This thread was started in January, 2022
randyp
January 2022 edited January 2022 in O Scale Builds
I have always liked the looks of Brett’s models. Even though I model in S/Sn3 when I saw the Truck Repair kit I knew I wanted to build it. So I asked another local modeler here in St. Louis, Rich Rands, if he would like the model on his layout. Of course he said yes so I ordered my first SierraWest kit.
As of now I have the castings primed, the sidling colored, three of the wall frames built, and about a dozen casting painted. The only problem so far is the pewter casting came out of the Rio Grande pewter oxidizer gray not black. Any suggestions as to why or what to do would be greatly appreciated.
Once I figure out how to get pictures on the forum I will post some pictures of my progress. Thanks Randy
Comments
randyp
January 2022
I hope this works. Here should be a picture the colored siding for my Truck Repair..
brownbr
January 2022
Great start on the wood.
Are you happy with the color of the metal castings? If so, no need to go darker.
randyp
January 2022
Thanks brownbr for your nice comment. I am not sure about the metal castings they are powdery. I have not tried buffing them yet. I hope that helps. Here is a picture.
Some of them have a brown cast rather than gray.
Karl.A
January 2022 edited January 2022
Nice grey colour variation on the boards.
PCB echant will turn them really black, I’ve used it before. I dont think I did it on the little hammers and wrenches but bigger things were fine. Do a test one and make sure to put it straight into water afterwards to stop the reaction.
Karl.A
January 2022 edited January 2022
Randy, we must have cross posted at the same time earlier.
The powder is just a residue, they look fine.
As I take them out of the water I usually scrub them with an old toothbrush to clean them off and eliminate the residue, when dry it works ok too.
The buffing will also make a big difference.
Pappy
January 2022
Randy, keep going your doing great!
Many great modelers here if you need help.
But so far you are on the right track
randyp
January 2022
Karl, again thinks for the comment. i will give them a good scrub and let you know what happens. I also want to thank you for your post " Painting those Details. the Basics " and posting Advanced Painting and Weathering of Details by Kevin O’Neill. Here are a pair of pictures of castings I have painted from the Truck Repair. Thanks Again Randy
Karl.A
January 2022 edited January 2022
Great looking effects on the ramp and barrels Randy, love the way you have the diamond tread effect showing on the ramp, nicely done, and the scratching and weathering on the barrels looks great.
Fine, sharp, distinct, scratches and the rusting is not over done… I went too far on my last set of barrels and wasn’t happy, I need to back it up to where yours are.
Looking forward to more.
Thanks for the thanks, I hope those two threads are helping you, and others.
brownbr
January 2022
Those look good. As said by Karl, the ramp tread and barrel rust look great.
randyp
January 2022
Thanks Karl and brownbr for the kind remarks. I now have all the outside walls framed and tar papered. I had a few glue blobs that I had to scrape off that left a white spot. these I colored with a 90% warm gray Prismacolor art marker. I also used a lite umber marker to touch up the color of the wood. I have used these markers for years to color wood. The second picture shows two wall sections from a roundhouse colored with the art markers.
I think I will try to start on the siding today and maybe paint a few more castings. Thanks again for your comments. Randy
Karl.A
January 2022 edited January 2022
Walls are looking good Randy.
I love the look of the tarpaper waterproofing on the inside of the walls that Brett put into this kit.
Good save and good advice for others on the prismacolour markers for touch up, great tip.
I’ve used them in the distant past to colour board ends but find chalk easier on them these days.
Keep the updates coming…
randyp
January 2022
Thanks for the comment. I am going to have to agree with you about the chalk being easier. The brownish wood in the second picture in my last post was the result of using six different colors of markers. It took a lot of time and effort. Also the markers do not work well if the wood has been distressed. The wood for the crane took about ten or fifteen minutes.
Here are two more pictures. The first is the siding on the right wall of the truck repair. Of course I need to add the battens and the gable end. I did all of it with the ends of wood that I accidently broke while I was wiping off the chalk.
The second picture is the new toy I got last year. It has a protractor so that any angle is able to be sanded repeatedly. It also has a knob that can be used to set the length of a board. I used that on the studs in the frame work. Will I am going back and work on the left wall. Thanks, Randy
Karl.A
January 2022 edited January 2022
Seems like you are on a mission Randy… keep up the momentum, I for one am enjoying it.
