This post was started in August of 2023 and transferred over by the Author. (So don’t blame Jim if I screwed the transfer up!)
TravisS
August 2023 in HO Scale Builds
My first post on the forum so please excuse any errors or struggles with the format. Also “My First Foundry” would be a great name for Brett’s first children’s book if he ever wants to branch out.
I started on the JE Morton’s Brass and Iron Foundry around June 1st. Summer modeling always takes a bit longer but have been making good progress.
As you can hopefully see in the photos, I kept both a copy of the manual along with Ken Karn’s masterful forum build under my pillow. I tried to execute some of the “extra” techniques that Ken displayed to the best of my abilities as I find these challenges help to make me a better and more experienced modeler. Not sure how many pics I can add per post so may have to split the first three buildings up into multiple posts. Any constructive criticism or tips are greatly appreciated.
The rear of the Blacksmith shop. Will try to tone down the weathering under the windows before installation. It reads a little darker than it looks in person. One of the kickplates for the doors was lost the Vacuum Monster so the left one was fashioned from scrap. I went with a Tuscan Red acrylic mixed with some umber for the wood coloring as the SW set is no longer available. It was VERY bright when applied but dulled down very nicely with some chalk and AI weathering.
TravisS
August 2023
The left side. Another great door. The casting won’t really be seen once the overhang is installed but I took some time with it since I enjoy painting them.
And the “front”. Note the roof and wall damage. The damage on the roof needs to be worked on, looks too unnatural.
The right and final side with some things hanging off the wall.
TravisS
August 2023
Moving along to the Repair Shop. I will try to post better pics later. These are COVERED in fuzzies and a few dog hairs. I was shooting for an ivory color but think I went too yellow. Oh well, liked the color well enough when it was all put together and this building has a lot of “stuff” on it.
Front view with porch and damaged area on the porch roof. Again, need to work on this but I want to wait until it’s all together to see how it looks. I have no idea how Ken made his damage look so natural but you learn by doing!
Side view with that super cool sign that I weathered pretty heavily.
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Jim M
August 2023
Plugging along very nicely, great job so far. The only thing I would mention is that the bottom row of shingles doesnt seem to match the rest in this last picture. Kind of looks like the entire roof has overlapping shingles but the bottom row does not. Perhaps its an optical illusion.
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TravisS
August 2023
Jim M said:
Plugging along very nicely, great job so far. The only thing I would mention is that the bottom row of shingles doesnt seem to match the rest in this last picture. Kind of looks like the entire roof has overlapping shingles but the bottom row does not. Perhaps its an optical illusion.
Hey, thanks Jim! I agree on the shingles. Took these photos at an odd angle and had to play with them to get them to post but I’ll do a double check in person.
EmeryJ
August 2023
Travis,
I love the rotting and weathered wood. It is something I struggle with mainly due to my OCD and being a furniture/cabinet maker where everything must be perfect.
I have hell forcing myself to get the excellent results you are showing here.
Well done!!
JenS
August 2023
Travis, looks great to me. Maybe you could darken some of the edges of roof lines and the tar paper of the repair shop. But again, Great Work!
Karl.A
August 2023 edited August 2023
Great looking start so far Travis, the weathering and colouring are well done and the construction is beautifully executed.
This is going to be a great thread to follow.
Joel
August 2023
Travis,
I love what you’ve done so far. Great grungy look.
KKarns
August 2023
Hey Travis, nicely done my friend! Love the Pattern Shop work in particular. The faded and weathered Blacksmith signage is just right, old and faded but can tell what the place used to be. Nice and grungy. Look forward to seeing things come together and will be following your work here.
Robert.G
August 2023
Travis, this looks absolutely beautiful. The minor things to improve always show when you take photos of your work. I have the first parts of the Foundry in O scale so I am looking foreward to what you’re gonne make of this. Great start indeed !!!
ALCO
August 2023
Definitely see the “Karns Effect”! (That’s a good thing)!
TomMich
August 2023
Nice work! The weathering is really great. I especially like the coloring on the blacksmith shop.
admin
August 2023
What an incredible job, love it!
TravisS
August 2023 edited August 2023
Hey thanks all for the nice comments. Some modelers here that have been a great inspiration to me. More pics soon once the first grouping of buildings is all put together.
Karl.A
August 2023 edited August 2023
We’re all here waiting for more, but, don’t rush it, just do your thing.
We’re all here following along.
TravisS
August 2023
I have the initial three structures and the tempering oven glued (lightly) together and I’ve moved onto the foundry walls. There are some adjustments I will need to make once this building is planted and have described those I plan to make below. Since yours truly is a big clumsy oaf, I think it’ll be safer this way.
Way too heavy handed with the white chalk/water damage. Every time I walk past, I rub a bit off or add some straight alcohol to tone it down. I am worried about applying too much alcohol at one time as the roof paper already wants to come up. Do love the look though more subtle will be better.
Pretty happy with this side. Will add some more weathering when I start to place the details. Note all the stacks are just staged at this point and being held on with a small piece of modeling clay so I can get a good idea of the sight lines. As mentioned, I am a big clumsy oaf.
Reasonably happy with this side as well. Have to tighten up the edges of the roof on the Pattern Shop. The card isn’t warped but I don’t think I glued the edges well enough. The Tempering Oven was so much fun to weather and I love the pipe detail. Will try to get a better pic. Also in regards to the shingles on the Repair shop, I did mess up and put the “kicker” row too far back. Trying to adjust without tearing the roof up if anyone has any ideas.
Again, reasonably happy with this side and will adjust weathering once the dock and details are added.
Overhead shot. What a gosh-darn beautifully designed kit and not even 1/4 of the way done!
Jerry
August 2023
An Travis said “What a gosh-darn beautifully designed kit and not even 1/4 of the way done!”
And what a fine job your doing with it! Can’t wait for the next post.
Jerry
KKarns
August 2023
I’m with Jerry, fine work Travis!
EmeryJ
August 2023
I think it looks great Travis. Keep up the fine work.
TomMich
August 2023
Nicely done! Really like the weathering on your walls
Karl.A
August 2023
Superb Travis, the colour and tones on everything are so beautifully blended and subtle. The aging and weathering is strong but consistent and everything looks so good together.
Very nicely done.
Ham handed my butt, seems to me like you are doing just fine, and then some.
Robert.G
August 2023
You are doing a fantastic job on this one !!! Glad we can see and follow your build.
Joel
August 2023
Really nice work so far.
ALCO
August 2023
Looks like a great job on a great kit! Well done!
brownbr
August 2023
Looks great.
CarlLaskey
August 2023
I live in Vt. and there a lot of barns that look just like that.
great job…carl…
TravisS
August 2023
Thanks everyone for the comments and support.
I have spent the last week or so adding the color to the walls. Seen below was the first go. I’ve since gone back and reworked them a bit and dulled some of the louder shades down. Working with chalk for coloring is a lot easier than paint, I’ve found. So much easier to go back with a little chalk or alcohol to adjust. Hoping to add the windows and put up the walls in the next week or so.
MuddyCreekRR
August 2023
Looking great so far…
KKarns
August 2023
Stone work looks terrific Travis. This is a really enjoyable part of the build. The Foundry structure is such a wonderful design and really sets the scene.
Karl.A
August 2023
Stone walls look great Travis, varied but homogenized, nice work.
TomMich
August 2023
Nice work on the stone. I agree the coloring of stones with chalk is a great improvement over painting the stones.
brownbr
August 2023
Nice stonework. Good variety of colors without any being overpowering.
EmeryJ
August 2023
I have to agree with Bryan and Tom. The stone work is top notch. Well done.
Robert.G
August 2023
How can one not agree with the above !!!. Nice work !
TravisS
August 2023
Thanks everyone again for all the support as I work through the kit. I’ve added the windows and doors to the foundry and workroom and those photos are below. Wanted to note that, even though I take all these pics in my kitchen, I am not a hermit or agoraphobe. My landlady lives downstairs and she has two of the meanest ankle-biter dogs I’ve ever met just running around outside so I’m terrified of bringing these downstairs for pics. Don’t want to drop the model if they attack. Will get some photos outside once these start getting secured to the base.
Foundry and workroom. These windows were so easy to work with and come out looking amazing every time if you take your time. Thinking i’ll still fuss and tweak some of the stonework colors once the foundry is down. Handling the walls can really do a number on the subtler colors of chalk.
Backside and sand bay detail. Really happy with how Sand Bay turned out. So much fun to model and everything fit together like a glove. Such great engineering all through this kit.
Working on the office this week. My first encounter with board on board clapboard but seems to be going well so far.
Thanks as always for checking in. Any constructive criticism is always welcome and appreciated.
KKarns
August 2023
Beautiful work Travis! Windows and sand bay details look great. Well done.
admin
August 2023
Outstanding job, loving this build Travis.
TravisS
August 2023
Hey, thanks Ken and Brett! Really appreciate you both commenting.
KKarns
August 2023
You deserve the call outs for sure Travis!
MuddyCreekRR
August 2023
Looking really good…I can’t wait for the rest of the O scale Foundry to be ready…
Karl.A
August 2023 edited August 2023
Looking great Travis, wonderful work so far.
Work in progress back grounds are unimportant, we are all looking at your model, not your kitchen.
Keep on…
TravisS
September 2023
Morning. Work continues. I’ve completed the Office but am still working on firming that up. My process is to put things aside and keep glancing at them for a few days to see what “sticks out” and then adjust as needed. I started working on the AWESOME Foundry roof and wanted to get opinions on the coloration. It is just staged in these photos along with the louvre sides and cores so I can still remove it.
KKarns
September 2023
Color is very subjective so I’d go with what strikes you as you obviously have a good eye for color and texture based on your work here.
TomMich
September 2023
I think the roof color turned out great!
TravisS
September 2023
Thanks Ken and Tom. I was worried it was a bit too brown and monotone but I’m going to press on. Once all the vents are on there, it may all comet together. Plus I’ll get some smudges and prints on that roof I’m sure so touch up will be in order.
KKarns
September 2023
Now you’re talking!
Karl.A
September 2023
Stone work looks great Travis and at this point the begining of the roof is a good starting place for when the other items are added (such as the cupola/stacks etc) and you can start weathering things in place.
Jerry
September 2023
Nice stonework coloring. And I like the roof coloring also. Your doing a fine job all around.
Jerry
admin
September 2023
Roof looks right, color is so hard to evaluate like this. The tone and weathering look great. Not too monotone at all.
TravisS
September 2023
Brett, Ken, Karl, Jerry and Tom. Thanks for the comments. Really appreciate you checking in.
I’ve made some good progress. Finished up the Foundry, Workroom and Office up to final weathering which I plan to do once it’s installed on the base. Cant’t seem to keep my dirty, grubby hands off this thing. Brett’s design is so awesome that I keep turning it to look at all the sides.
Anyway, here are some pictures of the completed Foundry complex.
Brick chimney and workroom door. Will add much more weathering to brick chimney once the coal detailing is in place. Painted up like a dream, as have all the castings.
View from the other side. There was a gap between the Office and the Workroom so I added a few shims. Most of this will be covered by the crane scene though I think.
The incredibly designed Office in all her glory. So much fun to model all the signs and the recessed doorway. A little note: I have not been modeling all that long so knew that this kit would really push my skills all the way to their max and beyond. I had a lot of trouble with the office (again, not due to the kit design, just my skills) and did my best to cover any oopsies–recessed doorway was a bit wonky, had trouble squaring up the walls, etc. But in the end, think that is the whole point. Practice, realize where you need to improve and try to do better next time. I have scoured the internet since starting in the hobby and have yet to see a “savant” whose first build was as good as his most recent (at least that’s what I tell myself!)
Roof and all the vents and louvres. These were so easy to put together!
Base ready, dirt down, castings started! Now the fun really starts. More to come soon.
KKarns
September 2023
Wonderful work Travis! SWSM kits look equally
good from any side that’s for sure. Remember, all good modelers make mistakes…it’s how well you clean them up is what matters! Well done my friend.
Mountaingoat
September 2023
Exemplary for your first attempt. I see absolutely nothing wrong in any of the photos. Don’t be overly critical of yourself. You are building a personal masterpiece on your first try. Some of the techniques will get easier with time as well as many more yet to learn. Keep up the great work…Rick
TravisS
September 2023
Thanks, Ken and Rick. Having a blast, don’t worry! Just sharing my “journey” if you will. You see so many pics of these fantastic models, it helps to let others know that there is nothing that can’t be fixed if you put your head down and work it out as best you can. Also helpful is that Brett’s instructions are the best, by a country mile, in the biz.
TomMich
September 2023
Wow! Great work, especially for your first model. The photos look GREAT! Your weathering is spot on, as is the construction.
TravisS
September 2023
Hey, thanks Tom! Not my first kit, just my first SWSM one which as you know are the cream of the crop. Was looking back to your fantastic build the other day-- phenomenal job.
JenS
September 2023
I agree with the others, TraviS. You have done a really great job!
ALCO
September 2023
The old blacksmith shop looks especially grungy. Perfect!
Jerry
September 2023
Travis just getting caught up. Wonderful job your doing on this!
Keep up the great work.
Jerry
brownbr
September 2023
the coloring all around is fantastic
EmeryJ
September 2023
Excellent work all around.
TravisS
October 2023
Thanks everyone for the comments. Work continues…have slowly started to work around the diorama adding the details. I’ve completed the first 2.5. The transfer dock with the AWESOME wheel casting, the tempering area and the bar stock rack. Hoping to finish the office porch over the weekend. As always, feel free to call out anything that jumps out and needs correcting.
ALCO
October 2023
Very nice craftsmanship. Everything looks great!
KKarns
October 2023
Nicely done Travis! Love that last shot…nice and well worn with great scene composition. Pipe rack, stacked crates, wheel barrow…great stuff!
brownbr
October 2023
Nice work on the accumulating clutter and grime. The scene is really taking shape.
TomMich
October 2023
Looking good! Really like the detail work.
admin
October 2023
Outstanding, really captured the “feel” so well.
randyp
October 2023
Travis, Very nicely constructed, weathered, and staged. I know how much work that you have put into this kit. Great job, Keep going. Randy
TravisS
October 2023
Thanks everyone. Really good to hear from you all and greatly appreciate the feedback.
Joel
October 2023
Travis great work on the colouring and weathering. The atmosphere you are creating is perfect for this building
EmeryJ
October 2023
Excellent job on this Travis!!
Robert.G
October 2023
Great color and feel of the ‘ensemble’.. Well done !
TravisS
November 2023
Radio silence for a while but have been making progress. Any of you that have built this one (or I assume, any SRSM kit) know that their is A LOT in the box when it comes to castings and smaller sub assemblies. Pics below as I work around the final scenes. Hoping to finish up by Thanksgiving and I’ll save the big reveal of the area beside the office and workroom with the molding boxes for the end. Much more to do!
The Repair Shop. Some 3d printed boots from SW that really breathe “life” into the scene.
Side of the Repair Shop and that cool sign as well as the side of the Pattern Shop which has so, so much character. Need to clean up that roof line a bit…in addition to adding 10 pounds, the camera is also the great revealer of modeling whoopsies.
The front of the Pattern Shop as well as the loading dock and Sand Bay. I really, really like this view. The depth of scene the layout of the buildings has created is just super cool.
The front of the Office and the crane scene with assorted “new clutter.” Sorry for the crummy pic…
Thanks all for looking and for the continued support!
TomMich
November 2023
WOW! Awesome job! Really like how you have weathered and detailed each structure.
MuddyCreekRR
November 2023
Love the progress…looks great…I’m waiting on the next installment of the O scale to keep working on mine…
KKarns
November 2023
Excellent work Travis! Really coming along great.
CarlLaskey
November 2023
Looks like a Wild West town great work. …
TravisS
November 2023
Hey thanks all. Appreciate the support.
Ken that ivy stuff you told me about is on its way. Currently at The Hague in the Netherlands! Assuming it’s on trial for war crimes.
Karl.A
November 2023
Wonderful work Travis, such a great job on everything.
The colouring and weathering on everything is beautiful.
Construction is superb.
Karl.A
November 2023 edited November 2023
Side note: I also took pics of a dio of mine on the stove top once and inadvertently knocked on one of the rings while rotating it for pictures.
Be careful with your great work, I set mine on fire !!! haha.
(luckily it was one of the few times I used a wood base so the flames didnt cause too much damage, a foam base would have been a major disaster… )
TravisS
November 2023
Karl.A said:
Side note: I also took pics of a dio of mine on the stove top once and inadvertently knocked on one of the rings while rotating it for pictures.
Be careful with your great work, I set mine on fire !!! haha.
(luckily it was one of the few times I used a wood base so the flames didnt cause too much damage, a foam base would have been a major disaster… )
Thanks for the kind words Karl and the tip! Luckily I just put it up there because he lighting was a bit better (I live in a small apartment so you gotta do what you gotta do.) Now you’re going to have me checking the burners all the time like my grandmother!
EmeryJ
November 2023
You can be proud of this one Travis. Very well done.
ALCO
November 2023
If I had a stove in my dio workshop, I’d never have to stop modeling!
admin
November 2023
Great job Travis. Really love the front of the office, outstanding little scene!
Jerry
November 2023
Grandmothers know best!! A beautiful job. The coloring and details right on outstanding work.
Jerry
brownbr
November 2023
The weathering all around gives a well-used feel.
Robert.G
November 2023
Brian, to use a Meatloaf lyric, You took the words right out of my mouth… Nice work Travis !!
TravisS
November 2023
Thank you all for your comments and checking in. What fun this has been! Why, oh why did I wait so long to dive in?!? The Foundry is “done.” I’ll spend a few more days contemplating, removing stray dog hair, etc and will post some final pics.
Wanted to post a pic of the manual after I closed it for one of the last times. Getting chalk, alcohol (rubbing and maybe a few drops of beer-- helps make painting the castings go faster) and paint all over it does sometimes feel like flipping through the Bible with Cheeto dust on your fingers but, in the end, I’ve always felt these kits were meant to be built. And part of that process is looking back at the manual a million times!
