Builders in Scale "The Waterfront"

[Opa George]

Thanks for the support from all.  Let's get this started.
The kit features three structures: a saltbox boarding house/office, a cannery and a bait house. I'll follow the build sequence in the instructions, which means the saltbox is up first. It has a really neat shingled back wall. Below I have the cardstock base ready to cut (fresh blade installed in the knife):



Back wall is cut out, spaces cut for the two windows, and the castings test fitted--looks good. The shingles will add a little extra to each side, so the final fit should be nice and snug.



The kit provides roll adhesive shingles. I've used these multiple times in the past and like them for the ease with which they can be lifted, cut, colored and weathered.  Most of these older kits provide ruled guidelines on the surfaces, so installation is pretty straightforward. 

I like to count the number of needed rows (in this case I needed 24 strips) and pre-cut strips to length.  One drawback to roll shingles is their propensity to curve as you apply them. Another is the tendency for the roll to unravel. Cutting strips ahead of time just makes them easier to manage.  I use a small brush and water to wet the adhesive.




Back wall is completely shingled:



Here's the reverse (inner) side. Note the windows are completely shingled over. I'll cut those out and trim the sides once dry.



The instructions say to place under a heavy book overnight to dry. From experience, I have found this to be good advice. Not only does it usually dry flat, but at a more impatient age, I have tried trimming while the shingles were still slightly damp and have torn them.  What better for weight than a bound modeling magazine?  Hmm, 1974 was a pretty good year for me--I started dating my (future) wife that year.



Next up: Castings!

[Opa George]

Next in sequence is to prepare the metal castings for the saltbox. The instructions list the 31 (!) castings needed just for this structure. I laid out all of them and picked out the proper castings--comparing with the to-scale plans when in doubt. I am supposed to have 9 of the eight-pane windows but could only locate 8.  Seems over the years one may have dropped out of the box as it changed owners (I wonder how many times?)  I'll have to dig into my spare castings and tichy windows for a suitable stand-in.  Shouldn't be a big problem--I'll install the odd window on the rear wall (adds character, right?).



By the way, I counted over 150 metal castings with this kit!  These old kits use metal with lead, so care is needed in handling. Builders-In-Scale castings are top-notch. There are some unique and really neat castings mixed in.


I painted them all flat white. My paint of choice here is Rustoleum white primer.  Note--I did not wash them prior to priming/painting. Neve have and have not had any issues with paint adhering.  I wonder if I'm skipping an important step by not washing?  So far, no problems over many years, though.




More tomorrow I think.  It's supposed to rain, so that should give me some modeling time.
 

[postalkarl]

Hi George:

Looks like you are off to a good start. Will be following along.

Karl

[S&S RR]

Next in sequence is to prepare the metal castings for the saltbox. The instructions list the 31 (!) castings needed just for this structure. I laid out all of them and picked out the proper castings--comparing with the to-scale plans when in doubt. I am supposed to have 9 of the eight-pane windows but could only locate 8.  Seems over the years one may have dropped out of the box as it changed owners (I wonder how many times?)  I'll have to dig into my spare castings and tichy windows for a suitable stand-in.  Shouldn't be a big problem--I'll install the odd window on the rear wall (adds character, right?).



By the way, I counted over 150 metal castings with this kit!  These old kits use metal with lead, so care is needed in handling. Builders-In-Scale castings are top-notch. There are some unique and really neat castings mixed in.


I painted them all flat white. My paint of choice here is Rustoleum white primer.  Note--I did not wash them prior to priming/painting. Neve have and have not had any issues with paint adhering.  I wonder if I'm skipping an important step by not washing?  So far, no problems over many years, though.




More tomorrow I think.  It's supposed to rain, so that should give me some modeling time.

Opa George


If you don't find the window you need in your stash - post the dimension here on the forum.  We all have a drawer or box full of spare window and door castings. I know I would be willing to take a look in mine.  Finding missing parts is one of the great things about the forum.

[Opa George]

Thanks to all the additional follows!  John, I really appreciate the feeling of camaraderie in the forum and the note that everyone helps out with needed spare parts in a pinch. I'm also happy to help out anyone else in need:  mi parts box es tu parts box.

Nothing too exciting to post today. I started the foundation for the saltbox, which is a dimensional lumber sanded and painted to look like concrete. The instructions noted a mix of Floquil concrete, reefer white and depot buff.  I substituted local craft store paint and am satisfied with the look:


I used about five parts gray to three parts tan and one part light ivory.

Below is the completed foundation along with the saltbox first floor (cardstock) and the shingled but unpainted back wall. Next up will be more shingling on the roof sections, then walls!  Can't wait to start the walls!

George Nagle
Harrisburg

[Opa George]

Got some time this weekend (thanks to the rain) at the workbench. Walls to the Saltbox have windows and doors cut out, braced and painted/weathered. I went with a rattle-can of Krylon French Blue, with A & I wash to bring out the nail holes and lifted boards. Per the instructions, I used Floquil driftwood stain on the bottom 2-3 rows of clapboards.


The shingled wall got a heavy treatment of Floquil driftwood, then dry brushing with craft acrylics in brown and white. I found matching substitute windows for the shingled wall. Instead of 4 over 4, however, these are 2 over 2. I figure the builder skimped a little  on the rear wall.

Below are the main walls with windows and glazing fully installed, and some kit-supplied dry-transfers applied.  I am happy the dry transfers held up over time and did not crumble from the carrier sheet.


Still need a few more details and to weather the signs before starting to put the walls together with the foundation.

[ReadingBob]

Nice!  I really like the Krylon French Blue for the walls (with weathering).

[EricQuebec]

Nice!  I really like the Krylon French Blue for the walls (with weathering).

Yes, the blue color is really good.... Note to myself : Use Krylon french blue on a futur building....
Nice progress on your build Opa George
Eric

[GPdemayo]

I'm with Bob.....looks great. 

[Mark Dalrymple]

Looking good, Opa George.

I, too, like your colour combination.

Cheers, Mark.

[bparrish]

George...

This is very cool.

Also........ welcome aboard.

see ya
Bob

[Opa George]

Thanks for the kind comments, Bob, Eric, Greg, Mark and Bob.

I have one very important "whoops" to report, with a sincere apology. The paint brand is Rust-Oleum, and not Krylon!

I think the overabundance of rain here has softened my brain. Anyway--below a pic to remove all doubt, for anyone interested in trying it. You'll note the spraycan  cap color is significantly brighter, and the finish is satin. But on wood as a light coat, it loses most of its sheen, and the alcohol and ink wash tones it down considerably.


I'll be more careful in reporting those details in future posts.

[Jim Donovan]

One grandpa to another thanks for the well documented information. As rather new to this hobby I learn most what I know from threads like yours. Very nice building, I like the color and explanation, especially showing the spray can and how it looked on the wood.

[postalkarl]

Opa George:

Its coming along quit nicely.

Karl

[Opa George]

Thanks, Jim. And thanks, Karl. I appreciate all of the support.