Time to start a new build thread. This time I'll be building the FOS WKLO Radio Station for Tom (ACL1504). I have one of these in my closet to build for myself (someday ::) ). When I build mine I may try to figure out how to rename it to WOLD as a tribute to the late, great Harry Chapin.
Here's the prerequisite shots of the the box and it's contents (it's always fun opening up the box for a new build). :)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110459-2577521.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110459-2577521.jpeg)
The instructions have some nice, color pictures on the front page.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110459-258452458.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110459-258452458.jpeg)
Lot's of templates. These come in handy. ;)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110459-258461425.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110459-258461425.jpeg)
Signs and details. Normally I'd scan the signs as a back up in case I make a boo boo. But, since I have the same kit in my stash of yet to be built kits I'll count that as my backup.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110459-258472486.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110459-258472486.jpeg)
The roof pieces.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110459-25848552.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110459-25848552.jpeg)
More 'stuff'.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110614-258491852.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110614-258491852.jpeg)
More in a moment.... :P
I'm following Bob. It's a very interesting looking building. I can't wait to see your magic especially what you do with lighting.
The bags containing the walls, shingles, etc.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110614-25850541.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110614-25850541.jpeg)
And, of course, some assorted sizes of strip wood.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110614-25851578.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110614-25851578.jpeg)
The carrier sheet with the radio antenna (a selectively compressed, or shortened, antenna) along with some of the door and window pieces.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110614-258522100.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110614-258522100.jpeg)
The first thing I do is remove all the plastic parts from their sprues with a sprue cutter. Some folks like to leave them on the sprues until after they've been painted. I prefer to remove them and clean them up first.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110614-2585363.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110614-2585363.jpeg)
I use an emery board to clean up the edges where I nipped them with the sprue cutter.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110739-258541476.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110739-258541476.jpeg)
Then it's on to the metal castings. I use an old pair of rail nippers to remove these from the sprue or to remove any large remnants of where they may have been attached to the sprue.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110739-258552400.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110739-258552400.jpeg)
More in a moment... :P
Quote from: PRR Modeler on November 06, 2017, 11:26:39 AM
I'm following Bob. It's a very interesting looking building. I can't wait to see your magic especially what you do with lighting.
Thanks Curt! This is a neat one. :)
I use some small files, sanding sticks and/or emery boards to clean up the metal castings.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110740-25856191.jpeg)
This next step is very much an optional step. If I'm building for someone else I like to clean the castings in warm, soapy water using an old toothbrush to remove any dirt, oils, release agents, etc.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110740-258572285.jpeg)
After I scrub them I dip them in clean water to rinse off the soap and then lay them out to dry.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110740-258581084.jpeg)
I try to plan ahead before I break out the airbrush to paint things so I remove the things attached to carrier sheets that I think I'm going to want to airbrush. Like the letters for the signs and the antenna pieces. I use a single edge razor blade for this. I should mention, at the beginning a build I put new blades in the X-Acto knifes and get a new single edge razor blade out as well.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110855-258592095.jpeg)
Again, I use an emery board to clean up the edges of these pieces.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110855-2586018.jpeg)
Some of the walls have an upper piece (referred to as "window frieze walls" in the instructions) that need to be edge glued to them. I applied a thin bead of Pink Flamingo glue to the top edge of the wall to do this.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110855-25861269.jpeg)
More in a moment.... :)
very cool- I don't remember ever seeing a build of this kit before! Thanks for posting your build!
I tried to be careful not to use too much glue. I didn't want it to squeeze out to the front when I joined the two pieces.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110855-258622278.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110855-258622278.jpeg)
Next it was time to brace the walls. I followed the templates for applying the bracing and, once again, used Pink Flamingo glue to glue the 1/8" strip wood in place. I'll cut to fit after the glue sets.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110855-258631412.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110855-258631412.jpeg)
I weighed things down until the glue set using some marbles pieces that were salvaged from some old trophies.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110959-258641140.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110959-258641140.jpeg)
Then, using a single edge razor blade, I trimmed the bracing to fit.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110959-25865570.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110959-25865570.jpeg)
Oops...I'm not quite finished bracing the walls but that's all the 1/8" strip wood I have left with two walls to go. Time to go dig in the scrap box for some excess left over from other builds.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110959-25866315.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110959-25866315.jpeg)
After the walls were braced I painted the inside black with a cheap craft store acrylic. When I light this up I don't want any light showing through the walls. Just thru the windows. ;)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110959-25867886.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110959-25867886.jpeg)
I then stained the clapboard side of the walls with Hunterline Light Gray.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110959-258681264.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-061117110959-258681264.jpeg)
That's all for now. I'm heading back to the workbench! ;D
Thanks for following along!
Quote from: rpdylan on November 06, 2017, 11:50:12 AM
very cool- I don't remember ever seeing a build of this kit before! Thanks for posting your build!
Your welcome Bob! Thanks for following along. :)
Hi Bob:
Was good to talk with you at the EXPO. That is a great kit. I built it when it first came out. Have fun with it.
