Through my years of modeling, seriously for about the last ten, I have admired seaside scenes where water meets rails but I felt I didn't have the skills required. After thinking about what I wanted my next diorama to be I thought I would do some research on the subject.
The first order of business was to figure out how to make a convincing looking boat hull or the idea would have to be scrapped. I started looking through some of Rob Goslin's threads, since he scratch builds great looking boats, to see the best way to go about the task. I also researched the internet for fishing boat dimensions; more like a lobster boat size.
Grabbing my drafting equipment from my High School/College days I set to work:
IMG_001.jpg
Lobster boats ranged from 22-40 ft in length; although some of the newer varieties are as long as 46 ft. At the widest part they ranged from 11-15 feet respectively. I also knew I wanted the aft of the boat to be at 8 ft.
Taking a sheet of 110# paper I made the point for the front of the boat. Then I made a rectangle being 22 ft long, 11 ft at the widest point, and 8 ft across the back. Taking my French curve I lined up all 3 points on each side before drawing the lines. When finished I used a sharp #11 blade with my curve and cut out the template. Next I tack glued the template to a scrap piece of 1/2 inch green foam. Using my curve and a sharp utility knife blade I proceeded to make my cuts. Sadly the first one looked horrible with the sides anything but smooth. Then I did the same process again using my razor saw this time. I ended up with 2 usable hull sections I glued together to get scale 4 ft high sides. Once dried I wrapped the hull with 110# paper strips for a smooth surface to glue the wood to.
Here's the results of my labor:
IMG_002.jpg
IMG_003.jpg
The rubber bands were applied while the glue dried to hold everything tight. Having a favorable result I can continue with planning my new diorama.
Welcome to the beginnings of Pratt's Cove!!
For this diorama I'll be referring to Dave Revelia's boat repair for inspiration; although this time I'll be using my own design for about 95% of the diorama. It'll be set in the 1950's somewhere along the eastern seaboard in New England and I hope to make the structures to resemble that area. I'm very much looking forward to this new project and I hope y'all will follow along on my journey.
Aye Aye Matey!! Your off to a good start.
I'll be looking in on this new build.
Jerry
Step 1, CHECK...
may poke my nose in at times, have fun.
Quote from: Jerry on August 29, 2026, 03:19:57 PMAye Aye Matey!! Your off to a good start.
I'll be looking in on this new build.
Jerry
Thanks for following along.
Quote from: KentuckySouthern on August 29, 2026, 04:51:17 PMStep 1, CHECK...
may poke my nose in at times, have fun.
Karl stop by anytime and yes this will be fun.
I'll definitely be following along Larry.
Larry, you can't do much better than learning from Rob on how to build a boat.
You're off to a good start.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on August 29, 2026, 05:24:44 PMI'll definitely be following along Larry.
Curt nice to have you on board.
Quote from: Rick on August 29, 2026, 05:56:13 PMLarry, you can't do much better than learning from Rob on how to build a boat.
You're off to a good start.
Rick thanks. That's exactly what I thought; he does an awesome job scratch
building boats.
No skinny dipping! ;D
Besides Rob who is a great artist check Troel Kirks youtube page.
https://www.youtube.com/@troelskirk/featured (https://www.youtube.com/@troelskirk/featured)
Hi Larry. Welcome to the world of waterfront modelling. Thanks for the mention.
Looking forward to seeing how you go with this.
Here is one of my 1/48 scale Maine lobster boats. 9" long x 3" at its widest point, so scales to 36'x 12'. The very back of my lobster boat is 1 3/4", so 7'.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-290826213029-57978930.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-290826213029-57979670.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-290826213029-57980574.jpeg)
Quote from: robert goslin on August 29, 2026, 09:37:40 PMHi Larry. Welcome to the world of waterfront modelling. Thanks for the mention.
Looking forward to seeing how you go with this.
Here is one of my 1/48 scale Maine lobster boats. 9" long x 3" at its widest point, so scales to 36'x 12'. The very back of my lobster boat is 1 3/4", so 7'.
Rob you're welcome for the mention; your boats are amazing. It would be great having you following along on this one. The hull was a "proof of concept" to be sure I could pull it off. Thanks for your dimensions on yours, I may redo mine as the proportions seem a bit off to me. Thanks for the pics; those will give me something to refer to.
Larry, congrats on another fun project. It looks like you are off to a great start. Have fun, mike
Quote from: friscomike on August 30, 2026, 08:45:03 AMLarry, congrats on another fun project. It looks like you are off to a great start. Have fun, mike
Mike thanks; this will be an interesting project.
IMG_004.jpg
Before I start putting together the diorama I wanted to build a small storage building since this will be the anchor, pun intended, with the rest of the diorama being built around it.
The building measures 12ft x 14ft two stories high with a steep metal roof following the New England tradition. The framework consists of 6x6's built off a piece of 1/4 graph paper. Each side has to be sided twice; the first is a horizontal subsiding with the second being vertical wood shingles.
IMG_005.jpg
This is the front with an opening on the 2nd floor for storage such as barrels and fish crates. Just before I "plant" the building I have a rope and hook done to go around the pulley to lift things up and down from/to the 2nd floor. I added 4x4's along the roofline and a small horizontal piece across the peak for a N.E. look. The door is a grand line I had on hand spray painted white then weathered with brown chalks. Also added acetate (window), blacked out the opening, and added a dirty window shade .
IMG_006.jpg
Here's the left sidewall. After framing out the wall I made a 5ft door, same as the opening, that slides open and shut.The door was constructed from 4x4's for the frame and 1x6's for the panels. After the subsiding was applied I used a few vertical strips of 1x10's, same as the shingles, so the shingles would look right. Before adding shingles I glued the two walls together so the shingles could be applied from corner to corner. The rail is a piece of 6x6 painted metal then weathered with some rust. The brackets for the door is Tyvek painted black. you'll notice the lefthand edge hasn't been shingled yet not until the other end wall is glued in place.
