Rather than start another kit now, back in the summer of 2014...months before age 65...we started working on a large number of red boxes instead of looking at them on the shelf.
This thread will look at a number of builds and give information about each one. Hope you enjoy this journey.
Lets start with the main plaster building of SRMW # 120 Threadwell Textile. All window openings were opened up in the walls with a large sewing needle held in a pin vise. Krylon gray spray primer was used on those four walls. A thin wash of beige craft paint was applied to the walls as a mortar wash. White craft paint and a color called Apple Barrel Tuscan Teal was used for the trim. Another craft paint Apple Barrel Granite Grey was used on the front and sides of the dormers. Pencil lines were drawn on the roof cards to keep the Campbell shingles straight. Windows were all glazed with Micro Krystal Clear.
Here's the photos:
Tommy
Looks like fun! I think I've only tackled one SRMW kit so this will be interesting to me. Thanks for sharing Tommy! ;)
Tommy,
Nicely done. I've built two of the SRMW kits. They aren't quickies to do but are well worth the time involved.
Tom ;D
Tommy
Great thread! I will be following along. My current build is red box number 5 for me with at least that many still on the shelf.
Looks like you have a ton of work ahead Tommy.....I'll be looking in. :)
Looks great so far and I'll be following.
I've built six with another 10 to go..............Very clean work Tom. Well done!
Mike
Groovy.
South River kits are great fun. Glad to see your builds on the forum.
Jaime
Hey Tom:
very nicely done. Can't wait for some more pictures.
Karl
Thanks...Bob, Tom, John, Gregory, Curt, Mike, Jaime and Karl for the positive comments...
Here is a set of photos of how the plaster walls were treated.
1. Plaster walls sprayed with primer and other painted details...also drilled the holes for the NWB castings while try were flat...always use a double folded paper towel for a cushion.
2. Apple Barrel Brown Oxide dry brush to tone down all the stone wall areas , the apple barrel sandstone and other colors, etc.
3. Craft paint Beige wash being applied view 1...first coat...
4. Craft paint Beige wash being applied view 2...we did 3 coats of the thin wash...let dry one hour between...
5. Final wall weathered and ready for raising after the windows are installed...back of walls pained a black craft paint to seal them...
Groovy.
Do you prefer the plaster or the resin castings?
Jaime
The walls look great.
Tommy
Very nice work!
Finger lickin' good! These castings are wonderful and you are doing them justice!
Quote from: NEMMRRC on January 09, 2021, 08:09:16 AM
Groovy.
Do you prefer the plaster or the resin castings?
Jaime
Like the plaster castings more only because if I leave the resin dust on my hands too long from sanding a rash develops....sometimes have to wear non-latex gloves to work with it.
Tommy
Quote from: tom.boyd.125 on January 09, 2021, 02:03:55 PM
Quote from: NEMMRRC on January 09, 2021, 08:09:16 AM
Groovy.
Do you prefer the plaster or the resin castings?
Jaime
Like the plaster castings more only because if I leave the resin dust on my hands too long from sanding a rash develops....sometimes have to wear non-latex gloves to work with it.
Tommy
The hazards of the hobby.
Jaime
Thanks to...
Jaime, Curt, John and Craig for your comments...more updates coming this week since returning from a short 2 week vacation away from the bench...
One note is the email received from Bob VanGelder at SRMW ... he is no longer supporting the laser cut parts from the first 4 - 5 SRMW kits, he does not have the software files...we have one missing/misplaced part D4 that will have to be made from scratch...see the photo. His template in this kit is full part size, so that helps. Bob did send me the missing plastic bag with the 2 outside staircase pieces and the 4 dormer pieces he had in a storage shed that was not in this box which he had extra of....THANK YOU !!!
Tommy
Some modelers assemble the entire plaster building first and then paint it, we prefer to work with the walls flat to prevent breakage and then touch up the seams if needed...( Old School )
Never use clamps here for plaster structure wall raising assembly...only large rubber bands from lessons learned in the past. Here's 2 photos showing frog tape on each side of the narrow side seams with a plaster mix added, then the second photo shows the seam fixed...then we use a craft paint called Pewter Grey which happens to be a exact match to the grey spray primer and my beige wash mentioned earlier to complete the repair. Hope this helps your builds...
Tommy
Good job on the plaster corners Tom.....I love the detail in the plaster and resin kit walls, but getting the corners of brick or stone to look right can be a challenge. 8)
Nicely done.
Gregory and Curt,
Thanks for the comments. When the tape is removed from the side walls a single edge razor blade is all that is needed to clean up the narrow patch of plaster to match the stone heights of the walls, followed by that grey craft paint and beige wash. The kit still has 7 more plaster building walls to complete, besides the stone retaining walls in the kit...so here are some photos of them. All methods are the same except Krylon spray red primer is used on the brick areas.
Tommy
The two other buildings in this kit are now assembled and waiting for rafters to be installed...wood has been stained for the 3 docks to be built next...Pan Pastel color 380.3 Red Iron Oxide Shade applied a light coat on the red surface of the bricks finished off that building...with some craft mudstone color paint added for the caps. Also doing a dry fit on the small stone rear addition...Here's the updates...
Tommy
Front view of both assembled plaster buildings with roof cards attached...
Tommy
Excellent Tom.
Tommy,
Very nice build on this. I've always liked the SRMW kits but they are mainly New England structures. I do have the station, Reading Bob build, and Thorndike. These can fit on a southern style layout.
Again, very well done.
Tom ;D
Enjoying the build Tom!
The only SRMW kit I've ever tackled was the Cambridge Crossing kit that Tom mentioned I built for him. I enjoyed building that one. I had one SRMW kit of my own but I traded it away when I realized how much space it was going to take up and me, without a layout, would have no place to store it after I built it. ::)
Coming on nicely, Tom.
The stone work in that kit is just beautiful.
When I was in Scranton in 2015 it was a toss up for me between this kit and Thorndikes. Thorndikes won - but only just.
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on February 09, 2021, 02:14:53 PM
Excellent Tom.
Curt,
Thanks for following along and the positive comment.
Tommy
Quote from: ACL1504 on February 09, 2021, 05:40:06 PM
Tommy,
Very nice build on this. I've always liked the SRMW kits but they are mainly New England structures. I do have the station, Reading Bob build, and Thorndike. These can fit on a southern style layout.
Again, very well done.
Tom ;D
Tom,
Thanks for checking in and the comments. This is the first of 16 plus SRMW builds that will be discussed. Thorndike is on the shelf but not for a while...
Tommy
Quote from: ReadingBob on February 09, 2021, 07:37:17 PM
Enjoying the build Tom!
The only SRMW kit I've ever tackled was the Cambridge Crossing kit that Tom mentioned I built for him. I enjoyed building that one. I had one SRMW kit of my own but I traded it away when I realized how much space it was going to take up and me, without a layout, would have no place to store it after I built it. ::)
Bob,
Thanks for the comments too. The Cambridge Crossing station will be built, and the Cambridge hotel part of that kit is near completion. It will be shown on this thread in the future.
Tommy
Quote from: mark dalrymple on February 09, 2021, 11:02:16 PM
Coming on nicely, Tom.
The stone work in that kit is just beautiful.
When I was in Scranton in 2015 it was a toss up for me between this kit and Thorndikes. Thorndikes won - but only just.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark,
Thanks for the comments. Did find a few minor issues that will be mentioned in the Threadwell kit build.
Thorndikes is started only with the window material removed...more on that one in the future.
Tommy
Here is an update on this build. The wood for the two rear docks and the large front loading platform was stained with oil and turps and assembled.
Several other items like the link structure walls and the loading dock canopy were painted and are ready too. More to follow soon.
Tommy
And a few more updates...sub assemblies ready for install, started adding rafter tails , doing a test fit... see last photo... cardstock for roof of dormer in kit is too long...have to trim back...also was just a little short on the link building roof too, just an fyi...it was sized for the laser walls not with the side trim added...
Tommy
Looking fantastic, Tommy.
Your work is top notch.
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on February 25, 2021, 04:15:17 PM
Looking fantastic, Tommy.
Your work is top notch.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark,
Thanks for the thumbs up !
