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The Mainline => Scratchbuilding => Topic started by: ak-milw on July 24, 2016, 05:44:18 PM

Title: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on July 24, 2016, 05:44:18 PM
I need a few houses for the town of Mauston. Going to start with a Sears kit house offered between 1921 and 1926. Total priced delivered to your site $1800. It is a two story  house brick and lap siding. It has a footprint of 21' by 27'. Should be a fun little build. here is a pic of the sales flyer.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2F1926_C3252.jpg&hash=6b608e8cf686718565b2f8f530700f3b4392a131)

hope you follow along on this one.

Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: sdrees on July 24, 2016, 07:58:37 PM
Andy,

I will follow along.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: S&S RR on July 24, 2016, 10:30:09 PM
I will be following along.  How much would that house cost today?
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on July 24, 2016, 11:48:02 PM
Around here, probably $110,000.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: martin.ojaste on July 25, 2016, 07:22:03 AM
Around here from $600k to $1M depending where in the city it is built.lol
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: postalkarl on July 25, 2016, 07:35:18 AM
Hi andy:

I will also be watching. I think Bachmann did some sears house kits some years back. But not this one.

Karl
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on July 25, 2016, 06:26:48 PM
I ordered the roof shingles and sheet brick work from Rusty Stumps. Hopefully start cutting out the wall blanks soon.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Steve on July 25, 2016, 10:34:58 PM
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi89.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk222%2Ffdphotos%2Fgifs%2Fpopcorn2.gif&hash=5aebdb2db56d3002e81c47d675b43bf985a8c955)
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: clevermod01 on July 26, 2016, 03:26:21 PM
Clever models has a couple of great houses,garages and out buildings in this style and period. great deals too.
www.clevermodels.net
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on July 26, 2016, 06:34:28 PM
Sorry Tom, not a big paper guy.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on July 29, 2016, 07:09:47 PM
I have the four main wall sections glued up, cut out and the corner pieces added. The left side of the house will sit up next to the backdrop so I just cut it from 1/16 thick basswood sheet, no windows or doors on this side. The front is all brick so it also is plain basswood. The back and right side is both brick and lap siding, so I left the brick part plain and glued up lap siding on top of it.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2FDSCF1866.jpg&hash=4d5fd8ad1b21cfc3371cea6b0da239c7ccf07a34)

Didn't cut the dormer or the alcove that sticks out from the dining room yet. I also will be moving the side door from left to right side.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Jerry on July 30, 2016, 09:44:46 AM
A very interesting project.

I'll follow along and nice start Andy.
Looking forward to the next steps.

Jerry
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: BandOGuy on July 30, 2016, 11:32:49 AM
Thanks for the inspiration!
I had a favorite uncle of my mother's who lived in a one story Sears home in Jenkintown, PA. From a recent visit, the house is gone but the memories remain. Now all I have to do is find the plans and dimensions on line and follow your brilliant lead.
Thanks again'
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on July 31, 2016, 12:50:15 AM
Sorry guy's guess I didn't share try  www.searsarchives.com/homes

go to the left side of the page and look for the year dates, click on the year you want to see and all the plans will come up for that year.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: postalkarl on August 01, 2016, 09:24:06 AM
Hi Andy:

Looks like you are off to a good start. As I said I'm watching this one.
Karl
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 01, 2016, 07:19:28 PM
I have all the windows and doors cut out for the main walls. Have to start bracing next.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2FDSCF1867.jpg&hash=d1d467514623fd2d8d5bd143c65807b642fdcb07)
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Amagic41 on August 01, 2016, 09:09:39 PM
Great Start Andy .... This is a really nice looking structure
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 01, 2016, 11:52:41 PM
Thanks Ken, I hope it turns out like I am thinking it should.

By the way, the three posts arrived today, they look great and should work perfectly
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 03, 2016, 06:43:46 PM
Still working on the bracing, hopefully will finish up tonight, then I can paint the inside black.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 05, 2016, 07:09:21 PM
Main walls braced and painted.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2FDSCF1868.jpg&hash=05c185222ebeda79f2ea149047faf68cbd9e30f0)

now to start on laying the foundation.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Steve on August 06, 2016, 09:06:23 AM
Andy,
It is always enjoyable to watch you put your builds together. The way you go about your business goes a long way in removing some of the mystery and intimidation for new-comers to scratch building (and even more seasoned modelers as well). Keep up the great work!
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 06, 2016, 09:47:57 AM
Thanks for the kind words Steve.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 08, 2016, 08:14:40 PM
I have added the brick and block foundation. I will touch up the white spots and add mortar after I cut out the openings for the doors and windows.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2FDSCF1869.jpg&hash=8b49f4a5c4072462311512a1b8072fa8df83f5d7)
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 09, 2016, 10:09:26 PM
I recut the door and window openings out. I decided to assemble the main walls before I did the mortar.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2FDSCF1870.jpg&hash=fb4902cc9c6789c24206e62b55059a748ea1b822)
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Janbouli on August 10, 2016, 05:00:05 AM
Coming along fine Andy .
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 10, 2016, 07:35:23 AM
Quote from: Janbouli on August 10, 2016, 05:00:05 AM
Coming along fine Andy .