(Great job on the knots, perfect size and 'K’not overpowering…)
admin
January 2022
Outstanding Randy, love where this is going.
TomMich
January 2022
Great job! Wall color and texture looks great. I got that sander last year after a discussion on this forum, and have used it extensively. It has become an indispensable tool.
EmeryJ
January 2022
Welcome aboard Randy. Excellent start.
randyp
January 2022
Thank you Brett, Karl, Tom, and Emery. Yes Karl I am on a mission. I want to do my best work but I also want to have it finished by the last of April. I want to take it and show it off at the SLANG meet ( St. Louis Area Narrow Gauge ). Tom, I agree about the sander. I also have a Jarmac and have not touched it since I got this one. I will work on another wall later today. Thanks again everyone, Randy
randyp
January 2022
I have three more pictures of my truck repair kit. A few posts ago I said that I used Primacolor art markers to hide glue blobs on the tar paper. This first photo shows some white spots where I scraped off some glue.
randyp
January 2022
Now then the second picture. This is the back of the same wall after I use the Prismacolor art marker to color the white spots.
randyp
January 2022
For some reason the second picture will not load. I will try again tomorrow. randy
Joel
January 2022
Randy great work on the details and the walls. You are just motoring through this build.
randyp
January 2022
Thanks Joel, I just followed the instructions in the manual and yours when you did the official Truck Repair build. The wood color chart that you made was a great help. And I must say you and KarlA have to much time on your hands. Between your key ring and his eye glasses.
Brownbr, the derrick was a Rusty Stumps kit. Again I built it for Rich Rands. I will post some pictures later.
IMG_0840 rwsized
Ok, here is the second picture as promised. the marker got rid of the white spots.
I guess the old saying is correct. When in doubt read the instructions. I went back and read and followed the instructions about posting pictures by Bill.
Now for the good side of the ends of the two end wall of the truck repair.
randyp
January 2022
For the third time here is the picture of the glue spots. hidden with the artist marker. if this doesent work I give up. Thanks Randy
brownbr
January 2022
Tarpaper turned out nice.
randyp
January 2022
Thanks brownbr, I am going to do the front or back wall today. Randy
Pappy
January 2022
Tarpaper came out great!
randyp
January 2022
Thanks Pappy
My third wall siding is shown below. However, I think I am going down to the workshop and start doing some painting of castings. I will reread KarlA’s posts on painting some of the shelves. Thanks for looking, Randy
KKarns
January 2022
Catching up on your superb work here Randy, and welcome to the forum. Your wood work and detailing are terrific. Love the saw banding and your board color variation. Great stuff.
randyp
January 2022
Thanks KKarns, I appreciate your kind words.
Here is what I did tonight. finished up three trash cans and two boxes. I did several other castings with CA. I wand to do a few of the castings now so that I don’t have all of them to do at once. thanks Randy
KKarns
January 2022
I get that Randy. I started out many years ago doing all my castings at once and have since changed my strategy somewhat. For some time now I will work up my castings and details as I need them for each “mini-scene” as I go. The reason for this is that I like the scene to dictate the finish of the various details. I will place the details that have been primed in a staging fashion and then decide many of the colors and finishes for that scene or area I’m working on. Some of this may be very subtile and also contributes to how slow I model! Lol. In other words…I prime in mass and detail in minutiae!
Am enjoying your thread here, well done.
randyp
January 2022
Thanks KKarns for your sage advice. That sounds like a good reason to do a few castings at a time. Like Joel did on his official build I think I will start with the Interior wall. That will be my next wood working project on this kit. Thanks for the well done I am trying to do my best. It may be the only Sierra West I get to do as I model in S scale. Randy
KKarns
January 2022
You’ll end up getting hooked on SierraWest kits and leave the dark side! Lol.
Pappy
January 2022
Agree with Ken. The dark side does not even come close to SW.
You will be hooked for life Randy on Brett’s kits 
randyp
January 2022
Yes, KKarns and Pappy you both probably right. But with a 26’ by 54’ Sn3/S layout and twenty plus PBL engines I don’t see myself switching scales. Hopefully Rich may want another kit or two after I get this one built for him. Thanks for the comments. Randy
Pappy
January 2022
Your doing great Randy.
I built my first SW kit in 2017. It was the O scale Dueling Shacks.
I learn a lot on that build which was suggested by others here back then.
Have been hooked ever since.
