2025-2026 Winter Challenge - AMB Interlocking Tower

[PRR Modeler]

Outstanding interior details Tom. The switch machine is definitely better than the scrap piece of strip wood with tooth picks inserted that I have done in the past.  

[Rick]

Tom, good find on those levers.
A perfect addition to your model.

[jbvb]

Nice work, Tom.

Joann Fabric went bust last year, too many billionaires and financial wizards juggling their books and assets, I gather.  Was your roll sold as Tulle?  I have a yard-wide bundle of Tulle but it might not be as fine as yours - I've mostly used it for HO chain-link fence.  The best HO window screen I've seen so far was some silver Xmas wrapping ribbon: 

[ACL1504]

Tom the building is looking great!

But the levers are just perfect what an interior this is going to be!!!!

Jerry

Jerry,

Thank you, much appreciate the comment. 

The levers were something I've wanted to do but never found any. I think Monster Model Works made some but they aren't currently offered.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Outstanding interior details Tom. The switch machine is definitely better than the scrap piece of strip wood with tooth picks inserted that I have done in the past.  

Butty Curt,

Thank you. I'm happy to not have to scratch build the levers.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Tom, good find on those levers.
A perfect addition to your model.

Rick,

Thanks, and yes, I'm very happy to have found them.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Nice work, Tom.

Joann Fabric went bust last year, too many billionaires and financial wizards juggling their books and assets, I gather.  Was your roll sold as Tulle?  I have a yard-wide bundle of Tulle but it might not be as fine as yours - I've mostly used it for HO chain-link fence.  The best HO window screen I've seen so far was some silver Xmas wrapping ribbon:

James,

I agree, too many bean counters can ruin a good business.

The wedding tulle is great for chain link fencing. I've used the tulle material for my fences. 

This isn't wedding tulle, Its a fancy ribbon material. Robert Stanley specializes in ribbons.

I'll send you a PM.

Tom

[ACL1504]

The tower kit includes all the trim needed to add to the tower corners.

I looked closely at them and although they are acceptable, I chose to use scale strip wood instead.

I measured the kit pieces and used corresponding scale strip wood. I painted the strip wood with full strength Floquil Weyerhauser Green. When dry, I cut and glued them to the tower.








Once the glue on the trim pieces was dry, I used Floquil Grime and dry brushed the trim.

[ACL1504]

I then made several test fittings of the roof panels. I found that one piece fit better then the other. Not sure why as the two sets of panels were all the same size.

When I found what fit best. I removed the pieces and labeled them as shown below.

NOTE: You are viewing the underside of the panels in these two photos.



Also, for a better fit on the roof tabs, I sanded the underside of the pieces. I think you can see the slight sanding angles of the pieces in the photo below.

NOTE: The lines on each panel are where the upper edge of the tower walls fit under the panels.

[ACL1504]

Here is a look at the rough corners on the roof.



I then glued the four roof panels in place.



Once the roof glue was thoroughly dry, I lightly sanded the sharp edges of the upper side of the panels. This gives me a nice smooth transition from one edge to the other.

[ACL1504]

Done for today.

[Rick]

Tom, I'm curious what you didn't like about the corner trim from the kit?
What's the roofing material?

[Larry C]

Tom the tower looks excellent and love the color combo.

[ACL1504]

Tom, I'm curious what you didn't like about the corner trim from the kit?
What's the roofing material?

Rick,

Good questions. I'll go over my concerns with the kit trim and roofing material in the next couple of post updates.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Tom the tower looks excellent and love the color combo.

Larry,

Thank you, I'm pleased with how this is turning out.

Tom