Karl
Bob,
Wow, off to a great start. This kit is one of my all time favorites from FOS.
Oh yes, I'll be following along on this adventure as well. Thank you for the build - I guess I'll be buying the BBQ for the rest of our lives. Well worth it to me. ;D ;D
Tom ;D
I will be watching this with interest.
Jim
Bob,
The sounds of your FOS build thread woke me up today. Will turn up the volume and listen to your radio station build.
Tommy
I'll be looking in Bob..... :)
Bob, you know me....I'm a sucker for any great build you make. So, you are stuck with me looking over your shoulder....
Following along with Bob the builder. ;D
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻Following along.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Tuned in.
I'm watching!
Quote from: postalkarl on November 06, 2017, 12:01:31 PM
Hi Bob:
Was good to talk with you at the EXPO. That is a great kit. I built it when it first came out. Have fun with it.
Karl
Thanks Karl. Likewise, it was good to see you at the EXPO as well. This does look like a fun one! :)
Quote from: ACL1504 on November 06, 2017, 12:51:35 PM
Bob,
Wow, off to a great start. This kit is one of my all time favorites from FOS.
Oh yes, I'll be following along on this adventure as well. Thank you for the build - I guess I'll be buying the BBQ for the rest of our lives. Well worth it to me. ;D ;D
Tom ;D
I have to keep earning my BBQ! :)
I thought about changing the colors on this one. White with Dark Green trim is pretty predominate on your layout but I really liked the looks of it on this one so I keep it as is. White was a pretty common color for buildings anyway so it's justifiable.
I'm looking forward to working on this one. :D
Quote from: jimmillho on November 06, 2017, 01:24:58 PM
I will be watching this with interest.
Jim
Thanks Jim. I hope it isn't too long before you get to see it in person. ;)
Quote from: tom.boyd.125 on November 06, 2017, 02:10:19 PM
Bob,
The sounds of your FOS build thread woke me up today. Will turn up the volume and listen to your radio station build.
Tommy
Thanks for following along Tommy! :)
Quote from: GPdemayo on November 06, 2017, 02:13:00 PM
I'll be looking in Bob..... :)
Uh-oh! I guess I'd better behave. :D Thanks for following along Greg. See ya' soon.
(By the way, the guys from Mt. Albert didn't have the stuff you wanted with them at the EXPO.)
Quote from: Donato on November 06, 2017, 02:28:58 PM
Bob, you know me....I'm a sucker for any great build you make. So, you are stuck with me looking over your shoulder....
Always a pleasure having you following along Donato! It was a real pleasure to see you at the EXPO. Thanks for following along and, more importantly, thanks again for your service to our country! :)
Quote from: Janbouli on November 06, 2017, 03:00:47 PM
Following along with Bob the builder. ;D
Always happy to have you aboard Janbouli! Thanks for following along! :)
Quote from: Dave K. on November 06, 2017, 07:00:43 PM
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻Following along.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks Dave! It was great to finally meet you in person at the EXPO. :D
Quote from: JusticeCity on November 06, 2017, 08:10:37 PM
Tuned in.
Thanks Marty (nice pun too)! ;) Always happy to have you looking in on things. :)
Quote from: LongHornCaddy on November 06, 2017, 08:53:10 PM
I'm watching!
Thanks LHC! I saw some pictures of Mrs. LHC's version of this one in a different thread. Feel free to post them here if you feel like it. It looked terrific. :D
Bob
Great to see a new build thread! I will be following along. I really enjoyed our time together at the EXPO. The next time we are together remind me to tell you my story about spending an evening in a bar in Houghton, MI with Harry Chapin, his brother Tom, and some of the band members. I'm looking forward to watching your build.
Quote from: Janbouli on November 06, 2017, 03:00:47 PM
Following along with Bob the builder. ;D
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/btb/images/5/5c/Showimage.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100302192609)
Gonna keep the record store or make it into a studio? ;)
-slim
Quote from: S&S RR on November 07, 2017, 12:09:54 PM
Bob
Great to see a new build thread! I will be following along. I really enjoyed our time together at the EXPO. The next time we are together remind me to tell you my story about spending an evening in a bar in Houghton, MI with Harry Chapin, his brother Tom, and some of the band members. I'm looking forward to watching your build.
Thanks for following along and thanks for hauling me around Altoona to check out the real thing. It was a lot of fun (except for the part where the wasp stung you).
I'd love to hear you story about Harry, Tom and the band. I wish I would have seen them in concert.
Quote from: Slim Jerkins on November 07, 2017, 12:38:23 PM
Gonna keep the record store or make it into a studio? ;)
-slim
It'll be record store. :) No studio with operating reel to reel tapes. :P
D'oh! One thing I wanted to see if you had (and pick up) at the EXPO was a flashing red LED to put on the top of the antenna. Great time to remember that. ::) ;D
Quote from: ReadingBob on November 07, 2017, 01:13:22 PM
Quote from: Slim Jerkins on November 07, 2017, 12:38:23 PM
Gonna keep the record store or make it into a studio? ;)
-slim
It'll be record store. :) No studio with operating reel to reel tapes. :P
D'oh! One thing I wanted to see if you had (and pick up) at the EXPO was a flashing red LED to put on the top of the antenna. Great time to remember that. ::) ;D
Yep, I have those and the little red Hi-intensity LED for the top too. I put a plain red surface mount on each corner of the tower about halfway up.