So far it's been slow going with the construction due to having to double side each wall; Jerry I feel your pain with the shingles. Next will be to build the other end and side walls then glue the rest of the building together then finish the shingles. Even though the process is taking considerable time I think the end result will be worth the effort. Thanks for following along and all your great comments and/or suggestions.
Nice start on the building. The first thing I thought when I saw the wall was "that's not a boat!"
Great start to the structure Larry. Very New England looking with the shingle cladding.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on September 01, 2026, 03:07:59 PMNice start on the building. The first thing I thought when I saw the wall was "that's not a boat!"
Thanks Curt and you're correct, that's definitely not a boat.
Quote from: robert goslin on September 01, 2026, 05:54:50 PMGreat start to the structure Larry. Very New England looking with the shingle cladding.
Rob thank you. The wood shingles are quite New England looking even though they're very tedious
to do.
Larry looks great. Nice job on thode shingles!!
Jerry
Larry, I'm in agreement with everyone else.
Shingles and building are looking very good.
In a previous update you mentioned redoing the boat.
Is that still in the plans?
Quote from: Jerry on September 01, 2026, 10:30:38 PMLarry looks great. Nice job on thode shingles!!
Jerry
Thank you Jerry but they are tedious for sure.
Quote from: Rick on September 02, 2026, 06:03:03 AMLarry, I'm in agreement with everyone else.
Shingles and building are looking very good.
In a previous update you mentioned redoing the boat.
Is that still in the plans?
Thanks Rick. Most likely I'll redo the boat. The proportions seem a little off
to me so I'm thinking making it somewhat longer and about 1 ft. narrower across
the aft portion. That should make the proportions look better.
IMG_007.jpg
This side was a "bear" to do the siding on. I wanted an end without windows/doors to create a scene with details later on. It looks like the weather, wind, and salt air have removed some of the shingles; may have some of my mates to fix that area. I also continued with the roof edging for that NE vibe.
IMG_008.jpg
This is the fourth side glued to the back wall. Both sides were built as the front and other side. Now I can go ahead and add the shake shingles to most of that side.
IMG_009.jpg
So now all four sides are finished and glued together; actually came out nice and square. The building ended up being 14ft x13ft. I added the rope and a hook, to facilitate moving barrels and fish crates to and from the second story, then added a track nail on the side of the door for attachment to keep things neat and away from the door.
IMG_010.jpg
And here's an angled view of the front and one side.
IMG_011.jpg
This last angled photo is the back and the other side. For such a small building it took quite a bit of time between framing, adding sub siding, and all those lovely shake shingles; however I do like the look.
Next on the agenda is to add a floor to the first story and the second story as well so I can put some details in the doorway which will also hide the unfinished back interior top wall. Thanks for taking a gander and for all your great comments and/or suggestions; they really do help to keep me going.
Very nice Larry. Yes shingles do take time when you do them one at a time.
A job well done!!
Jerry
Quote from: Jerry on September 06, 2026, 10:50:00 AMVery nice Larry. Yes shingles do take time when you do them one at a time.
A job well done!!
Jerry
Thank you Jerry and yes they tend to get tedious. Tweezers and toothpicks are our friends
doing this kind of work.
Larry that is outstanding modeling Larry.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on September 06, 2026, 12:55:17 PMLarry that is outstanding modeling Larry.
Thank you Curt; appreciate your comments.
Looking good Larry. Nice weathering, and yes good to have a few shingles missing, just to add some more character.
Larry, it all looks very good.
Nicely done!
Quote from: robert goslin on September 06, 2026, 06:16:52 PMLooking good Larry. Nice weathering, and yes good to have a few shingles missing, just to add some more character.
Thanks Rob and that was my thought exactly with the shingles.
Quote from: Rick on September 06, 2026, 06:31:53 PMLarry, it all looks very good.
Nicely done!
Thank you Rick; appreciate the comments.
Howdy Larry,
The structure is progressing well. The shingle application and coloring are first-class. Have you decided on the roofing material yet?
Have fun,
mike
Quote from: friscomike on September 07, 2026, 09:32:56 AMHowdy Larry,
The structure is progressing well. The shingle application and coloring are first-class. Have you decided on the roofing material yet?
Have fun,
mike
Mike thank you so much. Yes I'm going with the traditional metal roof to keep up the
New England vibe but I'm going to try a new way of doing a metal roof so we'll see
how that goes.
IMG_012.jpg
IMG_013.jpg
Both floors have been installed. The bottom floor was built on a piece of 100# paper (thin card) using 2x10's grained, colored with chalks & clear alcohol then giver a coat of A&I. Curious I used wood from the same bundle but yet ended up with 3 different variations using the same exact method. On the top floor I made an oops and mis-measured one boards but since it won't show either through the opening or when the roof is on I decided not to worry about it. Also cutting around the 6x6's came out pretty well.
IMG_014.jpg
Since I'll be doing water for the Cove I decided I needed something for a solid base and something that would take paint well. To that end I went with a 10x14 inch piece of birch plywood and made sure it was nice and square.
Continuing on:
IMG_015.jpg
Thought I'd show how I attach foam to the plywood; this piece was cut from 2 layers of 1/2 inch foam just so it was easier to cut and would have smooth square edges. I add a generous amount of white glue then used a thin non-used credit card and drag it over the top to get a thin layer of glue like I did at the top of the photo. Once applied it sets for a couple of minutes until the glue is tacky then it's applied to the plywood, lined up where I want it, and weighted to let dry; usually it's cured in a couple of hours.
