Quote from: ReadingBob on June 21, 2019, 10:36:40 AM
Looks great George!  Interesting color combinations.  I doubt I would have ever thought of using them but I think they look good.   :)

Thanks, Bob. I've been trying to get more daring with my colors, lately. I used three colors for the Saulenas building and five on this one: three shades of blue, plus white and yellow. The blues predominate, of course, with white as an accent and trim. Yellow is only used on the storefront.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 27, 2019, 07:15:38 AM
Time for more work on the rooftop.  The second floor above the jewelry store is a dance hall, so I figured a rooftop dance floor would be a nice feature.  Several vacation spot and seashore dance halls and jazz clubs advertised rooftop dancing. 

Here, I used some leftover scribed siding to install walls along the front and sides of the building. The rear will face the bay, so I did not want to block the patrons' view.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-270619055428.jpeg)

Although I love angled roofs and the interest they give, I need an unbroken straight run to accommodate the jewelry store sign, so I used scrap from the cornice carrier sheets to "fill in" the flat cornice top on the front and right-hand side.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-270619055506.jpeg)

Pardon the blurry picture--I'll post a few better pics later.  I used pre-assembled die-cut sheets of decorative round shingles, painted dark blue, to roof over the space between the rooftop walls and the cornice edge.  Here is the view of the rooftop dance floor with roof access tentatively located.  I need to play around with the various components that will make up this space, so all is still in the planning/exploration stage.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-270619055547.jpeg)

By the way, the flat roofing is used 220 grit sandpaper painted in Rustoleum camo khaki.  For the "I should have known this" file:  cutting sandpaper into roofing paper strips really chews up a razor knife blade!  The blade had no edge and was completely useless by the time I was done.

Here is a view of the building front with the roof in place.  The dark blue paint has much more of a sheen that I had hoped, but that will be easy to remove with some weathering chalks later.  I will also use drybrushing to highlight and bring out the texture of the round shingles.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-270619055622.jpeg)

Lots more coming up.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: deemery on June 27, 2019, 08:49:12 AM
I've had good luck using chalks and Pan Pastels on shingles.  Try using some blue in an early coat, that works surprisingly well to get a slaty appearance.


dave
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 27, 2019, 09:21:09 AM
Quote from: deemery on June 27, 2019, 08:49:12 AM
I've had good luck using chalks and Pan Pastels on shingles.  Try using some blue in an early coat, that works surprisingly well to get a slaty appearance.

dave
Excellent tip, Dave. I will try that. Thanks!
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on June 27, 2019, 09:40:05 AM
Really nice modeling George.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: jerryrbeach on June 27, 2019, 06:37:10 PM
George,

Just getting caught up with this thread.  I love both the concept and execution.  Looking forward to seeing these structures in place on your layout.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: JimF on June 28, 2019, 08:08:23 AM
George,

Using the 2 structures like that is excellent, love the colors you are using. The mansard roof is a very interesting change, though I hate the things. Just a personal thing, after so many diners in the 70's were 'modernized' with one.

You're work is excellent, real inspiration.

Jim
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: postalkarl on June 28, 2019, 04:40:51 PM
Hey George:

Looking real nice. Like that roof.

Karl
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 28, 2019, 05:18:01 PM
Thanks for the comments, Curt, Jerry, Jim and Karl.
Here is the beginning of the rooftop dance floor construction. I put in a wooden dance floor and a band stand.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-280619170625.jpeg)

More progress on the roof. Most of the trellis work is done.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-280619170704.jpeg)

Also started to add some signs. The shop is on Mermaid Avenue, hence the name Mermaid Jewelry.  The dance club is upstairs.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-280619170756.jpeg)

Side view.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-280619170834.jpeg)

Word got around quick--we have a band and patrons.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-280619170913.jpeg)

More roof work to come, plus I haven't even begun the news stand part of the kit yet.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: sdrees on June 28, 2019, 07:52:01 PM

Coming along very nicely George.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Dennis Bourey on June 28, 2019, 08:24:09 PM
Very nicely done!!!!
Dennis
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on June 28, 2019, 08:33:11 PM
What a great job George.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: JimF on June 29, 2019, 05:52:42 AM
WOW! Excellent, George. Love what your imagination comes up with. (Lots of ideas for the rest of us to steal, um, er, I mean, borrow LOL)

Jim
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: jimmillho on June 29, 2019, 11:44:58 AM
Quote from: JimF on June 29, 2019, 05:52:42 AM
WOW! Excellent, George. Love what your imagination comes up with. (Lots of ideas for the rest of us to steal, um, er, I mean, borrow LOL)

Jim

What he said.....in Spades.