More to come soon.
KKarns
November 2023
A well thumbed manual is a recipe ingredient to success!
sdrees
November 2023
Your foundry looks great Travis.
TravisS
December 2023
Presented below are the “final for now” pics of my take on the Brass and Iron Foundry. This looks like the only day for the next month that we will have any sun so I ran outside to take these.
Wanted to thank everyone who checked in and especially those that have commented. What a great little community we have here.
On a personal note, I never in my wildest dreams thought that I could model even close to this level. When I first encountered the forum, I was completely blown away by what I saw here. It was the finest scale modeling I had ever seen. Credit goes to Brett for his amazing designs and instructions and for supporting this forum as well as to all the folks that spend the time to post and share their inspiring talent.
Of course there are still many things I think I can improve upon. Was not super happy with the road and may adjust once I get O’Neills built and married to the Foundry. Same goes for the track-- that will be installed later on once I get more comfortable with hand-laying. I’d also like to improve some of my casting work and weathering. As always any criticism, tips, hints are appreciated and welcomed.
Next up, I plan to build the full Logging Camp Diorama (was finally able to track down an Essentials Kit all the way from Australia) and will start a new thread. Word on the street is Santa is bringing me an Ultimation Sander for Christmas and think that will help me with the finer work.
(Note all figures are from Modelu, crudely painted by the author. The truck seen in a few photos is the 3D printed one from SWSM )
CarlLaskey
December 2023
Travis.
You have done a wonderful jor with this I do think that this one is the best out all of them so be proud there young man. …Carl…
sdrees
December 2023
this is really great Travis. Brett gives us lots of information on techniques in his kits to make a great modelers out of us.
TravisS
December 2023
Thanks Carl and Steve. Appreciate you both taking the time to comment and for the support along the way.
Jim M
December 2023
Holy crap, this is fantastic. What a beautifully done project, you should be very proud of this.
TravisS
December 2023
Thanks, Jim. I am quite proud of it.
admin
December 2023
O U T S T A N D I N G
What an awesome job.
EmeryJ
December 2023
Top tier level work on this Travis. Simply astounding all around!
TravisS
December 2023
Thanks so much, Brett. As I am sure you know, I am all-in on the SWSM life. Thinking about getting a tattoo with your logo or maybe forming a biker gang.
Thanks much, Emery.
Kevin L
December 2023
What a great modelling you must be very proud of yourself.
KKarns
December 2023
Superb Travis, you should be very proud of what you put together here! I know it tickles Brett to see his kits treated so well. Nicely done my friend…Ken
TravisS
December 2023
Kevin and Ken, thanks to you both. So happy with the way it turned out. All that was needed was the manual and a healthy dose of patience!
And Ken, thanks again for the tip on the ivy as well as your generosity with sharing your techniques. I referred often to your wood clinic and forum build of the kit for inspiration.
randyp
December 2023
Travis, Great pictures of a great model build. Randy
TravisS
December 2023
Thanks Randy. Appreciate it!
Karl.A
December 2023
Fantastic modelling Travis and beautiful photography. That lighting shows off your great work so well.
Congrats on a wonderful model.
TravisS
December 2023
Thanks Karl. Appreciate your support along the way.
mikemettelka
December 2023
Wow, that looks great!
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TravisS
December 2023
Thanks, Mike
TomMich
December 2023
That’s some fine work you should be proud.
ALCO
December 2023
Tattoos? Biker gang? Sounds like you need an intervention. Suggest you start another SWSM kit immediately!
TravisS
December 2023
Thanks, Tom.
Al, we ride at dawn to the hardware store for more supplies. (Won’t be able to get tatted while my mom is still alive, she would never forgive me.)
ALCO
December 2023
I’m sure your mom loves you. Show her the tat and then the dio, in that order. All is forgiven!!
Robert.G
December 2023
What a beautiful diorama, looks very realistic !!!
brownbr
December 2023
Excellent work
TravisS
December 2023
Thanks Robert and Bryan. Appreciate you checking in.
Dave_S
January 2024
Tavis,
Your photos throughout the build are terrific Thanks for taking the extra time to get the outdoor photos. They are the icing on the cake
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
TravisS
January 2024
Thanks, Dave. Appreciate you looking and taking the time to comment.
Joel
February 2024
Travis - great work. what a stunning model. Nicely done. The finish and the colors are just spot on.
Jerry
February 2024
Travis that is just a wonderful diorama. You should be very proud of that work!!
Jerry