-slim
Okay, where were we now? ??? Oh yeah, next up was painting the walls. I used Polly Scale Reefer White. The final batch of Polly Scale Reefer White I bought was very, very thin so it goes on almost as a stain. In real life the white doesn't look nearly as harsh as the photo's indicate it is. As they dry the undercoat of Hunterline Light Gray is barely visible thru the white.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110407-26282571.jpeg)
For the sidewalks and foundation I've gotten into the habit of spraying the pieces with several coats of white primer to seal them and give me a base to paint over. After the white primer has cured I give the parts washes of very thin acrylics alternating between browns, sand and black until it looks like old concrete to my eye. It's all trial and error.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110407-26319435.jpeg)
Next I painted the strip wood that will be used for the trim and cornices Dark Green. Sometimes it's a pain in the butt to figure out how much strip wood needs to be painted the trim color but in this case it was relatively easy. I hate it when I come up short later on and have to paint, weather, etc. another piece of strip wood. ::)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110407-263201095.jpeg)
I lightly weather the strip wood using a piece of sponge and a gray acrylic. I got most of the paint out of the sponge and then dabbed it on the strip wood.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110407-263211611.jpeg)
Next nail holes were added with a ruler and ponce wheel. 'nuff said on this topic. ;) I also lifted up a few clapboards with a chisel blade. I didn't too many nor did I break any off. I didn't want the structure to look that neglected.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110408-263221421.jpeg)
I gave each of the walls a wash of A&I. The current batch of A&I mix on my workbench is pretty dark so I also have an open bottle of straight A on the bench. I dip my brush in the straight A first to load it and then in the A&I mix. This helps tone it down a bit. If it's still too dark I'll go back over the wall, while still wet, with more straight A.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110510-263232025.jpeg)
More in a moment...
When I weathered the window and door castings with the sponge I may have gotten a little too much paint on them. Like this one.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110510-263241697.jpeg)
Not a problem. After I dip them in the A&I mix I can gently scrub off a little of the paint with a fine pointed swab. The A&I mix will loosed up the cheap craft store acrylics I used to weather it but not the main color which was Floquil Dark Green.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110510-263252324.jpeg)
After the A&I dries I dry brush everything with an off white. The trick here is to just highlight the edges and raised surfaces a tiny bit. The brush has to be, well, almost dry. Hence, the dry brush terminology. ::) Again, these are cheap craft store acrylics so if (when) I mess up and get a little too heavy handed a little straight A and a swab can be used to correct the boo boo.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110510-263261345.jpeg)
For the windows I use a product called Micro Krystal Klear. It's a white glue that can be spread across the opening to create a thin film. It goes on relatively easy and with very few bubbles. I apply it from the back.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110510-263271322.jpeg)
A front view.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110621-26328221.jpeg)
I prop the pieces up on some strip wood and let them dry. You can see the Krystal Klear turn crystal clear as it dries. ;D
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110622-26329162.jpeg)
More in a moment...
I added the signs to the walls next. I cut them out using a sharp X-Acto knife and steel ruler.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110622-263302340.jpeg)
Then I sanded the back of the sign, lightly, to try and get it as thin as possible.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110622-26331769.jpeg)
I stained the back side of the sign with A&I. It looks dark but dries a bit lighter and bleeds thru the front of the sign just enough to weather it a bit.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110622-263322195.jpeg)
I coated the entire back side of the sign with some thinned down Elmer's glue and then positioned it in place on the wall.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110716-26333932.jpeg)
Immediately after getting the sign on the wall I put some clear plastic over it and then ran my fingernail along each clapboard to snuggle the sign down into the walls so it appears painted on. After it dried I lightly dabbed some of the gray paint on the sign with a sponge and then dry brushed it with off white to further blend it into the wall.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110717-26334418.jpeg)
Next I added the corner trim to the walls, per the templates.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110717-26335127.jpeg)
More in a moment...
I glue the trim on longer than necessary.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110717-2633627.jpeg)
Then I trim it an exact fit using a single edge razor blade.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110717-26337792.jpeg)
For window shades I use a plain piece of paper painted tan or green on one side. I paint an full sheet and then cut it into strips slightly wider than the width of the windows. Then I cut of various lengths to glue behind the windows.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110754-26338180.jpeg)
No science here. Just random lengths of paper to represent partly closed blinds.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110754-26339698.jpeg)
And here's one completed wall with blinds in the windows.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-031217110754-26340675.jpeg)
That's all I have for now. Next up is the most wonderful time, of the build - putting the walls together. :D :D :D
Thanks for following along!
