FSM Mackenzie Milling Co question

[richbeau]

Is there a build thread anywhere for Fine Scale Miniatures' Mackenzie Milling Co (#215) kit?

Mostly I'm wondering if it's possible to build it as a 'normal' structure. That is, not as the ramshackle, rundown building I see everywhere. I'm curious to see if anyone else may have done so.

--Rich

[JimMooney]

The clapboard walls have pre-cut notches in them for the studs to show through, so you would have to "repair" them...the roofs have layouts the builder has to cut out, so those would be ok. The windows and doors that are all beat up you would have to scratchbuild, or sub other door castings for.

[ReadingBob]

I think Jim summed it up pretty well.  If I recall correctly you'd also have to replace the chimney castings too.  At least one of them was done to represent a chimney that partially collapsed.

[rpdylan]

     Looking at the structure, it doesn't seem like it would be that hard to scratch-build something pretty close to what the original kit looks like.... it would be a heck of a lot easier than trying to "fix" the kit. 
     

[Kimkatkim]

Having built the kit last year, I would say it wouldn't be a stretch to build it as a newer structure. As stated above, the doors and windows are the main things that would have to be replaced. I'm sure the Tichy line of doors and windows could provide something pretty close/usable. The roof can be made whole, without the holes/deterioration. Chimneys are easy to replace...I say YES! Have fun!
Kimberly

[richbeau]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm still sitting on the fence with this one. Maybe if I see a 'can't resist deal' but for now I think I'll wait.
--Rich

[tct855]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm still sitting on the fence with this one. Maybe if I see a 'can't resist deal' but for now I think I'll wait.
--Rich

Rich,
          I know you are a photographer my friend, and a damn good one.  Question:   Were you born having all camera attachments and knowing all exposure settings you needed to do what you do so well?  I for one, am damn glad you didn't sit on the fence to buy & learn your talent.  I know you made a decision to both spend the money and time to learn your talent and the rest of the world is thankful for it.

I bet the world would be as thankful if you spent both the money & time learning and building your new talent. (follow my ever so slight drift here) ha.  Life is about doing, modeling is about creating something in your life.

I like the direction you're headed with this structure design.  With all due love & respect, you are not a squirrel.  Get off the fence, and the only deal in life is a big deal! It's a big deal to the world of modeling if you create your imagination and share your talent. 

You saved me a lot of wasted time & taught me some helpful tips I still use today with photography.  Even though I suck at taking proper pictures I still work at trying to do better everyday.  so brother let me kick you off the fence and you can help me to learn how to modify one of George's kits to a more newer design.

You have a good modeling forum here with good modeling friends and good modeling advice. Use & abuse them!  Question:  What if all modelers here sat on the fence waiting for that better deal?  Signed tough love Thom...
         

[richbeau]

Tom

Thanks for the kudos and prodding but my gear has a longer shelf life 

Seriously right now I can purchase one of three kits - this one, which I've never built, and create something a little different. Or do I spring for a Chester Rawlings, also a FSM kit I've never built. Lastly I have this idea to get an old Depot Kit (#110) and turn it into something close to a Brownsville Depot (J.S.#15). If I posted a build thread here it would probably drive the price of the kit up. 

--Rich

[tct855]

Tom

Thanks for the kudos and prodding but my gear has a longer shelf life 

Seriously right now I can purchase one of three kits - this one, which I've never built, and create something a little different. Or do I spring for a Chester Rawlings, also a FSM kit I've never built. Lastly I have this idea to get an old Depot Kit (#110) and turn it into something close to a Brownsville Depot (J.S.#15). If I posted a build thread here it would probably drive the price of the kit up. 

--Rich

Rich,
            All good ideas, actually they all sound interesting.  Confucius said;  One can pick one's nose just as easily as one can pick one kit- The question is, will one ?  As far as the kit prices.  Go ahead, jack up the prices.  I know plenty of modelers who just love to pay bloviated prices on George's kits.  Good luck with whatever you decide to build RB.  I know it will be awesome either way!  Thanx Thom...

[Raymo]

Some where I've seen this kit built as a functioning mill, but I honestly don't know where I saw it. As far a the windows, it seems to me like George uses a lot of Scale Structures​ Limited castings who makes similar window castings that might work.

[richbeau]

Well I had forgotten that Scale Structures​ Limited's windows are similar. Great tip. Thx
--Rich

[Raymo]

No problem Rich, Good luck!