Robert started this thread in June, 2018
Robert.G
June 2018 edited June 2018 in O Scale Builds
Standing still is going backwards, so here is the next O scale build I started. Some time ago, I was able to get my hands on this very nice craftsman kit. The Logging and Tractor Repair Shed. This was the good news, but when I received it , got it on ebay, it missed some major parts: the laser cut walls. Bummer…
To expensive to send it back to the US , payed already shipping , taxes and customs, so the only thing to do was curse the guy that was so ‘honest’ to sell me a perfect, complete kit, and then start building these lasercut walls myself. Only they wouldn’t be laser cut, but hand-cut…
Cut them out of walnut. Hmmm, some real classy wood here !!
Anyways, it took me a while to do so but I had the templates. Just had to follow the lines.
Here are the first impressions of the build. One wall is done for now. Further patination, rust marks , nail holes ,etc. when everything is assembled.
The missing window will be added later since it will be opened towards the inside. It would be damaged doing it now because of more manipulation.
The inside was ‘painted’ with a lime paint and then patinated with a brown mineral spirit based wash
Soon more
Robert
Comments
vietnamseabee
June 2018
Nicely done, Robert…I can appreciate the disappointment of being ‘hoodwinked’ by the seller but forging ahead anyway…keep us all posted on the progress
Terry
Joel
June 2018
Looking forward to following along. Always inspiring.
sdrees
June 2018 edited June 2018
I am building the ho version of this kit and it did not include Lazer cut walls. This kit is 19 years old and I don’t think that Brett was doing that for the model builders back then.
admin
June 2018
The O Scale version was the first kit I made with Laser Cut wall frames. The older HO Scale version did not have the laser cut wall frames.
Great start Robert!!
Jerry
June 2018
Real nice.
Jerry
KKarns
June 2018
Splendid looking wall Robert and a great O Scale kit for sure. Anxious to see the wonderful work you’ll be displaying here. So glad you started this thread, will be following closely…Ken
sdrees
June 2018
I hope you got all the castings, because they really make the diorama. Anyway, you are off to a great start. The walls were not difficult to build. It is all in the finish.
Dave_S
June 2018
Robert,
Is the lime paint a “home” brew or something commercially available? Is this a material that you use in your furniture restoration? I think the effect is very neat and rather unique.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
Robert.G
June 2018
Hey Dave, the lime paint is the same thing people used to paint their garden walls, and stable insides with. Long ago. It had a disinfecting function. And yes I use it sometimes to paint cabinet insides. It’s composition is nothing more then…chalk ! 
SteveCuster
June 2018
Looks great Robert. I really like your coloring techniques. Very distinct and super convincing. You definitely have a unique style.
-Steve
Dave_S
June 2018
Robert,
Thanks for the reply. I remember years ago seeing people paint the bottom few feet of tree trunks with a lime solution. They always said it was to keep ants from boring into the trees.
Your treatment of scale lumber is always unique and refreshing. I eagerly anticipate your builds and posts. I also recently acquired the Logging and Tractor Repair Shed kit so I will certainly be following your build and posts as you proceed.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
Karl.A
June 2018
Robert, beautiful framing… you may have been ‘duped’ by your ebay supplier and initially disappointed at first,
however you overcame that and your framing is some of the cleanest, tightest and best I’ve seen… true craftsmanship on display for us to admire.
Your colouration is unique and exquisite as always,
This is definitely one build to follow along with.
Thanks so much for once again posting and sharing your ‘work’ with us here.
Karl.A
Robert.G
June 2018
Thanks for the encouragements guys. Ed, no way The Tarkus was going to overrun me !!
This is another fine craftsman kit, and I was determined to build it. Frames or no frames !
Karl.A said:
Robert, beautiful framing… you may have been ‘duped’ by your ebay supplier and initially disappointed at first,
however you overcame that and your framing is some of the cleanest, tightest and best I’ve seen… true craftsmanship on display for us to admire.
Well Karl, I think this is the point where 40 years of restoration and patination of antiques and works of art comes in. 
