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Forum Boards => Scratchbuilding => Topic started by: Random on April 05, 2019, 04:21:49 PM

Title: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on April 05, 2019, 04:21:49 PM
This will be a structure kitbash for the Two Cities layout.  That thread is getting rather large so I've decided to break individual structures out and update that thread when they are installed.

There is an odd, essentially triangular shaped, area to the right of the station that needs a multi-story brick structure to house a manufacturing business. 

This photo is from the back of the scene.

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-050419155504-385661404.jpeg)


In order to work on the design at the work bench I made a simple template of the space.

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-050419155504-385751697.jpeg)


I went though my supply of brick structure kits and after some pondering settled on these two.  The kit on the left is now sold by Woodland Scenics and the kit on the right is from Lunde Studios.

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-050419155504-38576751.jpeg)

If you're not familiar with Lunde Studios, these structures are designed by Bob Lunde who brought us DPM (now woodland scenics) and Magnuson structures.

As luck would have it, the brick sizes on these two kits are essential identical and the windows are very similar.  This statement may strike you as odd from the photos above but for this structure I will not be using the fronts of the buildings, but only the back and sides.

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-050419155505-385771095.jpeg)


Using the back and one side from the Lunde Studios kit, two sets from the DPM kit, and a bit of painters tape I worked up a pleasing general layout for the building.  The DMP walls will need to be spliced to make them taller.


(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-050419155505-385782370.jpeg)


I did a little more playing and decided to add another angle to the track side wall of the building. 


(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-050419155530-38579144.jpeg)


I'll need a couple more of the DMP kits to move forward but its off to a good start.

Cheers!



Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on April 05, 2019, 04:42:48 PM
I wanted to make sure this structure was going to fit into the scene well so I fired up the copier and made copies of the wall castings.  A bit of cutting and tape later and I had a paper mockup ready to fold.

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-050419163153-385801419.jpeg)


Here are a few shot of the mockup in the future home of the finished structure.

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-050419163153-385811204.jpeg)


(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-050419163153-38582256.jpeg)


(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-050419163154-385831477.jpeg)


(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-050419163154-385841517.jpeg)


There is no "front" to this structure but it is intended as a manufacturing facility and there are multiple doors on different sides allowing freight and personal access. 

Cheers.
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on April 11, 2019, 03:46:23 PM
My delivery arrived so its time to lay out the cut lines. 

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-110419154254-385861091.jpeg)



Yawn (its just a kit bash)

:)

Cheers
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 11, 2019, 04:58:03 PM
Yawn?  - I find kit-bashes very interesting.

I'm just not yet convinced by the shape of your latest one.  I don't yet see any reason for the odd shape and I would imagine it would cost considerably more to build.  I would think that reason would need to be obvious or otherwise it might look jarring?

Enjoying your work.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on April 11, 2019, 07:22:34 PM
Mark - A kitbash seems less involved than the wonderful scratch builds posted here but it can have its own challenges.  You're limited by someone else's design choices.

But, you do get to hack them up and make them your own.   Speaking of which, here are all the main wall sections marked for cutting.


(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-110419185832-38626193.jpeg)


And here we are with the cookies cut, as it were.

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-110419185832-38629286.jpeg)


This building is my first step away from trying to copy George's structure, but I still wanted a large brick building.   

The building serves as a transition between the large structures to the left and what will be smaller structures to the right.  As a view block I wanted it to be interesting from different angles.


There will be an extension of 8 to 12 inches in depth behind the overall scene with angled roads to prevent looking straight back to a flat backdrop.

As a result, the building's footprint is the bound by 3 streets and the curving railroad right of way.  I also did not want to make vertical cuts in the walls.

I am still considering some minor alterations and possibly an augment attached to one wall.  The lowest floor of the wall facing the tracks will also likely end up below grade.


Time will tell.

Cheers.

Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on April 22, 2019, 09:58:04 PM
A bunch of sanding, liberal use of liquid plastic cement, many weights, a few clamps, some waxed paper, and several days of letting things dry and I have finished assembling the walls.

