Debra’s Fashions of Distinction - Scratch Build Using 3D and Laser

[Jim Donovan]

The roof railing was copied using Tinkercad drafting a CAD rendering that in turn allowed .stl files to be made which the Mars 2 3D printer could then turn into three dimensional models of the railing and roof supports. To give the roof railing a little more detail then possible without a laser I made an accent design to show off both the large and small holes in the railing fence using Tinkercad. Then had the laser cut this design using .1mm thick bronze anodized metal sheeting. The accent parts were glued in place using canopy glue.

So here are pictures of the steps and result:

[Jim Donovan]

The roof itself was cut with the laser using 3mm birchwood plywood. I then took a photo of a typical rolled roof, printed it on 12 x 12 cardstock using the craft color printer. Using a Sharpie I lined the surface to produce the effect of 3 foot wide rolled sheets. I placed 3M #468 two sided tape on one side of the cut roof and glued the photo in place. I added touches of liquid lead, a product mostly used for stain glass making, to the lines to create a 3D effect as well as sloppy roof sealing repair areas. I also dry brushed some brown 'dirt' color on the sheet. Finally I added the covered stairwell I had made from scratch based on photos of similar structures. It is made of basswood clapboard and a paper roof. I still need to add the water tower and some more details but other then that the roof is done.

[Jim Donovan]

The last thing I have completed is the base for the model. It tighties up the ground level and will be the 'roof' for the planned basement. At the moment it is not attached to the ground floor but I may glue them together at some point. In any event, the base is made up of gray Monster Modeling corner brick blocks that tie into the ground level giving the structure a clean complete look. I used Hunter cement wash to create the gray block look. And that catches you up to where I am at.

[Jerry]

Nice build Jim.  And an excellent job with the railing.

Jerry

[GPdemayo]

The brick base is a nice touch Jim.....

[Jim Donovan]

Thanks Jerry and Greg glad you like the progress.

With the main structure done I added lighting to all three floors. Since each floor is designed to come apart so the interior can be seen the wiring will run down the back corner be enclosed and have quick disconnects. I completed the ceiling lighting and here is how it looks. The front hallway lighting made a big difference in seeing details.The photo shows the light leaks which I fixed by applying gallery glass simulated lead, it is a gray color paste that dries to a rubbery finish. It is great for plugging light leaks. That's all till I complete the fire cases, outdoor signs, water tower and interior scenes.

[ReadingBob]

Marvelous Jim!  Love the lighting.  I know how much extra time/effort it takes to add lighting, but I'm hooked on it.  I blame Slim for that.  

[GPdemayo]

What Bob said.....

[Mark Dalrymple]

Looks great, Jim.

Its a very interesting section.   love that building against the backdrop too.  A really captivating scene.

Cheers, Mark.

[swisstrain]

Thanks for sharing this build, Jim, and for sharing how you but laser cutter and 3D printer to work.

Very original building, in particular with the lighting.

Urs

[Zephyrus52246]

A very impressive building.  The lighting really shows it off.

Jeff

[jerryrbeach]

Jim,

Outstanding job!  Looking forward to seeing it with the final touches.

[ACL1504]

Jim,

Unbelievably fantastic. Very well done.

Tom

[Vietnam Seabee]

Well done, Jim....you're quite the master of the 3d printer and laser cutter
Terry

[nycjeff]

Hello Jim, that's one impressive structure. I particularly like the level of detail that you can achieve with the advanced equipment that you are using. Again, congratulations.