Monster Modelworks Starter Structure

[Zephyrus52246]

As my other build is on temporary hiatus, I decided to start a Monster Modelworks kit.  The "starter structure" 3 story storefront.  I've not built one of these before and was interested on how the bricks would finish as they are wood instead of plaster/resin.  They look pretty good on the walls.  There's basically 4 walls, some corner trim, arched lintels and a multi-piece lower front.  I cut and glued the lintels on the front and back walls.   The sides have them lasered onto the wood.  I may wedge this in between two other structures and wanted no added width.  The windows are lasered and include laser cut window material!  I may not build any other kits ever again as much as I hate cutting the windows.     Even the bracing is pre-cut!  I braced the structure and sprayed the inside flat black.   I sanded the sides to may sure they and the corner pieces were square as the instructions state so you won't have a gap.  I had some minor gaps.   


Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

The Americana "Heritage Brick" paint went on well, I didn't thin it at all.  The gaps were pretty noticable.  I didn't get one joint flat against the wall.  Otherwise the gap is pretty small, but still noticable.  On the side wall I tried Karls tip of taping both sides of the joint and using joint compound and it worked fairly well.  I probably should have let it dry overnight, I then used the back of a Xacto to carve the bricks in.  Parts of it look really good.  I'll do the other gaps and let it set overnight before carving/painting. 


Jeff

[Janbouli]

Great start , following your progress.

[S&S RR]

Jeff


Interesting build thread - I just ordered one of these kits as a test of the wood bricks. I like working with plaster but I'm very curious as to how these look built up.  Are you coloring the bricks the same way that you would with plaster or resin?  I will be watching with great interest. 

[donatode]

I'm interested also.  I have this kit on the shelf.

[Dave K.]

BIG fan of Jimmy's laser-cut brick. Finishes up beautifully. I've built 3 or 4 in the past few months, and will finish the 3-story starter structure in the next few days. I'll post pix if you'd like. 

[ReadingBob]

Thanks for the build thread Jeff!  I haven't tried a Monster Modelworks kit (yet) but they look really interesting.   

[ACL1504]

Yep, count me in on the followers.

Tom

[Zephyrus52246]

Thanks for following, folks.  Dave, go ahead and post some pics, I'm interested to see what you do with this kit.  John, I'm going to finish it the way I did the Downtown Deco kit per Randy's instructions.  Paint/Umber wash/paint concrete sills/individual bricks/wash.


Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

I did the gaps per the first pic using some spackle.  I then used the back of an Xacto to carve where the brick lines were.  My finger nail did a better job.  Some of them are still quite noticable, especially the one where I didn't get it lined up quite right (the back of the windowless wall).    I think next time I'd glue the corner pieces on first so I could put it flat on the flat side, then brace it.  Parts of the spackled seams look great, other places not as good.  I didn't do the front seams at all, and they look fair.  We'll see how it looks after the weathering. 


Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

Sills painted, then a raw umber wash, very light, but heavier in some places than others so it's monotone red.  Added some light and dark bricks, it's a little "salt and peppery", but I think the final washes will bring it together.  I only did the light/dark bricks on two sides.  I want to see how the single color brick sides end up as well.  It's probably going to be in the middle of a block anyway.  I put a sign on it to see how it would go on the brick material.  A decal would obviously work better, but again, after all the weathering we'll see how it looks.  The windows are three piece (with two pieces of glass).  They don't look like the windows in the instructions.     I'm going to use the Dap "fast and final" spackle for the mortar. 


Jeff

[GPdemayo]

Great start Jeff.....I'll be watching. 

[Zephyrus52246]

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

[Zephyrus52246]

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

[Dave K.]

Looking good, Jeff. I'm not a big fan of the laser-cut windows. I spend a ton of time sanding, fitting, and finessing them to fit well. I can see why more kit-makers are going to them...just not a fan. Enjoying the thread. 👍🏻