Looks great Bob. I don't think I've seen you use the plastic sheet when you're "burnishing" the sign into the wall. What is that do (or prevent)?
John
Quote from: Cuse on December 05, 2017, 10:16:55 AM
Looks great Bob. I don't think I've seen you use the plastic sheet when you're "burnishing" the sign into the wall. What is that do (or prevent)?
John
Thanks John! I don't always use the plastic sheet. Depends on whether I can find on my workbench when I need it. ::) It helps prevent tearing the sign. The paper is thin and subject to damage when it's moist from the thinned glue on the back. If you catch it just the wrong way with the edge of your fingernail (or whatever you're using to burnish it down into the clapboards) it can tear.
Grateful how to Bob. Great modeling as usual.
Lookin' good!👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks Bob , looking good.
Thanks Curt, Dave and Jan! Much appreciated.
I know I repeat myself quite a bit from one thread to the next. Heck I repeat myself a lot in real life too. ::) When I create a thread I just run under the assumption that there may be one person that's new to reading one of my threads. The rest of you have to put up with the redundancy. :D Just like the people who know me in real life. ;D ;D
Repetition is a good thing Bob, makes sure one learns skills.
Quote from: ReadingBob on December 06, 2017, 08:31:24 AM
Thanks Curt, Dave and Jan! Much appreciated.
I know I repeat myself quite a bit from one thread to the next. Heck I repeat myself a lot in real life too. ::) When I create a thread I just run under the assumption that there may be one person that's new to reading one of my threads. The rest of you have to put up with the redundancy. :D Just like the people who know me in real life. ;D ;D
I don't mind. I don't mind.
Quote from: ReadingBob on December 06, 2017, 08:31:24 AM
Thanks Curt, Dave and Jan! Much appreciated.
I know I repeat myself quite a bit from one thread to the next. Heck I repeat myself a lot in real life too. ::) When I create a thread I just run under the assumption that there may be one person that's new to reading one of my threads. The rest of you have to put up with the redundancy. :D Just like the people who know me in real life. ;D ;D
I think it's s good approach, Bob. Help that one newbie succeed and we've advanced the hobby!
Hi Bob:
The finished wall looks great.
Karl
Quote from: ReadingBob on November 07, 2017, 10:38:54 AM
Quote from: ACL1504 on November 06, 2017, 12:51:35 PM
Bob,
Wow, off to a great start. This kit is one of my all time favorites from FOS.
Oh yes, I'll be following along on this adventure as well. Thank you for the build - I guess I'll be buying the BBQ for the rest of our lives. Well worth it to me. ;D ;D
Tom ;D
I have to keep earning my BBQ! :)
I thought about changing the colors on this one. White with Dark Green trim is pretty predominate on your layout but I really liked the looks of it on this one so I keep it as is. White was a pretty common color for buildings anyway so it's justifiable.
I'm looking forward to working on this one. :D
Bob,
The White with Green trim is fine by me. I love the look as well.
Many of the wood building in late 40's early 50's in the south were either all white or white with a color trim.
Yepper, I don't see you buying any BBQ in the near or distance future.
Tom ;D
Bob,
Wow, those walls look wonderful. Great job on the build and the tutorial.
It's always a joy to follow your builds, especially when the build is coming to the Atlantic and Southern RR.
Tom ;D
Bob
Another great build and thread. As to your approach to build threads - don't change a thing. Even if you do repeat something it's great to have the information right there in the thread. I find that the techniques I'm using evolve over time and having a history is good to have to improve my own modeling. I also find, that I look back at build threads to help remember how I did something - like the coloring on my Stone Roundhouse now that I'm building a companion building that I want to match.
I'm enjoying your thread - I will be following along.
Thanks for the kind comments everyone. Time for an update. :D
The roof for the radio station portion of the structure is unique but relatively easy to build. First the supporting framework gets glue together. No problems getting this together and keeping things square.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217120921-265981417.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217120921-265981417.jpeg)
While the glue was setting on the framework for the roof I decided to tackle the front wall/entryway. I partially assembled the stairs and walls surrounding them. These walls get covered with stucco.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217120921-265992213.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217120921-265992213.jpeg)
I used the Durhams Water Putty that came with the kit and mixed it rather thin then dabbed it on with the stiffest bristle brush i could find on my workbench (an old one I wasn't attached to ;) ).
