Downtown Deco Addams Ave 3

[Zephyrus52246]

On my layout thread, I recently noted that I needed a taller structure than the planned one, to "block" a sight line.  I already have built this kit, and used it for the area, where it seems to work well.  However, I had already planned to use this on another area in the town.  Therefore, I'll build it again to use in one of the two spots.  I may (or may not) change the signs.  It's in the back of the town, and not very visible.


Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

I doubt I can get by with the same color scheme.  And I suspect I'll rename the hotel, but otherwise, it's the same structure.  Here's the box contents.  Hydrocal castings, some styrene, plastic windows, signs. 


Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

First up, the castings have flash on the edges, and the backs aren't perfectly flat, so carefully sand the edges (not the ones where brick or stone detail is).  I also sand the inside edges to a little more than the width of the side wall which needs to attach to it.  A big piece of sandpaper on flat plate glass is good for this.

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

Sand the tops of the walls as well, as they are usually a bit irregular/have flash as well.  Then the window openings need the flash removed.  A used #11 blade is good for this.  Then fit the windows to make sure they sit flat (and straight).  An issue on the right side of the structure is some plaster needs removing over the sills, where the tweezer points.  Carefully carve this out with the tip of the blade.

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

All the windows/doors are then fitted.  On this structure, one of the upper double arch windows didn't quite sit parallel to the others and edges of the opening were slowly carved/sanded to correct this.  The windows are slightly off (only about a millimeter), but trying to correct this may leave a visible gap, so I'll live with it.  The reason I checked for the parallelness (is that even a word?) is that when I built this before, I noticed after the windows were in one was "off".   

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

Next up I painted the insides spray flat black, and then the fronts spray flat white.  This eliminates getting hydrocal on your fingers every time you touch the structure.  Then, using five minute epoxy, I start attaching one side wall to the front.  Don't attach the clamps too tightly, you might break the wall. After that dries, attach the other side wall.  This way, the front and side walls will be perpendicular.  Later you can sand the back wall to fit incase it's too wide.  If it's too short, I'd attach a piece of stripwood to it, and fill in the gap with spackle. Mine was slightly tight at the bottom.  Working on flat plate glass over a grid helps make sure everything is square.


Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

I then sprayed the corners with the white paint to cover the slightly shiny glue areas which oozed out.     I braced the corners with some wood.  Don't throw away the cardboard that comes in the packing with the kit, the instructions suggest making an internal brace with this.  Again these were epoxied (and the cardboard Elmer's glued) in.  It's drying now, time to pick out some colors.


Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

I use this epoxy instead of the type that comes in two attached syringes.  That type tends to get all epoxied up at the end.

Jeff

[ReadingBob]

Cool!     A Downtown Deco build.  Can't wait to see what you do with this one.  I think I have it in my closet.  I keep telling myself I need to build a DD kit but something else always ends up cutting in line. 

Your comment on the windows not being aligned with one another brought back some memories.  When we got married in 1990 my wife and I bought an old, dumpy little row home in St. Clair, PA for $25k.  The two windows in the rear bedroom where obviously not level with one another.  They were off by an inch or two.  We put a new roof on that place, new carpet, wallpaper, etc. and ended up selling it for $20k ten years later when we moved to Florida.   

[PRR Modeler]

Great modeling so far. I'll be following.

[Mark Dalrymple]

Looking good, Jeff.

I'll have to hunt out some epoxy glue like that.  My RDA Hermanson's mill plaster kit was horrific for the windows being out of level and plumb!

Cheers, Mark.

[S&S RR]

Jeff


The build is looking great. 

[Jerry]

Looking forward to the build.


Jerry

[postalkarl]

Hey Jeff:

Looking good so far. I will be following along.

Karl

[Opa George]

Nice start on this, Jeff. I haven't tried any of the Downtown Deco structures yet, but they intrigue me. I'll be following.
--Opa George