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-220419214607-386792327.jpeg)


I want the window frames to be dark green so I decided to prime the the walls with green spray paint/primer (just a rattle can).  I'll go back and paint the bring with acrylics. 

Scotty from Star Trek would be proud (its...its...green....).

:)

Cheers.

Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: jbvb on April 23, 2019, 09:28:03 AM
Good to know the bricks match.  I've been turning M.T. Arms (stryene) into a couple of background flats, but that Lunde building is too tall for my attic layout.
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Zephyrus52246 on April 23, 2019, 01:56:41 PM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on June 13, 2019, 05:01:42 PM
Priming in green worked out nicely.   Here are the walls painted with acrylics.

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-130619154732-390211498.jpeg)

The dark undercoat gives more variation to the bricks. 


And here they are with a wash of thinned watercolor to simulate mortar.

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-130619154732-390321251.jpeg)


Here is a closeup so you can better see the details. 

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-130619154732-390332051.jpeg)

I really enjoyed not having to paint all of the windows individually.  I think going forward I'll be priming in the window trim color.  Its much easier to add the brick color to the wall flats afterwards.


Cheers!

Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: deemery on June 13, 2019, 05:57:37 PM
That's outstanding brick coloring!


dave
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: rpdylan on June 13, 2019, 06:12:30 PM
great work Roger! What colors/ brand of paint did you use for the bricks? they look fantastic
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: PRR Modeler on June 13, 2019, 08:36:57 PM
Great coloring Roger.
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: postalkarl on June 14, 2019, 12:14:20 PM
Roger:

Looks great so far. Will be following along.

Karl
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on June 14, 2019, 07:10:54 PM
I painted the stone window sills today.

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-140619184652-39058703.jpeg)


(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-140619184652-390592169.jpeg)



Bob, the green primer coat is rattle can Krylon "Satin Hunter Green".  The brick and sills are artist acrylics and the mortar is Chinese White tube watercolor mixed very thin with a few drops of dish soap added to break surface tension. 

The brick on this building is primarily mixed from Cadmium Red Deep Hue and Burnt Umber.  Its basically in the middle of the pallet below.  I don't worry about picking up a little of another color as I can blend anything too strong into the wall.

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-140619184652-390601940.jpeg)


I apply all of the brink color with an inexpensive half inch round artist brush that lives in a bucket of water.   The only cleaning it gets is to be bounced on the bottom of the bucket and wiped on a stack of paper towels. 

I do change out the water from time to time but I am not concerned with exact colors.

(https://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-140619190117-390611277.jpeg)


The window sills were mixed from Naples Yellow Deep, Titanium White and a bit of Burnt Umber.  There was probably a little Payne's Grey in there too.


Cheers!




Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Bruce Oberleitner on June 16, 2019, 12:06:57 PM
Very cool looking project.  I like how you broke up the back wall and curved it around to fit your space.  Great Job.

;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on July 26, 2019, 11:38:26 AM
This structure has taken a back seat to another project but I finally got the window glazing and shades installed.  I want to add signage before I assemble the structure.   

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-260719113204-394021769.jpeg)

The glazing is plastic, scavenged from old Magnuson kits and the shades are pastel paper.  The bits of colored paper are a little touch I noticed in some of George's structures.  It adds a little life to them.

Cheers

Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: MAP on August 04, 2019, 02:15:51 PM
Looking good!
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Dennis Bourey on August 04, 2019, 07:41:18 PM
Beautiful job!!!!!!!!!  Dennis
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: postalkarl on August 05, 2019, 12:21:43 PM
Hey Roger:

Beautiful job on the wall. Can't wait to see what sign you use as I am A sign freak.

Karl
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on November 23, 2019, 05:51:32 PM
Odd manufacturing made it to the top of the queue this week. 