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217120921-266001679.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217120921-266001679.jpeg)
I wish I had primed the wall first. The wet water putty mixture caused some warping but it dried flat. I kept a weight on the edge of the wall. Note that I had glued the steps in place after applying stucco to the inside of the walls surrounding the steps and area of the front wall I wouldn't be able to hit with the brush once the steps were in place.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217120921-266011763.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217120921-266011763.jpeg)
I painted the stucco with Polly Scale Aged Concrete followed by and A&I wash and then added the doors, windows, call sign, etc. Then I glued it to the front of the building.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217120921-266021681.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217120921-266021681.jpeg)
I normally don't use the roofing material that comes with the kit but I liked the red roof shown in the instructions so I went ahead and painted the sheet of roofing paper with Polly Scale Boxcar Red.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217120959-26604701.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217120959-26604701.jpeg)
More in a moment... ;)
The chipboard roof for the main structure is an unusual shape. I covered it with 3M Transfer Tape as best I could.(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115439-265392413.jpeg)
I flipped it over to trim the transfer tape as I applied it.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115440-265832288.jpeg)
Then I peeled off the backing of the transfer tape to expose the sticky surface of the roof so I could apply the roofing materials. There are patches of shingles showing through were the rolled roofing as torn away. The kit comes with shingles and the instructions discuss using various shades of gray markers to randomly color the shingles. I had leftovers from a previous build already colored so I used those instead.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115440-265842177.jpeg)
I just needed to add some small sections of the shingles. I used the photo's in the instructions as a reference but it's no big deal where or how much of this you do.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115440-26585222.jpeg)
Next I added the rolled roofing over top of the roof. I tore pieces to expose the shingles beneath.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115440-265862477.jpeg)
As I added the rolled roofing over the shingles I did add a little glue to the end that would go over the shingles to make sure the roofing staying in place. The rest was on the 3M Transfer Tape.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115613-265872266.jpeg)
More in a moment... ;)
Continuing on you can see the really odd shape of the roof. But it fits over the framework really well when complete.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115613-265882471.jpeg)
The rolled roofing was applied longer than needed. I simply flipped the roof over and trimmed it to fit from behind after completing a section. Just don't do this with any of the 3M Transfer Tape still exposed. :o Cover every thing in the section with roofing material first.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115613-26589618.jpeg)
Next up I put together the windows for the roof. These were a bit tedious to build.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115613-26590697.jpeg)
The seams on the roof are covered with copper. The instructions call for painting a sheet of paper with a copper colored paint, folding it and cutting it into 1/16" wide strips (1/32" on each side of the fold). I made mine a little bigger than that and, instead of folding paper I cut off the edge of an envelope which is already neatly prefolded.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115613-2659127.jpeg)
I painted the paper with a copper colored craft paint I found at Hobby Lobby and then, when dry, drybrushed it with a bit of Polly Scale Penn Central Green.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115721-265921492.jpeg)
I held the copper colored paper in place and used a pair of scissors to trim it to the correct length.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115722-26593743.jpeg)
More in a moment... ;)
Then I glued it in place. I probably didn't get the joints 'correct' from a prototypical standpoint but it looked good to me when it was done. :D
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115722-265942144.jpeg)
Next I jumped ahead a bit and started to assemble the radio antenna. I'll do most of the weathering after it's together. Right now it's pure Reefer White.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115722-265952274.jpeg)
There's really not too much to this. Three triangular brackets get glued to one side first then the other two sides are attached.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115722-26596803.jpeg)
The hardest part was getting everything to seat down into the concrete base once the tower was assembled.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-291217115742-265971710.jpeg)
That's all for now. Back to the workbench to work on the music store roofing and signs. ;D
Bob,
Wow, great progress. Your step by step tutorial is wonderful, especially for some of the newer members on the forum.
Love it.
Tom ;D
Looking great, Bob!
It sure is a neat kit. I saw a version of it in the contest room at the expo in Scranton in 2015 and was very impressed. I always enjoy you tutorials.
Cheers, Mark.
nice work Bob! I like the way you painted the copper flashing- looks really good.
Quote from: ACL1504 on December 29, 2017, 01:54:41 PM
Bob,
Wow, great progress. Your step by step tutorial is wonderful, especially for some of the newer members on the forum.
Love it.
Tom ;D
What do you mean "newer members".......some of us old guys are learning too :o :o :o :o
Great job Bob.
Jim
Beautiful modeling Bob.
Cutting off the edge of an envelope to get a pre-folded strip...another all time great clever tip!
Nice effect with the copper paint too.
John
Great to see you getting in some bench time Bob. Excellent modeling, as expected.
Quote from: ACL1504 on December 29, 2017, 01:54:41 PM
Bob,
Wow, great progress. Your step by step tutorial is wonderful, especially for some of the newer members on the forum.
Love it.
Tom ;D
And this old member....
Enjoying your thread. Donato! Keep it down! 🤫
Jim and Donato,
Okay, Okay, I stand corrected which is very rare.
Now back to Bob's fantastic thread.
