Kanthima's Scratchbuilt Structures

[tom.boyd.125]

James,
 You are one lucky modeler. Maybe a partnership with Best Models to add to their New England structures is in the cards. Kanthima's models are top notch. Thanks for sharing...
 Tommy

[jbvb]

Thanks, Tom L. and Tom B.  I'm acquainted with Brian Bollinger and occasionally talk to him about kits. But a lot of people talk to him about kits, and B.E.S.T. has developed so many he's sold some (like the Clam Box kit whose build I posted) to other manufacturers.

[GeorgeD]

I remember some of Kanthima's excellent builds on the RR-Lime.  I didn't realize how many buildings she built.  I agree with Pete, her work should be judged.  Her structures are a nice addition to your layout.

Georgehad

[deemery]

When you visit James' layout and look at the structures in Newburyport, the -street scene- works extremely well.  All the structures look like they belong.  They're built to a uniform (excellent) standard, they're the appropriate size, architecturally they fit together.  This is a case of the whole being greater than just the sum of its parts.  

dave

[jbvb]

Thanks very much from both of us, George and Dave.

[Janbouli]

Scratchbuilding at a whole new level , they look magnificent . And here I am thinking I am happy as a single man , Kanthima makes me question that

[Philip]

Nice work! I really like the terraced look of the street structures!

[jbvb]

Thanks, Jan and Philip.

[jbvb]

Now that I've gotten my act together enough to get a project ready for her, my wife is at work on 114 High St. in Newburyport.



I haven't looked up who built it, but it has a look that matches Zillo's 1850 date.  The chimneys are all gone, but the renovators kept a number of fireplaces and other instances of mantel and trim where one once was.  I'm sketching where they were on the floor plan and we'll see if we can find a period photo to confirm.



High St. side.  In my youth, this was the American Legion. In the '90s they moved to a new hall off US-1 and it's been a residence since.



State St. side.



NW side.  I've never heard an explanation for the tower.  Maybe a Widow's Walk substitute for less hardy wives?  I should be able to turn up a story or two if it was open to members or customers during the Legion era; In my memory the building was mostly a bar.

[Jerry]

Looks great James.  Good to have a helper .

Jerry

[deemery]

I don't think towers on High Victorian houses had much direct purpose, although I suppose they could be Widows' Walks.  Generally, I think they were a throw-back to Renaissance inspiration, and a reflection of 'conspicuous consumption.'  The few places I've visited with towers had the tower room as a sitting room off the master bedroom.  It's also possible it was just for appearance; one house I visited (Wilton NH, far from the coast) had a central tower (like a Widow's Walk) with access from an unfinished attic.  So clearly that small room was not used for daily living.

A flat roof on that tower was very unlikely the original roofline.  (I have seen flat roof towers on Italianate/Stick structures.)    More likely would be a square peaked roof with a curved profile, matching the curves on the mansard.  The peak roof was probably damaged in a storm at some point and replaced by something much cheaper to build.

I'll be very interested to see how you-all do the mansard roof, that's something I've wrestled with for decades...

dave

[jbvb]

Thanks, Jerry and Dave. Another property site had this aerial of 114 High St.



There's a hint the tower has a hip roof these days, but it appears to be quite low.  Before plastic membranes, people with money to spare would cover low-pitch roofs like this with copper or lead using soldered joints. Less chance of shingles lifting in a hurricane too.



The walls are as complete as they can get till the roof is well along.  I counted clapboards and I fear the tower is too tall above the windows, but that discussion will continue after my wife gives the kid a haircut.

[KentuckySouthern]

A great start on the magnificent structure.  We've seen numerous houses in Michigan that have a square flat area on the roof where most likely a widow's walk had once been and just removed and covered over. 

[Rail and Tie]

Always awesome to see Kanthima's work. Amazing stuff.

To add more doubt to your roof top guesswork, it sure looks like a flat roof top on the tower it kind of matches other flat areas on the entry ways etc.    

[Mark Dalrymple]

Beautiful house and beautiful workmanship on the model.

Cheers, Mark.