Keep up your great work and take your time
Robert.G
January 2022
Addiction with take the better part of you. Randy … Be warned !!! 
randyp
January 2022
I have not worked on my Truck Repair yesterday or so far today. I was cleaning up my work bench. Since I am going to work on painting castings I have out some paint and brushes.
Pappy and Robert, thanks for the Warning and I am wondering if Rich mike like the Dueling Shacks that Pappy just told me about. I do need to get the layout ready for the NMRA convention net summer and the National Narrow Gauge one in 2025. Or as I personally the Fortieth and a Half
.
randyp
January 2022
here is a picture of my newly clean and reorganized work bench
randyp
January 2022
So I am now working on the major castings. I attempted the parts bin tonight. Chalk, AK interactive paint, and AK interactive pencils. It did not come out very clear. I will try again tomorrow. Randy
Robert.G
January 2022
Nice wood color..
admin
January 2022
Shelf looks great Randy! Love the faded grey. I tend to get stuck in my ways and end up with everything brown tones. Well done!
randyp
January 2022
Thinks Brett and Robert. I am not sure what the color actually is. I will post another picture that is more clear and it is more brown and I did not do anything to the color. Here is the parts bin again. I add watch parts and a chain. I accidently poked a hole in the side of the ben so I made use of it in the second picture.
Also this afternoon I did another one of the large castings. I blame Joel for the screws in the hinges.
brownbr
January 2022
Those look great
MuddyCreekRR
January 2022
Nice tones…
randyp
January 2022
Thanks for your kind words brownbr and Muddy. I think I am going to tackle the interior wall next. Then finish the castings needed to complete both sides of this wall. Thanks again Randy
brownbr
January 2022
I didn’t notice until now the screw heads in the hinges. I don’t remember them being part of the casting. Did you add them?
I remember joking Joel about adding screwheads to his hinges and he did it!
randyp
January 2022
Yes I read Joel’s thread before I started on my build and saw your teasing. In fact that is where I found out about the watch parts I used for the screws. Thanks for noticing, Randy
randyp
January 2022
I just looked back at Joel’s model. I wish I could have found screws as small as he did. Randy
Robert.G
January 2022
I believe the right proportions , on everything, details or bigger structures, are very important. Otherwise things get quickly cartoonish… Just my thoughts..
randyp
January 2022
Robert, I will need to agree with you. There are two or three small screws but the rest are to big. I will try not to do something like that again. Thank you for your comment.
Karl.A
January 2022
dang it, now I’ve got to add screws/heads… maybe … I can barely see the hinges.
They look awesome Randy, i’ve just been sitting and staring.
Great stuff indeed.
randyp
January 2022
Thanks Karl, for your kind words. Randy
randyp
January 2022
I polished many of the larger white metal castings tonight. I smoothed out the powdery surface and for the most part black. However, many of the castings had copper cast to them. Does any one have an ideal as to what caused this and how to get read of the copper color?
randyp
January 2022
I also finished up the interior wall tonight. My reasoning for the wood on this wall was that they would have used the lest over wood from the outside wall. After all it did not need to keep out the weather. So more cracks, splits, and knots. I used 408.3, 408.5, and 408.9 to color the wood. I used more of the 408.9 to keep it light. I liked the patch board used to close up the big gap between the boards in the upper right part of the wall.
Robert.G
January 2022
Great work on the wood and knots …
admin
January 2022
Walls look great Randy. Nice grungy texture on the metal castings too. Great progress.
randyp
January 2022
Thanks Robert and Brett. I have one more wall to finish siding. Will try to haver pictures later today. Thanks again, Randy
randyp
January 2022
My last wall is sided. The lower right is more gray than it looks. it looked a little bowed so it and the other walls are setting under a piece of rail to keep them flat while I work on castings. Going out to a friend’s house tonight and another friend’s house tomorrow night to play trains. Maybe I will get some more work on castings tomorrow during the day.
Karl.A
January 2022 edited January 2022
The walls are looking great Randy, really nice colour, texture and variation between the boards.
I usually leave walls under weights until I need them. My walls for my current build are still under weight while I do details.
Brett’s walls will come back to straight when you glue the structure together even if they do ‘twist’ slightly.
Even though the glue is dry and the walls are flat I find that over time (before assembly when they are lying on the desk), the glue can sometimes pull the walls slightly off, most notably on roof panels.