Here is a sneak peak of some of the other builds that will be completed soon and talked about in this thread...SRMW Kendall's, Tucker & Cook, Millett Creamery, and Currier...etc...so stay tuned...
Tommy
Hey Tom:
Looks just beautiful. Keep the pics flowing. I'm enjoying your build.
Karl
Quote from: postalkarl on March 06, 2021, 04:31:38 PM
Hey Tom:
Looks just beautiful. Keep the pics flowing. I'm enjoying your build.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks for the words of encouragement...here's how the first SRMW started in this thread...kit #120...after cleaning out the plaster from the window openings...only 16 more to show finished...
Always spray the primer on outdoors...Hope you had a great birthday too !
Tommy
Great progress Tom..... 8)
Quote from: GPdemayo on March 13, 2021, 10:11:58 AM
Great progress Tom..... 8)
Thanks Gregory !
Had time to cut up the Campbell Corrugated Sheets and prime them for this kit and for six other kits that needed them for this thread.
Also painted a few castings to be installed.
Tommy
Several years ago when a bunch of these SRMW kits were started, several photos were taken on an old camera . Here's two photos of the start of what we call " the village" as it took shape.
Everything is almost completed now and each one will be covered in this thread. This only shows the plaster and resin walls and not any clapboard builds yet...Fun to look back on this project.
Tommy
Tommy,
Nice looking set of structures there.
Tom ;D
Hey Tom:
They look just great.
Karl
Very nice work Tom. I'm looking forward to the updates.
Quote from: ACL1504 on March 25, 2021, 02:36:12 PM
Tommy,
Nice looking set of structures there.
Tom ;D
Tom,
Thanks...they will all look better when completed but the hard part is done...they are started and out of the box !
Tommy
Quote from: postalkarl on March 26, 2021, 01:26:26 AM
Hey Tom:
They look just great.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks ! More photos coming soon...
Tommy
Quote from: S&S RR on March 27, 2021, 04:44:32 PM
Very nice work Tom. I'm looking forward to the updates.
John,
Looking forward to posting more updates soon.
Tommy
Morning,
Here is the stone / brick building of SRMW Kendall's to see a progress photo of...they look different after some chalk, adding the windows, and using markers on the slate roofing material...
More soon to follow on the other builds...
Tommy
Very nice Tom.
Jerry
Quote from: Jerry on March 28, 2021, 01:06:54 PM
Very nice Tom.
Jerry
Jerry,
Thanks for the positive comment. Only thing slowing me down is being 7 years beyond age 65...
Keep checking back as there are many more builds to show, like this SRMW Blackstone Mill kit...another work in progress..
Did fix these seams up prior to painting them unlike the SRMW # 120...change is good.
Tommy
Quote from: tom.boyd.125 on March 31, 2021, 05:12:08 PM
Quote from: Jerry on March 28, 2021, 01:06:54 PM
Very nice Tom.
Jerry
Jerry,
Thanks for the positive comment. Only thing slowing me down is being 7 years beyond age 65...
Keep checking back as there are many more builds to show, like this SRMW Blackstone Mill kit...another work in progress..
Did fix these seams up prior to painting them unlike the SRMW # 120...change is good.
Tommy
Well Tom I'll raise you 7 years on your 72!! That's why I'm so dam slow!! :)
Jerry
Two photos to share from this SRMW project...Mike Engler ( The Runner ) posted build threads of Kendall's and OV Hooker on the RR Line Forum years ago that was a great reference.
First photo shows the start of the SRMW OV Hooker kit with the SRMW Diesel House kit trusses in the background.
Second photo shows the clapboard building of SRMW Kendall's without the balcony added.
Tommy
Tommy
Looking good! Thank you for sharing these builds with us.
hey Tom:
Looks just great so far. Keep the pic coming.
Karl
Very nice, Tom.
The paintwork on Kendall's looks terrific.
Cheers, Mark.
I'm just catching up on this thread. Those are looking very nice. :D
John, Karl, Mark and Bob...Thanks for the positive comments.
The Kendall's main structure color choice was craft paint... Folk Art French Vanilla and Delta Ceramcoat Quaker Grey and White all applied with a brush and a light A/I wash .
Another view looking back on the first group of 11 different SRMW kits...and more to follow...
Tommy
Been 10 days since the last update.
Thankful to have these kits to share.
Here's some photos of a few that have clapboard walls.
Many were kept in boxes like this waiting to see if we would relocate again...
Photos of the prep work... SRMW Whitney-Bent, SRMW Wrisley Papers, SRMW Rugg Mfg, SRMW Tucker-Cook, SRMW Delabarre Mills are shown...
Tommy
Hey Tom:
looking just beautiful. Can't wait to see more.
Karl
Tommy,
Great start on all the kits. Which one will get finished? Inquiring minds and all that. 8)
Tom ;D
Quote from: postalkarl on April 26, 2021, 01:53:33 PM
Hey Tom:
looking just beautiful. Can't wait to see more.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks for the comment...more to come soon...
Tommy
Quote from: ACL1504 on April 26, 2021, 02:06:20 PM
Tommy,
Great start on all the kits. Which one will get finished? Inquiring minds and all that. 8)
Tom ;D
Tom,
Sometimes we're just daunted by the task we're avoiding to start...Vilius advised me to do a little every day...
Visualize how great it will be to get it done...so looking forward to sharing this kit building journey with everyone...
Tommy
Hey Tom:
You are quite welcome.
Karl
Here's a pair of signs Karl O. did for me for this project...Craig Luck also helped change up another one too.
One new sign for the SRMW Kingston Creamery ( for past forum member Andy Kramer ) and one new sign for the SRMW Robinson Electric from my requests.
Enjoy... More to follow soon ...
Tommy
Hey Tom:
Hey those are great looking signs.
Karl
Tommy
I just got caught up with your thread. Great work - you have a lot of builds to finish. I can't wait to see how they look finished up with all the details. I love the signs.
Thanks Karl and John for your comments.
Been two weeks since the last update, so here are some progress photos of the SRMW OV Hooker build.
Rumor has it that Dan Raymond and Sons General Contractors placed a bid on this structure.
Tommy
Looking really good, Tommy.
I like the brick colour you have used.
Cheers, Mark.
Hey Tom:
Your build is lookin just great. Can't wait to see more.
Karl
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on May 12, 2021, 05:14:21 PM
Looking really good, Tommy.
I like the brick colour you have used.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark,
Rust-Oleum red primer was used for the brick with a light use of grey Rembrant chalk for the mortar...
Tommy
Quote from: postalkarl on May 12, 2021, 05:19:02 PM
Hey Tom:
Your build is lookin just great. Can't wait to see more.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks !
Here's a view with the slate shingles added now. Drew pencil lines on the cardboard to keep them straight
Other details to be added soon ...like the chimneys, vents, rear balconies, side stairs, signage, etc.
Found out that Vilius adds pieces of styrofoam under the area where the roof details go for support ... did not do that here or with Tucker & Cook ...
Will do that on future builds...that's a great tip from him...plan ahead since you cannot access that area because of the resin castings...
Tommy
Tommy
Very nice work.
Hey Tom:
Roof look just beautiful.
Karl
Great progress Tom.....looking good. 8)
Thank You ... John, Karl and Gregory and all the others who have viewed this thread and checked out all the posted photos.
Have not updated for a while but more will be coming shortly after the summer break.
Tommy
Tom you should have said! Stayed tuned it just gets better and I'm sure it will. Wonderful work!!
Jerry
hey Tom:
Beautiful work on that building. Love the colors and weathering.
Karl
Jerry...
Thanks for following along...here's a few photos of the work in progress of the front and side annex addition...
Tommy
Karl,
Been several weeks since the last update...here's another photo of the back side annex addition...Thanks for the positive comments !
Tommy
Tom,
I really like how this is turning out. Looks great. I love the weathering on the brick structure.
Tom ;D
Looks great Tom.
Tom
Very nice work, looking great.
Hey Tom:
Looks just great so far.
Karl
Hey Tom, that big hole in the roof is going to let in a bit of water when it rains.....great looking build. 8)
Tom, Curt, John, Karl and Gregory
Thanks for following along...been almost a month since the last updates on this multi build SRMW thread...
