This is the most recent "freebie" from FOSscale models. Doug knows if he makes a free kit I like, he'll be getting a $50+ order from me. ;D I was more interested in seeing his new 3D printed details than the kit, but it's a nice looking little building. The usual stuff in the bag, siding, pre cut windows (yea!), laser cut sides/windows, some trim and one (!) piece of bracing stock, roofing and the 3D details. the sign/picture sheet includes an instruction diagram, which I don't think I've ever seen in one of his free kits before.
Jeff
The 3D details were washed, there's a small amount of clear substance on them I couldn't remove, we'll see if affects the painting. They are presently drying in the airbrush booth from a spray of Rustoleum camo black.
I needed to sand the edges of the laser cut sheets to remove the burn marks and square them up. My old Tru Sander was wearing out after many years of use, so a year or so ago I bought this Ultimation sander. It works really well.
Jeff
Bracing was next, as as I mentioned there's only one piece of 1/8 inch bracing included. Being a member of the "overbracing" fraternity, the bracing stash was opened for further wood for this. I also purchased the Ultimation version of the "chopper". It cuts squarer than my Chopper, but I can't seem to make it work as well as the video they show at their site.
Jeff
The final new tool arrived this week. It's a metal square with some magnetic jig tools. My old metal plate was rusty and the magnets have somewhat lost their "magnetism" over the years. I'm a bit disappointed with the plate itself, as the edges aren't 90 degrees perpendicular and the little bend at the corner means I can't get anything directly up to it (as opposed to the angle pieces riveted on the old plate). The add on tools look like they will be useful, however. I did use some rust remover and elbow grease on the old one as I will probably end up using it with the new tools for assembly.
Jeff
Painted the trim a dark blue and the walls assembled and painted a grey blue. I usually paint kits in the original colors. I think this kit may work in an area where there are already a couple of white structures, so I decided to change it. Picking the colors took longer than painting the trim and the walls. The flat white wall has a large sign to cover it. Time for nailholes and lifting some boards, but I'm not making it too run down.
Jeff
Cool. I'll be following along Jeff.
I resisted the urge to buy something just to get this neat little kit. I was curious about the 3D printed details as well. I bought some of Doug's other 3D printed detail parts (dumpsters, workbenches, etc.) a while back and they're pretty slick.
I think a metal/magnet assembly jig must be the only model RR tool I haven't bought :-) It would probably be worth spraying with a clear coat after you clean off the rust.
dave
Neat kit Jeff, I'll be looking in. :)
Thanks for following, Bob. I might start painting up those details later to see how it goes.
Jeff
Dave, I sprayed with some metal protectant/lube I have for the table saw so it doesn't corrode again. I won't complain if I have to clean it again in 20 years. :)
Jeff
Thanks for looking in, Greg.
Jeff
Jeff,
Like Bob, I also resisted getting the kit. I'll be following along on this adventrue.
Tom
I'll be following along also Jeff.
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on December 24, 2023, 08:05:46 AMDave, I sprayed with some metal protectant/lube I have for the table saw so it doesn't corrode again. I won't complain if I have to clean it again in 20 years. :)
Jeff
Good choice! I have some of that stuff for my full size table saw somewhere. I should find that and do my table saw and some other tools.
dave
Nice start Jeff.
Jerry
Here are the colors used. The dark grey was drybrushed onto the dark blue pieces to slightly weather them. I first used the blue grey hunterline on the walls, then used the lighter blue with a bit of water mixed in. After drying nailholes were added and some boards cut/lifted. Over stain with the light grey was then used, which was also used on the dark blue pieces and the signs after they were applied. I apply the signs by gently sanding the faces with 1000 grit sandpaper before cutting them out.
Jeff
I'm a member of the "there's never too much bracing" fraternity. One wall had warping problems which were solved by adding horizontal beams on top of the verticals. I should have brace the edges with horizontals to start with and then added the verticals in between. ::)
Jeff
The front was a bit of conundrum. I didn't think just edge gluing them to the front would be strong enough, so I added a small stripwood piece (brown) to the top so they could have another side to glue. Also ran a brace along the bottom.
Jeff
I used my old metal plate (it's much shinier now), and started gluing the walls together.
Jeff
Wow, it looks like an actual building now. I need to add the trim strip over the doors.
Jeff
Looking good, Billy Ray! (Louis Winthorpe III) ;D
The Ultimation tools are fantastic! Not quite "game changers" (other tools existed before) but they are certainly the best for what they do. The quality of them are second to none.
Dr. Jeff,
That's coming along nicely. Your signs really stand out on the blue you chose for your main color. I'm looking forward to your continued progress.
The pictures of the bracing are really helpful, since I have this kit as well. The thin laser-cut details like doors and windows can be a real challenge as one tries to keep the structure strong and square.
Colors and posters look great!
dave
Great looking progress.
Thanks for the kind words, gentlemen. The kit is finished. After the walls were done, the roof was next. The kit comes with the usual tarpaper, but I thought it would better with shingles. I found some Northeastern shingles which were a good color and glued them on with Elmer's. They give you a ridge cap which helps a lot. A roof sign part went missing for a few days, but I found it and finished that. The next problem was the chimney.
Jeff
You'd think a 3D printed part would be straight. Anyway I tried using some stripwood to even it out, but there was too big a gap, so I measured the approximate roof angle with a protractor, and using the Ultimation sanding tool, sanded a piece of bracing to see how close I was, which was about 2 degrees off. So I reset the tool and sanded off the base of the chimney. This was glued on and some tar applied around the base, finishing the kit. The roof will get some weathering eventually. Until it's permanently placed on the layout, I don't like to fool with the roofs as the kit my be handled several times.
Jeff
Very nice Jeff.
Overall, except for the chimney and bracing issues, a good little kit. Here is where it may go on the layout. Not sure it quite fits, but we'll leave it and see what happens.
Those who followed my layout thread up to 2 years ago note there hasn't been a lot of progress, but the streets are done and sidewalks are done in the city. the barren section of the mountain needs finishing as well as the area to the left which isn't visible, but some progress has been made.
Thanks for following!
Jeff
Jeff I've decided to leave the chimmney off the one I'm building. The actual detail has a bend in it. I may use an exhaust pipe out of the side. I haven't decided yet. You did an excellent job on the kit.
That looks great on the layout Jeff! ;D
I've been perusing the kit contents, and instructions, for the FOS Gorman Sign Co. and I noticed it has the same 3D printed chimney. The instructions note that the roof pitch doesn't match the chimney and to cut a hole in the roof to insert the chimney instead.
Looks good Jeff, all the HW Myers buildings make a great scene and looks good with your town. 8)
Jeff looks fantastic.
Thanks, Curt. Odd that a 3D part would have a bend in it.
Jeff
Thank you, Bob. I have that kit as well, thanks for the heads up. I've done that with the metal chimneys but figured the resin would sand pretty easily.
Jeff
Greg, I still have to finish the HW Myers buildings, and will do so once the scenery on the front is done. Thanks for looking in.
Jeff
Thanks, Jim. It was a quick kit to work on as I haven't done a kit in a while and will probably find something larger to work on next.
Jeff
Very nice work Jeff. I like the scene it's coming along nicely.
Jerry
Thanks, Jerry. I need to get this area finished, but I've been working on it for years. :-[
Jeff