Ok, so a few years ago, I hit a low point, lost interest, it seemed, in building structure kits. Not enough time, no space for finished kits, wife's health issues.. This, after shelling out quite a bit for large ticket kits.
Most got sold off, to fund a new interest.
Now back into structure kits, and of course, kicking myself regarding those I sold off. Doah!
One that I kept, as I had started it, and wasn't sure it would sell, was Rail Scale Miniatures Horwood Bros. Garage.
While waiting for a couple of new kits to arrive, which one of was to be my next build, I dug out the RSM kit, thinking I would at least sort out and organize all the parts, ready for a future time to finish it.
However, I think I will tackle it, next, as it will be one of the focus points in my diorama, and because of it's size, will help with the positioning of other structures.
So, my next build, picking up from where I left off..
Jim
The photo of the 1st building shows how far I had gotten, when I put it up.
Being set in the 50's, I wanted to do it a bit different. The salon and book store sections are now a small diner/cafe. Kitchen area where the salon was, dining area where book store was. So I did not modify the salon window into a doorway.
I fixed a few small things that had gotten broken or came loose on the 1st building, while packed away. I'll continue on with it, until it is basically complete. Then I will finish the second structure. I went ahead and build the shell, as I need it to work on the base.
A fellow by the name of Greg Shinnie (RR-Line name Ensign) did a excellent build thread over in the Railroad Line forum, back in 2011/12. He found a few errors in the kit, pointed them out, as well as the fixes for them. He did stumble a bit regarding the sidewalks placement, regarding matching it with the built kit that would be next to it, but I have that sorted.
So, not sure how fast I will be, but I will plug along at it.
I had made up tables and chairs for the cafe section, but I think I will order the diner interior kit from JL Innovation, it will fit the bill nicely.
Jim.
Jim,
I'm following and really interested in this one. I already like the colors you are starting with. Back in the late 70s I worked at a place that looked very much like this -- a low, rambling art deco auto and truck service building -- so perhaps a bit of nostalgia for me in looking in.
--George
Jim,
I'm on the wagon as well. I came very close to getting this one but opted for Delwin's Boat and Net Storage instead. I like what you've done so far.
Tom ;D
I'll be following also.
Thanks for following, guys.
I decided to apply the stucco finish to the 2nd building, today, doing it a bit different from from the 1st building. That one was done per the instructions, EXCEPT I did not have the Floquil Reefer White paint Daryl called for. I used one of the craft paint brand acrylic white paint. I think the white paint was too thick, and dried too quickly, to give me the same finish as was intended. It's more 'grainier' than it should be, I think.
Today, I used white acrylic paint, from Mission Models. It starts out thinner, and I thinned it further, giving it more drying time. And as opposed to the circular brushing the instructions called for, I dabbed the Durham's putty powder on, in up and down motion with the brush.
I'm much happier with how it turned out. No, I and not going to re-do the 1st building. My story is, when the brothers decided to add a service bay to their original gas station, the builders just used a different mix/type of stucco.
I had a pic of the 2 units, side by side, but the lighting was such you could not really see the stucco on bldg. 2 Compare this pic with the 1st one I posted, to see the difference.
I'll now leave the 2nd building to sit, and focus on getting the rest of the 1st building finished.
Jim
Hopped on the train just in time to follow along.
Nice job on the stucco. I've always liked the look of this structure, but it's so large I don't think I'd have a place for it on The Empire.
Jeff
Jim:
Looks great so far. I'll be following along.
Karl
Thanks, Jeff and Karl.
Jeff, yeah, it does take up a chunk of real estate. You can re-configure, and use the 3 structures separate, if you wanted to.
With painting detail parts for this kit, as well as 2 others, have not gotten a lot done that looks like actual progress, but did manage some.
Window frames, glazing, and window signs, etc.., are done.
Jim
Ok, need to make a choice, so looking for thoughts on the interior arrangement. At this time, I think I will be adding a couple of lights inside.
1st pic is top down view with booths along the back wall (no tables are shown, as they have to be glued down at final placement) and one square table with 4 chairs in front or window.
2nd is top down with just 2 booths, one in front of each window.With figures, obviously the booths at back wall will look busier, but would the 2 booths at the windows, and a couple of standing figures in background look busy enough?
The kitchen will have at least the cook, perhaps one other employee, in it.
The 3rd picture shows what the booths look like, in the windows.
Thoughts?
Thanks, all.
Jim
Some further progress. Not a huge amount on over the past few days, but also sorted out a JLI Picorelli's Ice Cream kit for a near future build, as well.
The 1st section got the canopy build, installed and fascia added. Stucco finish is next, then final signage and it will be done except for the interior details and figures.
Installed windows and doors for the 2nd section, and placed primary signs. Will add one or 2 more, and it will be done but for details and figures. (1st photo)
3rd section got built as next step, mainly so I had it to play around with placement layout.
2nd photo is layout of the structures as planned for in the kit. What did not appeal to me was that if the 3rd structure is a car dealer, there is really no area for a car lot. It looked odd to me.
3rd photo is a alternative layout I thought about, which gives a area for car lot.
However, as of the moment, I think (again, not set in stone) the 3rd structure will be located elsewhere along the street. It will be a large truck dealer (Mack, White, etc..). This will mean less area needed for the service station, and easier to place other building in closer proximity.
Will get the stucco for the canopy and the 3rd structure applied today, hopefully. Time to order the rest of the figures and details, also.
More soon.
Jim
Looking great Jim. Keep those progress pics coming.
Exceptionally nice work so far on this kit, Jim. I am really enjoying seeing this come together. I like both layout versions you pictured, although am partial to the middle pic. But, of course, it has to fit appropriately to your situation and space.
--George
Just a quick update.
Not much done that need a photo. Got the castings for the service bay, so working on those, as well as figuring how to base it the way I want. Ordered the lady cook for the cafe, and some of the WS Just Plug Lights. That will finish the 1st building section except for the roof.
Also, I'm forgoing using the auto dealership portion, as I want the station to be closer to the street (plus it won't take up as much real estate). The dealer building will become a truck dealer, but further down the street. May give it a light spray of another color, like light beige, or light grey, over the stucco, just to give it a little different look.
More soon, with pics, I hope.
Jim
Hey Jim:
WOW!!!! really looking cool.
Karl