I rechecked the fit for the oddly shaped lot next to the curving tracks to finalize the shape, got out the gel superglue, and went to work assembling the structure.  This side will face the tracks.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171117-417492319.jpeg)


From above you can see the general shape.   I added a stripwood lip inside the walls to support the roof.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171118-417942193.jpeg)


The roof is cut from chipboard and reinforced with fairly heavy stripwood.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171118-41795109.jpeg)


I added a temporary handle to the roof to make it easier to remove while working.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171118-417961650.jpeg)


I finally settled on a name.  The name is the combination of three old typewriter manufacturers, two English and one from the New England area.  So now we know what old ODD manufacturers.  I cut a stencil and painted the sign in black.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171118-417971103.jpeg)


After allowing the black to dry I positioned the stencil slightly up and right from the original location and stenciled in white.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171311-417981309.jpeg)


And that gives a nice drop shadow to the letters.  Those Os still need a little touch up.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171312-417992028.jpeg)


And here is the finished wall.   The other large wall has the same sign.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171312-418001547.jpeg)


Somewhere in the process I went back and painted the trim bricks green.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171312-418011082.jpeg)


The building needed a foundation to raise the freight doors up to loading dock height.  I found an old foam retaining wall casting in my supplies, cut it into strips, and then arranged it to fit the building.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171312-41802164.jpeg)


The wall facing the green building was from a different kit and came up a bit short.  I filled the gap at the base with a bit of balsa.  Once painted and hidden by scenery the patch will be invisible.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171426-4180367.jpeg)


The foundation wall fits the look pretty well.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171426-418041959.jpeg)


Here is the assembled building with foundation.  This is the side that faces away from the tracks.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171426-418052042.jpeg)


For the roof access structure I wanted to simulate glass block.  After several experiments I settled on these windows cut with my Cricut cutting machine.  I used the machine to score the pattern.  This material is brittle and easily snapped along the score lines to make individual windows.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171426-41806599.jpeg)


I also used the Cricut to cut the main walls for the roof structure from chipboard.  I primed the core and then added additional details from stripwood and card.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171426-418071474.jpeg)


At the moment I am working on several augments for the building.  The roof structure is drying so that it can be painted and the windows installed.  I also started working on an appropriately oddly shaped loading dock.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171512-41808810.jpeg)


I also cut and stained parts for the loading dock legs and a second dock.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-231119171512-418091758.jpeg)


At the moment the workbench is covered in drying products.  I am considering another augment to dress up the narrow wall with the freight and personal door.  Perhaps something that looks more like an office entrance.  We'll see.  Also, as a last step this structure will get a heavy vine treatment to cover up the corner seams that didn't meet cleanly.

Cheers.




Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: hairball on November 23, 2019, 06:28:55 PM
That's a pretty serious amount of windows to dress up, but looks really good.

Question on the sign , how did you make the sign STENCIL .

its not something I have ever done and do not think I ever saw anybody make one.  I always purchased lettra-set stick on letters in various fonts. Either applied directly to a structure or on paper bag painted background.

One problem you have to sort is the bricks meeting together in the corners.  Going back to our roots take notice of what George would do to brick structures or tall plastic ones.   The joints he would use thin cardstock in whats called COINING  or Quoining  ? and lap it over the joints and paint to look like staggered stone. ???  Just a thought

thanks mike.............HAIRBALL
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 23, 2019, 06:47:01 PM
Looking good Rodger - in an odd sort of way! ;D

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on November 24, 2019, 10:27:55 PM
I designed the sign in Affinity Designer and then saved that as a vector file.  I then took file over to Cricut design space and cut it with my Cricut Maker. 

I planked the loading docks and let them dry over night.  This is the larger dock.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-241119221524-418272059.jpeg)


With the odd shape the deck planking overhangs the framing.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-241119221525-418281362.jpeg)


I trimmed the planks by flipping the deck over and using a single edged razor blade.  I collected and saved the trimmings so that I can toss a few around the base of the dock. 

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-241119221525-41829919.jpeg)


Here is a quick test fit showing how the large deck will attach to the building.  The planking will sit on the foundation wall.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-241119221525-41830769.jpeg)


I laid out the spacing for the outer legs on some graph paper.   Then I covered it with waxed paper and glued the legs down with a drop of glue at each end.  I'll let these dry over night and then add angled bracing.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-241119221525-418311171.jpeg)


Cheers.
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: hairball on November 24, 2019, 11:28:03 PM
thanks for the answer on the sign making .

