Hello everyone,
Next project in line is Crocker Brothers Feed Mill from Fine Scale Miniatures. This is one of the first bigger industry kits George put out 41 years ago.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_1804-e1619002952808.jpeg)
Top of the box photo...
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This kit was all the wood pre-bagged by section instead of the usual color coding that most FSM kits have.
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Box of castings...crisp and clean as you would expect from George.
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These older kits have saw cuts vertically for all the windows and door openings. You have to cut horizontally across the top to finish the opening.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_1808-e1619003508829.jpeg)
After cutting out the window and door openings the pieces get glued together to close up the window openings.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_1809-e1619003578465.jpeg)
Here the top and bottom are glued together to finish the wall.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_1820-e1619003639207.jpeg)
For the castings I followed my usual process. I blackened all the pieces that represent mostly metal, sprayed anything to represented wood with khaki paint and a few of the concrete pieces got sprayed gray. I also washed over all the tan pieces with A&I. This gives me a good base to work with especially on the windows and doors.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_1822-e1619003753406.jpeg)
Since the walls were made up of a top and bottom section I made sure the glue had dried both on the butt joint between them and all the bracing before I started working the walls. In this photo all the bracing is done and I've added some grain to the walls with a wire brush. I also pulled some of the clapboards with a razor. The section on the bottom that isn't finish will be a small strip of vertical siding.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_1826-e1619003915164.jpeg)
I wanted a darker gray base for the walls so I colored them with 2 washes of A&I. This gives me a good weathered wood color for under the peeling/missing paint.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_1827-e1619003983160.jpeg)
The walls were washed with mineral spirits then color with Folkart Linen paint before the mineral spirits could fully dry. This keeps the paint from fully adhering to the walls.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_1829-e1619004056274.jpeg)
Once the paint was mostly dry I attacked the walls with a wire brush horizontally to pull the paint up and weather them. This same technique was used for all the walls. The wire brush can only go horizontally with the clapboards, if it's used vertically it looks terrible.
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This is the before for this wall prior to weathering.
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After wire brushing..
That's all for now...
Thanks for following along.
Steve
This is a fun kit to build, you are off to a great start. I will be following along.
Oooh, great start.
I will follow your effort on this one too.
your A&I solution seems to be very more darker than mine, and I like it on the casting . What is your recipe ?
Eric
Hey Steve:
Progress shots look great.
Karl
Hello Steve, another build already, you're on fire ! Looking forward to this one as well. Jeff
Thanks everyone.
Eric, I do like my all purpose A&I to be pretty dark. I use cheap amazon pipettes to measure the ink, it's about 22-24ml of india ink per 1 qt of 70% alcohol. I usually start with 20 and then add a few more drops till I'm happy with the color. I have a weaker bottle I use for signs or if I need to just tone something down slightly.
I like the weathering technique. it looks good.
Jerry
Thanks Jerry.
I managed to dig into the kit a bit more last night. It's starting to come together now.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_1834-e1619356354924.jpeg)
I added the wood along the lower portion of the walls. I've built a few kits that had this feature before and I know from experience being right up against the ground where the area will get wet during the scenery install plus the vertical scribed can really cause some warping so I made sure I had it really glued tight.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_1835-e1619356575430.jpeg)
I weathered it the same as the walls...A&I base is done here.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_1836-e1619356622683.jpeg)
First coat of paint after the mineral spirits.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_1837-e1619356661520.jpeg)
I peeled the paint off using both tape and the edge of a xacto #11 blade. After this photo I added 2 washes of A&I over it.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_1839-e1619356749755.jpeg)
I added the doors and windows, acetate and glued the walls together.
That's all so far. I did start bracing and working on the elevator portion of the structure more pictures coming soon.
Thanks for all the feedback and for everyone following along
Hello Steve, great job on weathering the walls. Jeff
Good start on a neat kit Steve.....I'll be looking on this for sure. :)
Hey Steve:
Looking just beautiful so far. Keep up the good work.
Karl
The weathering on both siding and foundation boards is spot-on, the contrast between the two is particularly appealing.
dave
Steve,
It's always a fun aspect of my day when "catching up on your threads". Nice weathering on the walls.
Tom ;D
Nice weathering on those walls.
Jerry
Thanks for the positive feedback everyone!
Small update today.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_1844.jpeg)
The elevator is glued in place. It was colored and weathered the same was as the main walls of course.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_1872.jpeg)
I added the little cupola to the top of the roof as well.
I started working out the roof but I got sidetracked cleaning my workshop/layout room. That's all for now.
Lookin good Steve.....
Loren...
Great work. This for me was the kit that made me want to build models, it still holds up after many years.
Steve,
I still have this one in my stash of kits and plan to build mine as a chair factory. This kit has lots to add for wood storage and lumber delivery.
Tom ;D
Thanks Loren, Joe and Tom.
Joe, It's really one of the first kits that has it all. It's a pretty big diorama, lots of castings and everything is high quality especially for the time. This one really shows where George was headed in the future.
Tom, the kit would fit many industries well. I like the idea of a chair factory. I'm not sure if I'll change the industry or not on this one. I thought about a barrel factory due to the fact I have about 1000 wooden barrel castings I could use.
Not much to update yet, started working on the roofing and adding the rafter tails. Not interesting enough for a picture yet.
Steve,
Great work coloring those walls and castings !
Tommy
Hey Steve:
Looking just beautiful. Coloring looks just great.
Karl
Thanks Tom and Karl.
I made some progress on the roof. I ended up going with a standing seam roof instead of the campbells shingles provided with the kit.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_1899-e1620590747184.jpeg)
I colored the roofing with gray spray paint followed by some brown and tan chalks. I still need to add some rust streaks but I'll wait until I have all the chimneys and stacks in place.
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I started building the loading docks and working on some signage for the building. I'm thinking I'm probably going to add a roof sign to the side of the roof that has the pipe for the dust cyclone.
That's all for now..more updates coming.
Great choice for the roof Steve. And a really nice start with coloring!
Jerry
Thanks Jerry!
I managed to get some more work done on the kit last night.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_1907-e1621177018664.jpeg)
I felt like the roof was a little bit boring and plain so I moved the sign to the roof to break it up.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_1925-e1621177065453.jpeg)
Then I felt like the area above the loading dock door was too plain so I added a little roof and some vents. I don't remember where the casting on the left is from but the one on the right is from FSM...maybe a different kit though.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_1926-e1621177167211.jpeg)
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_1927.jpeg)
I also started to put together the little coal shed. This kit comes with 2 outbuilding sheds that I wanted to build prior to figuring out the main structure placement.
That's all for now...
Thanks for following along.
Coming on really nicely, Steve.
Cheers, Mark.
Great work. I really like the roof. Would you mind telling me what to used to achieve this look. Thanks
Thanks Mark and John
John, For the roof I first sprayed light gray auto primer on metal roof material from Northeastern then I used darker rust colored chalk dust mixed with alcohol to "paint" vertically up and down the roof. After the chalk dried I used a stiff brush to blend all the chalk together and I added some other colors (a little gray, some other browns). The main color chalk is Rembrandt 408.3. I used a razor blade in a scraping motion across the stick to create the dust.
this is coming along very nice Steve
Excellent work!!
Steve any special brand of auto primer??
Jerry
Thanks Steve and Jerry
I use Rustoleum spray paint for almost everything. The only reason is I bought a bag of replacement spray caps that only fit Rustoleum female connections. I always have problems with cans clogging so now I just throw out the tip when it clogs and replace it.
Hello Steve, you are doing a wonderful job on your feed mill, can't wait to see it planted on your layout, it is going to make a great scene. Jeff
Thanks Jeff!
Quote from: SteveCuster on May 19, 2021, 10:11:40 AM
Thanks Steve and Jerry
I use Rustoleum spray paint for almost everything. The only reason is I bought a bag of replacement spray caps that only fit Rustoleum female connections. I always have problems with cans clogging so now I just throw out the tip when it clogs and replace it.
Steve,
I have had similar problems with Krylon spray caps. Where did you find a bag of replacement caps?
Frank / Erieman
Frank, The ones I found go by "Rusto Fat Caps" on Amazon or Ebay. They have a few that come in different tips but I had the best luck with the fat caps. I use the Krylon Camo paint a lot with the blue tip and they generally stay clear longer but it's still really rare that I can empty a whole can before I clog the tip.
I've tried everything to keep the tips clear but nothing seems to work except just replacing them. I do throw all my tips in a glass jar full of spirits and that seems to keep them a little longer.
Here's a link to one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/253281950916?hash=item3af8c7dcc4:g:INIAAOSwX5hdvHG-
50 tips for $9.95
They probably have ones available for the Krylon cans as well I just haven't looked into it. All these different caps are under "Graffiti Art".
More great work here, Steve. I need to get back into an FSM build soon...
Thanks Craig. They are always fun kits for sure.
Small update today..
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I started working on the track placement and the rear covered section over the tracks. The placement of this structure on the layout is really close to the mountain behind it so I had to but the vertical support almost over the edge of the base. This area will be very hard to see once installed on the layout.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_1933-e1621537109507.jpeg)
I also added the ground cover under the covered area also under the rear decking. I glued the decking in place..the 2 paints are just holding it down while it dries.
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Coal shed is also glued in place.
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I started adding the horizontal supports.
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The FSM plans had me using plaster to build up the coal pile in the shed. I chose to use a piece of foam instead- much cleaner and easier.
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I painted the foam piece black and sprinkled "coal" on it. Once that dried I added more and secured it with thinned glue, same as I would do with scenery. I added a bit more coal than I would've liked but I'm going to go with it anyway.
I prefer to use cinders instead of coal for coal piles. To me scale coal always looks weird due to the glassy properties of it. Just a personal preference.
hey Steve:
Looking just beautiful so far. Keep the pics flowing.
Karl
Steve,
Crocker's is turning out very nice. Love the weathering. I've used the shiny coal in the past in my brass loco tenders. After it has dried, I spray on a light coat of Model Master Dull/Flat. Turns out looking quite natural.
Tom ;D
Thanks Karl, Thanks Tom.