Here's some progress photos of the SRMW Blackstone Mill kit, kept the craft paint bottles busy and glazed the windows too...more to come soon...
Gregory..had to cut holes in the SRMW OV Hooker and SRMW Tucker & Cook roofs to let more moisture in the attic spaces...then will install the chimneys...
Tommy
Some great progress there, Tom.
When is the last time we saw a craftsman kit with that much masonry? I sure do miss the SRM offerings!
Nice job on the tiles.
Cheers, Mark.
Hey Tom:
Looks really great. I'll bet that roof took some time. Looks just great though.
Karl
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on September 15, 2021, 12:45:57 AM
Some great progress there, Tom.
When is the last time we saw a craftsman kit with that much masonry? I sure do miss the SRM offerings!
Nice job on the tiles.
Cheers, Mark.
Thanks Mark.
Only seen 4 SRMW builds in Minnesota so wanted to work on 16 of them under one roof.
Just like George used the Magnuson and Train of Texas brick walls, they have there place in modeling the New England area.
Roofs take time, using templates and applying the slate tile on the dormers roofs while on the workbench speeds things up....forgot one sill ...need to paint it...
Tommy
Quote from: postalkarl on September 15, 2021, 03:02:44 AM
Hey Tom:
Looks really great. I'll bet that roof took some time. Looks just great though.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks for following along.
The slate tiles do take time and the effect is neat. Double sided transfer tape was used on both builds.
Tommy
Nice build thread, I hope I'm as active as you at 72. :)
Tommy I just had time to read up on this thread. What a wonderful adventure! I love the quality of modeling, the details and the modeling tips. Thank you for taking the time to share.
Jim D
Hey Tommy:
Sounds great. I uses double sided tape on my roofs also.
Karl
Tommy,
Very nice build on the Blackstone kit, actually all of them. I made a change to mine in regards to the sub assembly of the stone portion. I don't want to steal your thread but will try to post a picture later this weekend.
Blackstone is one of only two SRMW kits I built.
Tom ;D
Tommy
Your builds look great! I want to add my name to the list of people that miss the SRMW kits.
Tom some beautiful work there. Great coloring on the brick & stonework!
Jerry
Quote from: Lynnb on September 29, 2021, 10:59:16 AM
Nice build thread, I hope I'm as active as you at 72. :)
Lynn,
Thanks for finding this thread. Have followed your up north action on your layout too.
You may have to change that age number...11 more days birthday # 73 is here.
Still can get downstairs and my eyesight is fine to do modeling, but not as fast as we use to be.
Tommy
Spring chicken!
Quote from: Jim Donovan on September 29, 2021, 11:28:23 AM
Tommy I just had time to read up on this thread. What a wonderful adventure! I love the quality of modeling, the details and the modeling tips. Thank you for taking the time to share.
Jim D
Jim,
Thanks for the positive comments. If your ever in Minnesota, look me up.
Will share more build info soon. Have a pair of FSM builds that we are working on too now, along with these SRMW kits.
Tommy
Quote from: postalkarl on September 29, 2021, 11:49:23 AM
Hey Tommy:
Sounds great. I uses double sided tape on my roofs also.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks for mentioning that. Picked up some 50 larger sheets of the transfer tape that were found on the net...almost 1/2 the size of a sheet of paper.
Helps speed things up...
Tommy
Quote from: ACL1504 on September 29, 2021, 05:19:44 PM
Tommy,
Very nice build on the Blackstone kit, actually all of them. I made a change to mine in regards to the sub assembly of the stone portion. I don't want to steal your thread but will try to post a picture later this weekend.
Blackstone is one of only two SRMW kits I built.
Tom ;D
Thanks for those comments Tom.
Will look you up if we ever get down to Florida.
Get well too.....Tommy
Quote from: S&S RR on September 30, 2021, 09:29:01 AM
Tommy
Your builds look great! I want to add my name to the list of people that miss the SRMW kits.
John,
Thanks for the comments. The season for heading downstairs is starting now for the next 6 months.
Also working on several FSM kits too ... will keep on sharing the progress photos and info.
Tommy
Quote from: Jerry on September 30, 2021, 04:20:57 PM
Tom some beautiful work there. Great coloring on the brick & stonework!
Jerry
Jerry,
Thanks you for saying that...it means a lot.
More photos coming soon.
Tommy
Quote from: BandOGuy on October 05, 2021, 04:34:20 PM
Spring chicken!
Age is only a number...Very lucky so far. Have a few tests tomorrow to see if Pepsi and chocolate make the difference...
Yep 73 this month and 48 years with the CEO coming up shortly too in 15 days...October is great !
Here's a peek at another SRMW build.
Tommy
Tommy, I've been enjoying watching your progress, but lagging in my comments. This is looking very cool. I love those big brick structures and yours is going to be a definite showpiece.
--Opa George
Looks super Tom, are you going to share a few tricks for weathering the brick ? :)
Look forward to you Fsm builds.
Quote from: Opa George on October 08, 2021, 08:56:31 AM
Tommy, I've been enjoying watching your progress, but lagging in my comments. This is looking very cool. I love those big brick structures and yours is going to be a definite showpiece.
--Opa George
George,
Thanks for following along...there will be others shown in brick, clapboard and stone. Focus was to prime many of the brick ones first to get them started.
Also helped to see what was missing or damaged in each box before these companies went away and received replacement items if needed.
When visiting modelers like George Sellios or Dick Elwell, it's hard not to get inspired and take those boxes off the shelf when you return home and get building.
Tommy
Quote from: Lynnb on October 08, 2021, 12:05:58 PM
Looks super Tom, are you going to share a few tricks for weathering the brick ? :)
Look forward to you Fsm builds.
Lynn,
Will share that info your requested on how the brick is treated in the next month by comparing 6 different structures.
All of the builds have been treated differently. Will take photos and post them and how each one finished.
Notes are taken in all the instructions of each build on primer, chalks, stains, pastels, craft paint colors, etc....
The last structure photo posted shows an Arbor Green craft paint color for the trim. We try to use a different green, blue , brown, or tan too on each one....to change it up.
Tommy
Great idea taking notes on each build, I find once I'm done getting just the look I'm after , I can't remember what road I went on to get there. ;D
Look forward to your tips.
Hey Tom:
The brick building looks great. Can't wait to see more.
Karl
Quote from: Lynnb on October 13, 2021, 12:57:43 PM
Great idea taking notes on each build, I find once I'm done getting just the look I'm after , I can't remember what road I went on to get there. ;D
Look forward to your tips.
Lynn,
Thanks for following along !
Have notes on each build to share.
Tommy
Quote from: postalkarl on October 13, 2021, 04:24:55 PM
Hey Tom:
The brick building looks great. Can't wait to see more.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks for following along and here's a few photos for you to check out of the SRMW Cambridge Hotel under different lighting.
Just rattle can red on the plaster walls, white, grey, beidge and green craft paints for the details, acetate windows and craft paper window shades.
Finished with Rembrandt grey soft pastels for the mortar...Thanks for the # 73 birthday wishes too last weekend !
Just needs the signage, front balconies and roof done to finish it up.
Tommy
Hey Tom:
It looks just beautiful.
Karl
Excellent work, Tom.
Tommy
Very nice work, and Happy Belated Birthday.
Excellent looking hotel.
Very nice job on the hotel.
The brickwork on the hotel is excellent.....well done Tom. 8)
Karl, Vince, John, Lynn, Curt, Gregory and all the others who follow this thread...Thanks for the positive comments !
Back to work...
Tommy
Here's a quick update on the SRMW Cambridge Crossing kit that contains a neat looking station.
A plaster repair had to be made on the back side of the plaster cast station base...it was missing a one inch long section of stone detail.
To fix the casting, the damaged section was wet with water and a plaster mix was set in to do the repair...new stones will be carved out and repainted with craft paints.
Loaded photos look upside down...but when you view them they are normal.
Tommy
Looking good. The Cambridge Crossing kit from SRMW was my inspiration into building craftsman style kits. Bob had displayed his kits in Milwaukee the year that kit came out. I took pictures, but didn't purchase it until many years later. I'm saving it. Looking forward to your continued progress with this particular kit, and any issues may find during construction.