Soon more
Robert
nextceo
June 2018
Hey Robert,
Nice start! I’ll definitely be following along…
Alan
vietnamseabee
June 2018
I’ll be following along as well…even tho I’m an HO modeler there is much to be learned, absorbed and tried from other modelers, regardless of their scale of choice
Terry
brownbr
June 2018
Nice start. This was a very fun kit. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
MuddyCreekRR
June 2018
Looks like a great start after what could have been a major setback…
Robert.G
June 2018
It looks like us SW modelers are into walls for the moment…
So here are some more. Not finished yet. More patination and further detailing to come.
Soon more.
Ed, Don’t Fear the Reaper…
KKarns
June 2018
Walls are terrific Robert, love the look of that last interior wall, old and dry looking…great work.
admin
June 2018
Superb! Can’t wait to see more.
Karl.A
June 2018 edited June 2018
Really looking great Robert, I’m on the list of “cant wait for more”
Apart from the overall excellent finishes, I really like the combination of aged bare wood exterior combined with the peeled white paint interior. I don’t recall seeing that before. Very nice.
Well, not on a model, when I build a shed I usually spray the interior white before putting anything in there, it makes it brighter and lighter in there, never thought of doing it on a model though.
I’m sure it will also improve your light and interior visibility of all those wonderfully finished castings I know you are going to have in there. Great stuff!
I also like how the peeled paint is weathered differently than if it were an exterior wall, and rightly so of course. More randomly weathered from use and abuse than specific areas from the elements.
Karl.A
Robert.G
June 2018
Thanks everyone. It’s very motivating. I am the first on my list of " can’t wait for more "
Yes Karl, I had the same thoughts when ‘painting’ the interior lime white. The castings will benefit from this. In function of where and what I put in , specific patination will be done. That’s for later on.
In real the wall isn’t so ‘white’. I took the photo’s outside and there was lots of sunlight. The same for the walls. Everything is a little warmer. More like the very first picture. But I think I like it…
Now I have to figure out the ‘geography’ of the ‘ensemble’. The manual suggests putting it a little higher than the tracks and I’ll go with that idea.
For now, I am building all the SW structures for a future layout that isn’t determined yet , so a little guessing from my part…
Anyway, building each and every SW kit gives me so much 'quality time '. 
Soon more.
Robert.G
July 2018
The walls have been put together now. Next will be placing the sleepers and the rail so I can apply some patination around them on the inside of the shed. Also started on the priming and painting of the castings.
Soon more
Joel
July 2018
Wow that was quick. Love the old wood walls.
admin
July 2018
Wonderful work Robert! The walls look so natural and old.
KKarns
July 2018
Amazing Robert, such a nice and unique look you have achieved. You have a wonderful style of coloring and weathering…such a welcome addition to the forum. I seem to go with the dark grungy side and you at the opposite end and it works so well! Illustrates how versatile Brett’s kits are in the hands of imaginative modelers such as yourself, well done…Ken
Robert.G
August 2018
Been working for a while on these two giants. Man, they are actually two extra kits in the main kit !! ( for those who may wonder, it is white sand, not snow…)
They are presented without anything else, no extra details . Just the vehicles. On the diorama, they will be drenched in extra stuff. I did try to keep a little colour on them. Well, if grey is a colour…
Not completely rusted nether , they are still in ’ service '.
I admit, I almost fell for the the Caterpillar yellow , THAT would have brought some colour, but these two are , as the manual explains , older. So grey it is.
Robert
admin
August 2018
yeah Ed, thinking the same thing. Incredible Robert! The mud in the treads is wonderfully executed.
KKarns
August 2018
Looks wonderful Robert. Perfectly grungy and love the mud in the tracks also…
Robert.G
August 2018
Thanks guys. I guess this is just another great SW kit. Soon I will be starting with the roof.
Karl.A
August 2018 edited August 2018
SW kits are all great Robert, as has been your work on them.
Those crawlers just look fantastic, terrific finishes on them.
Joel
August 2018
Great weathering…as always.
Robert.G
August 2018
Before I can start with the roof, I am doing the ‘interior decorating’ so here is just an impression of the atmosphere in the forge. Soon much more of course…
Now I see the photo, although it is painted black,I have to do something about the reflection on the hood. Must be the acryl in the Valejo paint that gives the reflection
The forge fire is done with two leds that go softly on and off ( Xmas things)
vietnamseabee
August 2018
Geezo Speezo, Robert…what a great model…always look forward to seeing your work…well done
Terry
admin
August 2018
That’s not a model… If I didn’t recognize my castings I would bet it was not a model…
Karl.A
August 2018 edited August 2018
Incredible Robert, a true master at work.
