...well, there seems to be a lot of talk (good & bad) about kit designs and stuff....so I kinda thought I would post how I get into a new kit....so here's how it goes....
1 - Ideas....where do they come from.....in my case, when I am "relaxing" I always am going thru historic books, journals, periodicals, and of course the internet for ideas.....and in most cases, I get an email or call from one of many friends with the same interest as me.....in this case, our own Dan Raymond, "Raymo" as we know him...sent me these pictures for this one....Dan has a great eye for structures, and he has given me many an idea....i.e. Raymond & Son Garage, Dan's Repair Shop.....already been done by CCK...
2 - Drawing, concept, practicality etc.....is it buildable from most levels of experience....is it marketable?
3 - Supplies, packaging, instructions....
4 - Take it to market and make millions and millions of dollars......(well, I normally give away more than I sell....I think there is something wrong with that picture...)
...so that's my business plan in a nutshell....so here are the pics of what Dan sent me, and how it progresses....
Cool.
Jaime
Jeff, that is one interesting structure.
I would like to see the inside, especially the attic spaces on the original structure.
I'm not positive that the 2 front parts are original or if the 1 story was added on to the 2 story part. The 1 story part has the gable running 90 deg. off the 2 story part and it seems that would make the framing and roofing more complicated than it needed to be.
Very interesting.
Interesting thread, Jeff. Thanks for starting it off.
The most interesting clinic I've ever attended (Jaime will remember this) was at the final CSS. Bob van Gelder shared his creative process and shared images of the proto structures upon which some of his kits are based. We then got to see his shop and the process of turning a "live" structure into a red box gem. Following the conversation...
Quote from: Dave K. on June 27, 2014, 11:41:45 AM
Interesting thread, Jeff. Thanks for starting it off.
The most interesting clinic I've ever attended (Jaime will remember this) was at the final CSS. Bob van Gelder shared his creative process and shared images of the proto structures upon which some of his kits are based. He then got to see his shop and the process of turning a "live" structure into a red box gem. Following the conversation...
That was a great clinic.
Jaime
Bring out the "Bankrupt - Going Out of Business" signs!
I've heard that Workman feller gets out of control when he gets a piece
of wood and a saw in his hands! ::) ::) ::)
Quote from: GPdemayo on June 27, 2014, 11:25:40 AM
Jeff, that is one interesting structure.
I would like to see the inside, especially the attic spaces on the original structure.
I'm not positive that the 2 front parts are original or if the 1 story was added on to the 2 story part. The 1 story part has the gable running 90 deg. off the 2 story part and it seems that would make the framing and roofing more complicated than it needed to be.
Very interesting.
I've probably driven by this structure a 1000 times in my lifetime before taking pictures of it. I think the roof was done that way to shed snow,rain,and ice off it. Jeff's done all this in less than 12 hrs. Raymo
Raymo needs a raise.
Jaime
...drawing done...check...waste not, want not....
......test cut done.....looks like I need to clean the laser a little....
....the first batch of multiples to send out for test building....wonder who will get one...?
They're multiplying like rabbits. ;D
Quote from: Raymo on June 27, 2014, 02:19:53 PM
They're multiplying like rabbits. ;D
I thought this thread was about Jeff's new kit, not the Ledbetters!!! ??? ??? ???
Jeff.
So what if you offered a structure with no bullet proof history and call it J L Grove Outfitters. Gone out of business since 1990 or some such date.
See ya
Bob
Quote from: bparrish on June 27, 2014, 07:55:18 PM
Jeff. So what if you offered a structure with no bullet proof history and call it J L Grove Outfitters. Gone out of business since
1990 or some such date. See ya. Bob
Or Jimmy D's Railroad Schtuff - Free rein to concoct any kind of background history!
That could prove interesin'!