Tom 8)
Really looking good Bob! I'm also in the camp of enjoying your build thread/tutorials. Nothing wrong with repetition as it helps me getting it to stick in my brain! :o
Thanks for the responses everyone! ;D
Just a quick little update. I try to make the roofs removable so I can install the lighting and access it for future repairs if necessary. I have a sheet of black mounting board I picked up an art supply store I use for such things. I cut two triangles out that match the pitch of the end walls and glue them to the cardstock roof so they'll fit just inside the bracing on the end walls and keep the roof centered.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-010118120114-266701154.jpeg)
Here's the roof temporarily in place. Because of the large WKLO sign that spans both structures I'll probably end up gluing both roofs in place when the lighting is complete but I'll use very little glue. That way they can still be removed, if need be.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-010118120114-266851855.jpeg)
I played around with the three pieces (SW5, SW6 and SW7) until I found a way to stack them (they're actually steps up to the entrance for the music store that would allow the music store to be mounted a bit closer to the front
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-010118120215-26689906.jpeg)
Sometimes you run into some little challenges with a build. There were a couple I ran into with this one. Nothing insurmountable however. There's a template, printed to correct size, that shows the placement of the structures and the sidewalks. Notice the three pieces of sidewalk to the right. They're the pieces (SW5, SW6 & SW7) that lead into the entryway of the music store. Two of them aren't the same size as shown on the template.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-010118120114-266862098.jpeg)
Furthermore if the music store is positioned where the template shows it will half cover the two window openings at the rear of the radio station structure. Now, the lower window opening is a story in itself. Either a) the kit was missing a window or b) the kit came with a bonus window opening. ;D The best I can tell it's b. I don't see a window there in the pictures of the structure in the instructions. Not a bog deal though. I have a pack of assorted windows from Tichy and I'm sure I can find a match for the upper window. If not, a boarded up window at the rear of the structure would go unnoticed.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-010118120114-26687840.jpeg)
First I have to solve the mystery of the windows being half covered by the music store. This is the placement per the template. That's not going to cut it.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-010118120114-266882319.jpeg)
I found that if I put SW6 where the template shows SW5, then glued put the music store in place butted up against SW6, that SW5 and SW7 could be stacked one on top of the other to make a set of steps that elevated the sidewalk up to the level of the entrance to the music store.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-010118120215-26689906.jpeg)
More in a moment... ;)
Nothing has been glued down yet but by rearranging the sidewalk pieces as I had previously described the windows in the rear won't be half covered by the music store.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-010118120216-266901230.jpeg)
This matches the position of the music store in the photo's in the instructions.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-010118120216-266911708.jpeg)
That's where I'm at. Next up will be installing lights. 8)
Thanks for following along!
Looking great Bob , love the detailed build thread.
Beautiful modeling Bob. I love the problem solving that went into the build.
Nice work Bob. ;)
Quote from: ReadingBob on December 06, 2017, 08:31:24 AM
Thanks Curt, Dave and Jan! Much appreciated.
I know I repeat myself quite a bit from one thread to the next. Heck I repeat myself a lot in real life too. ::) When I create a thread I just run under the assumption that there may be one person that's new to reading one of my threads. The rest of you have to put up with the redundancy. :D Just like the people who know me in real life. ;D ;D
In this case, I'm the beneficiary of your redundancy. Thank you for making the effort to document all this.
Veni, Vidi, Amavi.
I really like the solution to the window problem. Great job Bob.
Jim
Bob,
Wonderful build. I believe I hear the music! Late 40's swing and early 50's rock 'n roll.
Tom ;D
Enjoying the thread from Central America...looking great! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 📻📻📻
Looking good Bob..... 8)
Looking good, Bob.
the slight changes in elevation add a bit of extra drama. Nice fix.
Cheers, Mark.
Thanks to all for the comments. Very much appreciated. Even though Donato did force me to use Google to translate his. ::)
Welcome to the forum Blazeman (just in case I didn't welcome you somewhere else). I'm glad to have you following along. :)
I'm not so sure my fix was so much a fix as it was simply figuring out how the kit was actually intended to go together without relying to much on the template which had a few issues. ;)
I'm back..... (it's been a while for this one :P ).
Next up I'm going to cover building one of the billboard/rooftop signs. I first cut out the sign using a steel ruler and sharp #11 X-Acto knife. Notice that the ruler is positioned over the sign. If the blade wanders away from the ruler a little bit it isn't cutting into the sign.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191424-297921734.jpeg)
I tone down the sign a little bit by lightly going over it, from top to bottom not sideways, with some fine steel wool. How much you do this depends on how much you want to tone down the sign. It's scraping the ink off and exposing the white paper underneath giving it a faded appearance. A little goes a long way.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191424-298011451.jpeg)
Next I hit the back of the sign with a light A&I wash. It'll soak through the paper and darken the front of the sign a little bit. I prefer to do the back, rather than the front, to give me a little more control over the effect.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191425-298021797.jpeg)
The sign will get mounted on a piece of board material included in the kit. I stuck that piece on some 3M Transfer Tape and trimmed the tape to fit.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191425-29803185.jpeg)
Peeling off the backing for the 3M Transfer Tape exposes the sticky side of the board.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191425-298042306.jpeg)
Next it's a matter of positioning the sign over the board exactly where it needs to go and then pressing it down into the sticky surface to adhere it to the board.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191546-298051050.jpeg)
More in a moment...
