Thanks for the responses, guys.  The base did the trick.  I added the trim, except for the sign backing which goes over the tan "concrete" area, as I don't know what business will go in there.  I added the roof by using thick black enamel paint which sand gets sifted onto.  I had an extra door from the kit which i used as a roof access door.  Monster now makes brick 'coping' for the tops of the wlals and I'll probably order some the next time I buy a kit from him as it would make the top look a lot better.   This one is finished.  Now to go back and work on the CCK kit.  Thanks for watching!


Jeff

Dave K., the bottom pic is the same kit.  I like how you finished them.  Next you're supposed to take the flat storefront sections and make them into a storefront by painting, applying glass, and bending them.  They don't want to stay at 90 degree angles, however.   On the pic that comes with the kit, it looks like they put in a floor, and I'm going to do the same thing and attach some small pieces of wood to hold the storefront in place.  How did you deal with this, Dave?  I used the Super 77 again, but I got tiny bits of adhesive at the edges of the glass and doors (you can see them in the close up).  I can remove most of it with a micro brush, but don't want to push nor scratch the glass.  Did you have this problem Bob B.?  Maybe I applied too much.  I'll have to experiment some more. 

I think you are right, Dave.  I tore a piece apart and it seems to be some type of paper product.  Feels like wood, when I stained the front of the windows, it appeared to have a grain, so I thought it was plywood. Bob's trick for the windows (3M super 77) worked very well.  No worry about glue blobs on the windows.  Wish I'd done them all that way.  I had to file the windows, and it seemed to help to file the hole as well, especially at the top ( I didn't do the bottom sills as I didn't want to repaint them).  You have to be careful not to file the arched bricks, however.  I added some shades (cardboard painted titanium white).  The shades aren't quite as bright as the flash in the pictures makes them.  I have a shot of the blank side where I didn't paint any of the bricks with different shades, just all the same.   I think it looks good as well.  I used one of the brick "plugs" to make it look like the window was recently filled in.  Saved having to do a window.      Time to figure out how to build the front and do the roof. 

Jeff

Just go to    http://modelrailroadexpo.com/Register/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=31    I think you can order it direct.  I know I intend to get one.   


Jeff

Cool looking tank car.  Looks like they pushed it a little too far.     Should be an interesting kit bash.

Jeff

So shiny, you're gonna need to wear sunglasses to cut down the glare.   


Jeff

Thanks, Mike.  I believe the windows are thin wood and after I put them in I thought the same thing.  I've painted both sides of the brick walls.  Maybe I should have painted both sides of the windows.  I don't have much of a humidity problem in the basement here.  Dave, I like the wood windows, even if they require a bit of fuss.  The pieces are very thin, but quite strong and I haven't broken one, even though fitting the first ones required some pushing and poking.  After sanding them a bit, they fit pretty well.  And again, I really like the laser cut "glass".


Jeff

Got the back windows in.  The panes are laser cut, a REAL plus for me.  Some glue goobers on the windows  , I'm gonna have to try the 3M spray adhesive Bob B used in his Sokol's build.    The windows are VERY tight.  They are press fit in, the bottom ones aren't glued in.  I decided to sand the edges of the top ones.  I couldn't get any of the lower window sections in without sanding them.  The cool thing is you can position the lower panes "open".  I'll probably have to paint up some shades now so they don't look so empty.

Jeff

Thanks, Greg.  Here's a shot after using the spackle for the mortar.  I just used my finger, wetting it at times to spread the mortar.  I had dry brushed the brick color lightly onto the sign.  Used some of the mortar on the sign as well.  I wiped it off with a paper towel, scrubbing it off in spots ( a tiny amount of the paint came off as well, but not enough to show the bare wood.  The last two pics are after a burnt umber wash and then a Vallejo black wash.  I think it turned out pretty well.  On to the windows!


Jeff

Nice looking build, especially the interior pieces.


Jeff

Shouldn't the razor wire be facing in to make sure Raymo doesn't escape?    Looking good.

Jeff

Neat idea to build the buildings around the support posts.  Thanks for the pics!

Jeff

Thanks for the explanation on the speaker, Tom.


Jeff

Neat.  I'll be watching as I bought this kit after seeing it at the Expo as well. 


Jeff

Doesn't cutting into the speaker ruin it or at least decrease the sound volume?  Wouldn't it be much easier to get a speaker that fits?   


Jeff