Not enough pigeons. I'm not buying that. ;D ;D ;D
Jeff
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on June 28, 2014, 06:51:14 AM
Not enough pigeons. I'm not buying that. ;D ;D
Jeff
;D ;D ;D ;D
Hi Jeff:
I really like the way this one looks. Great lines.
Karl
...a little progress...
..I'm going to paint EVERYTHING on this one the same color....docks, stairs etc...and will get some color changes to it with final painting and weathering with chalks....so on to the trims, and decks......
Doors and windows look good ! ;D
...a little more work while watching some soccer...
The kit looks great Jeff. And thanks for sharing the process in this thread. Do you think it will out sell the round barns?
Damn Jeff ! Looks great ! Clipping right along on that one .
Really nice looking structure Jeff. At first I was confused by the roof on the smaller structure angling down towards the wall of the larger structure. I thought "Man, that has to be a problem when it rains." Then I saw your more recent picture with the additional roof that solves that problem and adds a whole lot of interesting angles to the structure. Well done!
...still needs the finishing touches and a few tweaks....anxious to see what the "test" builders do with it.....
Jeff,
Another great structure! 8) 8) 8) 8)
Tom ;D
Jeff,I think your first build of this kit really captures the lines of the original structure.What is the footprint of the finished building. It would be a neat fill-in structure that doesn't need a rail siding for it to be in business. I say put into production,but then I'm biased. DJR
Dan, the footprint on this one is approximately 2-1/4"x5-1/4", without the decks.....yeah, I think this one is small enough to go about anywhere.....thanks gang, for the comments on this one.....
Versatile structure...would fill any number of uses. :D
Everybody need to buy one of these! Li'l Jeffy is very flexible and will even take cash greenbacks
in an unmarked manila envelope!! 8) 8) 8)
But if you don't send no money with your order, he'll send Uncle Louie out to collect it from you!
...this one is about ready for cutting and packing....which I hope to have done by about July 20th, give or take....it will retail for $46.50....but if you pre-order before I start to cut/pack, the price will be $32.00 shipped.....get us your orders prior to July 12th for this price.....
PM me or contact me thru the web-site...... www.carolinacraftsmankits.com (http://www.carolinacraftmankits.com)
...David Workman, I need your address again, and I will get one off to you as soon as we finish them.....
...the lower windows on the end will be lined up correctly with the others on the final cuts....
Sent a pm for order. Never used this way so If you do not get it let me know. Another kit. Rea's going to kill me .can you ship in a plain brown wrapper? Thanks Jim
Jim maybe he can ship it in an old"Wheat Thins" box ;) Raymo
...got you on the list Jim....
...got your message Ken....my email is jlgrove@myactv.net
This is such an interesting structure. Got the walls braced on a test build. Make the coffee, go get the neighbor's dog for holiday babysitting...when I get back I'll hit the interior walls with black, do an exterior A&I, and hopefully decide on color scheme. ;D
...those of you who got the test build....if you want the end wall where the windows are lowered correct, just let me know and I'll get you the wall sent out......
Nah...I'll counter-balance it with some shrubbery. :D. Got the interior painted and the exterior A&I applied. Think I'm going with a sandstone...not yet sure about windows and corner trim. Thought that would make it "woodworkey".
QuoteNah...I'll counter-balance it with some shrubbery
Ni! Ni! ;D
Jeff - My grandfather came from Austria-Hungary in the 1890's and started a cabinetmaking shop in Montclair NJ. This is a picture(if it comes out) of his shop in about 1910. The others are relatives who worked for him. Billy the horse was an important member of the shop.
The reason I am sharing this, other than general interest, is I was wondering what the signage for Workman is going to be. I'd like to figure out a way to make it "J.Mueller Cabinet Maker & Upholsterer" but I'm not real good on signs. Any suggestions group? Thanks Jim
Good question, Jim. I'd like to get better at signs, too. I've just used Word, but I know there are much better approaches.
Went with the Sandstone and Krylon Ruddy Brown primer, which is really like a Zinc Chromate red. Not gonna weather too much. I figure this Workman feller is a craftsman who would take pretty good care of his workplace.