Tom, I'll try to dullcoat over the coal and see how it looks.
I added the roofing to the shed and the overhang.
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The roof is made of individual boards which is nice because I wanted to use tissue paper to simulate a pretty worn roof.
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I added the tar paper. I didn't go crazy weathering or detailing this roof due to the fact it will be very difficult to see once installed on the layout.
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The coal shed roof was done the same way.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_1989-e1621992414669.jpeg)
The front of the shed. I'll still be adding some junk and birds or something to the roof yet...looks very plain.
I stained all the wood for the storage shed and fence today. Hopefully I'll start getting that together tomorrow.
Steve
I just got caught up with your build thread. Beautiful work - as always thank you for sharing it with us.
That's one of finest non weathering roofs I've seen in a long time!
Jerry
Hey Steve:
Wow it sure is looking just great.
Karl
Thanks John, Jerry and Karl!
Steve,
Great work on this FSM build. Thanks for the clarification on the standing rib roof materials from Northeastern. I have not found where to buy the same material
you used until I read your thread. Also, the reference you made regarding the added metal casting from a FSM kit, looks similar to one found in the FSM Jefferies Point kit, but the part is different. The Jefferies Point kit part has a pipe protruding from its top vs sideways, like what you have shown.
All in all, I will be following your build of this kit. Thanks for sharing.
Rich
Thanks Rich. I think the one wall vent pipe casting is from Bar Mills but the square vent is from FSM.
Things have been pretty busy here lately but I managed to make some progress on the kit over the weekend..
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_2026-e1623719875786.jpeg)
I put together the walls and floor of the little shed.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_2031-e1623719921848.jpeg)
Before I added the roof I wanted to detail the interior. I also added the fence around it.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_2032-e1623719984389.jpeg)
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_2054.jpeg)
I added the roof. It's colored with light gray primer followed by some rusty colored chalk mixed with alcohol, then some dry chalks to blend everything.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_2055.jpeg)
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_2056-e1623720122409.jpeg)
Starting to come together now..
Tonight I added the first base coat of ground cover but it's still a wet mess. Once that dries I'll start doing the final detailing then the scene can get installed on the layout. I'm hoping to have it buttoned up by this weekend.
Thanks for following along.
Coloring and detail top notch! Wonderful work!
Jerry
Hey Steve:
That is really coming along and looking just great.
Karl
I agree. Really looking good.
Thanks Jerry, Karl and Bob!
Steve
Beautiful work, I'm really enjoying your build thread.
Thanks John!
I'm mostly finished at this point until I get the diorama integrated into the layout. I added the scenery and most of the details over the last few days.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_2069-e1624022426115.jpeg)
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_2065-e1624022501434.jpeg)
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That's all for now. I have a few small things to do in the area around this scene on the layout then I'll drop it in place.
Thanks for following along!
Looks terrific, Steve.
Beautiful work.
I did notice that the side wall on the lean-to over the track in that last photo is a bit out of plumb. Deliberate? Or an accidental knock? Just in case you hadn't noticed.
Cheers, Mark.
Thanks Mark. I didn't notice the side wall shifting. I had a little bit of a clearance issue with the overhang and a box car so I had to file down a few of the vertical boards. I'm guessing that's when I knocked it loose. It's not very visible from it's spot on the layout but I'll fix it anyway. Thanks for pointing it out.
Steve another beauty for sure. Great details.
On the lean-to I really like the picket look of the siding.
Jerry
Very well done!
Steve,
Ditto to all the above comments. Wonderful modeling for sure.
Love it!
Tom ;D
What Tom said.....excellent. 8)
Lovely work as always, Steve.
How much more of the layout do you still need to fill?
Thanks everyone!
Craig, I still have quite a bit more to add to the layout before it starts to get close to finished. Of course it all depends on how many structures and how detailed I make them but I'm sure it'll still take me some time. Here's a few progress shots of how the layout is coming together and where the major holes are.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_2089-e1624240157458.jpeg)
This is the spot where this kit will live. I'll add a road connecting the area in front of Chippy Hollow and it will sweep in front of Crocker Bros. I need to build something small the fit in the little void between the kits.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_2090-e1624240371563.jpeg)
This photo shows the overall a bit better..excuse the mess of course. You can see this kit in the front of the mountain to the right. I'm planning on pulling The Shipyard in the front and reworking it a bit. It was one of my first kits I built coming back to the hobby and I'm not entirely happy with the finishing especially the roof. Emporium Seafood and Foss Landing will also get some touching up. Neither one is secured so it's really easy to remove them.
(https://craftsmanstructures.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_2091-e1624240623629.jpeg)
This image shows the spot that will probably get my attention sooner..the area to the right of my O'Neills Fabrication/Quincy Salvage diorama. I do have quite a few smaller main street type buildings finished that I will use to populate this area, they are sitting on the shelf above my workbench. I'll still need some more buildings and a few bigger ones back here as well.
Hopefully that gives some idea of what's missing and maybe what I'm thinking in my head.
Hey Steve:
Looks just great so far. I just can't wait to see your RR one of these days.
Karl