Mark
Nice fix, Tom!
dave
Hey Tom:
The foundation looks great. Are you going to apply mortar between the bricks and stones? windows look great also.
Karl
Quote from: postalkarl on October 27, 2021, 09:24:48 AM
Hey Tom:
The foundation looks great. Are you going to apply mortar between the bricks and stones? windows look great also.
Karl
Karl,
Yes I will do the mortar on the foundation for the stone and brick before doing the windows.
Tommy
Quote from: deemery on October 26, 2021, 11:43:30 AM
Nice fix, Tom!
dave
Thanks Dave...called BVG when I found the issue and he walked me thru the repair !
It was easier than I thought.
Tommy
Quote from: craftsmankits on October 25, 2021, 10:22:03 PM
Looking good. The Cambridge Crossing kit from SRMW was my inspiration into building craftsman style kits. Bob had displayed his kits in Milwaukee the year that kit came out. I took pictures, but didn't purchase it until many years later. I'm saving it. Looking forward to your continued progress with this particular kit, and any issues may find during construction.
Mark
Mark,
Will take photos when I install the windows and clapboard. Figured if the dormers could be finished with OV Hooker and the Threadwell Textile before this station...it should go easy.
I also attended that same show in Milwaukee when BVG had his dioramas there...Lamson & Son was also on display correct ???
Tommy
Quote from: tom.boyd.125 on October 05, 2021, 04:42:38 PM
Quote from: ACL1504 on September 29, 2021, 05:19:44 PM
Tommy,
Very nice build on the Blackstone kit, actually all of them. I made a change to mine in regards to the sub assembly of the stone portion. I don't want to steal your thread but will try to post a picture later this weekend.
Blackstone is one of only two SRMW kits I built.
Tom ;D
Thanks for those comments Tom.
Will look you up if we ever get down to Florida.
Get well too.....Tommy
Tommy,
Yes, please do. Would love to have ya'll visit the A&S RR. Thank you also for the well wishes. Slow healing but getting there.
Tom ;D
For doing mortar on any stone and brick structures, one method besides using chalk or a thin wash of craft paint is to use a product called
DAP Fast N Final Lightweight Spackle. Just smear it on, wait a minute or two then wipe it off. If you miss a few areas it looks natural like the stones can use some tuck pointing work.
Here's two photos of the base of the resin mill...SRMW Kit No. 340, Delabarre Woolens...learned that a decade ago while visiting Dick Elwell and his Hoosac Valley RR on the way to see an FSM open house that year. You can clean up some hard to get to areas with a toothpick if you apply too much.
Tommy
Wow, Tommy -- you're on fire. Trying to give Siekirk a run for his money?
Quote from: tom.boyd.125 on October 27, 2021, 12:10:32 PM
Quote from: craftsmankits on October 25, 2021, 10:22:03 PM
Looking good. The Cambridge Crossing kit from SRMW was my inspiration into building craftsman style kits. Bob had displayed his kits in Milwaukee the year that kit came out. I took pictures, but didn't purchase it until many years later. I'm saving it. Looking forward to your continued progress with this particular kit, and any issues may find during construction.
Mark
Mark,
Will take photos when I install the windows and clapboard. Figured if the dormers could be finished with OV Hooker and the Threadwell Textile before this station...it should go easy.
I also attended that same show in Milwaukee when BVG had his dioramas there...Lamson & Son was also on display correct ???
Tommy
Hi Tommy,
You know? I don't remember seeing the Lamson kit there, I was so taken by the Cambridge Crossing Kit, that I may have overlooked it. It may be lingering in the background of the few photos I took. I was trying to find the photos tonight, but didn't have any luck.
Mark
Quote from: vinceg on October 29, 2021, 09:47:36 AM
Wow, Tommy -- you're on fire. Trying to give Siekirk a run for his money?
Vince.. let's hope were not on fire...but was a volunteer firefighter once for 3 plus years in the suburbs just outside of Chicago.
This thread covers photos and tips from 2014 - 2021 on my SRMW kits that have been built. Always took photos for reference to look back on.
John builds faster than me...and is much younger...but remember we are all retired now too.
Many are hesitant to open up and start these expensive limited run kits...but when you do and see many built up in front of you...it feels great !
Tommy
Quote from: craftsmankits on October 29, 2021, 10:39:38 PM
Quote from: tom.boyd.125 on October 27, 2021, 12:10:32 PM
Quote from: craftsmankits on October 25, 2021, 10:22:03 PM
Looking good. The Cambridge Crossing kit from SRMW was my inspiration into building craftsman style kits. Bob had displayed his kits in Milwaukee the year that kit came out. I took pictures, but didn't purchase it until many years later. I'm saving it. Looking forward to your continued progress with this particular kit, and any issues may find during construction.
Mark
Mark,
Will take photos when I install the windows and clapboard. Figured if the dormers could be finished with OV Hooker and the Threadwell Textile before this station...it should go easy.
I also attended that same show in Milwaukee when BVG had his dioramas there...Lamson & Son was also on display correct ???
Tommy
Hi Tommy,
You know? I don't remember seeing the Lamson kit there, I was so taken by the Cambridge Crossing Kit, that I may have overlooked it. It may be lingering in the background of the few photos I took. I was trying to find the photos tonight, but didn't have any luck.
Mark
Mark, I do remember BVG coming to Milwaukee with some dioramas but can't recall The Cambridge Crossing there...just the reverse of what you recall...remember Lamson because it was not purchased when it was first released and after seeing it...now have one.
Maybe will email him to see if that was his only trip there, but do remember George Sellios at Rosemont Illinois in 1976 at the NMRA National with the #170 sawmill on display that was built
by Gil Freitag...only attended the vendor show then.
Tommy
Here's a few photos from the construction of SRMW Kit No. 340, Delabarre Woolens...
Showing the dry brush /peeling paint of the mill side wall in a two tone grey, powerhouse in yellow and white, and mill home in sandstone color with red trim.
Followed the colors in the instructions...
Tommy
Very nice Tom.
Hey Tom:
Walls look great. Can't wait to see more.
Karl
Curt and Karl,
Thanks for the comments...a few photos are overdue so here is how the yellow, green and white powerhouse and the sandstone black and red mill house look as of today...
Mill house still needs the front porch added and both are ready for roofing. Both from the SRMW Delabarre Mill # 340 kit. Windows were spray painted flat black and glazed then the trim was painted . Med A/I wash on both.... Nail holes were added too. .Here's some reference photos.
Tommy
Tom,
This is one of my favorite build threads. I love the look of the brick and mortar in the above photos, well done.
Tom ;D
Looking good Tommy.
This kit, (Delabarre Woolens) was my first attempt at large craftsman style kit. Started in 2013, and finished in 2014. I remember having problems with the Delabarre foundation. The foundation walls weren't long enough on one side, so I had to brace the gap, and hide the space with some wood, which I planned to support some electrical equipment. Bob's instructions for the complete diorama, and construction, were a great introduction to making these types of kits.
Mark
Quote from: tom.boyd.125 on October 30, 2021, 12:46:09 AM
Quote from: craftsmankits on October 29, 2021, 10:39:38 PM
Quote from: tom.boyd.125 on October 27, 2021, 12:10:32 PM
Quote from: craftsmankits on October 25, 2021, 10:22:03 PM
Looking good. The Cambridge Crossing kit from SRMW was my inspiration into building craftsman style kits. Bob had displayed his kits in Milwaukee the year that kit came out. I took pictures, but didn't purchase it until many years later. I'm saving it. Looking forward to your continued progress with this particular kit, and any issues may find during construction.
Mark
Mark,
Will take photos when I install the windows and clapboard. Figured if the dormers could be finished with OV Hooker and the Threadwell Textile before this station...it should go easy.
I also attended that same show in Milwaukee when BVG had his dioramas there...Lamson & Son was also on display correct ???
Tommy
Hi Tommy,
You know? I don't remember seeing the Lamson kit there, I was so taken by the Cambridge Crossing Kit, that I may have overlooked it. It may be lingering in the background of the few photos I took. I was trying to find the photos tonight, but didn't have any luck.