Gotta stop for a while to get ready for holiday festivities, but I'll be back at 'er later. Next up: corner trim...fascia boards...light weathering wash...install windows and doors...glaze...drybrush highlights...figure out signage...dig out/prep detail parts...roofage...
Jeff I'll work around it also. Got the basic structure together I went with off white with royal blue trim. Painted windows this am so they can dry while I'm working today.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/72-040714115846-30881441.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/72-040714115845-3085998.jpeg)
Jim ....
If you have any lat issue of Microsoft word. They have dozens of print fonts and although they have pre set font sizes, you can put in any small number you want, including decimal fractions at the top of the list. Thy don't tell you that anywhere in in the distructions.
See ya
Bob
One limitation I've felt with Word is that only a few fonts look right for signage on a structure. Most are way too modern, "hip", or too obviously a font meant for text. I know there are bazillions of free or cheap font collections out there. Just need to get off my parliamentary end and find 'em. Same goes for learning something other than Word...something that would more easily incorporate text and images I find online. I'm a dimwit when it comes to learning software. Discuss?
A lot of folks I know use AppleWorks for making signs and such.
Jaime
Using Excel for making signs - I know that I've posted it before on the old forum, but I'll
post it again here:
http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11853 (http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11853)
I like the Big Gnat and Little Gnat Woodworking kit!
Tom ;D
Thanks Jaime and Gnat.
I also received one of the test builds. I might take Jeff up on his offer. I'll wait and see if Northeastern is open tomorrow.Raymo
Here she sits for the night. The wider door was missing so I cut down a double-door scavenged from the parts box. Up next are window blinds and figuring out signage.
Here are a few I'm using, I guess you have to click to download the attached pdf
All right! More test builds checking in! ;D Here's my virgin attempt at Excel. Thank you Gnat for the tutorial. Still some learning to do. Want to decrease the space between the two lines of text.
Hmmm...maybe better?
Getting closer...?
Quote from: Dave K. on July 05, 2014, 11:27:05 AM
Getting closer...?
Looking great! You grabbed this and run with it in a hurry. ;D ;D ;D ;D
Now I've got to re-learn it - I haven't made any signs in over 7 months. :( :( :(
It's not the perfect answer, but the more you mess with it - the more versatility and
possibilities you find!!
Minerva says it'll work.
Quote from: Dave K. on July 05, 2014, 01:16:03 PM
Minerva says it'll work.
Minerva has a good chance of gettin' promoted to Shop Superintendant!!!! ;D ;D ;D
She's pretty good with the tools.
I recently spent quite a bit of time searching for software that would allow me to make my own signs. I almost never use the signs that come with kits. My criteria were these:
1) Free, or already on my MacBook
2) Little or no learning curve- really dumbed down, in other words
3) Versatility as well as ease of use- many fonts, able to incorporate photos, etc.
From a tip from my friend Paul St. Martin, PaulS on this group, I tried "Keynote' and/or MS "PowerPoint". Signs are as easy as making a slide for a presentation. Fast, versatile- try it, you'll like it. If I can do it, anybody can.
Well heck, Mike. I use PowerPoint every day at school. Do you just shrink down a slide and print the single slide on paper?
Hey folks,
What a cool looking structure from Jeff and nice to see these builds coming along with variations from each of the Artists !!
I don't want to hijack this thread but seeing as it has come up here is some info regarding making your own signs ...
With regards to using PowerPoint for signs, I usually figure out roughly what size sign I will need and using the ruler within PP I make a text box that size. From there you can outline the box, use background colors within the box, and of course develop your sign using many of the fonts available within PP or from the Web for download.
From there you can also make multiple copies of these with subtle changes on one page so if you mess one up you have another ready to go, etc...
Here is an example of one I made up from our dear friend Hal (halrey) ...