Jim
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on June 29, 2019, 08:50:04 PM
Thanks, everyone. Busy weekend but I had time for a small project so worked on the news-stand. Two pics below.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-290619204101.jpeg)

and close up.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-290619204227.jpeg)

The peeling paint look on the edge of the swing-down door just looks raggedy, so I think I will just go over it again with white.  If I were beginning this build again, I would finish the interior of the news stand with lines of magazines & etc before putting the front wall in place.  Once I got the exteriors built, I realized it would be difficult to get much inside.

Some magazine covers came with the kit signs, but I wanted many more, so found them on the internet and printed hundreds (many more than I ended up using) reduced in size to very tiny.  Still, I was amazed how much detail is still noticeable in a printed picture a few hundreds of an inch.
--George

--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on June 29, 2019, 09:51:47 PM
Very nice George.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Oldguy on June 29, 2019, 10:11:22 PM
Very imaginative and great execution.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Janbouli on June 30, 2019, 04:31:52 AM
That looks great , awesome job.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: postalkarl on June 30, 2019, 08:38:25 AM
Hey George:

Beautiful job on the news stand Keep those photos coming.

Karl
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Dennis Bourey on June 30, 2019, 06:10:38 PM
George, All around Beautiful job.......Dennis
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on July 02, 2019, 05:46:19 AM
Thank you very much for the comments, Curt, Bob, Jan, Karl and Dennis.
I'll have a bit more to post soon, but the weather has been too nice lately--been spending free time in the garden.
Stay tuned.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: JimF on July 03, 2019, 06:09:11 AM
Like what you have done with these 2 kits, a lot, George. Has me doing a re-think about working them into my proposed street scene.

More magic, please :)

Jim
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Dave K. on July 03, 2019, 07:56:53 AM
Awesome creativity with the rooftop dance floor.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Dennis Bourey on July 03, 2019, 12:42:19 PM
I got my dance shoes on....... ;)  Dennis
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on July 03, 2019, 05:03:38 PM
Thanks, Jim, Dave and Dennis!  The party is starting.

Prepping some letters for the big sign for Mermaid Avenue Jewelry. These will go on the rooftop:
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-030719165415.jpeg)

Rooftop letters in place:
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-030719165454.jpeg)

More signs, mostly for the Psychic:
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-030719165527.jpeg)

The two kits together, about 90% done:
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-030719165605.jpeg)

Close up of some of the signs. The ad for Al Parfait and his Hollywood Cadets is a tribute to my maternal grandfather, a 1930s swing band leader. That was his band.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-030719165639.jpeg)

And one last shot.  More detailing and of course the weathering coming.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-030719165714.jpeg)

--George
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-030719165639.jpeg)
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on July 03, 2019, 05:34:38 PM
The paint colors remind me of a seaside tourist building. :)
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on July 04, 2019, 10:27:53 AM
Quote from: PRR Modeler on July 03, 2019, 05:34:38 PM
The paint colors remind me of a seaside tourist building. :)
Thanks, Curt--that's my goal. This part of the layout is inspired by Coney Island (hence "Mermaid Avenue.")
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: GPdemayo on July 04, 2019, 12:17:37 PM
Just the right touch of gaudy for the shore George.....well done.  8)
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 04, 2019, 03:33:54 PM
Looks great, George.

I wasn't sure about those colours to start with, but with all the details added the whole scene really packs a punch.

Cheers, mark.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on July 05, 2019, 07:21:18 AM
Quote from: mark dalrymple on July 04, 2019, 03:33:54 PM
Looks great, George.

I wasn't sure about those colours to start with, but with all the details added the whole scene really packs a punch.

Cheers, mark.

