Like Dr. Jeff, I've chosen the American Modelers Builders Interlocking Tower kit as my '25 challenge build. AMB made several different kits. I understand the owner passed away and to date no body is picking up the line.
Many of you know I just can't build a kit straight from the box. I tend to think outside the box and add my own spin to the kit. This build will be no different. I certainly won't be doing 50 pages on this build as I did for last years challenge.
I do have a few ideas I'll add to the build but it will be pretty much a kit build.
Here are the obligatory photos of the kit.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-210126162910-567823.jpeg)
The walls a slot and tab. Not my favorite type of kit.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-210126162910-567831703.jpeg)
Over the past few years, I looked at this kit trying to decide to build it.
In the next photo note the missing roof brace.-It fell out at one point while checking the kit. I have no idea where it may be.
I'll need to make another one.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-210126162910-56784565.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-210126162911-567851494.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-210126162911-56786620.jpeg)
When built, it will replace the FOS Tower shown below.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-230126155640-5684816.jpeg)
The FOS Tower will be relocated at the north end of the diesel lubritorium.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-230126155701-56850450.jpeg)
Tom glad you decided to jump in so I'll be following along.
Quote from: Larry C on January 23, 2026, 04:47:42 PMTom glad you decided to jump in so I'll be following along.
Larry,
Thank for following along on this journey.
Tom
I used the other roof piece and trace it on the same carrier sheet.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-230126155640-56845601.jpeg)
Fast forward and I cut it out and made the initial test fit. It does fit and looks like the other one.
My copy is on the left.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-230126155640-56846528.jpeg)
I went ahead and glued the parts to the interior roof section.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-230126155640-568471704.jpeg)
Done for today.
Tom, you know as usual I'll be here to follow along.
Nice job replicating the lost piece.
You'll find that piece after you're finished building the kit? ;)
I know you have a good reason, but why are you switching the towers around?
Howdy Tom,
Tower on brother!
Have fun,
mike
I'll be following along Tom.
It looks like you and Jeff are of like minds, Tower #702. Looking forward to seeing your build Tom..... :)
Terry is here in the second row with a large Diet Pepsi
Tom,
You will find the missing piece right after you finish the build. ;D You made an exact copy of the missing piece looking at the build to date, as per your usual style.
I will be in the second row beside Terry following along.
Quote from: Rick on January 23, 2026, 05:18:08 PMTom, you know as usual I'll be here to follow along.
Nice job replicating the lost piece.
You'll find that piece after you're finished building the kit? ;)
I know you have a good reason, but why are you switching the towers around?
Rick,
Thanks for jumping in and following along and thank you for the nice compliment.
Replacing the one tower is just personal preference. Call it for aesthetic purposes if you will. The current tower is a FOS tower I built some 10 years ago. I like the kit but it just doesn't look like a signal tower to me.
Tom
Quote from: friscomike on January 23, 2026, 07:13:54 PMHowdy Tom,
Tower on brother!
Have fun,
mike
Mike,
You betcha! Yepper, I'm still having fun.
Tom
Quote from: PRR Modeler on January 23, 2026, 07:58:54 PMI'll be following along Tom.
Butty Cuty,
I appreciate the audience.
Tom
Quote from: GPdemayo on Today at 11:45:06 AMIt looks like you and Jeff are of like minds, Tower #702. Looking forward to seeing your build Tom..... :)
Butty Greg,
I'm thinking great minds think alike. Oh, wait, Jeff is a doctor.
As Mike said, I'll tower on!
Tom
Quote from: Vietnam Seabee on Today at 12:14:35 PMTerry is here in the second row with a large Diet Pepsi
Terry,
Plenty of seats on the front row Butty. The Diet Pepsi is a great idea.
Tom
Quote from: elwoodblues on Today at 12:36:26 PMTom,
You will find the missing piece right after you finish the build. ;D You made an exact copy of the missing piece looking at the build to date, as per your usual style.
I will be in the second row beside Terry following along.
Ron,
I know it will turn up sometime in the build if not soon after.
Thanks for the comment on the making of the missing part.
Tom
Here is how the roof panels fit on the roof supports. I'll need to sand the edges to get a better fit. Although the roofing material will cover the roof, I still want it to be a better fit.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-230126155701-568491399.jpeg)
Back in a few. Pam says it time for a Diet Pepsi. I agree and she is drinking unsweet tea.
I fit each wall section with the floor and marked each one where the floor boards meet. I'll explain why later in the build.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240126151152-56851520.jpeg)
I also marked the lower portion of where the interior roof piece sits inside each wall.
After doing this it was great to see all the lines were in the same position on each wall.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240126151152-56852811.jpeg)
I used the NWSL Chopper and cut several HO scale 10X10s for interior bracing.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240126151152-56853892.jpeg)
With some side bracing in place, I test fitted two walls with the floor (not glued) and marked the location of the braces.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240126151153-568541262.jpeg)
With the four walls partially braced, I stacked them and added weights until the glue dried.
I say partially braced as I'll add more when these are dry.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240126151153-568551454.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240126151228-568562361.jpeg)
I taped the four walls together to make sure the bracing didn't interfere with the walls fitting properly.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240126151228-56857988.jpeg)
I then test fitted the top piece with the roof brackets. It fit nicely!
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240126151228-568582132.jpeg)
While I still had the walls taped, I test fit the four roof panels. No issues.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240126151228-56859230.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240126151228-568601814.jpeg)
Done for today.
Tom,
Thanks for the note about you being concerned for my absence.
I see you are like me, in that you turned your cutting pad on
your chopper due to being severely cut. I'll be sitting in the
second row, I sit rather tall in my seat. ;)
Rich