[Insert Photo Here] - okay this is embarrassing, looks like I have to go figure out how best to post a file or photo ... Give me a little bit
Until then, back to your regularly scheduled build thread,
Thanks,
--Paul
Great to have you join in, Paul. It's become a kit thread with many strands. I don't think Jeff will mind!
I've wanted to make my own decent signs for a long time. To think I could have been doing it all this time in a program I'm already comfortable with.
Staying tuned...
I don't think Li'l Groovy will mind - it's just another example of modelers sharin' information!
Besides, it should bring more attention to his New Kit thread -
"Take that, Jimmy - I've got all these folks growin' my thread and addin' to the promotion!"
"Just glad I didn't use 'DeBlasi' in the kit name!"
Okay, let's give this another try ...
Not having any luck actually uploading the PP file but here is H Reynolds Lithographers with the custom sign from PP which will give you an idea ...
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/58-050714190131.jpeg)
Happy Modeling,
--Paul
Nice...THAT'S the type of signage I'd like to create. Gonna give it a whirl. Thanks again, Mike and Paul.
Quote from: Dave K. on July 05, 2014, 07:23:39 PM
Nice...THAT'S the type of signage I'd like to create. Gonna give it a whirl. Thanks again, Mike and Paul.
Dave sent you an email ...
Thanks, Paul. I'll watch for it.
Dave, for whatever reason doesn't appear that my email made it to the other end...
Anyway, if you want to email me at paul dot stmartin at gmail dot com , I will send along the PP file which will give you a better idea and also a jumping off point to get you started ...
Thanks,
--Paul
Thank you, Paul! Jeff, your thread has been hijacked to heck 'n' gone. Hope you don't mind!
Quote from: Dave K. on July 06, 2014, 07:06:59 AM
Thank you, Paul! Jeff, your thread has been hijacked to heck 'n' gone. Hope you don't mind!
..not at all...I'm enjoying the info on signs.....and everyone seems to be having fun...which is why we do this stuff....so have at it....I'm messing with other kits anyway......(and cutting Workman's...)
Finishing up the roof with my morning Joe. Pix to follow. Paul...got the email. I'll take a break this morning and give 'er a whirl. Love the willingness to share among the Forumites.
Paul....................
Great stuff
Thanx
Bob
Quote from: bparrish on July 06, 2014, 02:48:01 PM
Paul....................
Great stuff
Thanx
Bob
Thanks Bob much appreciated, and I've been following along with your Falk locomotive build thread ... Very impressive to say the least!!
Okay, back to the Workman & Son build thread ...
--Paul
Thought I would post a couple of my Workman's build
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/72-170714095052.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/72-170714095001.jpeg)
Nice job! Back to mone soon. 1:1 life rudely interrupted. What's the ttim color?
Quote from: Dave K. on July 17, 2014, 09:58:21 AM
Nice job! Back to mone soon. 1:1 life rudely interrupted. What's the ttim color?
Dave sorry I just saw this reply only a month late but the trim is Apple Barrel English Navy I really like it for a rich, antique blue
Kenny
Quote from: PaulS on July 05, 2014, 07:13:38 PM
Okay, let's give this another try ...
Not having any luck actually uploading the PP file but here is H Reynolds Lithographers with the custom sign from PP which will give you an idea ...
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/58-050714190131.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/58-050714190131.jpeg)
Happy Modeling,
--Paul
Paul,
I love the H. Reynolds sign.
Tom ;D
Ken,
Great job on the Workman's! Very nicely done.
Tom ;D
Thanks Tom
I'm building Workman and Son as well.
It is likely I'll finish it when it's Workman and Son and Grandson.
Jaime
Do GOOD on this one!
Workman & Son didn't offer no cheapy plastic schtuff! ;D ;D ;D
I'm in the process of building mine, hope to start posting pictures soon. Raymo
Nice job on the structure, Ken. That beat up fence gives it that "Arkansas" feel. ;D
Jeff