The Modeler's Forum

The Mainline => Kit Building => Topic started by: barrymk on January 08, 2014, 03:27:39 PM

Title: RailroadKits Keen Hardware
Post by: barrymk on January 08, 2014, 03:27:39 PM
A while back I bought this  trial kit as I'd not built a laser kit before. I've spent the last three day's spare time building it and here is the result and my thoughts.
The kit is, as you'd expect for a taster kit, pretty plain vanilla but it is small and the right size for my planned town of Cuspidor.  Openings and walls were accurately cut and the plastic andmetal castings were first rate. 
Assembly was obviously pretty simple but I had a couple of issues.  Firstly the arrangement and fitting of the front doors was rendered difficult by the gap that had been cut, there was no supporting wood between the plastic glazed door and the main warehouse doors so some fudging was needed. No problem for me but a beginner might have had trouble here.
Then the roof. It was an oblong slab of card that you just plonked on overhanging the walls and covered in tarpaper. I'm no expert on US architecture but it just didn't figure.  If there's a prototype, I'd like to see it.  So I cut the roof to fall inside the walls and added a cornice and a water spout and then tarpapered it over. 
There is a three sided annexe that you can position as you wish. I chose to put it under the roof line at the rear as a hoist housing to the first (UK) second (US) floor and I slung a piece of chain under it.  I didn't like the look of the stick-on stone wall that went on the foundation and as it wouldn't stick without extra glue I binned it and made a new foundation and inner floor from embossed plastic brick.  I added a side staircase with bits from my scrapbox and a vent from a wheel out of an old music cassette and a rear loading dock.  The building will be sited on a slope and as I'm not sure yet which way it will face I've left the staircase hanging and the dock as well.  A few details and adverts and some vague interior detailing and that's about it.
Despite the small niggles I had I'm happy with how it has turned out and will certainly consider other laser kits in the future.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/125440549/f1.jpg)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/125440549/f2.jpg)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/125440549/f3.jpg)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/125440549/f4.jpg)
Title: Re: RailroadKits Keen Hardware
Post by: jerseymercantile on January 08, 2014, 05:45:15 PM
I like the stairway landing with the turned spindles.
Jack
Title: Re: RailroadKits Keen Hardware
Post by: barrymk on January 09, 2014, 04:15:03 AM
I think they are Grandt Line railing castings if I remember correctly.  I love their stuff, the quality is so good and has bee for so long.
Title: Re: RailroadKits Keen Hardware
Post by: rustyfawcett on January 16, 2014, 07:40:00 PM
I also like the steps. But really like the addition to the 2nd floor back
Title: Re: RailroadKits Keen Hardware
Post by: barrymk on January 17, 2014, 06:45:23 AM
Well anyone can have a shed on the ground ;D
Title: Re: RailroadKits Keen Hardware
Post by: Bntrainmaster on January 17, 2014, 07:50:24 AM
Berry,
Very Nice Little Build. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: RailroadKits Keen Hardware
Post by: barrymk on January 17, 2014, 11:06:40 AM
You're welcome Bart.
Title: Re: RailroadKits Keen Hardware
Post by: PHQRR on January 20, 2014, 08:42:03 AM
Really nice build! Great looking little building. ;D