# "Foss' Shipyard" scratch build in O scale.... Karl.A

**URL:** https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/t/foss-shipyard-scratch-build-in-o-scale-karl-a/249
**Category:** O Scale Builds
**Created:** [January 23, 2026, 2:31pm UTC](https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/t/foss-shipyard-scratch-build-in-o-scale-karl-a/249 "2026-01-23T14:31:24Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![TransferGuy](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/sierrawestforum.discourse.group/transferguy/32/185_2.png) [@TransferGuy](https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/u/TransferGuy)
#### Post date: [January 23, 2026, 2:31pm UTC](https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/t/foss-shipyard-scratch-build-in-o-scale-karl-a/249/1 "2026-01-23T14:31:24Z")

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This thread was started in June, 2011

**Karl.A**  
June 2011 edited June 2011 in O Scale Builds  
**This is Richards build moved from a previous thread.**  
Karl.A

**rtbaron** June 16  
Posts: 9 Latest pictures of my O scale build…The Shipyard..

The crane will be under repair on the dock…

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/a/a6c66a3b3f329ba7195cc3827d65c81bd3aaf62f.jpeg)

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/d/d77ec9871fef27f092e0a58288937bdaaceda89a.jpeg)

**Comments**

**Karl.A**  
June 2011 edited June 2011  
Jerry June 16  
Posts: 11  
Richard

Thanks for the update. It’s looking fine.

Jerry

* * *

toddmc09 June 16  
Posts: 11

The ship under construction is a masterpiece all by itself, that really is a fantastic kit and great lesson in shipbuilding to boot. The shipyard structures look fantastic as well. If somebody does not win first prize or best of show somewhere this year with this kit I would really be surprised.

* * *

**admin** June 16  
Posts: 59

Rich - you know I’m loving watching this build. Thanks for sharing it with us here.  
Brett

[SierraWest Scale Models | Award Winning Craftsman Kits and 3D Printed Details](https://sierrawestscalemodels.com/)

* * *

Wes June 17  
Posts: 13

Nice work Rich. That is going to be a monster when its finished.

* * *

**Karl.A**  
June 2011 edited June 2011  
.

**Posted By :- rtbaron June 18**  
Posts: 9

Dormers…used wood angle for the corners.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/5/5e4a1a4541453981149f19ad38effa8d3a6267d6.jpeg)

* * *

**Karl.A**  
June 2011  
.

**Posted by :- rtbaron June 20**  
Posts: 9

Peliminary roof test…also used the wood angle pieces for the trim around  
the freight doors…

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/e/e43ecbd037b9a5a9daf43b0ae3be98521386db8e.jpeg)

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* * *

**admin** June 20  
Posts: 59

looking awesome… man that sucker must be huge!  
Brett

[SierraWest Scale Models | Award Winning Craftsman Kits and 3D Printed Details](https://sierrawestscalemodels.com/)

* * *

**rtbaron** June 20  
Posts: 9

Brett,  
My base is 31" x 35". Not too bad considering all the activity going on.  
This is probably my limit in a diorama like this. I’m saving a base for the  
sawmill which is 24" x 48".

* * *

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/1/1b1970ba0be798108ebdc28338fa5ff60906d520.jpeg)

* * *

**Karl.A** June 20  
Posts: 60

Very impressive work Richard, keep the updates coming!

Karl.A

**Karl.A**  
June 2011  
.

hoN3\_rr June 20  
Posts: 27

Love the rubber band ‘chains’ holding the wood on the flats.

I too have to say “WOW” … this is something!

* * *

**rtbaron** June 22  
Posts: 9

almost time for the ground work…

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/b/b23b4d0321c13344149a14873b895a535ea63d93.jpeg)

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/0/007dea3a70e6057ac77bcd7cd07aca51cd8a2e14.jpeg)

* * *

**rtbaron** 10:10AM  
Posts: 9

Pitch and tar tank. Used disks cut using hole saw on a dirll press.  
Covered with 2x6 and used a copper band.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/4/42a658650ca3ce8d1a85d504d0a5dbba091260b9.jpeg)

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/9/9a1a36d0b1f019f94d0e987c2ddf3c2c81e80657.jpeg)

* * *

**Karl.A**  
June 2011  
Looks great Richard, and an ingenious method.

Karl.A

**rtbaron**  
June 2011 edited June 2011  
Testing the height and localtion of scaffolding . Poles are 6x6 with  
horizontal bracing 4x6.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/d/d49f3c94f319f7b957f66912ffe29bbd1ab3b96c.jpeg)