Sorry about the size of the photo's. I used a new 'resizing' program and can see I need to play with the settings a bit to make the pictures smaller. But, I've already uploaded the rest of the photo's for this thread so we'll have to suffer with some slightly larger then I had planned photos. :D
The sign I'm building is the rooftop sign that goes over the front roof of the record store. I used the template as a guide to cut the pieces that make up the supports to the correct length.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191546-29806977.jpeg)
I glued the pieces together directly over the template and scrapped off the little bit of glue that oozed out after the picture was taken. In this case I didn't glue the pieces to the template. I just used it as a guide and held them in place until the glue set.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191546-298071180.jpeg)
There's one little cross piece that completes the supports. Just a couple of little drops of glue on the supports.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191546-29808715.jpeg)
And then positioning the cross piece in place. I had to assemble three of these for this sign.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191546-29809362.jpeg)
After I glued the supports to the back of the sign I figured out where I wanted to position the sign on the roof and glued it in place using 'pitch' (white glue and grimy black paint mixed together). To keep it from falling forward I used one of the telephone poles to support it until the glue set.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191700-29810420.jpeg)
The big WKLO sign was built over the template as well. In this case I did glue some of the parts directly to to the template using the tiniest drop of white glue at each end. Barely enough to hold them in place. Then the cross pieces are glued in place and the letters added.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191700-298111619.jpeg)
More in a moment...
Nice work, Bob. I'm guessing you added your own details on the end wall (meter, conduit)? 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I need a few LED's for the outdoor lights so I had to solder leads to a bunch of teeny tiny LED's. I did a batch that will give me enough for this build plus a few more. I always have trouble digging them out of the drawer I store them in and remembering how many I have left before I run out. So I decided to store them on top of my light instead. 8)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191700-298132274.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191700-298132274.jpeg)
I needed to make up three lamps for the big WKLO sign. Only I wanted mine to light up. 8) Instead of using the brass wire included in the kit I cut three pieced of .018 OD tubing (purchased from your friendly neighborhood light merchant Slim Jerkins at Microlumia (https://microlumina.com/)). I use razor blade and a rolling motion to cut through them and then an emery board to clean up the end. You don't want to pinch the end shut when you cut them!
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191701-298141568.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191701-298141568.jpeg)
I have my lampshades (Tichy parts included in the kit), tubing and LED's with leads soldered to them. Now comes the fun part.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191821-298152433.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191821-298152433.jpeg)
I feed the leads through the lampshade first and then through the tubing. Yes, I need to use a 10X Optivisor for this. :o
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191821-298161639.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191821-298161639.jpeg)
I've already tinned the ends of the leads. If there is even the slightest bit of a solder build up on the ends they aren't going to fit into the tubing.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191821-29817964.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191821-29817964.jpeg)
I don't have one of dem fancy little bending thingamabobs so I have to bend mine around the end of a paint brush using my fingers. If I'm not really careful I'll end up with a 90 degree bend and a kink in the tubing rather than a graceful gooseneck.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191821-29818684.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191821-29818684.jpeg)
More in a moment...
Quote from: Dave K. on February 17, 2018, 11:19:38 AM
Nice work, Bob. I'm guessing you added your own details on the end wall (meter, conduit)? 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks Dave! The meters, conduit (brass wire) and insulators came with the kit. The (slightly over sized) straps holding the conduit in place are just paper I cut up and painted.
I glued the three completed lamps to the back of the large WKLO sign and then wired them in series. I'll spare you the pictures of me trimming the wires to size, soldering them together and muttering to myself as I did so. In the end I had one Positive and one Negative lead that I had to run down on post and into the interior of the building where I had a connections (with a current limiter in place) all ready for them.
When I positioned the sign on the roof for a test fit one post (the on on the left) was just a tad short. So I removed it, cut one slightly longer and glued the new one in place. Resting on three different roofs like this sign does means I can't really make my roofs removable which is something I prefer to do, when possible, so the lighting can be accessed if need be. I lightly glued the roofs in place and hope that "if need be" never comes. ;)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191822-298191638.jpeg)
And that pretty much wraps it up except for one small thing. Here are the finished photos.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191931-2982087.jpeg)
I didn't do this as a diorama so I couldn't plant the 2nd telephone pole and string lines between it and the first pole and it and the building. It's destined for ACL1504's layout. :D
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191931-298211426.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191931-298221088.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191932-29823720.jpeg)
There's the one small detail remaining to be completed. The 'bonus' small window opening sans window. I have to prep and paint a window for it. I have one. I'll do it when I prep and paint the parts for my build challenge which I can now get started on! ;D
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191932-29824432.jpeg)
More in a moment...
These might be a bit shaky. I can't use the flash if I want to capture the lighting effects so the exposures are longer.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218191932-29824432.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218192102-298262194.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218192102-29827724.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218192102-298281706.jpeg)
And I finally found a use for some of the red LED's I have!
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/56-140218192102-298291460.jpeg)
Thanks for following!
Tremendous effort, Bob. Looks great. The light effects add a lot. I need to give that more thought as I do things in the future.
Thanks for sharing.
Vince
Beautiful job Bob. Top notch as always.