Mark
Mark, I do remember BVG coming to Milwaukee with some dioramas but can't recall The Cambridge Crossing there...just the reverse of what you recall...remember Lamson because it was not purchased when it was first released and after seeing it...now have one.
Maybe will email him to see if that was his only trip there, but do remember George Sellios at Rosemont Illinois in 1976 at the NMRA National with the #170 sawmill on display that was built
by Gil Freitag...only attended the vendor show then.
Tommy
Hi Tommy,
Well, I found those pictures when Bob Van Gelder was in Milwaukee in the late 90's, and in the background, behind Cambridge Crossing, is Lamson and Goodnow. You were right.
Mark
Quote from: ACL1504 on November 26, 2021, 10:07:51 AM
Tom,
This is one of my favorite build threads. I love the look of the brick and mortar in the above photos, well done.
Tom ;D
Tom,
Thanks for the positive comments. The method provided by Dick Elwell came out really nice. Good luck on your surgery Monday next week.
Tommy
Quote from: craftsmankits on November 26, 2021, 08:37:37 PM
Looking good Tommy.
This kit, (Delabarre Woolens) was my first attempt at large craftsman style kit. Started in 2013, and finished in 2014. I remember having problems with the Delabarre foundation. The foundation walls weren't long enough on one side, so I had to brace the gap, and hide the space with some wood, which I planned to support some electrical equipment. Bob's instructions for the complete diorama, and construction, were a great introduction to making these types of kits.
Mark
Mark,
Thanks for sharing those photos you found of BVG's diorama builds from when he drove to Milwaukee a long time ago. The Lamson and Cambridge kits were both worth seeing in person.
Best part of that trip from Chicago, there was no mention of him being there !
Here'a a quick view of SRMW # 340 doing a dry fit with the clapboard walls sitting on top of the resin foundation.
Notice I did take a X-ACTO saw and cut out a section of the brick wall for a new metal casting door purchased from Best.
Dick Elwell did that on his layout but also changed another set of the brick resin walls around too, but did not copy his build exactly.
All the windows of this kit were spray painted with Rustoleum Flat White 2X paint & primer. The clapboard walls were done with a 20 percent diluted Slate Grey craft paint with full strength Dove Grey craft paint dry brushed on top of that, just like in the instructions Bob provided in the kit.
Tommy
Mark,
The hardest part of that SRMW build for me was painting the laser cut clerestories openings in white trim with a 3/0 brush.
First spray painted that wall part with a darker primer grey...and then slowly do the white outline trim for each small window with a 3/0 brush using white craft paint...and be neat about it.
All other resin brick and stone walls in the SRMW # 340 Delabarre kit were treated with that DAP Fast N Final Lightweight Spackle for the mortar like mentioned in the foundation photos.
Here'a a few reference photos taken.
Tommy
Hey Tim:
The bouillon's looks just great.
Karl
Great work on this kit Tom!
Very nice job on the painting.
Quote from: postalkarl on December 04, 2021, 10:56:59 AM
Hey Tim:
The bouillon's looks just great.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks for that bouillon's comment. Need to make some soup to keep warm with the zero temps coming tomorrow.
Figured you would say something like ... it's straight like a USPS coil stamp not a perforated stamp...
Keep building and enjoying the retirement too.
Tommy
Quote from: MAP on December 05, 2021, 05:22:53 AM
Great work on this kit Tom!
Thanks Mark,
There is more to share soon like the photos from the SRMW # 240 diesel house kit.
Always use those longer sandwich style toothpicks here to apply the Micro Crystal Clear to glaze the windows and reach for a new one every 10 to 12 panes.
Prevents bubbles by getting a clean applicator all the time so there is no dry glue buildup on them.
Tommy
Quote from: PRR Modeler on December 05, 2021, 09:08:30 AM
Very nice job on the painting.
Curt,
Thanks for the positive comment...was surprised that the dry brushing came out better than expected since we don't do that
on many builds here, but wanted to try it on that larger mill. Followed BVG painting instructions in the kit manual.
Tommy
Nice work Tommy. That's a great kit. I really like the painted walls...I don't know what I'd do without dry brushing...it was a revelation for me.
John
Tommy
The build is looking great.
Quote from: cuse on December 05, 2021, 09:22:50 PM
Nice work Tommy. That's a great kit. I really like the painted walls...I don't know what I'd do without dry brushing...it was a revelation for me.
John
John,
Always could not get the dry brushing thing to look correct, so asked my wife's brother, Jassen Marek for help after he moved to Chisago City, Minnesota for retirement...
Jassen attended the Art Institute of Chicago and was a life long artist. His paintings and other works appear on the net at times...we lost him at the start of Covid...
My issue was the brushes that were being used. Even learned not to use white paint all the time, now use browns and greys too.
Here's the type of brushes that he gave me that solved my dry brushing issue. Prefer to use the larger one. Hope this info helps others...
Tommy
Quote from: S&S RR on December 06, 2021, 08:11:36 AM
Tommy
The build is looking great.
Thanks John...
Many more photos to follow...
Tommy
Are those brushes stiff bristle, or soft?
It's very handy to have a trained artist in the family!
dave
Quote from: deemery on December 07, 2021, 08:53:58 AM
Are those brushes stiff bristle, or soft?
It's very handy to have a trained artist in the family!
dave
Dave,
Both brushes are very soft. Maybe it's the shape or type of hair that make them special.
After moving from Chicago to Minnesota to be close to his only living family member ( my spouse / his sister ) his works were never accepted here.
Applied to display at the Minnesota State Fair and other galleries for years and was always turned down .
He got into his profession after being in the US Army and helping set up the Bob Hope traveling shows doing signs and illustrations...
Tommy
Quote from: tom.boyd.125 on December 06, 2021, 10:15:27 PM
Quote from: cuse on December 05, 2021, 09:22:50 PM
Nice work Tommy. That's a great kit. I really like the painted walls...I don't know what I'd do without dry brushing...it was a revelation for me.
John
John,
Always could not get the dry brushing thing to look correct, so asked my wife's brother, Jassen Marek for help after he moved to Chisago City, Minnesota for retirement...
Jassen attended the Art Institute of Chicago and was a life long artist. His paintings and other works appear on the net at times...we lost him at the start of Covid...
My issue was the brushes that were being used. Even learned not to use white paint all the time, now use browns and greys too.
Here's the type of brushes that he gave me that solved my dry brushing issue. Prefer to use the larger one. Hope this info helps others...
Tommy
sometimes it looks like I used a roller ;D but I gotta be me!
John
Cuse,
That is a great comment...think it was Scotty Mason who once said if you give the same craftsman kit to a dozen people you will have 12 different results.
These are 2 photos of FSM builds treated differently....first one with a darker grey craft paint and one with a medium brown craft paint dry brushing...
In my eyes and lighting they may be perfect to me but maybe not everyone would agree since we all have look differently at every model.
Tommy
Great looking stone walls.
Hey Tom:
They both look just great.
Karl
Been 2 weeks since the last update...
Here's a view of the SRMW Wrisley Papers build...
Windows are glazed, slate shingles are colored and ready to install, mortar is coming, changed it up by using blue paint instead of green for the doors...
Tommy
Looks great Tom. The blue really pops and draws your eye to the build.
Hey Tom:
I have to agree with Curt.
Karl
Quote from: PRR Modeler on December 21, 2021, 12:13:19 PM
Looks great Tom. The blue really pops and draws your eye to the build.
Curt,
Glad you liked it.
Tommy
Quote from: postalkarl on December 21, 2021, 06:00:43 PM
Hey Tom:
I have to agree with Curt.
Karl
Karl,
Glad you liked the change too...Happy New Year !
Tommy
Here's a few photos of the SRMW Kingston Creamery kit...aka Kramer Creamery in honor of Andy who was a very active forum member...
Found out that we only lived 15 minutes apart in the Chicago area, but saw each other many times as passing friends at Berwyn Hobbies and local train shows in the area we lived in...
Used craft paint greys on the ice for the stones and Poly Scale Vermont Green on the main building and ice house...more photos to follow...
