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The Mainline => Kit Building => Topic started by: ReadingBob on January 18, 2019, 08:50:37 AM

Title: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: ReadingBob on January 18, 2019, 08:50:37 AM
Here's a little side project, or amuse-gueule, between a couple of larger builds I tackled last month.  (I want Tom and Greg to have to scramble and look up amuse-gueule.)  I picked this up at Hal Reynolds table at the EXPO in Altoona and recently stumbled across it.

Here's the package. 
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115949.jpeg&hash=f4cb3b13492cc8c7790ac48d4d3ad7f2460ede3c)

It's a small kit so there's not a lot of parts in the bag.  That doesn't mean it isn't a little bit challenging though.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115434-36462700.jpeg&hash=bfe98be5fe3a8fff9c35b7a597259664eb4e9e5f)

The instructions and drawings are pretty well written and clearly describe the build process.  Not that I didn't mess up in one or two places but those mistakes were on me.   ::)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115434-364631626.jpeg&hash=4e3a14da72af846f2027297d591032bdd4c86a0d)

More illustrations.  Not bad for such a small kit.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115435-36464620.jpeg&hash=e655a47db975976f73a772c20629ed2500803d0b)

I started out by gluing together the two pieces that make up the base.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115435-36465330.jpeg&hash=537bc4842b7b86bc53848bf7d7ecd3b9f3a81a6c)

Then the top of the base was sanded into a rounded shape.  I started with a coarse sanding stick and finished with a fine sanding stick.  I just sanded until it looked good to me and was a close match to the shape in the drawings/pictures.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115520-36466846.jpeg&hash=5b38fe0114cd8fab1e04fd791860ec5aa5cd6762)

More in a moment... ;)
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: ReadingBob on January 18, 2019, 08:58:19 AM
Next I glued the two little plugs in the base that make up some sort of access hatch.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115520-364671988.jpeg&hash=bb503b3bf60f2da0560747cbc3ad2f3a218f5ffe)

Using a single edge razor blade I started removing the tower pieces from the carrier sheet.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115521-364681614.jpeg&hash=319b9186afffc4b75696ad4f2d549ed0be47188e)

They're thin but fairly durable.  I sanded the edges, where I cut them from the carrier sheet, so they'd be smooth.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115521-364691361.jpeg&hash=13b35d424eca637ea72b56582daeb403c64b5d40)

Then I glued two sides together.  I actually had to put some thought into this.  The four sides appears to be identical.  So which piece goes on the inside of which piece.  I did each joint so it was consistent all the way around and each side was an inside on one side and an outside on the other side.  That way the aseembled unit was square.   :P
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115521-364701090.jpeg&hash=0cde953405776998179ca928f7aba6a4dcb52425)

Added the hatch covers next.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115607-364712307.jpeg&hash=eb2dc2278731367cb27aea4e7cbbabfb16756fbe)

After I had the four sides together there's a top piece and an 'optional' center piece that are added to the tower.  Well, I wanted to use the 'optional' center pieced but getting it up inside the assembled tower and gluing it into position proved to be a challenge so I removed one side of the tower and glued it in place.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115607-36472738.jpeg&hash=3c2895c761e192538f3c813eb6635fa67ae29468)

More in a moment... ;)
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: ACL1504 on January 18, 2019, 08:59:36 AM
Bob,

I worked for Miner's Catering Service for three years when I got out of college. So, it happens that I know what this one means.

Usually though, I only heard it around the "mucky mucks" in high society. It is truly amazing how many people think their chit don't stink just cause they gots lots of moola!

I'm sure this Bell Buoy will be fantastic when finished.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: ReadingBob on January 18, 2019, 09:07:26 AM
There's a little 'cage' that is made up of five parts.  It gets assembled first and then installed at the top of the tower.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115607-364731483.jpeg&hash=4a319a8a81143b44f8b485556c834f00ed494377)

Here's the cage in place.  You may also notice two lift rings were glued to the base.  There's plenty of these on the carrier sheet.  Thankfully.  I lost one somewhere along the way.   ::)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115607-364741518.jpeg&hash=b0a1ebc730bbd9aaaf844c5266400cb3c1938c57)