This I guess is the glue shrinking slightly as it fully cures and dries completely over time. So, now I just leave them on a shelf, under weight and flat until I need them. It has always worked well for me, sometimes its a few days, often a few weeks, and sometimes more than 10 years… haha.
Pappy
January 2022
Looking Great Randy!
randyp
January 2022
Thanks, Karl for your kind comments and advise. Coming from someone with your expertise and skill means a lot to me. So ten years, which kit was setting on the shelf for so long? Pappy, after watching your builds I really appreciate your praise. Thanks, Randy
randyp
January 2022
I finely got all the metal castings blackened and polished.
They came outer better than I expected after seeing them when they first came out of the blackener. While looking at them I noticed some of Brett’s expertise in the art of casting. Take a look at what I thought were chisels.
It turns out that they are files. If you look at the row of tools above the two files you should notice a few more files and at least two screw drivers. It is fun to find little surprises like this in the castings. one more picture of some of the larger white metal castings.
Now all I need to do is paint and finish them to fit the scene. Thanks for looking. Randy
KKarns
January 2022
Did a fine job on the “blackening” Randy. This is a further example of what makes Brett’s kits so special…the various materials used for detail parts; white metal, resin, 3D printed parts, laser cut, etc… each having its appropriate placement in the project. Great day and age to be modeling thanks to SWSM!..Look forward to seeing these detailed Randy.
Karl.A
January 2022 edited January 2022
Good looking start Randy,
After all these years I still notice things on Bretts detail castings I hadn’t noticed before.
If you put your fingertip on the file/screwdriver/wrenches/hammer heads and slide them around softly on that piece of paper it will polish all the raised edges and the detail will really pop out.
Keep up the great work and posts !!
randyp
January 2022
Thanks, KKarns and Karl for the complements and technique . Since this is my first SW build I am sure I will find a lot more “hidden” details as I progress. If you look at the picture of all the parts you may see that I broke the pick axe. I am thinking about setting up a scene with a welder at the big table welding back together. after waste not want not. Again thanks for the complements and advise. Randy
brownbr
January 2022
Details look good. Best castings you can get.
randyp
January 2022
Yes brownbr, I must agree, Brett is a master.
Karl.A
January 2022 edited January 2022
randyp said:
… So ten years, which kit was setting on the shelf for so long?
My BlueSky walls that I finally finished the build on early last year were sitting on the shelf since 2011 waiting to go together.
There’s (atleast) another 5 builds still on that same shelf waiting for attention, I’ll get back to them at some point, right now though, this thread is all about you so keep on inspiring us all with the great work.
I’ll absolutely agree with Bryan, the best castings you can get.
randyp
January 2022
First I want to thank Brett for sending me the palette jig. Got it yesterday. Now all I need to do is make a few for the truck repair. Last night I finished two more of the large resin castings. The large square work table and the cabinet for the gas cylinders.
I wanted these two to be an the grungy side. Those drawers just begged for handels and of course with all the dirty hands there would be lots of oil and grease marks left on the drawer fronts. The shelf is just as weathered.
The side where the anvil will be would also get a lot of use and dirt. The shelf has dirt and wear marks on the back wall.
The top of the square work table is beat and banged up. With streaks of dirt,rust, and scratches. The metal work area has some rust around the edges and a more shiney area in the center. Oops I forgot to turn the shelf over to the left side. Oh well it looks about the same as the right. If you see any thing that could have been better I can wash most of it off and start over. In fact this is the second time for the work table.
randyp
January 2022
Here is the picture of the square work table.
A lot of the marks in all the pictures were done with the AK Interactive weathering pencils. i especially like them for streaks and chips, like the light color streaks on the top of the table and the side of the shelf. The bottom of the table on the anvil side.
randyp
January 2022
I have most of the 3D painted detail parts painted now. The far left high pressure with the valve detail is an S scale one from my order from Brett. The one next to it is O scale that hade valve detail. That valve along with the valve covers on three other tanks popped off when I was wire brush weathering the paint. The others are all O scale. While the 3D printed details have great detail they are very fragile. The three metal drums have the spots where the rim chipped. Maybe I am just heavy handed with the brush but I did not have that problem with the resin castings earlier.
admin
January 2022 edited January 2022
The 3D Printed parts are fragile! Those are scale details and thin. I could thicken them up to withstand that “heavy hand” but then they would look bad and out of scale. Gentle brother!
randyp
January 2022
KKarns said:
You’ll end up getting hooked on SierraWest kits and leave the dark side! Lol.
