CCK Doc Koontz Build

[ACL1504]

WOW!

Thank you Rick.

Tom

[ACL1504]

The way that fits in its location, you'd never know it was a kit!

dave

Dave,

Thank you also. It was a fun yet challenging build.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Howdy Tom,

Wow, just Wow, what a beautiful structure.  I can't say anymore than that to describe the structure.  That said, just WOW.

Have fun,
mike

Mike, Howdy,

Your gracious compliment is appreciated.

Tom

[ACL1504]

This is simply outstanding modeling in every aspect Tom. I look forward to seeing it in person.

Butty Curt,

Thank you, you are welcome any time.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Outstanding structure build in all aspects.
Final coloring blends in beautifully.

Rich

Rich,

Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I know it must take a lot know what you're going through.

I very much appreciate the compliment.

Tom

[Larry C]

Tom even with all the issues with the kit you managed to do a fantastic job on this. Kudos for making it look so darn good when finished. Looks great set in place.

[GPdemayo]

Another excellent addition to Tahope Tom, great work.....Greg

[ACL1504]

Tom even with all the issues with the kit you managed to do a fantastic job on this. Kudos for making it look so darn good when finished. Looks great set in place.

Larry,

Thank you for the kind and generous compliment. I appreciate you following along on this adventure.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Another excellent addition to Tahope Tom, great work.....Greg

Butty Greg,

Thanks very much my friend.

Tom

[ACL1504]

I purchased this kit from Jeff Grove, owner of CCK Models. His website clearly mentioned the kit was not for beginners and was very difficult to build. I liked the look of the structure and that it was a flat iron building. I took the comment about it being a difficult kit to build as a personal challenge. Come to think of it, I should have saved this one for the current Winter Challenge build.

I missed his announcement on his site that this kit was being offed with brick walls. I would have purchased that one as well. If I find one, I'll purchase the brick version.

Over the past couple of years, I've opened the box and looked at all the diagrams and parts of the kit. I was confused about some of the drawing but the more I reviewed them, the more familiar I became with the process of building it.

In November of last year, I decided to build the kit. I didn't like the look of the rear of the structure and knew I would be changing the small sub assembly and build the rear outside stairs as open.

I understand why Jeff didn't write any instructions. As I was building the kit, I was thinking, "How would I describe how to assemble this section?" I was also thinking that I wouldn't want to be the one trying to do the instructions. His exploded views of the bay windows, turret, roof panels and the store front made the process easier than perhaps any written instructions.

I've built over two hundred structures and this one was most definitely not an easy one. And, it was a challenge as Jeff mentioned.

There were nine pages of diagrams, eight being double sided. So, with 17 separate pages to view, it was still an exercise in patience. I can see where the average model builder could get confused, frustrated and not finish the kit.

A few of the diagrams were incorrect and the part numbers were wrong. With over 250+ parts in the kit, it is understandable how a few of the parts were incorrectly numbered. Also, a couple of the wood parts may have moved in the laser cutting process as they were never going to fit. I needed to cut a new canopy base part as I described in the posts.

I made new upper roof panels as well as the canopy roof.  I added extra bracing where I felt it was needed. The roof panels in the kit were nicely laser cut but, the material was to thick. I could have used the kit roofing material but it would have required a lot of sanding and test fitting to get the seams to align properly, if a all.

I'll say that this kit may not even be right for an intermediate modeler. During the build, I needed to think outside the kit building process and adjust to the parts fitting together. Patience is definitely needed to build this one.

Even now, after completing this kit, I'd change how I did the store front including the floor. Once I glued the floor to the base, it was more difficult to get the wall tabs to fit into the concrete base slots. The floor piece should have been trimmed by 1/32" on all sides. This way it wouldn't interfere with the placement of the walls on the base.

You don't see many, if any, flat iron shaped kits on the market.

In my opinion, this kit was a A+, even with the side issues. It is very unique and when built properly, will be a wonderful addition to any layout. Over all, for the price of $144.00, I got my moneys worth and more. Two months ago, this kit was offered on Ebay for $165.00 and it didn't sell.

I hope my build will make it easier for others who take on the challenge to build Doc Koontz Corner Store.

Tom

[craftsmankits]

Looks great Tom!  Fits in well, and quite a challenge to complete.  Thanks for all the updates and pictures.  Everybody loves pictures, plus all the info regarding the build etc.  Mark

[Mark Dalrymple]

The kit looks great on your layout, Tom.

Your patience has paid off.  Nice summary and conclusion.  I'm pleased you enjoyed the process/ challenge.  Have you seen a brick one built up yet?  There certainly seems to be a lack of iron front buildings.  I can think of a few by Foscale kits and a couple of FSM kits that have some of the challenges of this shape without ever making it to a point.

Thanks for sharing your process on another great build thread.

Cheers, Mark.