The Curmudgeon (Mike) and the Punk (Dustin) Build the SWSM Deer Creek Mine

[Mike Engler]

Dustin Hedrick and I have been talking about doing a build-thread on Brett's new Deer Creek Mine kit that is now shipping. This will be a non-traditional approach to a build-thread, and there may be more progress reporting than step-by-step instruction. That is being done by my good friend Bill Obenauf (aka Bill Michaels) on the RRLine forum and the SWSM Forum. If you haven't seen the start of his build thread, check it out.


Some years ago I did a thread with the late Elliott Moore called "Dueling Builds- SWSM Twin Mills of Deer Creek" on RRLine that was a lot of fun and had over 100,000 views (most of which were by Elliott and I according to my wife). So Dustin and I will attempt to reprise that kind of fun and hope that we can entertain and educate you a little bit.


Dustin has already received his kit and in a little will be posting a video of the opening of the kit and surveying the contents. I won't get to see mine until I return from California. My kit arrived Tuesday and is being guarded by my neighbor until I return. So let's have at it!

[GPdemayo]

Hi Mike.....mine came in last week and I'm trying real hard not to start building it.
 
I look forward to following along with your build. 

[EricQuebec]

I will follow for sure. I think  it will  instructive and interesting as the duelling challenge with the deer creek sawmill.

Eric QUébec city

[coors2u]

Hey Everyone. This sure should be a good time!!! Some of the biggest reason that I got into modeling is because of guys like Mike Engler and Elliott Moore. I wanted to pay tribute to these excellent builders. What better to use as a tribute than one of Brett's kits. So I contacted Mike about this and he jumped right on board. I hope that we can provide some entertainment along the way. With that being said, I shot a video of the unboxing of the Deer Creek Mine and wanted to share with everyone what really comes in one of Brett's kits. This is the first video like this I have ever done. I hope that you enjoy it.


http://youtu.be/MVWcsNLNz4g

[Dave K.]

Loved the video, especially not having experienced a SWSM kit before. Hope you do more!

[nextceo]

Will definitely be watching!!

Alan

[Mark Dalrymple]

Me too.  Looks like a fantastic kit!

Cheers, Mark.

[deemery]

I was very tempted by this, I just had no place to put it on the layout (and too many other kits-in-boxes...)


dave

[Raymo]

Good Luck,We're all counting on you!

[coors2u]

I have to admit that I have been tied up working on a few other projects. As soon as the EXPO is past the build will be in full swing. I have started the kit though. I think the curmudgeon has broke the seal on his also. I promise some pics very soon.

[coors2u]

Let's get on with a little update. Since returning home from the Expo Iv'e been itching to start modeling. I had a few free nights and this update will get to the point that I am at.
The first thing is to separate all of Brett's great castings. I drilled holes in the bottom of the small ones and spread out the other ones on popsicle sticks.

[coors2u]

There are a few other things that you get out of the way early. You primer the ore chute and dull coat the window and door frames. This helps these have some bite to get the chalks to stick to it.

[coors2u]

You start with building the bents for the mine. There are 17 1x8 that you have to grain and stain. I really like Brett's chalk method of staining. It give great variation from one piece to another. Here are a few of the tools I use to weather the wood.

[coors2u]

Here are a few pic of the staining process. Once I got the hang of it, it went very quickly. I started light and went back and added more where it was needed.

[coors2u]

Templates are included for everything. Brett even included some excellent laser cut acrylic for templates.