Here's what NOT to do.  Next up I assembled the holder for the bell.  I should have been paying more attention to the pictures/drawings.  Had I don't that I would have realized this ring goes a little more than halfway up the wire supports.  Not at the base like I did here.  I had to fix this later on when I realized my mistake.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115608-36475935.jpeg&hash=7c0c938e29e4ee703e825aa8c147f9f1f91887bb)

I made up a holder for the lighting circuit which is nothing more than a current limiter and a single red, flashing, LED.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115709-36476405.jpeg&hash=9154b2b8bda0ea85b9f71e3961024a2ed58765c3)

I drilled a hole in the top of the LED to insert the fiber optic.  I won't glue it in place until it's installed on a layout or diorama.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115709-364771926.jpeg&hash=35357aee5dcb274d0930063a6705eb9068935d31)

After pushing the legs of the current limiter (and LED) through my mounting board I bend them to a 90 degree angle.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115709-364782228.jpeg&hash=fdad38037cab3446094301e5c8875942c2a525e6)

More in a moment... ;)

Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: ReadingBob on January 18, 2019, 09:08:13 AM
Quote from: ACL1504 on January 18, 2019, 08:59:36 AM
Bob,

I worked for Miner's Catering Service for three years when I got out of college. So, it happens that I know what this one means.

Usually though, I only heard it around the "mucky mucks" in high society. It is truly amazing how many people think their chit don't stink just cause they gots lots of moola!

I'm sure this Bell Buoy will be fantastic when finished.

Tom  ;D

Dang!  I should no better than to mess with a wordsmith like you.   ;D
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: ReadingBob on January 18, 2019, 09:14:27 AM
After bending the legs I trim them to shorter length with an old pair of rail nippers I keep on my workbench.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115709-364792396.jpeg&hash=f06fe745b9283d3d80129a0e25f130cce3c82f3e)

Then they get soldered to the copper tape I had applied to the mounting board.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115709-364802277.jpeg&hash=4dc20916b987a6c2b2e5719b36cd491050d81e8f)

Finally I removed the copper tape between the legs of the current limiter (very important) and the LED.  If you forget to do it for the LED, no big deal.  It just won't light.  If you forget to do with the current limiter, bit deal.  The LED will light.  Briefly.  Then never again.   :o
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115902-36481829.jpeg&hash=5a4a56a75829dc2f5cbb25b9cc62e01bd9cb8b27)

I had to lightly sand the top 1/8" or so of the fiber optic to allow the light so shine through the side.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115902-364821394.jpeg&hash=77272d102b7c1b38b36c846a968bd44f4b0253f7)

Then I drilled a hole through the bell.  The fiber optic will feed up through the bell to the top of the tower.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115902-364831513.jpeg&hash=18c0450c4f88ca73f1fde0ca2e24d718a722c877)

I painted the bell a brass color and then dry brushed it with a little Penn Central Green.  You can see the rest of the buoy has already been through the paint shop where it got sprayed with Floquil Caboose Red.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modelersforum.com%2Fgallery%2F56-010119115902-364841687.jpeg&hash=c91194226fc802051a07bcf22c5084c00477031e)

More later!  Break time is over.  Thanks for checking it out!   :D

Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: vinceg on January 18, 2019, 09:30:12 AM
You're amazing to watch, Bob. Thanks for all the sharing. The fiber optic thing looks very interesting. Looking forward to see how that works out.
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: PRR Modeler on January 18, 2019, 09:51:24 AM
You are a craftsman. There is no way with all those very thin fragile pieces that I could make that.
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: jimmillho on January 18, 2019, 11:20:32 AM
Awesome Job Bob, and it looked great.

Jim
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: GPdemayo on January 18, 2019, 02:02:42 PM
Does it have something to do with horse devoures?.....neat build Bob.  8)
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: postalkarl on January 18, 2019, 02:40:27 PM
Hey Bob:

Looking good so far.

Karl
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: cuse on January 19, 2019, 05:54:41 AM
I almost missed this little gem of a build! Wow...great kit, great execution. I appreciate the detailed play by play, as always...I'm going to go see if I've got a spot in my harbor for one of those


John
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: Lynnb on January 19, 2019, 07:31:45 AM
Always enjoy following your ventures, makes me want to barrel forward.
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: ReadingBob on January 19, 2019, 07:34:01 AM
Quote from: vinceg on January 18, 2019, 09:30:12 AM
You're amazing to watch, Bob. Thanks for all the sharing. The fiber optic thing looks very interesting. Looking forward to see how that works out.