Tommy
Hey Tim:
You are welcome. The new pics look great.
Karl
Beautiful build Bob.
Great work on Wrisley and the Creamery Tom..... 8)
Karl, Curt, Gregory...
Thanks for all the comments and here's a quick update since we have been away for 2 weeks on this thread...
The creamery now has some white roof trim and other roof details added, brown roof shingles started, several resin vents to show now too, dormers assembled on annex , front and rear loading docks built, truck addition added on far right, a water tank , and ice ramp assembly ready to finish up. Also added the rest of the clapboard right side structure...Here's three photos to show that progress of the SRMW Kingston Creamery build.
Tommy
Coming together very nicely Tom,
Like all SRMW kits, this one was a fun build and yours looks to be no exception !!
--Paul
Looking good, Tommy
Wow. That's one big structure. Nice work.
Jeff
Looks great, Tom. Is that a treadmill in the foreground for the dairy employees that eat too much ice cream? :)
hey Tom:
Your are quite welcome. it's still coming along quite nicely.
Karl
Quote from: PaulS on January 21, 2022, 08:11:19 AM
Coming together very nicely Tom,
Like all SRMW kits, this one was a fun build and yours looks to be no exception !!
--Paul
Paul,
Thanks for checking this build thread.
Only problem found on the Kingston Creamery build was the card was a little short on the truck entry, otherwise no issues.
A new one was made from some extra card template material.
Tommy
Quote from: S&S RR on January 21, 2022, 10:41:37 AM
Looking good, Tommy
John,
Thanks for your comment !
Keeping those nail holes and glazed windows coming every month as long as the eyes can see.
Tommy
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on January 21, 2022, 10:57:41 AM
Wow. That's one big structure. Nice work.
Jeff
Jeff,
Yes...The Kingston Creamery is a very long structure !
Tommy
Quote from: vinceg on January 21, 2022, 11:38:06 AM
Looks great, Tom. Is that a treadmill in the foreground for the dairy employees that eat too much ice cream? :)
Vince,
No the thread mill is for our candy shop employees but we do purchase the whipping cream from the dairy.
You almost had it correct.
Tommy
Quote from: postalkarl on January 21, 2022, 04:32:25 PM
hey Tom:
Your are quite welcome. it's still coming along quite nicely.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks for the positive comments.
More to show soon...maybe a Delabarre Tap & Die SRMW # 110 too... or more work on Whitney-Bent...you never know...
taxes and candy production getting in the way currently ...
So stay tuned...
Tommy
hey Tom:
you are quite welcome. the new picture looks great. can't wait for more.
Karl
Quote from: postalkarl on February 01, 2022, 04:58:06 PM
hey Tom:
you are quite welcome. the new picture looks great. can't wait for more.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks for checking in...it's like your sawmill project, get a little done here and there weekly.
On page 4 of this thread there's a photo of the SRMW Kendall's stone & brick building...
Now we have painted and assembled the two dormers, still needs trim, shingles and installation.
Tommy
Included in the SRMW # 330 Robinson's Electric kit is a small resin structure called the Robinson's MFG. Building...
The long winters here gave me a change to paint it up in craft paints after the grey primer was spray painted on.
Colors used were Fort Art Quacker Grey and Medium Grey for the stones, Fork Art Butter Pecan and Pastel Green trim for the doors and trim.
Folk Art Nutmeg Brown for the exposed wood above the doors and windows and Mud color for the stone sills.
Windows glazed with Micro Crystal Clear...No dry brushing or chalk yet. Here's a few views.
Tommy
Tommy
All looking great! You get the prize for the most builds going at the same time. ;)
Quote from: S&S RR on February 02, 2022, 04:30:07 PM
Tommy
All looking great! You get the prize for the most builds going at the same time. ;)
John,
I enjoy the craftsman kit building part of this model railroading hobby. 8) 8) 8)
Do hate moving every 10 years like we have done since 1973 and repairing the models that take time to put together. :'( :'( :'(
They don't like the 1000 mile trips very much...so will continue to share what's on the bench in the coming year...
Will hand over the prize for most new builds going on to you since many of mine are repair kit finishes or started ones that were packed away from my 5 relocations.
Keep modeling ! :) :) :)
Tommy
Everything looks great Tom.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on February 02, 2022, 06:12:12 PM
Everything looks great Tom.
Curt,
Thanks for the positive comment...
This 73 year old is heading back to the basement now.
Tommy
All,
Have been off line for a number of reasons. The candy store now in it's fifth year has been really busy. The Forum went off line but now it's back again. We are only 75 years young and still modeling and also celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary last fall. If we figure out how to post photo updates then can start this thread up again. Looks like there was interest by the number of hits when we were all younger....
Tommy
Congratulations on the 50th anniversary , now go and find out how to post pictures , you know we all love them.
What Jan said..... ;D
What they both said!
Tom
What they all said!
Jeff
Congratulations!!
Jerry
Congratulations Tom and welcome back to the updated Forum, for me to reach 50 years married I'm going to have to glue a couple of marriages together. Oh well.
The Forum is now running on its original computer program so you should find posting straight forward. Pictures can be dragged and dropped or placed in your own galley and linked. Graig Rusty is the hero who figured out how to get things working again and I help as best I can. A big change is you can just about use any size photo you want. 5 mg per photo can be handled and I have not had a sizing issue yet. So as Jan said, send photos!
Jim D
What a great thread...I was "talking " to Tom about something else and he mentioned this thread.
It's going to take some time to work my way thru it but I can see after a brief excursion there's dome great stuff here
Terry
Thank You...Gregory,Tom,Jeff,Jerry,Jim and Terry for the welcome back. Getting back into modeling again since my family purchased two more red boxes for me last year, one for my 75th and one from Santa. Will post some structure prep photos for starters now and will try to give progress updates at least twice a month. The walls photos are from several SRMW kits that have the window material removed and are ready for rattle can primer this summer. Photos are from Lamson, Whitinsville, Sayles Mills, and Thorndike Mills kits. All walls are plaster except from the 2 photos with the black back round, those were resin / urethane.
Tommy
So...yer gonna have (4) SRSM going at once....holy smokers!!!
Well, I'm along for the ride
Terry
Hello to all that follow...been 5 weeks since the last update so time to post some activity. 1st photo shows my staging line from several years ago, 7 SRMW kits going at once, second photo shows the Tucker & Cook dormer front problem that Bob VanGelder took care of...3rd photo shows progress on the Lamson build, castings primed, all windows painted flat white and glazed, shingles cut into 3 row sections from the sheets ready for markers, walls primed, and cardstock roof sections cut out, etc...last photo are the slate shingles from Cambridge Crossing cut into single rows, all colored with markers ready for installation, castings primed, the wall sections braced and painted, and some FSM castings being painted. Time for more prep work...
Tommy
Overachiever - see definition under "Tom Boyd". I'm looking forward to your builds Tom.....have tons of fun. 8)
Tommy...if only you had a Brick Roundhouse to start ;-))
I'm getting closer to putting my negotiating hat on
Terry
Tom whatever you do don't get the parts mixed up!!! :)
Looking forward to this monster build you have going!
Jerry
Tommy,
What a fantastic collection of structures. I'm also looking forward to the builds and count me in as one of the followers on this adventure.
Tom
Since I have Lamson on the shelf (with a specific spot for it), I'll be very interested to hear about building that. I've been pondering alternative building layouts to fit the location.
dave
Quote from: GPdemayo on June 25, 2024, 09:55:15 AMOverachiever - see definition under "Tom Boyd". I'm looking forward to your builds Tom.....have tons of fun. 8)
Remember years ago when I visited the late Dick Elwell to see his Hoosac Valley RR and he told me the plan for his paper mill addition will take 2 to 3 years to get done...some enjoy the trill of challenging themselves to simply give it their best effort...we all have goals and dreams and many modelers are way better than me...so let's build some kits...Tommy
Quote from: Vietnam Seabee on June 25, 2024, 10:01:38 AMTommy...if only you had a Brick Roundhouse to start ;-))
I'm getting closer to putting my negotiating hat on
Terry
Will add that to my wish list and donations are accepted...keep me advised...