IMG_016.jpg
So this will be the basic setup. After finding a suitable piece of pink foam in the garage I cut it to fit under the building and all the way across the back making sure the cuts were smooth and square. The piece of card in the front is where the dock will be going and the piece to the left will be a cabin for the owner to live in. The green foam coming to the front will be, hopefully, for a lighthouse and details. The small pink slanted foam, which I'm going to replace with something more suitable, Is to help break up the straight lines.I did raise the building by using a piece of 1/2 inch green foam so the dock would end up being the right height for the boat. Also the foam was cut to transition from one level to the next.
Speaking of boats, I decided to just extend the length of the boat by 4 scale ft. by adding on to the existing hull then rewrapped the sides; now the proportions look much better. Once all the side wood and deck are added you'll never to be able to tell the boat was extended.
That's where I'm at for the moment. Next up will be to add a sub-roof and then the metal roof for the building over that. Thanks for stopping by and leaving all your great comments and/or suggestions; they really do help.
Larry I'm really interested in your water feature and the before preparations. I have this exact thing in my near future.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on September 10, 2026, 11:50:37 AMLarry I'm really interested in your water feature and the before preparations. I have this exact thing in my near future.
Considering this is only my second serious attempt at doing a water feature hopefully it'll be of some help. Also check out some of Robert Goslin's threads; he does a great job at harbors/water features. I did attempt one on the other forum but I hated the way it came out so I won't make the same mistakes twice.
Howdy Larry,
The new scene is progressing well. The additional length on the boat will make it more realistic, IMHO. Judging from your past endeavors, this should be a fun one. Nice start!
Have fun,
mike
Larry I like the way this is working out. You're taking time to do it and it shows in your work.
Very nicely done.
Jerry
Quote from: friscomike on September 10, 2026, 07:28:26 PMHowdy Larry,
The new scene is progressing well. The additional length on the boat will make it more realistic, IMHO. Judging from your past endeavors, this should be a fun one. Nice start!
Have fun,
mike
Thanks Mike and yes I agree the boat looks much better now.
Quote from: Jerry on September 10, 2026, 10:41:28 PMLarry I like the way this is working out. You're taking time to do it and it shows in your work.
Very nicely done.
Jerry
Thank you so much. I'm looking forward to seeing this coming together.
Hi Larry, good that you've been able to lengthen the boat without too much trouble.
Can you tell me how high the hull is, as it looks way too high at the moment, and you still have to add the sides above the deck. My hulls from waterline to the top of the deck are only about 13 or 14mm.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-210125045712-53527384.jpeg)
Quote from: robert goslin on September 14, 2026, 02:36:31 AMHi Larry, good that you've been able to lengthen the boat without too much trouble.
Can you tell me how high the hull is, as it looks way too high at the moment, and you still have to add the sides above the deck. My hulls from waterline to the top of the deck are only about 13 or 14mm.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-210125045712-53527384.jpeg)
Rob mine is 1 inch (about 25.4 mm) so I guess it is way too high. Thanks for pointing that out and I should probably fix that. I'm "flying by the seat of my pants" on the boat building so please feel free to point out my mistakes. I was looking at the thickness when I first cut the hull out and wondered if it was too thick. I should be able to cut another hull from 1/2 inch foam using the same length.
Quote from: Larry C on September 14, 2026, 07:51:07 AMQuote from: robert goslin on September 14, 2026, 02:36:31 AMHi Larry, good that you've been able to lengthen the boat without too much trouble.
Can you tell me how high the hull is, as it looks way too high at the moment, and you still have to add the sides above the deck. My hulls from waterline to the top of the deck are only about 13 or 14mm.
Rob mine is 1 inch (about 25.4 mm) so I guess it is way too high. Thanks for pointing that out and I should probably fix that. I'm "flying by the seat of my pants" on the boat building so please feel free to point out my mistakes. I was looking at the thickness when I first cut the hull out and wondered if it was too thick. I should be able to cut another hull from 1/2 inch foam using the same length.
Hi Larry. Yep 1" is way to high. 1/2" (12mm) foam will be good, then add the 1mm deck.
Then when you add the sides, these can be about 10 - 12mm above the deck, so total height will be about 25mm max, plus you make the front portion slightly higher again.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-270125014638-53581948.jpeg)
Quote from: robert goslin on September 14, 2026, 07:23:42 PMQuote from: Larry C on September 14, 2026, 07:51:07 AMQuote from: robert goslin on September 14, 2026, 02:36:31 AMHi Larry, good that you've been able to lengthen the boat without too much trouble.
Can you tell me how high the hull is, as it looks way too high at the moment, and you still have to add the sides above the deck. My hulls from waterline to the top of the deck are only about 13 or 14mm.
Rob mine is 1 inch (about 25.4 mm) so I guess it is way too high. Thanks for pointing that out and I should probably fix that. I'm "flying by the seat of my pants" on the boat building so please feel free to point out my mistakes. I was looking at the thickness when I first cut the hull out and wondered if it was too thick. I should be able to cut another hull from 1/2 inch foam using the same length.
Hi Larry. Yep 1" is way to high. 1/2" (12mm) foam will be good, then add the 1mm deck.
Then when you add the sides, these can be about 10 - 12mm above the deck, so total height will be about 25mm max, plus you make the front portion slightly higher again.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-270125014638-53581948.jpeg)
Thanks Rob for the dimensions; very much appreciated. Between your photos and explanation I should be able to make a convincing looking boat. Here's my new hull:
IMG_023.jpg
IMG_017.jpg
Before I went too much further I wanted to attach the facia to the diorama. I had just enough, about a 3 in. piece left over, to add the facia. The Balsa wood was cut, trimmed, fitted, and sprayed with a rattle can of flat black. This was then glued to the sides of the diorama.
IMG_018.jpg
Here's the back-right side. The area in the front for the water will have 2 pieces of scale 8x8's painted flat black then glued in place so the water pour is contained. Now when I start adding scenery material I can go right up to the black facia to give the diorama a nice finished look.
