2025-2026 Winter Challenge - AMB Interlocking Tower

[ACL1504]

The kit trim pieces are all laser cut. They are supposed to be 1x6 and 1x8 pieces.  The laser cut trim pieces are slightly smaller than the 1x6 and 1x8 scale lumber.

The laser cuts at an angle and the edges, called kerfs, are burnt. The edges need to be lightly sanded to remove the kerfs. Also, the material used for the trim pieces doesn't take staining very well.

This next photo shows the kit trim and my scale trim. The green is Northeastern Scale Lumber in 1X8.

The kit trim piece is also a 1X8 trim lumber. It does appear more narrow.



This next photo shows the kit 1X8 on top of the scale lumber 1X8.

Same size but more narrow.



They look the same but aren't. I prefer to have crisp edges on the trim and not slightly rounded pieces.

[ACL1504]

I raided my roofing material box in order to find a suitable material.

Here is a sheet of South River Model Works sh8ingles.



Here is Northeastern two tone gray shingles.

[ACL1504]

Northeastern two tone brown shingles.



And finally, Stoney Creek gray rolled asphalt roofing material.

[ACL1504]

The Atlantic and Southern RR Board of Directors wouldn't approve the expenditure for the fancy roof shingles. After all, the A&S
RR can't justify the expense on a standard interlocking tower.

The board did approve the purchase of a few rolls of the standard gray asphalt rolled roofing material.

The kit included the laser cut rolled roofing pieces. Each piece fits on the roof.

I used these kit pieces as a pattern and cut out the similar pieces from the gray roofing stuff.



Back in a few. Diet Pepsi time.

[Mark Dalrymple]

Coming on nicely, Tom.

My pick is for one of the shingles.

Cheers, Mark.

PS - The one time I should have bothered to read when I was told there had been another post while I typed!

[ACL1504]

Coming on nicely, Tom.

My pick is for one of the shingles.

Cheers, Mark.

PS - The one time I should have bothered to read when I was told there had been another post while I typed!

Mark, Cheers,

I also like the shingles but I've never seen them on a tower here in the south. I know there is a prototype for everything.

I've done the same, its all good my friend.

Tom

[ACL1504]

I  painted white under the eaves and plan to add some rafter tails. This will add to the model.

[ACL1504]

I'm still looking for a desk to use in the tower. At least the roof is removable.

Done for today.

[friscomike]

Howdy Tom,

The tower build is progressing well. The interior view adds a lot of interest to the structure. Glad the A&S
RR could afford the shingle material. Good luck with the desk quest.

Have fun,
mike

[Rick]

Tom, thanks for the explanation on the corner trim.
Your answer makes sense.
Going with the prototypical roofing material also makes sense.

[deemery]

While digging through my stash of stuff for the machine shop, I found a laser-cut (UPS brown color cardstock material) rolltop desk that I put into the drafting room/office (on the right).  

Unfortunately, I don't remember where I got it!  Does anyone recognize this?

dave

[elwoodblues]

Tom,

Great progress in the tower.  The lighted interior adds life to the scene.  I have no idea where one can find an HO desk, although one could scratchbuild one.

Going with the rolled roofing makes sense it that is what is common for the railroad location.

[Jerry]

The rolled roofing I'm sure will be just fine.

Jerry

[PRR Modeler]

The roofing looks great. I was going to suggest a tin roof for something different.

[Mark Dalrymple]

Looking good, Tom.

Scale structures do some nice looking desks - although a bit pricy.

https://scale-structures.com/5000-fezziwigs-furniture-interior-designs/?page=7

Re adding rafter tails - It seems to me this roof is set up like it has soffits.  This would mean the rafters would be hidden above these.  Typically you would just see soffits, fascia and guttering.

Cheers, Mark.