CNR type depot

[UP Fan]

I am starting a new HO scale  "scratch build" using plans obtained from Scale Model Plans http://www.scalemodelplans.com. I know, I know, it's not truly a scratch build because I'm using commercial avail. plans, but their buildings are unique and the plans can be used over and over for future building bashing.
I'll be using 1/16th" holly left over from a ship build.
My first step was to study the plans and familiarize myself with the construction.
Next I layed out the window and door openings on the holly. I'll be using Grandt Line windows and doors. With the help of the drill press and a 3/32nd drill bit, I removed the waste from the openings. I tried a #11 Xacto blade, but the holly proved too tuff and I was using too many blades. Once I've drilled out the waste, I use a very sharp chisel to refine the openings.
I plan on building this structure with a lift-off exposing the first floor, passenger, baggage, ticket areas. And hopefully lighting.
On to the progress pics. Your comments will be greatly appreciated.

[Janbouli]

Welcome Bob , glad you found this place too.

[UP Fan]

Janbouli, thanks for the welcome and the link to this forum.  Glad to be here.  Seems to be a lot more activity here and it's nice to see some familiar names here.

[Erieman]

Bob,

Welcome to the world of scratchbuilding. I have a few questions, so pardon my ignorance on a few matters. Do the plans that you purchased specify what the exterior walls are? Brick, stone, clapboard, or concrete? I do not know what holley board is but it appears that you are experiencing a lot of tough going on those walls. Sometimes materials in one hobby do not cross over real well. If you can tell me what the exterior surface of the structure is, then perhaps I can recommend a less stressful material to accomplish your station walls. Scratchbuilding should be fun and as part of this exercise, knowing the right materials to use are  part of the puzzle. Trust me, I have been down that path. That is a beautiful station you are building.

Frank / Erieman

[ACL1504]

Bob,

Welcome to the forum. I too love to scratch build although I've been busy building the new and improved Atlantic and Southern.

http://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=53.0

I'll be following along on your adventure and it certainly looks like you have a great building to scratch build.

Tom

[UP Fan]

Bob,

Welcome to the world of scratchbuilding. I have a few questions, so pardon my ignorance on a few matters. Do the plans that you purchased specify what the exterior walls are? Brick, stone, clapboard, or concrete? I do not know what holley board is but it appears that you are experiencing a lot of tough going on those walls. Sometimes materials in one hobby do not cross over real well. If you can tell me what the exterior surface of the structure is, then perhaps I can recommend a less stressful material to accomplish your station walls. Scratchbuilding should be fun and as part of this exercise, knowing the right materials to use are  part of the puzzle. Trust me, I have been down that path. That is a beautiful station you are building.

Frank / Erieman

Frank, thank you for looking in on the build.  The plans do not say what material is used on the exterior walls, but my research has revealed that there were 30 class 2 depots like this one scattered  throughout Canada and down into Minnesota.  Of the pics I've seen, all of the exterior materials that you mentioned, brick, clapboard concrete/stucco were employed in the construction of class 2 type depots.  The Scale Model Plans web site says, these particular plans were of the CNR Depot in  Radville, Saskatchewan built in Nov. 1911 to replace the boxcar that was the original depot.  Even with all of the pics I've found of this particular station, it's difficult to determine the material used in it's construction, but my guess it was stucco.  I've decide to give the exterior of this model a stucco finish.  As for the Holly used in the models construction,  I had the material on hand so it seemed like a good "cost saving idea".  Ya lives and ya learns.  Next scratch build will definitely be a different wood; bass wood or box wood perhaps.  Again, thanks for looking in on the build.

[UP Fan]

Bob,

Welcome to the forum. I too love to scratch build although I've been busy building the new and improved Atlantic and Southern.

http://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=53.0

I'll be following along on your adventure and it certainly looks like you have a great building to scratch build.

Tom

Tom, thank you for looking in.  I must say, though that this build is nothing compared to the 'build project' you have undertaken with your layout.  Beautiful I might add.  I'm about half way through your build thread and I've gleaned several tips that I hope to incorporate into my ongoing layout build. 

[UP Fan]

WOO-HOO!  I'm finally done with the cutting, shaping and sanding of the windows and doors on the first floor.  The most difficult construction part was the three piece bay window.  After several frustrating attempts, I build a small jig to facilitate the glue-up without have a third hand.   Time to get back the the drawing board and figure out how I want to build the second floor, so it can be removed showing the first floor detail.  While I was researching CNR type 2 depots, I found several interior shots to help detail the first floor.  The second floor was reserved for the station master and his family.  I may build the second floor with a removable center roof section to show some of the living quarters,  We'll see.

[UP Fan]

Speaking of stucco.  Does anyone have a recipe  for a good stucco finish over wood?  I've seen couple examples on the net, but the finish looked pretty rough.  Might have to go with a concrete finish and paint it on.  Any advice would really be appreciated.

[UP Fan]

A little more progress on the CNR Depot.   Exchanged a couple of e-mails with Tom Carson from http://www.scalemodelplans.com. He actually visits the buildings offered on his site and take measurements of the building and converts them to the plans you see on his site. He was been a great help during this build, offering insight into the materials used in construction and subtle changes that have been made to the original structure. Thanks Tom.
I started adding the eaves and roof sections to the first floor. The pictures with my fat hand in the picture show how I constructed the eave/roof sections. The strip wood adds support to the top end of the roof and helps brace each piece. Figuring out all the angles was challenging. Had to dig deep into my memory of college geometry classes. But I am pleased with results.
Also used this time to make sure all the doors and windows still fit.  You'll notice the two windows inserted into the end pieces on top of the first photo.  Close, but it works.

[martin.ojaste]

Bob, the build is looking great. The bay windows are truely challenging and your jig is a neat tool to help. So many angles to keep just right.


Marty

[UP Fan]

WOW!  It's finally starting to look like a depot.  Got the first floor glued up.  Used Lego Blocks to square the corners.  A little tip I picked up from a wooden ship building site.  Works great.  Also started cutting out the pieces that make up the second floor.  Not sure at this point in the construction how much detail I'll try to show on the 2nd floor.  The depot master and his family occupied the second floor in these 2nd Class Depots.  Might be nice to show a little detail.   

[ACL1504]

Bob,

Wow, is right! This is a wonderful build and I'm following along with much interest. Great job.

Tom

[ReadingBob]

Bob,

Wow, is right! This is a wonderful build and I'm following along with much interest. Great job.

Tom

I agree.  Wonderful job Bob!  Maybe someday I'll work up the courage to scratch build something.   

[UP Fan]

Tom and Bob, thank you both for the encouraging words.  This is my first major scratch build.  Having a lot of fun and learning as I go.