Tommy
Quote from: Jerry on June 25, 2024, 12:17:48 PMTom whatever you do don't get the parts mixed up!!! :)
Looking forward to this monster build you have going!
Jerry
Jerry...yes parts do get mixed up...but since it's a multi choice build challenge...if something gets misplaced we move on to another kit...Tommy
Quote from: ACL1504 on June 25, 2024, 12:35:25 PMTommy,
What a fantastic collection of structures. I'm also looking forward to the builds and count me in as one of the followers on this adventure.
Tom
Tom, Thanks...the candy shop has taken half the modeling time away but progress in being made...Tommy
Quote from: deemery on June 25, 2024, 01:42:37 PMSince I have Lamson on the shelf (with a specific spot for it), I'll be very interested to hear about building that. I've been pondering alternative building layouts to fit the location.
dave
Dave, will keep you posted on the SRMW Lamson project and will forward you that information before posting it on this thread...Tommy
Between all the wet and windy weather was able to find time to clean up and prime the metal castings for the SRMW Thorndike Mill. Flat white for the windows again and all glazed using Micro Kristal Klear. Time for more prep work...Tommy
Okay then...I'm anxious to follow your progress on this one...let the games begin
terry
I'm following as well.
Jim
Nice progress, Tommy.
Thorndike's is my one and only SRM kit, so I'll be watching with particular interest.
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on July 09, 2024, 08:40:14 PMNice progress, Tommy.
Thorndike's is my one and only SRM kit, so I'll be watching with particular interest.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, have saved a few photos over the years of others who have modified that SRMW Thorndike Mill kit. The most famous one was done by Dick Elwell and named for a friend of his Armstrong Mills. The first reference photo is from Dick Laske's page of Elwell's Hoosac Valley RR photos. The second one is from the Southern New England layout of Jason Fontaine which was taken down when he moved recently. From what I heard it was Dick Elwell that helped Jason build it. The back side of the structure was a photo of the same mill. That photo posted here is a still shot off of one of the You Tube videos he has posted online. On both extra castings were used for the towers. A third modified one can be found on Bob VanGelder's layout progress photos part of the southrivermodelworks website too.
Here's another shorter modified version of that kit found on the internet from the contest results photos at a RR convention. Will update more info on this construction thread soon....Tommy
Thanks for all the info, Tommy.
Jim Lukas and Gregg W. did a great version which resided on Gregg's layout.
Cheers, Mark.
Is that SMRW Thorndike, or the plaster version of RDA's Hermanson mill?
dave
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on September 24, 2024, 04:04:09 PMThanks for all the info, Tommy.
Jim Lukas and Gregg W. did a great version which resided on Gregg's layout.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark,
If you can find a photo of that, please post it here. Would like to see what was done on the Thorndike Mill kit. Do recall someone did the Blackstone Mill which was a SRMW brick structure by making it longer sometime back. Have a photo of that someplace here....Tommy
Quote from: deemery on September 24, 2024, 04:58:24 PMIs that SMRW Thorndike, or the plaster version of RDA's Hermanson mill?
dave
Dave,
All 3 photos just posted above are the SRMW Thorndike Mill plaster kit or kits that were changed up to make them longer in length. The key to telling them apart were the windows. SRMW kits like this stone one had the special 18 pane plastic windows that were made by Grandt Line for Bob Van Gelder. The Railway Design Associates Hermanson Mill kits which were made in either urethane and hydrocoal had normal 12 pane windows....and since you asked here is a photo of a modified RDA Hermanson Mill by Dick Elwell called Duffe Bibles taken by Dick Laske...see the 12 pane windows...that was a great question Dave !!! ..........Tommy
Hi Tommy.
Thorndikes https://railroad-line.com/node/5984
Kendalls https://railroad-line.com/node/11349
Spencers https://railroad-line.com/node/14213
There were many more - also of FSM kitbashes.
Cheers, Mark.
Tommy, thanks! Seeing the two more-or-less side-by-side on the same page helps highlight the differences.
dave
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on September 25, 2024, 12:51:46 AMHi Tommy.
Thorndikes https://railroad-line.com/node/5984
Kendalls https://railroad-line.com/node/11349
Spencers https://railroad-line.com/node/14213
There were many more - also of FSM kitbashes.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark,
Thanks for those links to the SRMW builds on the other forum...remember those from way back...Tommy
Time for a quick update, 4 SRMW kits now have all the metal castings primed and all the paper slate roofing shingles have been colored with markers. Found 2 metal castings missing in one of the builds when priming castings so contacted Bob VanGelder to see if he could help and replacements will be sent in urethane to be arriving this week. Pictures to be posted shortly. Besides working on this large project several other FSM's and other craftsman kits are going on too...Remember to keep busy and have fun....Tommy
Been a few weeks so here are some photos showing work in progress on the SRMW Kit No. 250 Whitinsville Spinning Ring Co. Left to right, kit manual and castings primed, some painted too and the paper slate shingles colored with markers, second photo...glazing the windows 1/2 at a time which seems to reduce air bubbles for me, windows were spray painted with Model Masters Medium Green , third photo shows there is a lot of windows in the kit to paint and glaze, last photo shows the windows for the wooden addition of this kit spray painted flat black and glazed with Micro Kristal Klear also. Received the two missing castings from Bob VanGelder too last week ! Photo is a reminder winter is coming. Thanks for following along....Tommy
Glazing all the windows in large factory buildings is the one step I don't enjoy... Stick with it!
dave
Wow, that is a lot of work on those windows but sure looks nice. Love the picture too!!
Jim
Update on SRMW Kit No. 190 Lamson & Goodnow...THIS IS HOW IT LOOKS WITH THE 28 Brick WALLS ASSEMBLED...the main mill, annex, office and woodshop structures...in primer paint now...
Super job opening those windows! Are you priming and then assembling?
dave
Tommy,
The build is coming along nicely. It sure is a large kit. But, then again all of the SRMW kits are large.
Great job.
Tom
Quote from: deemery on October 31, 2024, 05:47:22 PMSuper job opening those windows! Are you priming and then assembling?
dave
Thanks for the comment, opening up the windows takes time but the building can then be lighted if needed. This build was primed prior to assembly but it is not the final color. Sometimes we prime after they are together too...see photos...
Tommy
Quote from: ACL1504 on November 01, 2024, 08:55:29 AMTommy,
The build is coming along nicely. It sure is a large kit. But, then again all of the SRMW kits are large.
Great job.
Tom
Thanks for the comment Tom !
Quote from: Jim Donovan on October 19, 2024, 09:38:30 AMWow, that is a lot of work on those windows but sure looks nice. Love the picture too!!
Jim
Thanks Jim !
Wonderful work. I'm sad I gave this one up but I'd never have the space to use it unless I won the the lottery. :P
This coming along very nicely! Looking forward to each new step.
Jerry
Quote from: ReadingBob on November 02, 2024, 08:44:36 PMWonderful work. I'm sad I gave this one up but I'd never have the space to use it unless I won the the lottery. :P
Bob, the Lamson & Sons kit is a large project, 4 brick structures and 3 wooden ones in one heavy box. Wish we won the lottery to farm out the work...Tommy
Quote from: Jerry on November 04, 2024, 09:28:16 AMThis coming along very nicely! Looking forward to each new step.
Jerry
Jerry, Thanks...will show you a quick update on the # 250 SRMW kit Whitinsville Spinning Ring Co. because The Lamson & Sons buildings were painted a orange/red color satin color and needed to work on something else while the paint sets up...photos left to right, ready for rattle can of Colonial Red, spray painted parts outdoors, brush painted stone base with Poly S Concrete and then brush painted the window headers with Poly S Reefer Gray, also used a craft paint color Kelly Green to trim out the window openings. The satin red brick color will be toned down with a A/I wash and the some chalks for the mortar to make it dull.