Thanks Vince!  I saw it a the EXPO and had to have one (plus it didn't blow the budget).  Over the years I've accumulated a dozen or more waterfront kits even though there's no way they fit in with the Reading Railroad theme.  Oh well.  It'll be my alternate timeline Reading Railroad.   ;)
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: ReadingBob on January 19, 2019, 07:35:32 AM
Quote from: PRR Modeler on January 18, 2019, 09:51:24 AM
You are a craftsman. There is no way with all those very thin fragile pieces that I could make that.

Thanks Curt!  Actually they're not quite as fragile as they look.  Some of them are tiny though.  It's a fun little kit.  :D
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: ReadingBob on January 19, 2019, 07:36:53 AM
Quote from: jimmillho on January 18, 2019, 11:20:32 AM
Awesome Job Bob, and it looked great.

Jim


Thanks Jim!  I have a little touch up to do and some light weathering.  I'll mention the 'number' decals later on when I add more to the thread.   :D
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: ReadingBob on January 19, 2019, 07:39:03 AM
Quote from: GPdemayo on January 18, 2019, 02:02:42 PM
Does it have something to do with horse devoures?.....neat build Bob.  8)


Awe c'mon Greg...I thought you were one of those high society "mucky mucks" Tom was referring to.   ;D  You should know it's the palate cleanser between courses.   ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: ReadingBob on January 19, 2019, 07:41:43 AM
Quote from: postalkarl on January 18, 2019, 02:40:27 PM
Hey Bob:

Looking good so far.

Karl

Thanks Karl!  This is the third Atlantic Scale Modeler's kit I've tackled.  Hal really puts together some great instructions and some neat little kits.  I have a couple more on the shelf and will likely add to that if/when I get to the EXPO this year.  :D
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: ReadingBob on January 19, 2019, 07:43:37 AM
Quote from: cuse on January 19, 2019, 05:54:41 AM
I almost missed this little gem of a build! Wow...great kit, great execution. I appreciate the detailed play by play, as always...I'm going to go see if I've got a spot in my harbor for one of those


John


Hey John.  Thanks for the compliment.  You can see it in 'action' when you stop by.  The flashing light effect is pretty neat with the fiber optic.  :D
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: ReadingBob on January 19, 2019, 07:46:03 AM
Quote from: Lynnb on January 19, 2019, 07:31:45 AM
Always enjoy following your ventures, makes me want to barrel forward.

Thanks Lynn.  Following everyone else's builds out here helps keep me motivated as well.  There's been a lot to follow lately too!  That's a good thing.   ;)
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: ACL1504 on January 19, 2019, 08:09:14 AM
Quote from: ReadingBob on January 19, 2019, 07:39:03 AM
Quote from: GPdemayo on January 18, 2019, 02:02:42 PM
Does it have something to do with horse devoures?.....neat build Bob.  8)


Awe c'mon Greg...I thought you were one of those high society "mucky mucks" Tom was referring to.   ;D  You should know it's the palate cleanser between courses.   ;D ;D ;D


I was thinking it is more like an appetizer than a palate cleanser. I missed this one.  :'(

Tom  8)
Title: Re: Atlantic Scale Modelers - HO Scale Bell Buoy
Post by: GPdemayo on January 19, 2019, 08:50:34 AM
Quote from: ACL1504 on January 19, 2019, 08:09:14 AM
Quote from: ReadingBob on January 19, 2019, 07:39:03 AM
Quote from: GPdemayo on January 18, 2019, 02:02:42 PM
Does it have something to do with horse devoures?.....neat build Bob.  8)


Awe c'mon Greg...I thought you were one of those high society "mucky mucks" Tom was referring to.   ;D  You should know it's the palate cleanser between courses.   ;D ;D ;D


I was thinking it is more like an appetizer than a palate cleanser. I missed this one.  :'(

Tom  8)


Hey Tom.....I thought a palette cleanser was when a Mom washed out a mouth with soap .....not that we ever needed it ;D  .....and I don't think so Bob, I'm just an ole' carpenter at heart. ;)