Carolina Craftsman kit Rural Post Office.

[jerryrbeach]

Tom,
Looks good.  I really like the way you modify a kit to give it your own unique touch.

[ACL1504]

Ordered mine tonight. Jim

Jim,

You won't be disappointed. This is a great new item from the many available from CCK.

Tom

[ACL1504]

You're doing a great job with this build Tom.  Thanks for the detailed "how to" with the bracing.  And I'm liking the added detail/mods you're doing to the kit to make it more like the prototype.

Mark,

Thank you, much appreciated. I can't seem to build something without changing it. The basic structure will remain the same though.

I'll have more to show tomorrow afternoon or Monday at the latest.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Tom,
Looks good.  I really like the way you modify a kit to give it your own unique touch.

Jerry,

Thank you, much appreciated. I love to take a kit and put my own touch to it so it doesn't look like the other 300 sold kits.

Tom

[S&S RR]

Tom


Another great build. Thank you for taking the time to explaining the details - it really adds to the usefulness of these build threads.

[ACL1504]

Tom


Another great build. Thank you for taking the time to explaining the details - it really adds to the usefulness of these build threads.

John,

Thank you. I appreciate you following the build thread.

Tom

[ACL1504]

One of the things I do when building new kits for Jeff, Kenny or Jimmy is to see if any improvements can be made. Also, I check to see if something doesn't fit or work as indicated in the directions.

At this time I find nothing wrong with this kit or the instructions. It is all fitting together as planned.

Now, that said, I do not consider the changes I make to a kit as part of the original build. I offer these as my way of changing, not necessarily improving, the kit. Just saying.

I did decide to add the bottom board as shown in the original photo. I made the decision to carry, for lack of another word - the skirt, along the bottom of all four walls.

I tried 1 X 12's, 1 X 10's and 1 X 8's for the bottom skirt. The 1 X 8 was to small and the 1 X 12 was too big/high. The 1 X 10 seemed to be the correct size but the 1X wasn't thick enough.

I opted to use 2 X 10's as the bottom board as this brought the bottom board out just past the battens.

I measured the bottom for the 2 X 10 and used a metal straight edge to mark the line.



I then used a new #11 blade using the metal straight edge as a guide and cut through the battens. The battens were removed.

The area was then sanded smooth with the Emory Board.



More in a few.

[ACL1504]

I've seen board and batten wall kits with the use of corner trim, ie, 4x4's. I personally don't like the look. Nothing wrong in using them, it is just personal preference.

If you desire to use the 4X4 corner trim, Jeff does include them for your use.

If you decide not to use them, then the ends of the walls will need to have the laser burn edges smoothed.

In the photo below, you can see the edge of the wall in brown. If painting the post office a dark, no problem. I still suggest you sand the burn edge off.



I plan on painting my building all white and the brown will not give the building a uniform look if left brown.

In the next photo, you can see I've sanded the edge and removed the laser burn. The laser cuts at an angle and the very slight bevel on the edge is referred to as a "kerf". You definitely want to remove the kerf if using the corner trim.





Removing the "kerf" gives you a very nice and square gluing surface for the walls and the walls will fit flush against each other as well. Again, refer to the photos above.

More in a few.

[ACL1504]

When, adding the bottom trim boards, I wanted to make sure they fit snug against the door frames.

I replaced the door in the wall opening as shown.



I then glued the 2x10 to that short section of the wall bottom making sure it was snug against the right edge of the door.

I repeated the same process for the left side of the door.



More in a few.

[ACL1504]

I added the bottom boards to the other three walls.

On the peaked walls, I cut the bottom board/skirt flush with the ends of the walls.

On the side walls, I left a little on each side to be cut flush with the peaked walls when assembled.



More in a few. Diet Pepsi time.

[tct855]

The area was then sanded smooth with the Emory Board.






ACL 1504,
            Since no one here can teach you how to be a better modeler, perhaps you might consider using that Emory board on your nails after you're done with the walls. Just sayin'.   KP-out...

[ACL1504]

All walls are now braced and also have the bottom skirt board glued in place.





More later in the week.

[ACL1504]

The area was then sanded smooth with the Emory Board.






ACL 1504,
            Since no one here can teach you how to be a better modeler, perhaps you might consider using that Emory board on your nails after you're done with the walls. Just sayin'.   KP-out...

Thom,

My nails are just fine thank you!

Just sayin back at ya bro!

Tom

[tct855]

Be proud brother, be proud... ✋

[PRR Modeler]

Great work Tom.