IMG_019.jpg
For the building roof I wanted a standing seam metal roof which is quite New England. To start I carefully measured both sides of the roof before cutting a piece of photo mounting board, about 1/16 of an inch thick, as one piece for both sides of the roof. Where the center is I scored a line with my knife then bent the material to end up with the entire roof.
The metal roofing is from Northeastern which has the look I like. The only problem with the product is after the roof is sprayed with a grey primer every place where you warm fingers touches you end up with a very tiny shiny spot where the primer has been pulled off the roofing.
Tp prevent that from happening I first cut and glued the shiny roofing to the sub roof. Then I spray painted and let completely dry. After that I weathered the roofing with green chalk dry brushed then added some Black chalk and worked it in with a soft wide brush. When I wanted to glue the completed roof in place I cut a piece of parchment paper the size of the roof and used that as a barrier between my warm fingers and the metal....no shiny spots.
IMG_020.jpg
IMG_021.jpg
Here's a couple of closeups of the completed roof. I even added 2 lightening rods to the roof as an extra detail. I really liked the way this turned out.
Next will be to add the stone wall to the water area on the sides of the land to act as a "sea wall". I'm going to use a manufactured product by Cooch since I really don't have the right kind of foam to carve by hand. The stone walls will be weathered heavily to look more natural. Thanks for stopping by and for all your great comments and/or suggestions; they really do help.
Larry,
You have a great start on the boat.
The building looks like it belongs.
Quote from: elwoodblues on September 15, 2026, 10:32:46 AMLarry,
You have a great start on the boat.
The building looks like it belongs.
Thanks Ron, really working out of my comfort zone on this project.
Larry, proportions on the boat look much better.
Roof on the shed is very good.
Larry much better on the boat.
The roof is just fine!! Watch those warm fingers save them for other things!!! ;D
Jerry
Quote from: Rick on September 15, 2026, 02:05:09 PMLarry, proportions on the boat look much better.
Roof on the shed is very good.
Thanks Rick, I felt the same way.
Quote from: Jerry on September 15, 2026, 04:12:13 PMLarry much better on the boat.
The roof is just fine!! Watch those warm fingers save them for other things!!! ;D
Jerry
Jerry thank you; yup winter's coming so the warm fingers will be nice.
The boat's foam hull looks much better Larry. I'm no boat expert, but I've built enough now to know were improvement can be made.
I really like the roof on your structure. Nice green you've used.
Quote from: robert goslin on September 15, 2026, 06:55:33 PMThe boat's foam hull looks much better Larry. I'm no boat expert, but I've built enough now to know were improvement can be made.
I really like the roof on your structure. Nice green you've used.
Rob thank you; I'm very pleased with the roof. Yes I do think the hull is a vast improvement over the other one; "3rd times the charm" so they say.
Howdy Larry,
The standing seam roof looks great. I like the color and weathering.
Have fun,
mike
The cove is coming along nicely!
Quote from: friscomike on September 16, 2026, 05:07:31 PMHowdy Larry,
The standing seam roof looks great. I like the color and weathering.
Have fun,
mike
Thanks Mike, so do I.
Quote from: Philip on September 16, 2026, 10:44:34 PMThe cove is coming along nicely!
Thank you Philip for your comments.
IMG_022.jpg
I needed to get the "sea wall" done before I can even think about the dock area. The material is from Cooch which cuts easily and forms well. After cutting and fitting I went over the material with black chalks dry brushed. Then I applied a liberal amount of grey dry brushed to tone down the black with a soft brush. Then the piece was glued into place with super glue. Here's the comparison. The top piece is the way it looks out of the package and the lower after applying weathering.
IMG_024.jpg
This is the completed "sea wall". On the back wall I started at the slanted area and worked to the right. The joint ends up being under the dock which will be impossible to see when looking at the diorama.
Next I need to paint the area under the dock to color the wood before the water is applied; then I can build the dock and surrounding area. Thanks for stopping by and for all your great comments and/or suggestions; they are appreciated.
That is very neat and the color looks right. Well done.
Larry, stone colors look great.
I'd think about adding some green algae and maybe some seaweed since this is a salt water scene.
Here's an example
Docks3.jpg
The ramp I guess is for putting in and pulling out boats.
Looks a little too steep.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on September 17, 2026, 02:57:23 PMThat is very neat and the color looks right. Well done.
Thanks Curt, appreciate your comments.
Quote from: Rick on September 17, 2026, 04:05:19 PMLarry, stone colors look great.
I'd think about adding some green algae and maybe some seaweed since this is a salt water scene.
Here's an example
Docks3.jpg
The ramp I guess is for putting in and pulling out boats.
Looks a little too steep.
Rick thanks you and thanks for the photo; I like the idea of the algae...would be a nice detail.
The ramp, as you called it, is supposed to be land coming down to the water with lots of rocks. I
doubt anyone would want to traverse that with a boat.
IMG_30.jpg
Ok, after Rick's comment about "the ramp" I started looking at in a whole new perspective. The more I looked at it the less and less I liked the look. Finally last night I grabbed a putty knife and removed it.
What I wanted to achieve was a more rounded look in the corner of the sea wall to help break up the straight lines. Looking at it for several minutes I came up with a better approach. Grabbing my box of rocks I started playing around with a "rock puzzle". After a few minutes I found something that would work and give me the look I was originally going after. Used super glue and tweezers to start putting the puzzle pieces together allowing a little drying time in-between each one. When dried I used my tweezers and a thin pointed stick and filled the larger gaps with greenery. Once I get the wood painted a sea color, get the "water" done, and get the scenery material blended in I think it'll look much better than my previous attempt. Glad Rick pointed that out in his comments.
Larry, that looks much better.
Well done!
Quote from: Rick on September 18, 2026, 02:11:08 PMLarry, that looks much better.
Well done!
Thank you Rick and thanks for pointing that out.