Pappy said:
Agree with Ken. The dark side does not even come close to SW.
You will be hooked for life Randy on Brett’s kits
Ken and Pappy you may be right after all. I am considering ordering the tool and rigging sheds.
randyp
January 2022
I did a little more work with 3D castings.
Then I glazed the windows. I used two pieces of glass for each window so that when one broke it would not go from one side of the window to the other. Two broken and two cracked. I thought they came out good.
Robert.G
January 2022
The glass looks real. .. Good thinking about the breaking..
Karl.A
January 2022 edited January 2022
Yes indeed Randy,
you think they came out good, I’ll have to agree with you.
Looks like you used microscope slide glass, nicely done.
The screw jacks are looking good too at this point,
the pictures make it hard to remember how small they really are.
Keep it coming…
admin
January 2022
Screw jacks look fantastic, super well done! The “tin” work area on the large bench top looks great too.
randyp
January 2022
Thanks Robert, Karl, and Brett, I used a tooth pick to scrape the paint. Then dipped them in Rustall. The tin was done with the metallic weathering pencils. Robert, they look real because I did use microscope cover slips as Karl guessed. What better way to have a broken glass pane than to use real glass. I like to use real glass whenever possible. And Brett’s two part windows make it much easier to accomplish. Thanks again for your comments.
randyp
January 2022
Ken and Pappy, You were right. And Robert I guess I didn’t listen to your warning. I ordered both the rigging and tool sheds from Brett yesterday.
KKarns
January 2022
AhhHaa! This affliction is well documented.
randyp
January 2022
I Have got the walls finished with windows, trim, and batins.
As I stated earlier the windows are real grass. The battins were applied with a method I read some where else. May be you all already know it. Squeeze out a puddle of glue then drag the batton through the glue, wipe off the sides of the battin with my fingers, then place the battin in place. Any glue that squeezes out I wipe off with a soft cloth.
Robert.G
January 2022 edited January 2022
randyp said:
Ken and Pappy, You were right. And Robert I guess I didn’t listen to your warning. I ordered both the rigging and tool sheds from Brett yesterday.
Randy, those are two fun kits, you will learn a lot building them. Before you know, you’re gonna want to do the Sawmill, Mother of all kits…
For now, nice work on the walls…
admin
January 2022
Walls look wonderful Randy, this is really coming together great.
EmeryJ
January 2022
Excellent color and variation. That sure looks good!
randyp
January 2022
Thanks Robert, Brett, and Emery. Now I need to finish some more castings and start putting things together.
KKarns
January 2022
Well done Randy.
randyp
January 2022
Thanks
PaulS
January 2022
Walls look very nice Randy, well done !!
randyp
January 2022
Thanks Paul, just trying to follow the directions from Brett and other members of the forum.
geoawelch
January 2022
Outstanding work throughout this build, Randy.
George
randyp
January 2022
Painted a few detail parts today. No, not theses. The left is a fairly new ax handle and the right is a shovel handle that that is at least fifty years old.
I then did a swatch of all my brown and tan paints. and compared then to the two handles. I picked the two circled.
I then used those two colors to paint the handles of the tools/
At least I tried to come up with colors that were realistic. Now a little rust and dirt.
randyp
January 2022
Pappy, I will do a little experimenting. I would think a little CA might dull down the shine. But for me one of the things I like about using real glass is it reflects light like real glass.
Karl.A
January 2022 edited January 2022
Nice work on getting a realistic wood colour, success !!
For the glass to dirty it up, use some tan or grey chalk (powdered).
Dip a Qtip into the chalk (dry or wet gives different results), then circle the Qtip around on each individual pane.
This will disperse the chalk into the corners and edges but leave the center fairly/mostly clean.
It gives a naturally dusty, grimy look,
dirty in all the right places…
randyp
January 2022
Thanks Karl. Pappy I will give Karl’s suggestion a try tomorrow to see how it works.
randyp
January 2022
Pappy, I gave dry chalk a try today. The first picture shows the chalk on the inside of the window. As another modeler suggested I put it on the inside because rain would wash dust off the outside. The second picture shows the window after I smeried the chalk around. I gave it a lite puff of air to blow off the excess. The third picture shown the window with the light hitting it like sunlight would at noon. In the last picture the light is at more of an angel. As you can see the light still reflects. But it would in real life as the sunlight got to a lower angel.
