FOS' Gusano Loco Build.

[ACL1504]

I decided to take on a small build while waiting on other layout related items to dry. I started this build this past Monday afternoon.

I pulled Gusano Loco Mexican Restaurant from the unbuilt kit stash. "Gusano Loco" in Spanish means Crazy Worm. Doug was being very kind when he used the word "worm" for Gusano. I've heard gusano used on the street by gang members and trust be when I say it certainly doesn't mean "worm". Although "Worm" is one of the generic meanings.



This should be a quick build. I'm not adding lights as this one will be used in an area where most all others will be lit. If any lighting is done, it will most likely be done on the build board of under the front door.

More in a few.

[ACL1504]

Continued in a few.

[ACL1504]

I removed the walls from the carriers and sanded the edges to remove the "kerf", laser angle cuts.

Bracing was done next.



After the bracing was thoroughly dry, I applied Hunterline's Light Gray to the exterior side of the walls.



More in a few.

[ACL1504]

While waiting for the A&I to dry, I glued the two trim pieces to the front wall.



I then measured and drew a pencil line horizontally on the wall to indicate where the front roof section will fit against the wall. Also, this wall will get a treatment of stucco above the pencil line.



Diet Pepsi time, back in a few.

[postalkarl]

Hi Tom:

Looks like you are off to a good start.

Karl

[ACL1504]

I then measured and drew more lines to indicate where the small front door and roof will fit.



In Doug's instructions he stated he used water putty for the stucco effect. He further stated that if you add to much, the water putty can be sanded to remove the excess.

Well, I'm using Durham's Rock Hard Watty Putty and when dry, it is the hardest material to sand, period. So, I added two very light coats of the water putty.

There is a reason it is called Rock Hard. Ever try to sand a rock?

The wall was taped with painter's tape to keep the putty off the lower portion of the front wall and below the pencil lines.



More in a few.

[ACL1504]

Hi Tom:

Looks like you are off to a good start.

Karl

Karl,

This is a fun build and I appreciate you stopping by.

Tom

[Opa George]

I'm following this build, Tom, with great interest. I have another kit to start soon with a stucco wall portion, so am very interested to see how the Durham's water putty works out, as I have a can in my workshop.
--George

[ACL1504]

Here is how it looks after two light coats of water putty was applied to the wall.



I set this wall section to the side and painted the other walls.

To give me a faded look to the paint, I used a thinned mix of Floquil Hunter Green and thinner, more like a stain rather than paint. I thought I had photos of the wall color but apparently I forgot to take them. Dang!

Anyway, you'll get to see the wall color in a few more photos.

More in a few.

[ACL1504]

I'm following this build, Tom, with great interest. I have another kit to start soon with a stucco wall portion, so am very interested to see how the Durham's water putty works out, as I have a can in my workshop.
--George

George,

Happy to have you along. This is the first time I've ever used Durham's on a kit wall. I've made roads with it in the past.

Later in the build, I'm sure you will be very please with how this turned out.

The key is to apply it in thin layers and not try to do it all at one time.

Tom

[ACL1504]

After the walls were painted and dry, I added the large sign.



I marked on the back the area of the sign. I used an Emory board to sand the back side of the sign.



More in a few.

[ACL1504]

I cut the sign to fit the side wall. White glue was painted on the rear of the sign and then it was carefully placed on the wall.

You can also see the wall color in the next photo.



While still wet, I used me thumb to press the sign into the clapboards.

After a few hours, I used the same Floquil Hunter Green to add weathering to the signage. I used the paint full strength and dry brushed the paint onto the sign.



I'll cover the stucco painting and weathering tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks to all following along on this, yet another, adventure in building.

[jerryrbeach]

Tom,


I'll be following along to see what I can learn this time.  Nice job with the dry brushing to blend the sign into the wall.

[PRR Modeler]

Great work Tom. The way you were progressing I thought you were going to complete it in one day.

[NEMMRRC]

Crazy build.


Jaime