Thanks Jan
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: postalkarl on August 10, 2016, 12:53:39 PM
Hi andy:

looks like you're off to quite a start. Looking good. I'll be following along.

Karl
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 10, 2016, 06:47:02 PM
Thanks Karl, I have a bit to go
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 10, 2016, 08:37:46 PM
Mortar and a coat of paint on the siding.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2FDSCF1871.jpg&hash=73c899796ae0b4a716b30bc1d5403f734bfabae9)
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Dave K. on August 11, 2016, 07:45:52 AM
Looks great! Cinder block foundation looks super...what mortar method did you use? Thanks for sharing your build! 👍🏻
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 11, 2016, 07:30:52 PM
Thanks for looking Dave, I used the old tried and true light gray acrylic craft paint. I put it on full strength then quickly wipe it off and you end up with mortar lines.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Dave K. on August 11, 2016, 07:36:43 PM
Quote from: ak-milw on August 11, 2016, 07:30:52 PM
Thanks for looking Dave, I used the old tried and true light gray acrylic craft paint. I put it on full strength then quickly wipe it off and you end up with mortar lines.

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Steve on August 12, 2016, 06:32:39 PM
Looks great Andy!
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Zephyrus52246 on August 12, 2016, 07:58:19 PM
Really starting to come together.  Looks great.

Jeff
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 17, 2016, 07:17:11 PM
Thanks Steve and Jeff.

All the doors and windows are in and glazed. Also the dining room bump out is done. Now to get it on the building then some window treatments.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2FDSCF1872.jpg&hash=c2a137f8f748a97ba6b8c82fe17da7e37a701989)
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 18, 2016, 09:06:50 PM
I have the curtains and drapes painted on, next a few trim pieces then some roofing.  Pic's tomorrow!
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: sdrees on August 18, 2016, 10:54:25 PM
Hi Andy,

The house is coming along fine.  Looking very nice.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 18, 2016, 11:11:41 PM
Quote from: sdrees on August 18, 2016, 10:54:25 PM
Hi Andy,

The house is coming along fine.  Looking very nice.

thanks Steve
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: postalkarl on August 19, 2016, 07:46:46 AM
Hi andy:

Looks really great with all the mortar in the bricks and blocks. Can't wait to see more pics.

Karl
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ACL1504 on August 19, 2016, 09:06:14 AM
Quote from: postalkarl on August 19, 2016, 07:46:46 AM
Hi andy:

Looks really great with all the mortar in the bricks and blocks. Can't wait to see more pics.

Karl


Andy,

I agree with Karl, it looks really great.

Tom ;D
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 21, 2016, 08:44:26 PM
I added a trim piece above the bricks and painted in some curtains. Seeing that I moved the door to this side I extended the bump out roof to make a small porch.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2FDSCF1873.jpg&hash=6217201edd020ac7e138adc73b424bd80deb2b52)
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: mario1 on August 22, 2016, 09:10:59 AM
Hay Andy

Very nice build. I like it. More pics please!

Mario
FW&RRry
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 22, 2016, 08:15:14 PM
Thanks Mario, there will be more.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Steve on August 23, 2016, 12:20:45 AM
Looking great Andy! Love that bump out  ;)
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: S&S RR on August 24, 2016, 10:59:59 AM
Looking good Andy.  I love the changes that make your build unique.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 24, 2016, 08:57:52 PM
Roofing is moving right along, I have to build the dormer before I go any further.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2FDSCF1874.jpg&hash=8d6a0a817518d4cc41af3ceee573230b3ba3844a)
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: martin.ojaste on August 24, 2016, 09:07:45 PM
Andy, it is moving along and looking quite cool. How are your planning to finish the off the top row of the side entrance roof?
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 24, 2016, 09:37:22 PM
Didn't see it till you mentioned it Marty, going to have to give it some thought.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: postalkarl on August 25, 2016, 09:15:14 AM
Hi Andy:

You are moving right along with this project. It looks better every day. Keep the photos flowing.

Karl
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 25, 2016, 08:46:36 PM
Thanks Karl, pictures will keep coming.