Larry I mixed Vallejo Slimy Grime Light 73.823 and Tamiya NATO Black XF-69 which has a grayish tint when dry. I experimented until I got the shade I liked.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on September 18, 2026, 04:41:52 PMLarry I mixed Vallejo Slimy Grime Light 73.823 and Tamiya NATO Black XF-69 which has a grayish tint when dry. I experimented until I got the shade I liked.
Whatever works for you go with it. That's what's so fascinating about this hobby; seeing how others handle the same tasks.
Nice looking algae Larry.
And add a slime line (green wash) right across the bottom of all the rock wall. How high you go depends on the tides.
Are you going to have pylons against the wall ? If so, you will want to add barnacles, I find N scale ballast good for that.
Quote from: robert goslin on September 18, 2026, 07:42:20 PMNice looking algae Larry.
And add a slime line (green wash) right across the bottom of all the rock wall. How high you go depends on the tides.
Are you going to have pylons against the wall ? If so, you will want to add barnacles, I find N scale ballast good for that.
Thanks for the tips Rob. I'm probably won't be using pylons against the wall. I'll be using a medium grey ballast on the bottoms of all the dock posts then colored that with green chalks. I'll be using green chalks with clear alcohol to do the slime line across the bottoms of the wall and on the bottom of the rocks when I get to that point.
Larry,
Wow! five pages and I didn't know you were building this. I guess I need
to spend more time on here. I like the change you made for the sea wall. The
rocks do look better than the ramp. And the seagrass makes it pop.
Rich
Quote from: Pennman on September 18, 2026, 08:47:50 PMLarry,
Wow! five pages and I didn't know you were building this. I guess I need
to spend more time on here. I like the change you made for the sea wall. The
rocks do look better than the ramp. And the seagrass makes it pop.
Rich
Thanks Rich and hope you tag along.
Larry great job on the wall.
Nice coloring and the ad seaweed growth.
Jerry
Quote from: Jerry on September 19, 2026, 09:31:54 AMLarry great job on the wall.
Nice coloring and the ad seaweed growth.
Jerry
Thank you Jerry. The rock coloring was easy....they're real rocks. Added the seaweed to fill in the gaps between the rocks. The wall itself is from Couch and was weathered prior to installation.
Looking GREAT!
Very realistic.
Keep going!
MJinTN
Quote from: labdad on September 19, 2026, 09:53:20 PMLooking GREAT!
Very realistic.
Keep going!
MJinTN
Thanks Marty and glad you stopped by.
IMG_025.jpg
Decided to get the dock built before I went any further. Since I hate trying to work with dowels I went with 8x8's for the legs instead. Not wanting a totally square looking leg I did a little work on them. Started by wire brushing them a bunch of times then I sanded off the edges to get rid of the squared look. After that I took each leg and turned it clockwise in a piece of sandpaper. While not round they're not square either. Colored with my usual chalks & clear alcohol then gave them a liberal coat of A&I. The actual deck is made from 6x6's for a frame then covered with 1x4's for a beefier look. The "barnacles" were made by dipping each leg into white glue then re-dipping them into a container with medium grey ballast.
IMG_026.jpg
Here's another angle of the dock.
IMG_027.jpg
With the dock set in place I thought it would be easier to paint the water color on the wood before gluing in place. I started with a light blue craft paint along the sea wall. The shallower the water the lighter the color and visa versa. Before the light blue paint dried I used a blue for the rest of the area and blended the light into the regular.
IMG_028.jpg
Prior to glueing in place I used dark green chalk and clear alcohol and carefully dabbed the color onto the "barnacles" and allowed to dry. Then the dock was glued into place and I set the building in place to see what it would look like.
Next I want to extend the "dock look" down the left side of the building and add rails on the side where the second story opening is. Thanks for stopping by and for all your great comments and/or suggestions; they're really helping with this build.
Nice job on the legs, barnicles, and dock Larry.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on September 22, 2026, 03:13:45 PMNice job on the legs, barnicles, and dock Larry.
Thank you Curt; I appreciate your comments.
Nice!
Not sure if I would have noticed the square pilings if you hadn't mentioned it.
So far so good.
Coming on nicely, Larry.
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Rick on September 23, 2026, 06:18:11 PMNot sure if I would have noticed the square pilings if you hadn't mentioned it.
So far so good.
Thanks Rick, much appreciated. That's good so knocking off the edges on the pilings worked as I had hoped.
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on September 23, 2026, 08:36:13 PMComing on nicely, Larry.
Cheers, Mark.
Thank you Mark and thanks for stopping by.
Larry a very nice job on those pilings.
Good coloring and nice barnacles.
Jerry
Howdy Larry,
The pier looks great with the shed and seawall. This promises to be another nice build.
Have fun,
mike
Quote from: Jerry on September 24, 2026, 11:30:55 AMLarry a very nice job on those pilings.
Good coloring and nice barnacles.
Jerry
Thank you Jerry; appreciate your nice comments.
Quote from: friscomike on September 24, 2026, 05:07:27 PMHowdy Larry,
The pier looks great with the shed and seawall. This promises to be another nice build.
Have fun,
mike
Thank you Mike; I hope so.
IMG_029.jpg
After finishing the dock I wanted to have the wood decking continue around the building. Used 2x10's given my usual treatment and extended the decking down the left side. This will be an area with lots of details.
IMG_032.jpg
On this side I wanted rails coming into the scene. I use Ho scale rail and set it as a narrow gauge with 2 ft between the rails. Being a New England scene I went with that gauge because of the 2 ft narrow gauge that existed in Maine. I measured the distance between the rails then glued them in place. There won't actually be a car on the tracks so the precision wasn't critical. Used 1x6's for the decking and between the rails.