Thank you, Mark. It is likely once I drybrush with some white for highlights, and then dust with some earth toned weathering chalks that the colors will tone down and blend a bit.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on July 05, 2019, 07:32:15 AM
Quote from: GPdemayo on July 04, 2019, 12:17:37 PM
Just the right touch of gaudy for the shore George.....well done.  8)

Thanks for that comment, Gregory.  I've been using the book "Coney Island Lost and Found," by Charles Denson (2002, Ten Speed Press) as my inspiration and reference, not that I am modeling Coney Island--would not have near enough room.

I have always loved that odd spot in American culture that falls somewhere between kitsch, folk art and entrepreneurial excess.  To that end, a mid-century seaside resort in which a large number of the tourists arrive by train is my chosen layout theme.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: dick green on July 05, 2019, 08:33:18 AM
Great call on combining these kits. They really do go well together.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: ACL1504 on July 05, 2019, 02:23:14 PM
George,

I agree, and well done as well.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on July 08, 2019, 05:55:16 AM
Thanks, Dick and thanks, Tom, for the support.
Here is the overall building done except for weathering and some small details. I have one more kit to build (FOS Rankins Steakhouse) before creating the entire street location/scene on the layout.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-080719053435-39310395.jpeg)

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-080719053435-393231951.jpeg)

Sol Zuckerman, owner of Zuckerman Imports on Mermaid Avenue, first saw the large fiberglass figure at a Bord de Mer festival while on a buying trip to the French Riviera. He left his name and a year later received word that the figure was for sale. He immediately bought it and arranged for shipping to the US.

It's arrival at the seaside resort, in one piece aboard a flatcar last February, was an event, and upon successful installation and bracing on top of his store, he changed the name of the store to Mermaid Avenue Jewelry. It has been the talk of the town ever since.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-080719053435-393241685.jpeg)

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-080719053435-393251822.jpeg)

When I get a little more time, I will share the story of Mademoiselle Zola, who occupies the top floor next door.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: cuse on July 08, 2019, 07:10:44 AM
very cool. Fun scene and great modeling as well!


John
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Dennis Bourey on July 08, 2019, 07:12:24 AM
Very nicely done George. Dennis
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on July 08, 2019, 09:05:34 AM
Amazing George. Love the mermaid.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Todd W. on July 08, 2019, 11:09:57 AM
George this is fantastic!  You captured the aura of busy booming beach towns everywhere on the east coast from Ocean City Md to Long Island, and from Virginia Beach to Myrtle Beach especially during the 50's through the early 90's.  So well thought out and impressive worksmanship!
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: postalkarl on July 08, 2019, 11:11:51 AM
Hey George:

Beautifully done. Especially love the mermaid. Where the heck did you find her?

Karl
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on July 08, 2019, 12:58:27 PM
Quote from: postalkarl on July 08, 2019, 11:11:51 AM
Hey George:

Beautifully done. Especially love the mermaid. Where the heck did you find her?

Karl

Thanks, Karl.  I found that figurine at AC Moore. It is by Safari LTD, in their "Mythical Realms" line.  If AC Moore no longer carries them, they are available on Amazon and elsewhere.

I actually bought it a few years ago when I was planning my seaside resort layout. My intent was to have her near the rail bridge that enters the town, welcoming visitors. The inspiration to use her atop the jewelry building was very recent.
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 08, 2019, 02:55:36 PM
Looking spectacular, George!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Janbouli on July 08, 2019, 03:02:25 PM
Wow , and I second everything that's been said , what a cool scene.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: JimF on July 09, 2019, 08:55:00 AM
George, you have definitely captured the semi garish, kitschy look of the seashore fun spots from those mid century days.

Just flat out excellent, excellent work.

Jim
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Dave K. on July 09, 2019, 11:46:18 AM
Nice job, George!
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Dennis Bourey on July 09, 2019, 12:07:01 PM
Good Job George, You made it to the big times!!!!!!! :)    Dennis
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on July 09, 2019, 12:38:14 PM
Quote from: Dave K. on July 09, 2019, 11:46:18 AM
Nice job, George!

Wow, Dave, thanks for the heads up on that--I am not on Facebook and probably would have missed it.  That really makes my day!
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Dave K. on July 09, 2019, 12:43:34 PM
Quote from: Opa George on July 09, 2019, 12:38:14 PM
Quote from: Dave K. on July 09, 2019, 11:46:18 AM
Nice job, George!

