For a while now, I haven't built many kits. I scratchbuild almost exclusively, enjoying the challenges, creativity and custom results that building from scratch provides. But when Craig posted his Keep it Simple kits, I knew I needed to get one. And, of course, add my own twist to it.
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Matt
I began by cleaning the main casting and priming it with red oxide primer. This is my first time working with what is basically a finished printed building. The prints are very nice. There was no prep needed other than some sanding on the base get it closer to flat. I did this with sandpaper on a steel machine table.
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Matt
I want this building to sit on an elevation and to have an addition, so I glued some cereal box cardboard around the interior perimeter and braced it with strip wood. I created wall templates for the addition foundation as well. These were the base for pink foam individual stones to create the full thickness walls.
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More soon,
Matt
I gonna grab a front row seat on this one. I got my box of popcorn and a Dr Pepper waiting for the next segment of Matt's build
terry
I'll be in the front row as well.
Jeff
I'll have to elbow my way in for a front seat, too.
Really fantastic start, Matt. I already know it's going to be a great one.
Hey, save room for me.
Tom
I might as well squeeze in there someplace. Your off to a good build there.
Really like those pink foam stones!
Jerry
Nice looking structure Matt.....I'll be looking in. :)
Dang, late to the party and relegated to the cheap seats. I'll be watching though. ;)
Matt, just like going to the show will take the back row and watch the action....Tommy
Looks cool already, Matt...
Looking forward to this one - in the back row by the sounds of things.
Cheers, Mark.
Whew! It's getting crowded in here. Thank you all for joining in and I will be sure to speak up for those in the back.
First a quick tutorial on my stone wall technique.
I use 1" pink insulation foam and rip it into thin strips with my bandsaw. Usually about 1/8" thick, but this time I made them a bit thicker to match the thickness of the printed building's walls.
I don't have a hot wire cutter, as my bandsaw does a good job, but there is a difference in texture from the bandsaw cut, which likely helps with the final look of the stones.
I use a common technique and texture the foam with a piece of wadded aluminum foil. I then cut off strips that are the height of the stone that I want. This is determined by how the wall is being assembled and what fits.
I then clip the corners and shape each stone. It helps to have a reference unless you are familiar with the techniques of actual stone masonry. The general rules are:
- Try to maintain courses, like brick
- Vary the size and shape of your stones
- Stagger your joints
I glue the stones to the cardstock with Titebond 3 wood glue as it sticks and drys fast.
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Matt
Thanks for the sbs on the stones
terry
Thanks for mentioning the Titebond 3 wood glue for adhering the foam stones. I've always used Canopy glue, but it takes a while to set up. Mark
I too am watching and learning, the glue tip was great.
Jim