FSM Jeffries Point Build

[Zephyrus52246]

Thanks for the info, Dave.  I have the color chart on my computer, along with the ModelAir chart as well.

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

Next, I use this metal brush to rough up the sides.  Works well to knock down any areas where there's too much paint.  Also exposes some of the base stain.  I don't want this structure to be too run down, so I went easy on this step.  Nail holes next, that gets tedious, so I'll probably take a few breaks and stain the stripwood.  

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

Nail holes (you may argue for/against on your own), are done with this "Gyro" tool, I think it's from England.  It makes more a point hole than the linear "hole" some of the pounce wheels do.  The square makes the lines straight.  Some of the walls are too high for the square, so I use a straight edge to finish those rows.

The templates show where the nail holes go, I don't think I've seen that on a kit before.  I usually just do 3 foot or 4 foot centers, whichever looks better.  George's template is probably more prototypical.   

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

I press fairly hard on the pounce wheel, which unfortunately broke these to mall areas between the windows.  You'd think after the first broke, I would have braced the second, but..... .  Simple repair and I'll brace them before trying to fit the windows.  

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

Next is the "raising of the clapboards".  I cut some of the boards, then use the Monster Nailer, which makes two nail holes on each side of the cut and then raise the edge of one of the clapboards with a chisel blade.  Too much pressure can cut the board off so be gentle here, or glue the board back on (I only had two of these).  This is the last wall, thank goodness.  

Jeff

[ACL1504]

Jeff,

This is coming along nicely. I'm looking forward to more of your build.

I have this kit on my layout. I gave ReadingBob my unbuilt kit for his built diorama. I took it off the diorama and now have it on the layout.

Tom

[deemery]

I have this kit on my layout. I gave ReadingBob my unbuilt kit for his built diorama.

Score another one for Bob the Builder!

dave

[Zephyrus52246]

Thanks, Tom.  I'm saving the picture of Bob's wonderful build for reference.  

Jeff

[jerryrbeach]

Jeff,

I'm just getting caught up on this thread.  Great progress thus far.  Jeffries is one of my all time favorite FSM kits.  I've never found one at a price I felt was within my modeling budget, so seems great to live vicariously through your build.

[Zephyrus52246]

Thanks for following, Jerry.  FSM kit prices peaked a few years ago, but still commanding fairly high prices on ebay and the like.  

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

Yesterday I stained all the stripwood.  I use this "olive server" and let them soak awhile, usually about 10 minutes.  Then put them up to dry.  Stained each size separately so as not to mix them up.  

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

I've painted the 1/16 inch square trim pieces.  I put a strip of paint on a piece of cardboard and use a grout sponge to sponge paint and also draw the paint across at times to even out the finish.  I also painted a door and a window with the sponge technique over the spray paint grey, but the colors were so close it was hardly noticeable.  I thought it was a bit too light, but a thin wash of black oil paint aged it up well enough.  Now to decide whether to glaze the windows with real glass (NO!), or clear acetate vs micro crystal clear liquid.  

Jeff

[ACL1504]

Jeff,

Nice little staining tray. BTW, if you need any other Jefferies photos I'll send them to you via email or post them here for you. I don't want to steal your thread.

Tom 

[Zephyrus52246]

Thanks for the offer, Tom, but the pic you sent shows all the stuff I needed.  

I was kind of at a thinking point yesterday.  You'll notice I'd ruled out cover glass for the windows, but if Mr. Donovan can cut arched windows, certainly I should be able to cut simple rectangles.  I did one and it wasn't bad, so we'll give them a go. 

Interestingly in the instructions, George didn't fit the acetate into the windows, he states he just glued it on the inside walls.  The slight gap is hardly noticeable except on close inspection, but this building is right in front of the layout, so I decided against this. though it would be a major time saver. 

Jeff 

[Zephyrus52246]

Another thinking point was order of assembly.  The window frames need staining before the glass it put in.  I need the window openings to measure for the cutting of the glass.  So I'll stain the siding and the frames, cut out the glass, install the glass and windows, then add the other side details (vents, etc) and signs.  Then assemble the building.  

Jeff