**rtbaron**  
July 2011  
Almost ready for glueing down the dirt in the yard build. Put brass rods in the  
keel and supports so the ship can be easily taken off and not damaged. Will put  
back in place when ready for scaffolding.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/7/705ca26cd0d75afb6e74c0a8c7bc3daa68c61a9c.jpeg)

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**admin**  
July 2011  
this is really gonna look incredible…

**rtbaron**  
July 2011 edited July 2011  
Finished the base coat (Dirt) for the scenery. Time to work on the  
building details unitl I await for the remaining equipment orders.

**rtbaron**  
July 2011

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/2/2280778f7dbda649f695cb96b0e7fa27fd0dc83c.jpeg)

**Karl.A**  
July 2011 edited July 2011  
Really impressive work Richard, I’m ‘almost’ as excited to see the next pics as if I were building it myself…  
It’s coming together beautifully!!

I hope your order comes in soon so that we can see more.

Karl.A

**Jerry**  
July 2011  
This is really an impressive build Richard.

Getting close to water are we??

Jerry

**rtbaron**  
July 2011  
Freight Doors…used a 1/8" model airplane grade plywood-5 ply for stability.  
On top put 1x6 boards and glued into position.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/a/a94d359180117964901604598663cc092554c254.jpeg)

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**rtbaron**  
July 2011  
Trying out a sign with letters from Blair Line…

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/4/4daed5a2c470af2fbce13d6625c9dbb31a68a45d.jpeg)

**rtbaron**  
July 2011

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/b/bf2b3bdb60872e6f92a44bd7a71987bff10cb724.jpeg)

**admin**  
July 2011  
I like the sign - I am guessing this will go where the lettering is in the ho kit?

**Wes**  
July 2011  
That sign is great. The anchor is a nice touch too.

**rtbaron**  
July 2011  
Might put the sign on the front roof of the sawmill…???

The sign is too big to go on the main building where the lettering  
is on the HO kit.

**admin**  
July 2011  
that might look really good on the saw roof…

**Karl.A**  
July 2011  
Great looking sign Richard, I’ll be interested to see how it looks on the saw shed roof. The sign framing looks very precisely done.

Karl.A

**rtbaron**  
July 2011  
Finished sign…time to start planning the scaffolding..

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/1/165741a1703b133402913d8a3185b9104255df3c.jpeg)

**rtbaron**  
July 2011  
Started scaffolding. This project is loaded with details, nice job  
Brett…

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/f/f6b71470a9a322ed48e1b0c1ca0e1a9dbc6460d1.jpeg)

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**admin**  
July 2011  
thanks… you are translating it very nicely to large scale… thanks also to Dave Revelia for his diorama that inspired the boat building scene…

**rtbaron**  
July 2011  
Latest pics…

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/2/2ac6994ee795a749696950698ee25b22a6ca7307.jpeg)

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**rtbaron**  
July 2011

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/c/c2897d04ba6175482e431367066eae75c981cf71.jpeg)

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**Karl.A**  
July 2011  
Very nice Richard, the scraps and boat area look great and the plan rack is as precise as ever.

Karl.A

**rtbaron**  
July 2011  
Thanks Karl, appreciate the kind words…

**rtbaron**  
July 2011  
Office stairs and deck. Had to make my own lattice work out of wood.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/0/0e266999dc5712795884ee12eb83123bcd0739e5.jpeg)

**Karl.A**  
July 2011  
That lattice work looks time consuming, but you pulled it off exceptionally.

Stairways and porch bring that whole area together perfectly…

Karl.A

**admin**  
July 2011  
love this corner - captured it perfectly!

**rtbaron**  
July 2011  
Thanks, the lattice work was 3 or 4 hrs alone…a lot of construction  
time but worth it…

**LSNRwyAl**  
July 2011  
I would like to echo - - wonderful work.  
Very inspirational.

**rtbaron**  
July 2011  
a few more pics…

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/e/ee828e55331311b5351c519cd0e9eb30ee084f8f.jpeg)

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**MikeM**  
July 2011  
Love the idea of a board being split on the table saw but I would think there should be a figure posed feeding it through rather than standing off to the side waiting for the cut to finish. The saws I work around would have a field day throwing stuff all over the room without some taming…

**rtbaron**  
July 2011  
The arttista figures were placed there just for the picture. The final  
setup will have a figure feeding and one guiding it thru. Also off to  
the side will be 2 figures picking up boards. It will all come together  
in the final rendition…

**admin**  
July 2011 edited July 2011  
i love the support framing for the cut off saw… very nice as usual

**rtbaron**  
July 2011  
I can’t take credit for everything…the table saw is from Banta  
and the cut off saw is from BTS.

