2020 Build Challenge: FSM The Rock Bunker

[rpdylan]

thanks for the positive feedback guys!
    the kit has the stair stringers printed on cardstock that need to be cut out. As much as I want to build the kit as engineered, I just didn't want to use the cardstock stair stringers, so I used wood ones from Rusty Stumps.  I didn't like the way the stairs met up at the top platform, so I added a lower beam to the upper platform and had the stairs attach to that, they are still pretty steep, but that's how the prototype has it.... I would hate to climb those stairs everyday!.   I know people always say that they hate doing rafter tails,,, I hate doing stair railings! 
    for some reason my kit was missing the casting of the grate that goes under the tracks for the pit that the conveyor buckets scoop up material.  I kept it simple as its hard to really see once the canopy is installed, so I just make a simple wood frame and laid some metal rod over it.  the track is hand laid,,, I don't know why I chose to make more work for myself, but I got it done.  the ballast is still wet in the photos.
   Next I got to finish the canopy, railings, upper level electric poles with wires, then move around to the back of the bunker.
Whew!

[PRR Modeler]

Excellent modeling Bob.

[Mark Dalrymple]

Looks great, Bob.

Cheers, Mark.

[rpdylan]

nibbling away at things....
    getting the back platforms and roofs installed,, photos always point out where I need to hit wood with stain....

[rpdylan]

More details added around the bunker,,,, more framing needed for the sides of the canopy. There is a lot of detail in the back of the structure- there are platforms next to each chute, plus a ladder, and a small roof above each one also.  I'm almost done with all of this. I need to finish the canopy roof, then on to the final details on top by the conveyor. 

[deemery]

Your concrete looks superb, I had to look carefully at the bottom photo to see it's a model.  The lettering also helps add to the realism.


dave

[rpdylan]

Thank you Dave! What better compliment can a modeler receive than to be told that their model doesn't look like a model!
    My go to concrete is Liquitex Stucco, sanded down after application.  stucco and concrete are a bit peculiar to model: too little texture and it doesn't look "real", too much and it looks fake and out of scale. 

[rpdylan]

the roof of the office is removable. with the flash on you can see the interior so far.....

[jerryrbeach]

Bob,


I have been following along but have neglected to comment.  For that, I do apologize.  This is simply beautiful.  I love everything about it from the amazing concrete to the realistic color of the wood.  Kudos, to say the least!

[PRR Modeler]

Fabulous modeling Bob.

[S&S RR]

Bob


This is some great modeling. Very well done.

[Opa George]

Bob, absolutely top shelf work. I agree with the other comments, and must add that your terrain work is equally superb.  The earth/dirt has that correct look, and the placement of the trash piles and old junk is very convincing.
--Opa George

[Lynnb]

Really nice work on the small details, rockwork color is spot on. Nice details in the Office.

[rpdylan]

thank you so much guys for the wonderful feedback/ comments. I am very appreciative of all of you that have followed along my build thread and have been so kind in your critiques of my modeling.  I cannot say enough positive things about this kit, it is a great design, and there is so much modeling that comes in this small yellow box.  When you open up the box and see all these bags of strip wood, it is amazing how it all comes together to make this awesome structure. I tip my hat to George Sellios for providing modelers such as myself an incredible kit to build. To think that this kit sat unbuilt since I was a kid- just waiting for me to grow up, take possession, and then build her.  These kits are meant to be built, not sit un-opened on a shelf!!
    Here are some final pics,,,, of course I could spend a few more hours on touch up and extra detail, but this one is essentially done.  Don't mind the un-weathered train car....
   I took a photo of some of the tall weeds to show this cool technique that I picked up a while ago:  I put down some 4 mm static grass, and when that is dry, I brush on some glue to the top of the grass fibers and then sprinkle on some Noch flake leaves and a little fine brownish foam.  then I hit with hairspray after that has dried--- they look pretty good as leafy weed plants.
   

[rpdylan]

couple more: