FSM Jeffries Point Build

[Zephyrus52246]

Thanks for the kind words, guys.  

Started building the wood loading dock.  The instructions have you make the base, glue it to the base and then add the joists.  It would be easier for me to add the joists on the template so they're even.  So I started that way.


Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

I then built the rest of it, except the top boards.  I found out later I should have alternated the way the "inner" diagonal pieces were as it then the end pieces weren't quite right.  I'll cover it with a shrub.  

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

Placing the two docks together, the concrete one still needed a tiny bit sanded off to make them match.  

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

I then noted the tops of two of the stone castings didn't get much black from the oil wash, so the tops had to be redone.  Then I dry brushed the pieces.  

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

The top boards aren't added so you can place dirt under them after attaching the wooden dock to the base.  So I spread some Elmer's glue in the area, put down the docks and then added some dirt to the area.  Then some alcohol and matte medium to keep it in place. Next up are gluing on the stone pieces to the one dock  and the top boards to the wooden dock.  

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

The next step is to build a large rickety stairway on the end over the loading dock.  I couldn't decide if I would just use stained wood or paint this the trim color.  Matching the metal stairs to the wood is tricky for me.  Here I sprayed this small one tan and used black oil wash and it's OK, but not quite perfect.  I think I'll paint the stairs and framing.  Also the top boards are done.  Normally, I'd add nail holes to this, but it's already so dark and fragile I think putting the holes in might break it and then overstaining make it even darker, so it will stay like this.  

Jeff

[Jerry]

Jeff concrete and stones look great nice job.

Stairs and decking are fine you've done a great job on this build.

Jerry 

[ACL1504]

Jeff,

The build is coming along nicely. I agree with Jerry, rear stones look good.

Tom

[nycjeff]

Hello Jeff, your build just keeps getting better and better. The details around the main building are really bringing out the character of the structure. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[Michael Hohn]

Very nice work on the loading dock, Jeff.

Mike

[Zephyrus52246]

Thanks, guys.  I continue to make slow progress.  The next step is the rickety stairs.  Bob mentioned he remembered this as an issue, and it's coming close to being left off.  I started by building the appropriate parts on the template.

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

Attached the upper platform and supports without issue.   Built the middle landing, but putting it together it got skewed and didn't sit straight.  Took it apart, and sanded the supports even (I should have done that to start with).  I couldn't assemble it and get it square.  I finally figured that if I glued the bottoms of the legs to something, I could straighten it out.  I cut out a paper copy of the landing template for this. Reassembled it and it was nice and straight and even.

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

Started putting on the side pieces, and noticed that one of the original supports was upside down.  Removed it (the pieces all came apart and had to put it back on the template) and replaced it, then put on the side pieces.  This was again skewed, as one of the legs wasn't quite on right, trying to remove this leg caused what the rocket business calls a "rapid unplanned disassembly".  So I put it together for the fourth time.   It needs to be glued to the base, so I glued the top set of stairs on and positioned it and glued it to the base, I needed a couple of scale 1x4s under two legs to make it even.  

Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

The brace under the stairs was added, but was too tall.  I think it would look better if the legs were inside of the stairs, but this is what the instructions show.  Looks like I'll need to cut a step off the lower stairs as well.


Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

The brace under the stairs was added, It was a bit too tall and had to be trimmed down.  I think it would have looked better inside the stairs, but this is what the instructions show.  Looks like I'll need to trim off one of the lower stairs as well.

Jeff