**woody715**  
July 2011  
Just a note to say that I am enjoing following this build. I a newly converted On30 modeler (after many years in HO) and have just been shipped my first SW O scale kit. I sure hope I can do as great a a job on it as you have done here.Cheers.

**rtbaron**  
July 2011 edited July 2011  
Trying to adjust some details as I go… I love using the Arttista figures since  
they add action or a story being told to the viewer. I did use some artistic  
liscense since the ships plans would never be rolled up with the image  
being viewed but it adds to the interest of the scene…

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/f/f7f0d095e578e4b9eb2b6b6b55890d2aef8cbb56.jpeg)

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/b/b6f62a4582dc60075ff195456e301ab0396ca333.jpeg)

**Karl.A**  
July 2011 edited July 2011  
The scene with the plans looks great Richard, the figures look appropriate and the printing facing out does indeed add some extra interest to the scene.

Unfortunately I’m not so sure on the crane… I also built one to include on my ‘O’ Shelby’s wharf but felt that it did not make sense, it didn’t look right and it overpowered the wharf. I fear that yours may do the same here, but time will tell.

Aside from that it is really coming alive nicely now.

Looking forward to the next update.

Karl.A

**rtbaron**  
July 2011  
Karl…you might be right but the crane is not attached, just placed there for  
a visual check. Not sure how it will end up, will have to move it around later or  
maybe eliminate it altogether.I just wanted to place something on the right  
side of the pier for interest…time to rethink the idea…thanks

**Karl.A**  
July 2011  
Yep I did the same thing Richard, I even let it sit on the dio for a couple of months to ‘live with it’ to see if it grew on me. Ultimately I removed it.

I’m sure you will make the right decision for your dio either way.

Karl.A

**rtbaron**  
August 2011 edited August 2011  
Tar/pitch tank… test fit.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/f/f07b7b7038d75a2758666726b7c65b162d5e185d.jpeg)

**rtbaron**  
August 2011 edited August 2011  
Started roof’s…will weather with powders to tone down the color after all roof’s are  
complete…

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/e/ecb8f7fa244261a9488e0f401d8f4f3b568082b2.jpeg)

**admin**  
August 2011  
love that view… favorite in the ho scale kit and looks just the same here - great job translating this to o scale

**rtbaron**  
August 2011  
Thanks Brett…it’s easy once you have a great kit to work from…can’t wait for  
your Sawmill…

**rtbaron**  
August 2011  
Could use some input…tried to do a gray roof but not too sure about the color.  
Might have to do a medium brown and tone it down…Not too sure if I like  
the gray. Roofs are only temporary and was considering a redo in simulated  
cedar shakes…Rusty stumps #D5507. Any suggestions would be helpful…thanks.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/3/3804ee6a16b148f344c1ae93b989b96611e11777.jpeg)

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**LSNRwyAl**  
August 2011  
You have a fantastic build here. The current version of your roofs are not up to the rest of your build (in the pictures - - which is probably different colour from live). I wonder if you could (with cream or white plus a colour) do a more “sun fade” look ?

**admin**  
August 2011  
the coloration of the roof is very bland… lacking any sort of detail - how about individual shingles? would look very nice… a roof that size in o scale just begs to be detailed properly like no commercial laser cut product would even come close to replicating.

**rtbaron**  
August 2011  
Still trying to get the look of the shingles. Weathered the gray paper shingles and not too bad but the responses were right…not enough detail. Next step is to try Brett’s formula of Earth, Reefer Gray and Concrete on wood shingles. Will try the paint on Builders in Scale’s Truewood Rustic Shingles in Oak. Still experimenting…

**Karl.A**  
August 2011  
I also agree with the previous posters, the grey roof was too bland and certainly lacked texture.  
I’ll be interested to see a test section of the BiS oak shingles, but, individual shingles may be the way to go to maintain the quality of the rest of the build… and would certainly be my first choice… time, and more great updates will tell which..

Karl.A

**rtbaron**  
August 2011  
Never did scratch build on shingles. I assume it’s just cutting veneer to the proper size..Any insights ?

