Lake Region first build J Keen

[Dennis Bourey]

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[GPdemayo]

Just caught up on your thread Dennis.....I'll be looking in. 

[Dennis Bourey]

Thank you Greg.Dennis

[Dennis Bourey]

Well We finished the tough build of the barn for my grandson, And done more on the J.Keen build. Not sure how to do the scenery and castings.But I will at least do the castings. Thanks for your support.  Here are a few picture's. Dennis

[jerryrbeach]

Dennis,


J Keen came out well.  I especially like the foundation.  It is a huge improvement over the one in the kit.  The roofing and walls look really nice, too.  The windows seem a little too new looking against the walls, at least to my eye.  I would suggest that you try to do a little dry brushing or lightly sponge the window casings with some gray to help them blend better with the rest of the building.  That's one of Doug Foscale's tips I picked up some time ago, i.e., using the same colors for weathering and blending all parts of the structure. 


Building the barn for your grandson really takes me back down memory lane.  I built a layout for my son and we spent a lot of time picking out buildings and working on them and the layout together.  The time spent with your grandson is something you both will treasure. 

[Keep It Rusty]

Dennis, I think you've done a great job for your first craftsman kit! I'm looking forward to your scenery.

If you're interested, here's a couple of notes:

1. Windows and doors. You've done such a great job on the clapboard weathering, I miss the same treatment for the windows and doors! Having a single color/layer makes things appear pretty new. You can either give them a wash (lots out there, but I use either A&I or an AK product like "Track Wash") or dirty them up with moderated use of earth-colored pastel chalks.

2. Nail holes. Only the right type of ruler will prevent you slipping and creating a wobbly line of nail holes. It's the metal kind without a cork backing. In fact, the best ruler that's worked for me is the little one that Bar Mills often ship for free with a purchase. It's got just the right height for my 1/4" pounce wheel to run along.

Again, really good job. It's a cool little build!

[Dennis Bourey]

Thank you Jerry, I will try that today. My grandson was the happiest 2 1/2 year old alive.

[Dennis Bourey]

Hi Craig, Thank you. The nail thing I slipped with the ruler. I thought I had it under control. Not good as I see that now. I looked for the ak interactive track wash. Do you use it 100% or do you break it down? I have microscope glass and I'm not sure what or how to add weather to windows without painting the glass now? I also forgot my window shade's. I tried your way and I messed it up way to much. Your version is what I like and want. So I will keep trying. Thanks for you support guy's. Dennis

[Keep It Rusty]

Slipping with the pounce wheel is very easy to do, more-so than getting them straight. You'll get the knack soon, but the right ruler will help enormously.

AK's Track Wash is just what I sometimes use as it's on my bench. What AK products do you already have?

Enamel washes (like AK) operate the same way as oils. You can apply them 100% and then use mineral spirits (in a q-tip or brush -- but not dripping wet) to pull back the strength of the wash from select areas. For windows and doors, I pull back the strength from the raised areas leaving the wash to sit in the cracks and creases.

For the shades, what part did you "mess up"? Maybe I can help?

I don't use microscope glass, as I prefer clear acetate I buy from Hobby Lobby (I find it much easier to deal with).

[Dennis Bourey]

Craig, I have about 20 bottles of AK Wash but no track wash.I have 4 different A&I but scared of it running down and ruining my clapboards. I'm sure it's just nerves and will get over it?  I couldn't get off the ground with the curtains you made. Dennis

[Keep It Rusty]

Streaking Grime is one of my favorite go to's from AK. Do you have that? Don't laden your brush with so much wash it could drip. Touching your brush to some tissue paper before applying it to the windows/doors will take care of that.

That being said, maybe it's best to use this info on your future builds, when the windows are still flat in front of you? (If aged windows are what you'll be after then, too).

For the shades, cut up some tan paper and put them behind each window. Don't worry about curtains for now. They can be tricky.

[Dennis Bourey]

Craig, This is what I have, Pictures attached. If I die before I use everything my kid's are gonna have a hell of a time getting rid of everything. Including all the kits I have and just I bought over 50 kit's. It's a hoarding problem. Dennis

[Dennis Bourey]

More pic's

[Dennis Bourey]

yet more

[Dennis Bourey]

Craig, This is not even half of my stuff....Dennis