IMG_031.jpg
Her's a better view of the rails that run to the back edge of the diorama. The transitioning between the wood was interesting but worked out just fine. Next I think I'm going to switch gears and start working on the fishing boat that will go in front of the dock. I want the boat finished before I even think of adding the water. Thanks for stopping by for a look and for all your great comments and all those helpful suggestions.
8) Fantastic!
Looking good.
Great looking dock Larry. And nice that you've include some nod to a railroad by including the rails.
To appreciate how small those Maine 2 footers were, here's one next to a standard gauge loco.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-270926180053-580741837.jpeg)
Light narrow rail, white flags running extra. With that many boxcars, I'm guessing this would be Sandy River & Rangley Lakes.
dave
Larry great job so far. I assume there will be stairs to get off the platform to the ground? Also, I like the green metal roof.
Robert that photo shows the true size difference.
Larry, building looks great. from the colour, I'm willing to bet that the rood is made from copper sheet.
Quote from: Philip on September 27, 2026, 04:20:38 PM8) Fantastic!
Thanks Philip.
Quote from: Rick on September 27, 2026, 05:26:19 PMLooking good.
Rick thank you.
Quote from: robert goslin on September 27, 2026, 06:03:03 PMGreat looking dock Larry. And nice that you've include some nod to a railroad by including the rails.
To appreciate how small those Maine 2 footers were, here's one next to a standard gauge loco.
Rob thank you and yes I figured the diorama needs some rails and Maine 2 foot seemed to fit the bill and the real estate.Thanks for the pic.
Quote from: deemery on September 27, 2026, 06:40:01 PMLight narrow rail, white flags running extra. With that many boxcars, I'm guessing this would be Sandy River & Rangley Lakes.
dave
Dave I think you're right with the location.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on September 27, 2026, 07:34:16 PMLarry great job so far. I assume there will be stairs to get off the platform to the ground? Also, I like the green metal roof.
Curt thanks, appreciate it. Yes there'll be stairs, or at least a railing, to get from the platform area to the lower level where a small house will be.
Quote from: elwoodblues on September 27, 2026, 08:59:45 PMLarry, building looks great. from the colour, I'm willing to bet that the rood is made from copper sheet.
Ron thank you and yes copper would age with a patina like that.
Ok, let's try this again:
IMG_033.jpg
Decided to do some work on the fishing boat curious to see what I could do with it. Rob had mentioned using card for the sides but since it would be front and center on the diorama I went with a "board on board" construction instead; quite ambitious for my first go round.
Having used 1x's in modeling I knew if the wood was heavily grained it would curl on the ends so I used that to my advantage. Really didn't want to deal with dipping the wood in hot water to make it bendable.
Started at the bottom of the hull using 1x6's held in place with a fast drying superglue which made construction much easier. The deck is 1x10's grained then colored with chalks and clear alcohol. After some experimenting I knew the best way to cover the deck was to find the center line then start there and work my way out. Once dried I then trimmed the excess with my hobby knife and lightly sanded the edges.
IMG_034.jpg
Here's another view of the deck.
IMG_037.jpg
For the actual sides I needed some thickness so I decided to use 1x10's for both the inner and outer sides. Cutting a piece of thin card I then glued the wood to both sides before gluing in place. After drying I painted the inside of the wall before gluing in place so I didn't get any white on the deck boards.Carefully bent the wood to conform to the hull. This was also held in place with fast setting superglue.Once dried I did some minor trimming then painted the entire outside with white craft paint.
IMG_038.jpg
This is an end view. Also I grabbed some green chalks & clear alcohol to add a moss line along the first row on the seawall. While subtle it turned out pretty good.The sea area was painted going from a light color to a dark color at the front. The premise being the deeper the water the darker it would look. Before I add the water I'll take some watered down blue and blend the dark and medium areas together better.
Next I'll go back on land and start fiddling with some nautical details which I have already found a supplier for I think. Thanks for stopping by and for your comments and all those great suggestions to help bring my vision to a reality.
Very well done Larry. I had to enlarge the photo to see the board lines.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on October 01, 2026, 08:56:40 AMVery well done Larry. I had to enlarge the photo to see the board lines.
Thank you Curt. After a light sanding and painting white they are a little hard to see but better that than being in your face.
Great work Larry!!
Jerry
Good looking hull Larry.
Before you start adding any nautical bits, you still need to add the gunwale around the inside of the top of the rim of the boat and ribs to the inside of the bulwark.
Here is the boat I'm currently working on to show that.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-290926025152-580801205.jpeg)
Nice work Larry, I like the green roof too.
I'm partial to water scenes, you are doing a great job on this diorama.
Rich
Rob thank you so much for your guidance and photos on boat building; besides do it the correct way I'm
also learning a lot as I go.
Rich thank you. This is new territory for me and with other's help I think I'm getting the hang of it.
Howdy Larry, looks like you are having some fun in the new territory. The boat is looking fantastic and begging for your nautical details. Have fun, mike
Quote from: friscomike on October 02, 2026, 01:04:39 PMHowdy Larry, looks like you are having some fun in the new territory. The boat is looking fantastic and begging for your nautical details. Have fun, mike
Thank you; much appreciated.
Boat building is a pain with all the compound angles. Nice work!
Philip
Quote from: Philip on October 05, 2026, 10:01:34 AMBoat building is a pain with all the compound angles. Nice work!
Philip
Thank you Philip. Yup it's a challenge for sure but I'm taking
my time and it's actually proving to be fun.
IMG_038.jpg
Thinking I was done with the inside walls of the boat Rob was kind enough to point out something else that needed to be added. Using 1x4's I colored them the same as the desk boards so they'd be noticeable. I first added wood around the top rim of the inside (known as a gunwale) then vertical ribs on the inside (bulwark). Obviously these are terms I've never heard before.
IMG_039.jpg
IMG_040.jpg
These two photos shows the extra wood added to the entire inside of the boat. I going to keep the construction simple, since this is my first boat foray, and going to keep the bow of the boat open. I have to admit it adds a little more detail to the inside.
IMG_035.jpg
I forgot to show this earlier but I added the "slime line" to the seawall and the rocks up about one stone. The coloring is subtle but effective.
While I wait for some of my nautical details to show up I'll start on a simple wheelhouse. I decided to order the details in two parts. The first order is for the building and/or dock areas then I'll order another batch for the fishing boat. The nice thing about this type of diorama I can skip around and work on different areas while waiting for details.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving all those great comments and/or those very helpful suggestions.
Looks great already Larry!!
You'll be ready to set sail to the new world shortly!!
Jerry
Quote from: Jerry on October 06, 2026, 01:17:28 PMLooks great already Larry!!
You'll be ready to set sail to the new world shortly!!
Jerry
Ahr matie! Thanks it's coming along.
Great job on the boat and the diorama.
Looks great Larry. Definitely adding the extra details will take your boat to the next level.
I knew very little about boats before I started building them.
I did a lot of research, especially learning the terminology to use, as I figured some boaty expert would call me out. On the old RRL forums, Frank Palmer was a big help as he worked on Fishing Trawlers for 16 years.
But at the end of the day, if it looks like a reasonable representation of a boat, that's good enough for me.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on October 06, 2026, 02:32:48 PMGreat job on the boat and the diorama.
Curt thank you; much appreciated.
Quote from: robert goslin on October 06, 2026, 06:01:28 PMLooks great Larry. Definitely adding the extra details will take your boat to the next level.
I knew very little about boats before I started building them.
I did a lot of research, especially learning the terminology to use, as I figured some boaty expert would call me out. On the old RRL forums, Frank Palmer was a big help as he worked on Fishing Trawlers for 16 years.
But at the end of the day, if it looks like a reasonable representation of a boat, that's good enough for me.
Rob thank you. I figured it doesn't hurt to learn something new every so often. I appreciate your direction on this build. I used to watch a show called the "Deadliest Catch" on the Discovery channel; they were brave souls.
It's looking real good Larry.
beautiful work Larry!
Quote from: Rick on October 07, 2026, 07:43:03 AMIt's looking real good Larry.
Thanks Rick, little at a time.
Quote from: cuse on October 07, 2026, 07:27:02 PMbeautiful work Larry!
Thank you this is new territory for me.
Howdy Larry,
The boat and wharf are looking good. The bracing on the walls looks prototypical. Nice work.
Have fun,
mike
Quote from: friscomike on October 08, 2026, 09:02:51 AMHowdy Larry,
The boat and wharf are looking good. The bracing on the walls looks prototypical. Nice work.
Have fun,
mike
Thanks Mike.
Just getting caught up; looks fantastic....So now in addition to an amazing modeler, you're also a 'shipwright', :o er, uh, 'boatwright'......I love it.. ;D ;D ;D ;) ............
KYLE CREEL
IMMR & T Co.
Quote from: kyle creel on October 08, 2026, 10:16:20 AMJust getting caught up; looks fantastic....So now in addition to an amazing modeler, you're also a 'shipwright', :o er, uh, 'boatwright'......I love it.. ;D ;D ;D ;) ............
KYLE CREEL
IMMR & T Co.
Thank you Kyle although I can't take all the credit. I've had some input from some very talented and knowledgeable fellow modelers on boat building; something new for me.
IMG_041.jpg
Been working on the "wheelhouse" trying to get it to look right in contrast to the rest of the boat. On my first attempt I made it too narrow so I had to redo the front. Nothing fancy just a basic place to pilot the boat. Ended up making the wheelhouse 6ft wide and 4ft. deep with a 1ft. overhang on the back of the roof. The frame is made from 1x4's colored with chalks and clear alcohol to match the deck. Use 1x6's for the front and side wood. Decided to go with a tomato red craft paint with white for the trim just to give the boat a little pop of color.
IMG_042.jpg
Here's the front view with about 2ft. on each side between the hull and the wheelhouse; plenty of room for the LP's to squeeze by. I did add an acetate window to the front but I still need to figure out what to put on the double card roof. Nothing's glued down yet while I figure out what I want to use for details and get them ordered. So now I'll set the boat aside while I start adding some details for the building.
IMG_043.jpg
The "jib crane" is the first detail I started with because I wanted it in a certain spot then I can work the other items around that. I have to tell you this thing gave be fits building it. Some of the parts were so small the only way to assemble was to use my curved tweezers trying NOT to launch them into "never never land." I did revamp the area with the hook only because the kit one was impossible to assemble and look right. When the crane was assembled I used use a dark brown chalk w/ clear alcohol to color it then used a diluted rust color for weathering; I may go back with some black to get the "new look" off the chain.
IMG_044.jpg
This shows how the crane extends over the boat. This will be used to pick up the lobster boxes off the deck and swing them onto the dock.
Next I'll continue on the building details plus order the boat ones. Thanks for stopping by and for all your great comments and all those great suggestions; they do help.
Very nice diorama and a very credible first time building a boat.
Just a thought... paint the hull top edge the tomato red like the bridge area. FWIW.
Larry that is the one hell of a diorama!!!
For sure your best work yet!!
And wonderful work on a first time boat build.
Jerry
Hi Larry. As Curt mentioned, definitely add a stripe along the top edge, or even down slightly to give the hull some more visual appearance. And don't forget a name.
The wheelhouse looks just the right size. For the roof you could just scribe in some plank lines, or cover it with tar paper. Not sure what you intend to add to the top of the roof. I at least always add port & starboard navigation lights, even if they are just dummy ones.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-270125014638-535822100.jpeg)
If you wish, you can also add a small spot light and horn.
Very nice Larry.
You've already gotten some good tips here.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on October 11, 2026, 12:45:00 PMVery nice diorama and a very credible first time building a boat.