Until next time...Tommy
Thanks to all that follow these builds from this senior citizen builder...Tommy
It will be fun to see this structure come together Tom, i'll be looking in..... :)
I may pull the trigger on Lamson for this winter's build challenge.. I have the location picked out, I just need to figure out how to position the buildings. It won't be according to the SRMW layout 8)
dave
Thanks Gregory and Dave for stopping by several months back...Well many things have happened in the last 3 months like our car getting totaled in late November by someone who was having a medical emergency, the candy store always busy the last 6 weeks of the year too, our 46 year old son being in the hospital for 5 days in January due to having 6 TAI's attacks ( mini-strokes) in 9 hours, Anthony is doing great now ( he does not smoke or drink ) and the spouse being in the hospital also for several recent issues and still has a major surgery planned in the next 10 days. So if all goes well this thread will stay alive ! Don't wish this on any family but keep looking up is the plan for us ....
Great to see all the activity on The Modelers Forum since we went away .... Tommy
Hey Tom hope the wife and son are doing much better.
Will all be here whenever your ready to start up again.
Jerry
I'll be following Tom.
Thanks Jerry, Curt and others that are following. Spouse had her major surgery this week so now it is a wait and see for the biopsy results to see if the cancer has spread or it was all removed. Time frame is to start modeling again next month if all went well...Tommy
Tom I hope the wife has a full recovery.
Jerry
Tommy,
We will keep you and Sandy in our prayers. Praying for good results on the biopsy and recovery.
Tom
Wishing you both all the best!
dave
Hoping for good results on the biopsy, and a full recovery from surgery.
Jeff
Hoping for nothing but good results and health.
Best wishes to your wife Tom.
Howdy Tom,
Well wishes to your wife. I look forward to your return to the bench.
Have fun,
mike
Thoughts and prayers for you and the family Tom.....
Looking good Tom , all those windows though .
Thanks to all that said prayers for my spouse Sandy who had cancer surgery this year and to our son Anthony who had a stroke in January. Surgery went well for Sandy to remove the cancerous tumor 10 weeks ago and soon next month she will have two weeks of radiation treatments as a follow up. Anthony is back to candy making too. Staying positive thru it all and glad to see the warmer weather to work outdoors. Will post some new updates...Tommy
Here's a few updates of the SRMW Sayles project...enjoy the photos of the sections painted and assembled for the mill tower, the resin wall prep and assembly of the main mill and the powerhouse structure. Also shown is the green bottle brush paint used on the SRMW Whitinsville Spinning Ring Co. mill and the red craft paint used on the Sayles powerhouse structure.....Tommy
Here's a few updates of the SRMW Whitinsville Spinning Ring Co. mill project...enjoy the photos of the assembled resin wall sections of the main mill held together with some rubber bands instead of clamps and ready for a little Squardon Green Putty to touch up the seams, my last tube of another great item...the walls are testing the top roof section with the transfer tape ready to use for the slate shingles, all the wood pieces are braced for the side addition and powerhouse buildings and other trim pieces cut to length for the roof assembly and painted. The narrow roof area windows are glazed ready for assembly too....last photo is a FSM Chippy Hollow that finally received the Campbell shingles recently....Tommy
One more update tonight on the SRMW Lamson Mill project build...my spouse picked out the new color because she liked the way the FSM Yehudah's Heating, Jewel Series # 11 turned out. I used a spray paint color called RustOleum Satin Paprika for the first time which will dry with a sheen, but then after the A/I wash followed by some grey/white/tan chalk mix for the mortar lines that will do the trick. First photo shows the rear of the mill with the flat red auto primer, then the before and after photos of the FSM kit, finally showing a partial photo of the Lamson complex ready to get toned down...happy wife, happy life, 51 1/2 years and counting.....Tommy
Everything looks great Tom.
Tom that is some great modeling.
Your doing some fine work on all three of those buildings.
Jerry
Tom, it's going to be fun to see how you do your Lamson kit... I really enjoy seeing how others tackle kits I've built (or kits I have in my stash...)
dave
You are making some fantastic progress there, Tommy.
It's wonderful to watch all these SRM and FSM kits actually getting built. I really like the lines of the Lamson and Goodnow complex.
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on May 01, 2025, 08:06:10 AMEverything looks great Tom.
Thanks Curt, more updates soon...Tommy
Quote from: Jerry on May 01, 2025, 09:46:49 AMTom that is some great modeling.
Your doing some fine work on all three of those buildings.
Jerry
Jerry, Thanks and will post some updates soon...Tommy
Quote from: deemery on May 01, 2025, 10:06:52 AMTom, it's going to be fun to see how you do your Lamson kit... I really enjoy seeing how others tackle kits I've built (or kits I have in my stash...)
dave
Dave, updates coming soon...Tommy
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on May 01, 2025, 05:43:44 PMYou are making some fantastic progress there, Tommy.
It's wonderful to watch all these SRM and FSM kits actually getting built. I really like the lines of the Lamson and Goodnow complex.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, been a busy year with everything going on so watch for a few photos soon...Tommy
Here's a quick update on SRMW Sayles, the tower is ready for lift off... Tommy
Here's another photo update on the SRMW # 250 Whitinsville Spinning Mill kit progress ... Tommy
Howdy Tommy,
Thanks for the updates. Nice work on the mills, you have a bunch in the pipe. I like the colors.
Have fun,
miie
Nice update Tom. I really like the coloring.
Working on two buildings takes some patience so as not to get confused .
Jerry
Your a better man than me doing 2 kits at once. :o Great coloring on thecwalls.
Nice work Tom!
Quote from: friscomike on July 29, 2025, 08:26:51 PMHowdy Tommy,
Thanks for the updates. Nice work on the mills, you have a bunch in the pipe. I like the colors.
Have fun,
miie
Thanks Mike, 3 steps for the red color on the wood parts, Heavy A-I wash after the nail holes are added, Hunterline
Sandstone stain which is light pink, then a heavy wash of Apple Barrel Matte Flag Red...about 12 drops to a small amount of water to get the faded red....Tommy
Quote from: Jerry on July 29, 2025, 09:13:56 PMNice update Tom. I really like the coloring.
Working on two buildings takes some patience so as not to get confused .
Jerry
Thanks Jerry, just left Mike the color info above and found out that these 2 kits share the same size floor templates too...Tommy
Quote from: PRR Modeler on July 30, 2025, 10:18:47 AMYour a better man than me doing 2 kits at once. :o Great coloring on thecwalls.
Thanks Curt, see info above for wall coloring ...Tommy
Quote from: Philip on August 04, 2025, 10:33:20 AMNice work Tom!
Thank You Philip...here is a photo taken when coloring the shingles for the SRMW # 280 Wrisley Paper . Kit comes with these 2 sheets that have to be colored with markers before they are cut up per the instructions...
top grey sheet shows out of the box and bottom grey sheet shows ready for install on roof ... Tommy
Quote from: tom.boyd.125 on August 25, 2025, 11:17:25 PMQuote from: Jerry on July 29, 2025, 09:13:56 PMNice update Tom. I really like the coloring.
Working on two buildings takes some patience so as not to get confused .
Jerry
Thanks Jerry, just left Mike the color info above and found out that these 2 kits share the same size floor templates too...also found a photo of the SRMW Whitney Bent kit when the walls were being raised...Tommy
Yes, this soon to be 77 year young structure builder does other things when time permits like finally getting around to the staining and assembly of a freight platform from the FSM Chippy Hollow kit... I always remember that many modelers are better than me, so just do your best you can and keep building those items in your storage bin because it helps relieve stress ! ..... Tommy
Looking great, Tommy.
What colour topic markers did you use?
Cheers, Mark.
Great looking platform Tommy.
Tom the platforms are looking great.
There may be better modelers but you're sure giving them a run for their money!!
Jerry
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on August 26, 2025, 01:32:13 AMLooking great, Tommy.
What colour topic markers did you use?
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, for the SRMW Wrisley kit the Northeastern shingle sheets we used Prismacolor Premier cool colors, # 20,30,40,50 with the fine tip end of the markers. The cool colors are more blue grey, and the warm colors are more brownish in tint. Place a paper towel above the row being worked on so that will catch any bleed over and make it look neat....Tommy
Quote from: Jerry on August 26, 2025, 08:56:11 AMTom the platforms are looking great.
There may be better modelers but you're sure giving them a run for their money!!
Jerry
Thanks Jerry, the freight platform is done with Hunterline Greige stain and depending on the lighting in the RR room will look brown or grey in tone.... Tommy