Ok guy's I have run into a problem. In building this house I tried to use parts I already had on hand (not a lot of extra currency at this time) So the windows I used for the second floor are longer than in the prototype. I didn't think this would be a problem until I tried to fit the dormer. In order to make the dormer work it would have to be in the middle of the front porch or above the second floor as in an attic. I don't want to just throw away the building and start over because I have money tied up in it. So after beating my head on the workbench I decided to keep the house and finish it without the dormer. I know this may get me shunned as a modeler or kicked off the forum but it is the best I can do. So much for trying to save a few dollars.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: martin.ojaste on August 25, 2016, 11:08:14 PM
Andy, Did you consider taking the window and cutting out some from the middle and then welding it back together? I have done that a few times and it works well. The acetate glass helps bind everything together.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 25, 2016, 11:59:12 PM
That would be one way around it Marty if I would have done it before I installed the windows. If I did it now I would have to plug the hole in the bottom of the windows and never looks right. I think I will just stick to plan B.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 26, 2016, 07:52:22 PM
Carrying on without the dormer, the roofing is finished. Now on to finish the trim.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2FDSCF1875.jpg&hash=16e879a6650eabdc74795c2124bafa9eea0a2490)
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Amagic41 on August 26, 2016, 08:57:00 PM
Andy sent you a pm
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ger deguelle on August 27, 2016, 03:41:41 AM
nice Andy
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Steve on August 27, 2016, 08:37:06 PM
Dormer or no dormer....still lookin' sweet!
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on August 28, 2016, 07:15:07 PM
Side porch is finished, now on to the front.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2FDSCF1876.jpg&hash=fc57702dc7bcf3b6a557530847781636684daa19)
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on September 03, 2016, 03:01:42 PM
Working on the front porch. Brick columns were donated by Ken at KC Workshop.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2FDSCF1877.jpg&hash=e15edaa3df03fe9dcc5a4895a05c81ca2b6f671c)
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Dave K. on September 04, 2016, 08:25:11 AM
Kenny's da man' 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ACL1504 on September 04, 2016, 08:36:10 AM
Andy,

Great build, looks real sweet. Ok, tell us how KC helped ya! Inquiring minds and all that.

Tom ;D
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on September 04, 2016, 01:02:03 PM
Sure Tom, Ken pm,d me about the brick columns for the front porch. He said he could laser them. I gave him the size and a few days later they were here. I was going to laminate the sheet brick to strip wood, but this way there are no corner seams.  Great guy that Ken.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Jerry on September 04, 2016, 01:10:35 PM
Very nice work Andy.  Roof is perfect.

Jerry
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: postalkarl on September 05, 2016, 01:19:24 PM
Hi Andy:

Looks just great. Can't wait to see it finished.

Karl
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on September 05, 2016, 07:47:53 PM
Soon Karl, very soon.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: postalkarl on September 06, 2016, 11:03:03 AM
Hi andy:

Thanks I'll be watching.

Karl
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on September 08, 2016, 06:44:52 PM
Front porch is installed, left to do, steps and chimney.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2FDSCF1878.jpg&hash=3ac9b8ba8e4d6038abc4117ead89e319f6fb4f51)
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Janbouli on September 08, 2016, 07:07:35 PM
Looks great Andy , makes me want to do one in N-scale
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on September 08, 2016, 08:54:17 PM
Quote from: Janbouli on September 08, 2016, 07:07:35 PM
Looks great Andy , makes me want to do one in N-scale

go for it!
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: postalkarl on September 09, 2016, 07:42:12 AM
Hi Andy:

Looks great. I really like the porch columns. sounds like it should be finished soon.

Karl

Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ACL1504 on September 09, 2016, 09:25:09 AM
Andy,

Great job on the Sears house.

Tom ;D
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on September 09, 2016, 07:27:02 PM
Thanks guy's, except for the dormer set back I think it is coming out OK. When I finish this one I have to pick another one to build.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on September 09, 2016, 08:53:04 PM
All finished up with some light weathering. Also Ken's brick columns make decent chimneys too.

(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff373%2Fsteammodeler%2FAndy%2520folder%2Fmodern%2520home%2520115%2FDSCF1879.jpg&hash=e945e4d7de9dacc59d59ccf3d56fd6d8dd64eee9)

now to get it on the layout.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: Amagic41 on September 09, 2016, 09:22:33 PM
Andy ... Looks great !! Glad to help out  !
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on September 09, 2016, 09:26:35 PM
Thanks again Ken, it really helped out on the overall look.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: postalkarl on September 10, 2016, 01:47:14 AM
Hi Andy:

Very cool. I love it. Great job.

Karl
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on September 10, 2016, 01:48:45 AM
Thanks Karl, and thanks for following along.
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: MASIGMON on September 10, 2016, 11:29:40 AM
Andy,
Jumping in late.  To be honest at 1st not sure this build is something that I wanted to follow on.  However the almonst finished product is outstanding.  Love how the columns the way they match the brick siding.  What product did you use for the brick & cinder block siding?

I also like using Rusty Stumps shingles.  Another question for you.  You used Rusty Stumps on the main roof & I was wondering why you used Campball on the Bump Out?

Mike Sigmon
Jacksonville
Title: Re: Sears kit house, the "Pittsburg"
Post by: ak-milw on September 10, 2016, 12:55:47 PM
Mike, I like Rusty Stumps products, always had good luck with them. The brick walls and the cinder block are from him. The columns and chimney were laser cut by Ken of KC's Workshop. The only reason I used the Campbells on the bump out is I didn't have enough of the other to finish.