But you forgot to say unless your a graphic designer and using this programming that's not inexpensive as the CRICUT MAKER lists north of $400 at wallmart when I googled what it was and that was one of the places selling it.  This is specialized programming and tool most 98% of us would not own. ??????????

Think will stick to stick on letters .

mike lynch........HAIRBALL
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on November 25, 2019, 10:11:11 AM
Mike

I'm not a graphic designer.   The software I use was about $40 on sale.  Its been a bit of a learning curve but it gives me access to more fonts and features.  You could design a basic sign in the software that comes with the cutting machines.  You'd just have access to fewer fonts.  Although that may not be true with all of the models.  There are several makers. 

As to the machine, I chose the Cricut Maker because of the Knife Blade option.  Its essentially a computer driven #11 X-acto blade that will cut chipboard up to 2mm thick and also 1/16 inch basswood.  You don't use this blade to cut stencils.  The less expensive machines can do the job with the standard cutting blade.  That being said, if you don't make enough signs the investment isn't worth it. 

I use my machine to cut stencils for painted signs, cut lettering from card for 3-D signs, and cut walls for structures.   I suspect I'll find other jobs for it in the future.

I still swing an x-acto knife and a single edged razor blade when appropriate.  For instance, I added diagonal bracing to the platform supports this morning.


(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-251119094358-418321240.jpeg)



Cheers.
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on November 26, 2019, 09:47:09 AM
I made a little progress on the loading docks.   This is all a bit tedious but I don't know a faster way.  I wouldn't be surprised if there is one though.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-261119093126-41833497.jpeg)


On the subject of the cutting machines, my first was a Brother Scan N Cut that I got for free when a relative bought a new machine.  It can handle lighter card and stencil film with no problem.  In fact, the stencils for the Leroy's Grill build were cut on that machine.  The scan N cut is interesting because you can feed it a printed image and it will translate that into a cutting design so you don't have to design in software.  It can be a bit fiddly though. The image needs to have very smooth edges or it will pick up "jitter". 

All of these machines have some kind of design software, usually online, that will let you make designs.  In my experience they have a limited font selection but for basic signs they can do a nice job.

If you're interested in one ask around your friends and family.  Someone may be getting a new machine this holiday season and have an old one they would give away or sell cheep.  Or heck, just borrow cutting time on theirs. 


Cheers!

PS.  Thanks Mark.  Didn't mean to ignore you.
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 26, 2019, 01:00:46 PM
Roger - typically decks have decking on joists on bearers on posts.  Each of the first three also typically runs at right angles to the one above, meaning the decking and bearers are parallel.  The bearers bear the weight of the joists and so you can span much further between the posts.  For example on your square deck above I would expect to see 9 posts.  A general formula for span is 1 foot for every inch of thickness - so if you used 8x2's for joists and 10x2's for bearers the bearers could be 8 feet apart and the posts 10 feet.  I'm sure this would save a bit of time.  Not saying you should change anything - but I'm sure you'll be building more decks in the future.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on November 26, 2019, 03:06:19 PM
Mark

You know, I know better.   I'm not sure what I was thinking when I started the legs.  Designing shouldn't be done when you're tired I guess.

Thanks

Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: postalkarl on November 26, 2019, 05:12:09 PM
Hey Mark:

the platforms are coming together and look great so far.

Karl
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on December 02, 2019, 08:54:09 PM
I finished attaching the odd legs on the odd platforms.    I also finished assembling the roof access structure.  Its is made from card and the custom windows.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-021219204926-418851091.jpeg)


I also designed and cut a new stencil and painted a sign on the station end of the building.  This kind of sign looks so much nicer painted directly on the wall.

(http://www.modelersforum.com/gallery/622-021219204926-41886894.jpeg)


I'm still debating an addition on that left angled section that looks more like an office entrance and would cover the two doors.   

Cheers.

Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on February 18, 2020, 10:20:21 PM
I started a new gig mid December and my modeling time diminished, but not as much as my posting time.  That said, there has been progress.

I dealt with the corners of the building by filling them with a nice helping of vines.