The lighter side of the hood looks natural to me, even flat black metal stuff looks like that when light hits it. Also the ‘glow’ under the hood from the fire looks right too.
It is however your model and you have a better view in person to gauge what you want. I have no doubt that whatever you decide, it will look amazing.
Karl.A
brownbr
August 2018
That turned out great
Joel
August 2018
Fantastic modelling.
Dave_S
August 2018
Robert,
Thanks for the update and stunning new photo of the Logging & Tractor Repair Shed forge. More inspiring modeling for us to enjoy. As always, I look forward to your next installment(s) showing us your build progress.
Later, Dave S. Oro Valley, AZ
Robert.G
August 2018
Thanks guys.
Karl, you are right, it is ok like this. I am not gonna change it.
This detailing is so intens. Although it takes an enormous amount of time, it is such fun to do. Really enjoying it so much.
Come on people, share your builds with us all.
Soon more pics.
vietnamseabee
August 2018
Robert…I agree with your statement “Come on people, share your builds”…however, I wonder if an intimidation level kicks in when we ‘novices’ see the high quality builds that are displayed here…I for one have shared my Railroad Camp build in the hope that I would get comments on what not only was good but also what the others on the Forum might have done differently if they were building the RRC…I value all comments as I think it makes me a better modeler when I ‘listen’ to a different perspective…
I haven’t posted progress on my RRC for awhile as I’ve been working on another of my books but plan to be back very soon.
Terry
KKarns
August 2018
Wonderful interior work Robert.
nextceo
August 2018 edited August 2018
Like all the grime and soot thats caked on the front of the hearth…and also on that barrel to the right. Well done. One question, are you going to add the heat shield…I think you should (as described in the instructions) because it will create a neat effect as the light comes off your LEDs..see below for a quick clip of what it might look like…
Alan
kebmo
August 2018
way cool effect
sdrees
August 2018
Alan, That is a real subtle effect and really neat.
Karl.A
August 2018 edited August 2018
Terry,
(and the rest of us builders that are here to learn from each other)
please do not be intimidated, we are ALL here to improve. There is no
judgement here, only help and advice.
I’ll comment further in another thread to allow Roberts excellent build to
continue here un-interrupted
Karl.A
Robert.G
December 2018
Finally, I got time to continue and finish this build. Only the disconnect needs to be installed, but I didn’t find the proper wheels yet. Actually, I don’t know what to look for.
Anyway, another amazing kit from SW which gave me so much fun to build.
To bad that of all the interior details, so little is visible. (That’s why I made the roof removable)
Now I can go and break my head over the next build..
Here some photos. Actually, there a lot of them… 
Thanks for watching
Robert
MitchN
December 2018
Robert,
When I took my first look at these pictures I thought that it was a scene you were attempting to copy not a model! The textures and coloring are fabulous. The photography and lighting of your subject are top notch too. I cannot compliment you enough on your accomplishment here.
Mitch
Robert.G
December 2018
Thanks Mitch. It’s only a small Canon Coolpix camera and pics taken outside in my garden in broad daylight. Well, I do pay some attention on the photographic layout of my image…
admin
December 2018
Outstanding Robert! Doesn’t get any better, especially your wood weathering and coloring. Thank you for sharing, very inspiring!
Joel
December 2018
Fantastic model. The colouring and texture is spot on. The interior shot is my favourite but there are so many great shots to choose from. Looking forward to your next build.
KCSTrains
December 2018
Robert, so you went outside and took a picture of a real shed. Where’s the pictures of your model?? Oh … this is your model?? Unbelievable. So realistic. I really can’t tell the difference. Great job. Phil
sdrees
December 2018
Just fantastic Robert, can’t say anything better than what Brett said about your wood coloring and texture. Can’t you make the light fixtures work to show off the interior? That is what I did, and NEXCEO did on his to show off our interior. It is a real neat effect.
Jerry
December 2018
Robert a beautiful diorama. Coloring everything fits so well together. Thanks for sharing.
Jerry
Robert.G
December 2018
Stephen, the lights are functional, I was waiting to be dark here to make some photos of the interior. Give me a moment here…
Ed, yes I did. I believe that , when your time has come , and the Great Buffalo will call you to join him, you will go in a guitar flight case…
KKarns
December 2018
Robert, what a spectacular diorama you put together. So many good things its hard to comment on them all! A few things that struck me…your roof work is outstanding. The Tractor Repair Shed has a very busy roof design and your work here is just amazing and all the materials and textures just flow together seamlessly. I’m drawn to the roof…but no for one thing, it has a warmth and homogenicity about it that works.
The clutter scenes are so well laid out, grungy in most and I just love them…I like your consistent colors on the drums that are together. This is particularly noticeable on the grouping of the green and yellow ones.
Your wood color and texture is just wonderful.
Your dirt transitions are expertly done and quite difficult to pull off as well as you have here. Another glaring technique you have mastered is your use of the more bright greens on your grass and ground covers and the flowering shrubs. This has to be done well or it doesn’t look very good and can appear “cartoonish”…not yours!..your work here is something I aspire to as I have been modeling at the other end of the spectrum…DULL!
Such a pleasure and a treat to peruse your work here Robert…well played.
brownbr
December 2018
My goodness. This work is right up there with the best I have ever seen. Sure would love to see it in person.
mikemettelka
December 2018
This is amazing…
nextceo
December 2018
Awesome looking work. I really like the shots on the inside of the building.
Alan
Robert.G
December 2018
And He spoke… Let There be Light… and there was light. Let there be guitars… and there were guitars… Let there be Rock… Oeps so sorry, I got carried away by Bon Scott’s ACDC
Anyways, some interior impressions. The photos are not perfect, I lack knowledge and high end equipment, but you’ll get the ..euh picture..
Thanks for your appreciation guys.
Robert
KCSTrains
December 2018
Outstanding!!! Phil
sdrees
December 2018
OK Robert, the lights are just great. Don’t be so apologetic about the pictures. They are fantastic. To me, the best picture of models are take at eye level as if standing there. They look so realistic, 1:1 scale. Your details, weathering, etc words can’t explain.
mikemettelka
December 2018
Your work is always incredible
Karl.A
December 2018
Just incredible modeling Robert. Perfectly executed in every way. I’ve spent several hours just staring, examining and admiring these pictures. Definitely some of the best modeling I’ve seen.
Karl.A
Robert.G
December 2018
Karl, you are to kind. Coming from an expert like yourself, it means a great deal to me.
And yes, SW kits are without any doubt THE BEST EVER !!!
brownbr
December 2018
I love seeing it lit up.
Robert.G
December 2018
Ed, last octobre, Emmanuel, whom I know well, and Marcel from Swiss, were once again together on an model train exposition in Belgium. I was there with my latest diorama The Hangar. Emmanuel, my neighbor, showed his mini scenes.
Thanks Bryan, the many lights show the detailing inside. Would have been a pity not to see them.
Joel
December 2018
Stunning modelling and really amazing photography. Love to see you do a step by step for your next kit.
Robert.G
December 2018
Will do Joel.!!
Dave_S
December 2018
Robert,
I hesitate to ask this so late in your build, but I will nonetheless. Could you show a few photos of the structure with the roof removed? I too like to make my structure roofs removable (even for small sheds) so the interior details can be viewed but I struggle to come up with good building methods that allow for a sturdy roof that can be removed and set astride the structure and keep its shape and be placed back on the structure and nestle down nice and snug.
I am also always looking for creative ways to either make the wiring for the interior and exterior lights totally unobtrusive or easily but realistically staged for viewing. I generally find it hard to figure out where to place the lights and wiring so it looks quite natural under the roof and trusses with the roof removed. All suggestions, hints and ideas are welcome.
Thanks, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
Robert.G
December 2018
No problem Dave.
Here some ‘functional, not artistic’ pics to illustrate what I mean…
So, for the wiring, I installed two brass bars all the way up in the trusses from one end of the building towards the other. They represent the positive and negative pole for the lightning. Or cathode and anode for the leds. ( I hope these are the rights words..)
On those two bars , you can connect as much lamps, leds as you like. Just make sure al the pos. and neg. stay together. At the end, ( outside the building, don’t forget a resistance for the leds.
