Keep It Rusty- Scrap Merchant’s Place build

[restocarp]

For a while now, I haven't built many kits. I scratchbuild almost exclusively, enjoying the challenges, creativity and custom results that building from scratch provides. But when Craig posted his Keep it Simple kits, I knew I needed to get one. And, of course, add my own twist to it.

Matt

[restocarp]

I began by cleaning the main casting and priming it with red oxide primer. This is my first time working with what is basically a finished printed building. The prints are very nice. There was no prep needed other than some sanding on the base get it closer to flat. I did this with sandpaper on a steel machine table.



Matt

[restocarp]

I want this building to sit on an elevation and to have an addition, so I glued some cereal box cardboard around the interior perimeter and braced it with strip wood. I created wall templates for the addition foundation as well. These were the base for pink foam individual stones to create the full thickness walls.



More soon,
Matt

[Vietnam Seabee]

I gonna grab a front row seat on this one. I got my box of popcorn and a Dr Pepper waiting for the next segment of Matt's build
terry

[Zephyrus52246]

I'll be in the front row as well.  

Jeff

[Keep It Rusty]

I'll have to elbow my way in for a front seat, too.

Really fantastic start, Matt. I already know it's going to be a great one.

[ACL1504]

Hey, save room for me.

Tom

[Jerry]

I might as well squeeze in there someplace.  Your off to a good build there.
Really like those pink foam stones!

Jerry

[GPdemayo]

Nice looking structure Matt.....I'll be looking in. 

[ReadingBob]

Dang, late to the party and relegated to the cheap seats.  I'll be watching though.   

[tom.boyd.125]

Matt, just like going to the show will take the back row and watch the action....Tommy

[Mark Dalrymple]

Looks cool already, Matt...

Looking forward to this one - in the back row by the sounds of things.

Cheers, Mark.

[restocarp]

Whew! It's getting crowded in here. Thank you all for joining in and I will be sure to speak up for those in the back.

First a quick tutorial on my stone wall technique.

I use 1" pink insulation foam and rip it into thin strips with my bandsaw. Usually about 1/8" thick, but this time I made them a bit thicker to match the thickness of the printed building's walls.

I don't have a hot wire cutter, as my bandsaw does a good job, but there is a difference in texture from the bandsaw cut, which likely helps with the final look of the stones.

I use a common technique and texture the foam with a piece of wadded aluminum foil. I then cut off strips that are the height of the stone that I want. This is determined by how the wall is being assembled and what fits.

I then clip the corners and shape each stone. It helps to have a reference unless you are familiar with the techniques of actual stone masonry. The general rules are:

• Try to maintain courses, like brick
• Vary the size and shape of your stones
• Stagger your joints

I glue the stones to the cardstock with Titebond 3 wood glue as it sticks and drys fast.






Matt

[Vietnam Seabee]

Thanks for the sbs on the stones
terry

[craftsmankits]

Thanks for mentioning the Titebond 3 wood glue for adhering the foam stones.  I've always used Canopy glue, but it takes a while to set up. Mark