Build Challenge 2016: Ewart & Lake by Stella Scale Models

[MAP]

Ok, time I started my thread for the challenge.  I chose Stella's Ewart & Lake kit, partially because I've never built one of Jim's kits, and also because I like the looks of it.  The building is based off of a prototype in Greigsville, NY. 

So here are a few pictures to start off this build.  First off is a shot of the box, then some of the stripwood and windows, etc., then the laser cut walls, and finally some of the roof cardstock, shingles, and an envelope containing the signage.  I'm not sure if you can see it in the 2nd photo, but the kit contains a Jordan Buckboard wagon kit!  Oh boy!!

More photos to come, but first I need to put on another pot of coffee.

[MAP]

A few more photos before I actually get started on the build.
The first one is of the instructions, along with the templates showing which components are which and others showing where the bracing goes.  I like that.  Most times the bracing is straightforward, but other times I've put it in places that interfere with something else (certainly my fault), or not put bracing in where it should have had some (my fault again).  Then comes photos of my work bench area.  Egad, what a mess.  Both sides are cluttered up with other projects, so I need to clean one side off to get this build really started. 

[ACL1504]

Mark,

I'll be following along with you on this one. I almost purchased this kit from Jim but passed at the last minute. I do have the Eire cafe though. Jim put out a few great kits and I'm sorry to see he is out of the kit making business.



Tom

[NEMMRRC]

Alright! There needs to be more of Jim's kits getting built.


Jaime

[MAP]

Thanks for following along guys!  I'm also sorry that Jim stopped making kits.  I have a barn and monument kit of his as well.

[S&S RR]

Mark


Another great project to watch.  I like your workbench - very well organized and one project at a time, like mine.

[Mark Dalrymple]

An interesting looking kit, Mark.  I have not seen this one before, and will be watching it come together.

Cheers, Mark.

[MAP]

John & Mark,
Thanks for following along!  My first task will be cleaning off one of my (organized?  Ha!) workbenches tonight and stage the parts. 

[Raymo]

Jim had some great kits. I always hoped he would have let someone take over the line. Thanks for bringing this kit out for the challenge.

[MAP]

Jim had some great kits. I always hoped he would have let someone take over the line. Thanks for bringing this kit out for the challenge.

You and me both!
So one of the first things I do is cut the windows/doors etc. off of the sprues, clean off any residual nibs with a sharp blade, then stick them to a board with some painters tape.  I used to just stick the whole sprue full of the pieces right to the tape, but after painting them, there was always some paint scraped off when removing them, so I switched to the other method.  I haven't settled on a color yet, but leaning towards a white for this kit.

[CVSNE]

Will be following along closely. I think I have this kit.

Was eyeing an open building site last night with an eye to include the feed mill Jim did in that location.

Marty

[MAP]

Thanks for following along Marty.  Here are a few more progress pics. 
First off I'm pulling up a few pieces of siding.  While reading the instructions (well, actually looking at the pictures) I noticed that Jim used a piece of 1/16" trim to put the two side walls together, which he has painted the same color as the windows.  Hmmm.  Since I like the looks of the color contrast I figured I'd better get on that next.  I used a razor saw to scribe the trim to give them some texture, then dunked them into Hunterline's Driftwood stain.  I couldn't reach the middle, so I used one of my stain brushes to finish them off. Next up I'll be painting the trim, and while they're drying I'll start adding the bracing.

[ACL1504]

Mark,

I don't know how I ever got along without all the Hunterline Weathering Mixes. This will be a great model.

Tom

[Polux]

I like how it looks!! nice work so far

[MAP]

I like how it looks!! nice work so far

Thanks!  It's been fun building so far.
As I was separating the laser cut walls from the sheet I noticed that they were a bit more, flimsy (bendable), then other kits that I've worked on, so I'm adding a bit more bracing than is shown in the templates.  I'm still using a Chopper #1 to do my cuts.  I think it's time to upgrade.  The base under the blade is all chewed away.  So as some of you know I like to use clamps.....lots of clamps....when I'm gluing the bracing to the walls, as can be attested by the following pictures.