Wow, Dave, thanks for the heads up on that--I am not on Facebook and probably would have missed it.  That really makes my day!
--George


Always want to be sure modelers/photographers get their proper credit. Well deserved, George!
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on July 09, 2019, 12:46:45 PM
Quote from: DennisBourey on July 09, 2019, 12:07:01 PM
Good Job George, You made it to the big times!!!!!!! :)    Dennis

"Wacky!"  They shouldn't condone that type of kit building behavior. It just encourages more outrageous stuff.  I have what the immortal Frank Zappa termed "a taste for the bizarre."
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Dave K. on July 09, 2019, 12:57:21 PM
🤣🤣🤣
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: JimF on July 09, 2019, 01:22:39 PM
Good lord, if being on fb is the 'big time', I'll stick to small time LOL

Jim
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on July 09, 2019, 04:11:50 PM
Quote from: JimF on July 09, 2019, 01:22:39 PM
Good lord, if being on fb is the 'big time', I'll stick to small time LOL

Jim

Indeed!  I have to wonder if Andy Warhol is shaking his head in disbelief or laughing his rear end off.  :)
Still, kind of fun. Heck, I'm still proud of my third place finish for classroom president in third grade! Don't ask how many people ran. ;)
--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on July 12, 2019, 02:31:35 PM
I took the completed structure outside for some real light photos. Couldn't find a vantage point without an out-of-scale background, though.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-120719133624-39356919.jpeg)

The roof-top dance floor.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-120719133621-393501339.jpeg)

Next door, more mundane chores in progress--hanging laundry.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-120719133622-393531126.jpeg)

The tavern corner. The lunch crowd is starting to come in.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-120719133622-393542431.jpeg)

The following photos were kindly loaned to me by Maggie at the Upper Harbor Historical Society and Tourism Board:

Front of the Mermaid Avenue Jewelry store, circa 1937. A pencil notation on the back of the photo identifies the woman stepping off the curb as local socialite and adventuress Nora Cowslipper. She disappeared while unicycling in the Italian Alps about a month later. This is said to be the last picture of her:
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-120719133812-393572425.jpeg)

A polaroid, taken from the roof of the bus depot across the street, of Madamoiselle Zola's shop. This photo captured her housekeeper, Uberta, on the porch in the act of shooing away the street performer who has just set up on the sidewalk below.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-120719133623-393551152.jpeg)

A circa 1962 photo of the jewelry store, cropped for use as a postcard. This image caused a sensation because it appeared to show the ghost of missing socialite Nora Cowslipper as she was last seen in town.  In 2012 the store and street corner was "investigated" by television ghost hunters.  Although many suspicious blurs were captured on grainy video, no evidence turned up that the ghost of Nora Cowslipper still haunts the locale.
(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/779-120719134347-393601825.jpeg)

--George
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Dennis Bourey on July 12, 2019, 03:21:07 PM
George, Look's perfect outside. you really did a subprime job!!!!.............Dennis
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 12, 2019, 04:04:26 PM
George - great modelling and story telling.  You've really brought the scene to life.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: PRR Modeler on July 12, 2019, 04:52:10 PM
WOW just WOW George.
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Janbouli on July 12, 2019, 05:16:50 PM
(http://img.over-blog-kiwi.com/400x260-ct/0/98/03/83/20160317/ob_9d35a0_mdg-3454-8547-1.gif)
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: S&S RR on July 13, 2019, 08:44:52 AM
Very nice work!
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: postalkarl on July 13, 2019, 11:14:35 AM
Hey George.

All I can say is just WOWWWWWW!!!!! I love what you did with this kit. You should send photos to Artie. Love the Wrigleys signs.

Karl
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: bandman on July 13, 2019, 03:19:00 PM
George,  Just now finding this thread.  What a terrific build! I like your imagination and creativity.  I've been pretty much a lurker on this site, but this build changed that.  Thank you. Horton
Title: Re: Saulenas & Bail Bonds
Post by: Opa George on July 15, 2019, 01:31:47 PM
Horton,
Thanks for the kind comments and welcome to the forum! I have found it to be very supporting and friendly, with lots of tips and inspiration. Glad you found it.  My first build thread was not long ago. One day I just decided to jump in with one, and have had the greatest experiences since.
--George