**Wes**  
August 2011  
If you decide to do individual shingles, your next update should be posted in about a months time:). All jokes aside, it will be worth the time and effort and make this already magnificent build even better.

**LSNRwyAl**  
August 2011  
I have done individual shingles in HO and it is worth the labour. The result is visable even in HO. I cut the product (have sone in wood and strathmore) in scale height strips. Then using a duplicutter cut the widths.

**LSNRwyAl**  
August 2011  
I apologize for the spelling errors.

**Karl.A**  
August 2011  
I assume it’s just cutting veneer to the proper size..Any insights ?  
I’ll post something for you tomorrow, too late to grab the materials, the camera and to start posting now.  
Seriously, it doesnt take as long as you may imagine, and the results are unrivaled.

Karl.A

**rtbaron**  
August 2011  
Karl…thanks much looking forward to your info…

**rtbaron**  
August 2011  
Tried to locate the shipyard sign on the lumber building but didn’t look right. Thought I’d place it on the main building and it seems to work better.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/5/59c261be5cfddc6e324fb9f9257422ade56c97c4.jpeg)

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**LSNRwyAl**  
August 2011  
Love “the roofers at work” mini-scene.

**rtbaron**  
August 2011 edited August 2011  
Started a preliminary setup of the diorama to see how the layout comes together. Still much more details to do along with the roof when my material order comes in…this is the fun part when I get to move things around to find the best way to display the theme.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/0/0d70a038ca58adee694a8ed7131f5db114e2fdec.jpeg)

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**admin**  
August 2011  
simply outstanding…

**rtbaron**  
August 2011  
Still working on the roofs…trying out a different color for the shed roofs…black  
seems to stand out too much. Will try a roof brown and weather it. Just received  
an order for wood shingles and will experiment on the color next.

**rtbaron**  
September 2011  
Finished…with the exception of a few highlights of A&I. After 6 months and approx. 600 to 700 hrs I hate to see this project come to an end. It has been a real joy to do and the more I look at it the more I enjoy and appreciate the original design.  
Great job Brett…and what to do next.? Waiting for the Sawmill.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/f/ff9349251786b8b4e9a796b760635ae24bfbf67a.jpeg)

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**Karl.A**  
September 2011  
Absolutely fantastic Richard, I’m going to spend some time later today really studying and enjoying your pictures. I’m sure I’ll post more indepth then. Too busy right now but definately something to look forward to…

Karl.A

**LSNRwyAl**  
September 2011  
Beautiful, just beautiful. Thank-you for sharing your high quality work with us.

**rtbaron**  
September 2011  
A few more pics…

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/d/d3f6f1730c7bbdcea2f16fc8ef1a3a113f3b850e.jpeg)

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**admin**  
September 2011  
wow… very impressive build… my only comment is wow… again…

**Kaz**  
September 2011  
Your work is truly inspiring – thanks for sharing the build.  
Who knows, maybe one day this might become a SW kit because of the inquiries that Brett receives on account of this build.

**Daryl**  
September 2011  
Be…utiful!!!

**Wes**  
September 2011  
Fantastic work Rich. I love it all.

I will gladly put my name down for an O scale version of this kit if Brett ever does it.

**EricMG**  
August 2018  
My name should also be added to the O-scale list, please. My wife actually works for French&Webb in Belfast, Maine, which still makes wooden boats like this, and also restores classic wooden boats. Todd French is a buddy of mine, and he builds boats the way you guys build Brett’s kits. They have a website.

**KKarns**  
August 2018  
Gee for socks…that is a scratch in O Scale!..now that’s some serious work…wonderful.

**Karl.A**  
August 2018 edited August 2018  
One day…

Rich’s work is always a pleasure to revisit, enjoy and just plain stare at.  
Thanks Eric for ‘bumping’ this great thread back up.

Karl.A

**MuddyCreekRR**  
August 2018  
Very Nice!

**sdrees**  
August 2018  
Outstanding work, WOW!!!

**Robert.G**  
August 2018  
Love it. Very impressive work.

**Pappy**  
February 2021  
Not sure this thread is still open but have to say Great Work!!!

**Jerry**  
February 2021  
Sad to say Richard got out of the hobby about 6 years ago. A real shame because he was an outstanding scratch builder!!

Jerry

**Pappy**  
February 2021  
Sorry to hear that.

**kebmo**  
February 2021  
i’m humbled…