(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/622-180220220616-43123209.jpeg)


I attached the access shed and vents to the roof and then finished it off with a layer of sanded grout.  I applied the grout over a layer of white glue and then flooded it with thinned white glue to ensure it was bonded thoroughly.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/622-180220220616-431251340.jpeg)


I made a base for the building so that the loading docks could be attached.  The supports for the loading docks were remade as well and they got a bit more stain to weather them.   The water tank is from an old Magnuson kit and the vents on the sides of the building are cut from heavy paper and painted with acrylics.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/622-180220220616-431261268.jpeg)


(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/622-180220220616-431271591.jpeg)


The base was primed in black to seal the wood from moister.   I'll need to give the top a "dirt" coat before adding scenery.

Cheers.


Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: jerryrbeach on February 19, 2020, 06:51:53 PM

Roger,


Looks great.  In a former life I had access to the roof of a high rise apartment building.  IMO, you nailed it.  You have enough detail to make your rooftop interesting, but not so much it looks overdone.  I really like the variations in coloring, too.  Wonderful modeling.
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 19, 2020, 08:06:11 PM
Great modeling.
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: GPdemayo on February 20, 2020, 09:43:01 AM
Well done Roger..... 8)
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on April 29, 2020, 12:07:19 PM
I've been doing a little scenery work on the track side of the building.  The side to the right will butt up against the retaining wall I installed over in the Two cities layout thread in the Diorama's section.

I used some flexible cobble stone material for the driveway.  I used tan grout for the dirt and over the top of the cobble stones.  Various bits of debris including some scraps from building the loading dock, a couple of stones used to make the retaining wall casting masters and some newspapers & Magazines joined the usual ground foam to give it a lived in but not maintained well look. 

I decided to add a cover for the loading dock to protect workers from rain and the odd stone that might tumble down from the mains.   You can see from the framing that management spared every expense. 


(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/622-290420115834-440401667.jpeg)


After I finish the roof I'm going to add a tree and some more bits to add to the variety.

Cheers
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: NEMMRRC on April 30, 2020, 08:00:30 AM
Excellent!


What software are you using to create the designs you cut on your Cricut?


Jaime

Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on April 30, 2020, 11:04:51 AM
I use Affinity Designer on the Mac to design the signs.  It is a bit of overkill but it was my best choice at the time to be able to output the .svg file that Cricut's app requires.  From that app I have found I have to output the .svg file at 72 DPI for the Cricut.   My older Brother machine requires the file to be output at 96 DPI.



Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: NEMMRRC on April 30, 2020, 12:44:08 PM
Quote from: Random on April 30, 2020, 11:04:51 AM
I use Affinity Designer on the Mac to design the signs.  It is a bit of overkill but it was my best choice at the time to be able to output the .svg file that Cricut's app requires.  From that app I have found I have to output the .svg file at 72 DPI for the Cricut.   My older Brother machine requires the file to be output at 96 DPI.
Thanks!
Jaime
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Random on May 01, 2020, 10:22:50 AM
i added more texture to the vegetation, one of my hand made trees, and some details on the loading dock.   The barrels are from Campbell.

(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/622-010520101552-440671268.jpeg)


(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/622-010520101552-440681031.jpeg)


(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/622-010520101552-44069136.jpeg)


Several hundred of my trees were on the layout at the Galveston Railroad Museum before it was flooded by the hurricane.  I think this is the first time one has made it onto my own layout.  This is the side of the building that will be up against the retaining wall.


Cheers
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: ACL1504 on May 01, 2020, 04:59:46 PM
Roger,

Oddly enough it looks great.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: postalkarl on May 02, 2020, 01:45:26 AM
Hey Roger:

Great job on that kit. Love all the vines.

Karl
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: GPdemayo on June 19, 2020, 03:40:27 PM
Missed the finish Roger.....the details are really great.....I especially like the cobblestone paving.  8)
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Oldguy on June 20, 2020, 10:00:49 AM
Good looking building.  All those windows would have driven me nuts.
Title: Re: Odd Manufacturing
Post by: Jerry on June 27, 2020, 09:18:24 AM
Well done Roger!!


Jerry