Be creative where you want to exit the two wires. I guided them down in a corner never visible unless you take of the roof.
After everything is connected, I painted them in a wood color.
The roof sides are glued together and placed on the structure . Held down by some pieces of lead I melted into cubes. To prevent them from gliding down the roof, I glued some course sandpaper underneath one side. The weight of the lead cubes make sure the roof fits perfect on the structure .
To prevent glue oozing out and stick the roof to the trusses, just put a piece of very thin plastic kitchen foil between them.
Another way is described by Brett ion the manual.
Wait long enough to be sure the glue has hardened completely before you remove everything.
Hope this helps you, and others, out a bit.
Merry Xmas to everybody.
Robert.G
BILLR
December 2018
Robert and Dave’s exchange is a perfect example of everything that is so wonderful about this site. The Information requested was given a highly documented response that was educational for even the bystanders. Well done gentlemen, and you are certainly in keeping with the spirit of this season.
Merry Christmas
Bill
Karl.A
December 2018
Thanks for that detailed reply and pictures Robert. Excellent and easy to follow. It will indeed be very beneficial to many of the members, including myself.
Karl.A
Dave_S
December 2018
Robert,
Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee!
As always, thanks for explaining your methods of modeling and more specifically in this case a removable structure roof and the addition of semi-concealed electrical wiring. Great photos along with your explanations help to make the process of construction clearer by adding a three dimensional factor for us visual learners.
Bill is absolutely correct about the courtesy extended by fellow modelers on this forum. It has been my experience that when I ask a question I get a rapid response with no sense of hesitation or prejudgment on the part of the modeler I requested help from. No question I have asked has been to basic for a response. I think we have all universally witnessed this courtesy for each other on this forum perhaps more so than some others.
Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for A Happy Healthy Prosperous 2019 to all my fellow modelers, mentors and tutors here on the SWSM Forum.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ (The heart of the Sonoran Desert)
kebmo
January 2019
i just thought i’d bump this thread a bit for more people to enjoy. amazing modeling. the guys that build for museums could learn something here.
EricMG
January 2019
Stunning! The spilled paint on the saw horses killed me. May I steal your idea?
Your French grass is much greener and bluer than Maine grass. Except in May.
Robert.G
January 2019 edited January 2019
Thanks for this huge compliment kebmo,
Eric, be my guest. That’s what this institute is for… Here are no thieves.
ironmountainlumber
January 2019
Holy Cow !! Looking at all these pictures you would think it was the real thing from the details to the scenery. Fantastic job Robert!
Jim
KCSTrains
January 2019
Robert, great job on the build. You really achieved that realistic look. The quality of the builds in this forum continues to amaze me. Phil
brownbr
April 2020
I received my On30 Annual in the mail today. Guess which modeler on this site has a feature story.
kebmo
April 2020
i’ll bite…
brownbr
April 2020
Its Robert of course with this model.
kebmo
April 2020
i can’t wait to get my copy of this kit just so i can check out the details.
brownbr
April 2020
Pgs 64-69 2020 On30 Annual
Robert.G
April 2020
I haven,t receiced a copy yet, but these are NOT my colors. Shame on white rivier productions. They did get perfect high resolution photos, like the ones you can see in my building thread. Very sad…
brownbr
April 2020
The pictures in the magazine are fine. I’d say the red and green are from the LED bulbs in my office.
Robert.G
April 2020
Mea Culpa white river…
hoN3_rr
December 2023
I don’t comment to often, mostly just hang-out in the background.
But… ‘when I grow-up I want to be able to model like Robert.’
Simply amazing work. This is true art.
Robert.G
December 2023
Thanks, but the forum is loaded with SUPER modelers. Look in the gallery , in the ‘HO departement’..
kebmo
December 2023
vietnamseabee said:
Nicely done, Robert…I can appreciate the disappointment of being ‘hoodwinked’ by the seller but forging ahead anyway…keep us all posted on the progress
Terry
i would have at least sent the sob an angry letter.
glandesjr
January 2024
Hey Robert, Thanks for the lighting tutorial. It’s great. I light all my Sierra West structures too, but your ideas on mounting lights is quite instructive, and any help I can get I appreciate. And your build is truly amazing. Just awesome. Thank you.