Beautiful work Bob..... 8)
Awesome, fur shur.
Jim
Bob
Wonderful work. The lighting really highlights a great model.
Bob,
Love how the model turned out. Just the right amount of weathering! The lighting makes the model
Mike Sigmon
Bob,
Wowser, this is one fantastic build thread. The overall look is even better than the kit photo.
The LED lighting really brings it to life. Also, I'll owe you lunch forever and many LEDs.
Tom ;D
Quote from: vinceg on February 17, 2018, 01:29:55 PM
Tremendous effort, Bob. Looks great. The light effects add a lot. I need to give that more thought as I do things in the future.
Thanks for sharing.
Vince
Thanks Vince! The lighting adds some extra time to the build but I really like the end results. I've seen kits I've added lighting to in place on a layout, surrounded by scenery, and the effect looks even better than it does on my kitchen counter.
There was a time when I wouldn't have even considered adding lights to a structure. ;D
Quote from: PRR Modeler on February 17, 2018, 01:54:24 PM
Beautiful job Bob. Top notch as always.
Thanks Curt! Much appreciated. You'll get to see this one in person one of these days. ;) I have another one in my closet to build for myself someday. :D
Quote from: GPdemayo on February 17, 2018, 02:44:35 PM
Beautiful work Bob..... 8)
Thanks Greg! You too will get to see this one in person one of these days. :D
Quote from: jimmillho on February 17, 2018, 03:58:21 PM
Awesome, fur shur.
Jim
You kind comments are much appreciated Jim!
Quote from: S&S RR on February 17, 2018, 10:00:19 PM
Bob
Wonderful work. The lighting really highlights a great model.
Thanks John! The lighting is all Slim's fault. I never would have considered it without his influence. ;)
Quote from: MASIGMON on February 18, 2018, 03:49:01 AM
Bob,
Love how the model turned out. Just the right amount of weathering! The lighting makes the model
Mike Sigmon
Thanks Mike. Much appreciated. I'm happy with how it turned out. The weathering was just a tad heavier than I originally intended but ended up not being too overdone.
Quote from: ACL1504 on February 18, 2018, 10:43:15 AM
Bob,
Wowser, this is one fantastic build thread. The overall look is even better than the kit photo.
The LED lighting really brings it to life. Also, I'll owe you lunch forever and many LEDs.
Tom ;D
As always it was a pleasure building this one for you my friend. I'm looking forward to seeing it in place on the A&S someday. You're scenery always makes the finished builds look so much better then they do on the workbench. :D
[size=78%] [/size]
Hi Bob:
Coming along quite nicely. Great job with the signs and the color scheme.
Karl
That sure turned out nicely, Bob. I'll use your thread for reference if I ever get around to building my WKLO kit. :D
Jeff
Nicely done, Bob. Great thread as always.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Quote from: ReadingBob on February 18, 2018, 10:48:22 AM
Quote from: GPdemayo on February 17, 2018, 02:44:35 PM
Beautiful work Bob..... 8)
Thanks Greg! You too will get to see this one in person one of these days. :D
Looking forward to it Bob.....the A&S is really looking great, but the way you have been adding lighting to your builds and now Tom's efforts with lighting is going to send it over the top. 8)
Quote from: postalkarl on February 18, 2018, 01:52:30 PM
Hi Bob:
Coming along quite nicely. Great job with the signs and the color scheme.
Karl
Thanks Karl! The next step will be for Tom to plant it on his layout and scenic around it. I'm not sure when that'll happen but I'm looking forward to seeing it in place.
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on February 18, 2018, 01:57:15 PM
That sure turned out nicely, Bob. I'll use your thread for reference if I ever get around to building my WKLO kit. :D
Jeff
Thanks Dr. Jeff! I'll probably have to use my own thread as a reference when I build the one I have in my stash (someday). :D
Quote from: Dave K. on February 19, 2018, 06:46:29 AM
Nicely done, Bob. Great thread as always.
Thank you very kindly Dave! Always a pleasure to share with this great group of modelers. :)
Quote from: GPdemayo on February 19, 2018, 08:56:47 AM
Quote from: ReadingBob on February 18, 2018, 10:48:22 AM
Quote from: GPdemayo on February 17, 2018, 02:44:35 PM
Beautiful work Bob..... 8)
Thanks Greg! You too will get to see this one in person one of these days. :D
Looking forward to it Bob.....the A&S is really looking great, but the way you have been adding lighting to your builds and now Tom's efforts with lighting is going to send it over the top. 8)
The A&S is looking wonderful and the lighting certainly adds another aspect to it. Not that long ago I wouldn't have considered adding lighting to structures but now I'm hooked. 8)
Nice work Bob! Classic look of an old radio station.
You should read about WKLO broadcasting out of Louisville, KY. For about ten years from the mid-1960s until the mid-1970s it was one of the big Top 40 stations. I'm guessing there might be some 'history' of Doug with that era.
--Rich
Bob, didn't expect anything less from you. Great modeling!!