Just a thought... paint the hull top edge the tomato red like the bridge area. FWIW.
Thanks Curt and for the suggestion.
Quote from: robert goslin on October 11, 2026, 04:55:26 PMHi Larry. As Curt mentioned, definitely add a stripe along the top edge, or even down slightly to give the hull some more visual appearance. And don't forget a name.
The wheelhouse looks just the right size. For the roof you could just scribe in some plank lines, or cover it with tar paper. Not sure what you intend to add to the top of the roof. I at least always add port & starboard navigation lights, even if they are just dummy ones.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-270125014638-535822100.jpeg)
If you wish, you can also add a small spot light and horn.
Rob thank you I was
hoping the wheelhouse size complimented the boat. I may just add some planks to the roof as well as adding a couple of spotlights and a horn.
Quote from: Jerry on October 11, 2026, 03:42:16 PMLarry that is the one hell of a diorama!!!
For sure your best work yet!!
And wonderful work on a first time boat build.
Jerry
Jerry you're too kind but thank you for the compliments; much appreciated.
Quote from: Rick on October 11, 2026, 05:29:13 PMVery nice Larry.
You've already gotten some good tips here.
Rick thanks and yes the suggestions have really helped me a lot.
Howdy Larry, the wheel house looks perfectly sized. The jib crane looks terrific. Have fun, mike
Quote from: friscomike on October 12, 2026, 08:09:17 AMHowdy Larry, the wheel house looks perfectly sized. The jib crane looks terrific. Have fun, Mike
Thank you Mike for your comments.
I'm looking for Popeye.
Nice work!
Quote from: Philip on October 12, 2026, 01:49:23 PMI'm looking for Popeye
https://ehcmodel.com/products/ehc-model-in-stock-1-64-doll-1-43-miniature-white-model-popeye-c516 (https://ehcmodel.com/products/ehc-model-in-stock-1-64-doll-1-43-miniature-white-model-popeye-c516)
I don't think Popeye ever looked quite that good!!
That's how the SPINACH effects him... :o :o :o :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;) ..."MUSCKLES".....LOTS OF 'EM.....
KYLE CREEL
IMMR & T Co.
Quote from: kyle creel on October 14, 2026, 05:55:26 AMThat's how the SPINACH effects him... :o :o :o :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;) ..."MUSCKLES".....LOTS OF 'EM.....
KYLE CREEL
IMMR & T Co.
Sounds like you're a Popeye fan from way back. The figure almost looks "muscle bound" to me.
YEP..... ;) ;) ;) .........
KYLE CREEL
HPD Ry.
Quote from: kyle creel on October 14, 2026, 05:53:14 PMYEP..... ;) ;) ;) .........
KYLE CREEL
HPD Ry.
I could never see their fascination with Olive Oil though.
Although I haven't been modeling for awhile (HOn3) due to cancer (thigh Sarcoma) and knee replacement surgery, It both amazes and scares me as to how much more detail can be presented in larger scales. Great job.
At least I can still drool over the work of others.
(My wife says I should use a bib whenever I come on this site)
Dave
Dave thanks for stopping by and hope you're doing better physically. Thanks for the comments and that's why I switched to O scale years ago; love doing all the details. Make sure the Mrs. gets you a bib with an engine on the front of it.
Quote from: Larry C on Today at 07:27:57 AMDave thanks for stopping by and hope you're doing better physically. Thanks for the comments and that's why I switched to O scale years ago; love doing all the details. Make sure the Mrs. gets you a bib with an engine on the front of it.
Now that thar is funny Larry! lol Hang in there Dave!
p.s. that is something my wife would say or.... "Chugga Chugga Dork while swing both arms like a locomotive drivers
Quote from: Philip on Today at 11:19:52 AMNow that thar is funny Larry! lol
I couldn't resist!
IMG_045.jpg
Ok, so it was time to assemble the lobster traps from French River Models. Following the instructions, which was my first mistake, it called for a thin CA glue to hold the ends in place. The traps are made from a paper product and the glue soaked the ends and wouldn't hold. After thinking for a few minutes I came up with a quick jig to hold the ends in place while I used a thick CA for the task.I applied some glue to the back edges of the curved ends then held the back lightly securing half of the trap. Once dried I did the same thing to the front side. Good thing 4 traps came in the package because the first one got destroyed and ended up in the trash.
IMG_046.jpg
The lobster traps actually came out quite good considering so I placed them at the end of the dock making sure they were not parallel to the front of the dock. Next came the lobster boxes which also came 4 in a package. You'll notice the teeny tiny holes on the ends and sides of the boxes. Supplied was a thin thread to be used as ropes. After spending about 15 minutes trying to get the thread through one of those little holes with a pair of tweezers I finally gave up just to save my sanity. So far the quality of the items are ok but not great.
I also painted one of the "life rings" and mounted it on the front of the building so it would be handy just in case it was needed. Now using the "odd number rule" I did have 3 of each but it still bothered me visually.
IMG_047.jpg
The remedy was to add the 4th box which made an even number BUT looking at the entire scene as a whole there now is an odd number of boxes which to me looks more visually appealing. I'm curious what the rest of you think.
Now the front of the building is all detailed with an exception of an LP. I have ordered the details for the boat so while I wait of them I'll detail the left side of the building and may even start on some scenery material behind the building. Thanks for stopping by and for all your great comments and/or suggestions which really helps this build to continue.
Those lobstuh traps -really add- to the scene. Now you need a couple lobster buoys.
dave
Outstanding job on the traps and crates.
Quote from: deemery on Today at 02:52:58 PMThose lobstuh traps -really add- to the scene. Now you need a couple lobster buoys.
dave
Thank you Dave. I do have some lobster buoys that I will place
on the left end of the building.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on Today at 04:25:23 PMOutstanding job on the traps and crates.
Thanks Curt; they weren't the easiest things to make but they turned out pretty good.