I actually started this kit back before Christmas, but put it aside over the holidays, and then for the Challenge build.
I have mixed feelings about this kit. Not just Ricketts, but the whole set. I love Bar Mills kits, I've built several, and always have fun doing them. Their instructions can sometimes be a bit erratic, or scattered, but if one reads them all before hand, it's not a problem. And they usually contain some of Art's humor.
Delancey St comes with 70 pages of instructions, broken up into sections for each building. But you almost have to read them all through before you begin, as there are bits here and there that might pertain to one of the other structures. With all that, they admit that the instructions are not complete, and refer you to several 'How To' videos for further info. There were supposed to be 7 videos, one for each structure and one for the overall diorama, I believe. That would work fine, I guess, if they had actually done it that way. But they only did one each for 4 of the buildings, a part 2 for 2 of those, and one on the scaffolding. One building was missed altogether. As for the videos, they basically just consist of Atr and Jack Ellis talking about the individual kit, pointing out a few things you might not notice at 1st glance while building it, and a bit on techniques. Overall, an experienced modeler could probably build the kit just fine without the videos, and I don't feel they would help a less experienced modeler all that much.
Perhaps this large a kit just took way more time for them to do up, and they had to do it this way to get the kit out the door without a lot of delay.
Ok, so that being all said, here's the 3 pics, of the kit parts and the instruction sheets showing the built kit.
Jim
The walls braced up.
The bracing along the top edge of the side walls, that will support the roof, are exactly to the measurements given in the instructions.
The gap at the bottom of the front wall is where it will overlap the built up store front.
Jim
The instructions call for the side and back wall to be assembled as a unit, and I propped them up to check fit prior to doing so. And found the 1st issue.
Notice where the side bracing roof supports are, relative to the top of the rear wall. 1/8" difference.
I did go back and recheck the instructions, but I had placed them correctly, just did not pick up on this when I was doing the bracing.
I was able to carefully get the horizontal pieces off, and cut the vertical ones shorter. I then assembled the walls.
Later, with basic structure about done, I kicked myself. What I should have done was attach the rear wall higher, to match the bracing, and build a loading dock for the freight doors to fill the gap at the bottom. Live and learn. :)
Jim
Jim,
Nice start on this interesting kit. I also enjoy Bar Mills kits for their imaginative and often ambitious design. This one looks to have some nicely engineered laser cut "gingerbread" to fancy up the front.
--Opa George
Good start Jim. I'm in the middle of a Bar Mills build myself and have had pretty much the same experience with the instructions. I'm muddling through it though. ;) Like Opa George stated this one appears to have some nice laser cut trim to make a nice front. Looking forward to your progress on it. :)
Neat looking kit Jim.....I'll be looking in. :)
I'll be watching your progress, Jim.
Think of it as practicing for a Master Creations kit. With those you photocopy the wood sheets as a reference, throw the instructions away and wing it!
Cheers, Mark.
The store front painted and assembled.
There are seven layers, counting 2 acetate pieces. Eight, I guess, if you count the sign strip. :)
Quote from: JimF on February 21, 2020, 07:53:03 AM
The store front painted and assembled.
There are seven layers, counting 2 acetate pieces. Eight, I guess, if you count the sign strip. :)
Looks really nice. I like your color choice.
True, the multiple layers can be tedious. On the other hand, I really appreciate having the option of employing multiple color schemes without having to try the same on a one-piece casting with a brush. The laser cut layers keep everything sharp and crisp.
--Opa George
Thanks George. I agree, I like having the multiple layers. Just this one, had to be very careful with lining up each one.
A bit more done. 1st photo is the blank front wall and all the detail items, still in carrier sheets.
2nd picture is the wall with details attached. That's not the actual color, just due to the lighting.
Hey Jim:
Looking just great so far. I'll be following along. I'm building the3 Bar Mills Tower At right now.
Karl
Upper section painted, and attached to lower section.
I did go back and straighten out the tiny keystone pieces :)
Jim
Jim,
That really looks good. Great job my friend.
Tom ;D
Jim,
Very nice. I like your color choices and the layering of parts makes for a very striking storefront as well as the entire building front.
Oh yes, looks really nice!
--Opa George
Great looking kit. I went to the Bar Mills site and they showed the kit under "limited run" kits; but no price was shown...? I guess if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it
Nice modeling Jim.
Thank you, guys, much appreciated.
John B, this was their 'big' kit for 2016. If I recall, cost was either $350. or $365., with $15.00 shipping. I splurged for it mainly because I had sold off some motorcyle parts, so had the extra fund, and since it gave me 6 structures (though a couple are small) plus extra detailing parts, I figured it was worth it.
Not sure they sold that many, don't see it come up on ebay very often, and I have never found any mention of anyone building it, either. My build will be slow, as it shares time with a couple other projects.
Jim
Jim,
Thanks for the reply...but I've already sold my motorcycles. I was into Triumphs. I even had an award winning Triumph; but I've sold them all. Sucks be me. I thinks I would have liked to have that kit