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

[coors2u]

Here are a few pics of the head frame as it was assembled. Even as complex as it looks it goes together like a dream. I had to see what it looked like up against the tipple.

[coors2u]

As Mike say's there are a plethora of NBW's. Once they are all on it makes the head frame pop. I wanted the hoist cable wheel to look worn but servicble. Almost a weather beaten look,but still used everyday. The last pick is were the head frame stands at the moment. I have a punch list of things left to do then it's on to the hoist house.

[EricQuebec]

Hey guys,you work on two different way, but I can't said who is the better. continue your excellent work and let us dream with your pictures
Eric Québec city

[Mark Dalrymple]

Beautiful work Mike and Dustin!

I'm really enjoying watching you both tackle this fantastic structure.

Cheers, Mark.

[Janbouli]

Both excellent builds , thanks guys.

[cuse]

Great work Dustin. Love the NBW finishes. The photos make us forget how microscopic those are.


John

[postalkarl]

Hi Mike & dustin:

You are both doing a great job with this one. Love your colors and weathering.

Karl

[gnatshop]

Im'd pizzed off - both of you put me to  shame!!

[martin.ojaste]

Ditto

[Mike Engler]

Thanks to all of you guys for following along and for your kind comments.




This Dustin is quite the builder- a great job on the head frame. And fast too- he has a five week vacation and he caught up with me. Since he had bench time last night I better show some progress or I'll be left behind.




One of the things I do as a model builder that really gives me a sense of accomplishment is building an individual board wall. Learning Brett's techniques will enable any modeler to be a highly skilled scratch builder. Of course in the old days when we also had to build the framing wall board-on-board was a little more challenging, as Brett now laser-cuts these for us. I think all the young guys should have to pay their dues and buy one of the early kits just to build some frame walls.




I built the two end walls yesterday. The boards were already stained and weathered when we did the tipple house. Brett's stripwood traps for corners are genius- don't tell them how to do these Dustin- make them go buy the kit to know as much as we do.

[deemery]

Great weathered paint, Mike!


dave

[gnatshop]

Only old wore-out guys can do old wore-out walls this good!!

[nextceo]

Walls look awesome Mike...and Yes, since the Machine Shop is one of his older kits, I am having to build the walls the old fashion way...with hand made frames.

Thanks for sharing!
Alan

[Mike Engler]

Thanks Dave, David, Alan, and the other David- Ledbetter that is.


I've finished all four walls and now it's time to make all of the windows and doors. None of those easy-peasy plastic window castings that are thick and clunky. These will be made from several layers of laser board that is a resin impregnated paper board that is as thin as the prototype but very strong and easy to work with, and also is easily stained with alcohol and chalk powder. Some pieces even have an adhesive backing for assembly ease.


It's time this thread had a guest who won't need an introduction if you are an Expo regular. Bill Obenauf is a good friend and a world class modeler. His stage name is Bill Michaels when he is hosting his hit morning radio show from the Quad Cities. He has his own thread of this mine build on Brett's forum:  http://www.sierrawestscalemodels.com   Click on "The Forum" and then "Deer Creek Mine Build.


Bill has taken decorating Brett's resin castings to another level. Elsewhere on that forum Brett, Karl Allison, and the late Kevin O'Neill have several tutorials on priming, staining with chalks and alcohol, and additional chalk weathering these incredible resin castings. Bill has added the dimension of signs and graphics to the little crates and barrels. Here is some of his work. I included two of my own undecorated castings alongside a quarter to give you a reference as to the skill level Bill has attained.


I want to emphasize the last three pics are the modeling and photos done by Bill Obenauf.

[coors2u]

Mike those walls look fabulous. I appreciate the earlier accolades as well. I still have a few things to finish up on the hoist but the house walls are soon to take shape.
The variation on the wall without the windows is wonderful. Have you started on the interior flooring?


That Bill guy sure keeps raising the bar doesn't he? He did give me an idea for a extra detail to add myself.


I should have an update in a couple of days. Talk to you soon my friend.