Real Glass is not for everyone but it just does it for me. Thanks for every ones comments. Randy
Pappy
January 2022
Randy, fantastic work. Better than I have ever seen.
Keep up your great work!
Jim M
January 2022
Randy, the windows look great and so does the wall. Nice job on the knots, saw marks and coloring.
randyp
January 2022
Thanks Pappy for your complement. Considering the modeling talent and expertise on this forum I consider that high praise. Jim, thank you for your comment. The knots were made from 1/16 inch square balsa wood, sharpened in an old crank pencil sharpener. I used that instead of tooth picks because the wood is softer and can be sheared off flush with surface of the board. As for the coloring and saw marks I just followed Brett’s instructions. Thanks again, Randy
Pappy
January 2022
Randy, for someone that just started these SW builds…hats off to you bud!
Robert.G
January 2022
This is really good Randy. I love the windows and the walls. Using real glass is a great idea.
KKarns
January 2022
Working with real glass is not for the faint of heart and admire you for tackling the process and getting very good results.
admin
January 2022
Well done Randy, you’re making steady progress and doing a fantastic job!
Karl.A
January 2022
Windows look great Randy, just the way they should. Really nice job. Glad I could help.
Looking forward to these great walls going together.
randyp
January 2022
Pappy, Robert, Ken, Brett, and Karl for your words of praise and encouragement. Wood has always been my favorite medium to work with. Now with all the walls finished it is time to get back to the castings. Thanks again, Randy
KKarns
January 2022
You bet Randy…keep up the good work, enjoy following along with your progress.
TomMich
January 2022
Those walls are GREAT! You did a stellar job on the windows as well!
randyp
January 2022
Tom thanks for your nice comment.
As I said earlier today I was going to work on castings today. Here are some pictures. The first two are of the cabinet under the shed.
The nest picture shows the top of the long tool box under the windows. I could not resist adding screws to the hinges.
The forth picture is the little metal cabinet between the two windows.
The final picture is start of the shelf on the interior wall. I still have a lot of work to do here.
geoawelch
January 2022
Excellent job on the castings, Randy.
Cheers
George
KKarns
January 2022
That last shot Randy…excellent use of colors but subtile and the weathering on those tanks is just great! Well done.
randyp
January 2022
Thank you George and Ken. All the large castings are finished as are the walls. So things are going to slow down as I construct scenes.
admin
January 2022
Excellent job on the castings Randy, the best is scene construction! With the beautiful job you’ve done on the walls and details this is bound to be a great looking diorama.
Karl.A
January 2022
Continued great work on the castings Randy, looking forward to all your hard work coming together in a great diorama.
randyp
January 2022
Brett and Karl, thanks. I am going to doo some work on this side of the wall today.
brownbr
January 2022
Nice job on the castings.
I’m looking at your view block in the doorway. I’m sure it’s just whatever spilled/splashed, but that would be a cool finish to be able to reproduce on a large metal piece. I’m thinking maybe the ramps.
EmeryJ
January 2022
Excellent work Randy. I like how you put gaps in the wall boards. Thinking ahead, if you install lighting, it will make for a really cool detail.
randyp
January 2022
Brownbr, you are right it would be cool. Unfortunately that is my thirty plus year old right angle plate. No idea what the staines are. But you are right it does look nice.
EmeryJ, that was pure serendipity. I spaced out the top boards so as to not end up having to rip the top board.
The following picture is what I did yesterday. Except for the tanks and the chain none of the details are glued down yet. It is surprising how much time it takes to place things so that they look right.
Now I just need to decide what other details to add. Thanks Brownbr and EmeryJ for your comments. It is alway nice to hear what other people think. Randy
KKarns
January 2022
Well now you’re just showing off! Lol (great job!)..PS…not sure about the sign overhanging the rough opening??
randyp
January 2022
Yes Ken, it appears more than one person 's head has ran afoul of that corner. It is bent and rusty. Can anyone say tetanus shot?
randyp
January 2022
I worked on the wall for the last two hours. All the parts are now glued except the two crates and the white jack at the bottom left. The rope around the green bottle is left over from a USS Constitution model. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to do the other side of this wall.
brownbr
January 2022
Watch out for the white edges on the Armstrong sign.
randyp
January 2022
Thanks, brownbr. I saw that when I posted the picture. I will go back and do the edge today. Randy
brownbr
January 2022
Closeups are unforgiving! You find all kinds of things
admin
January 2022
brownbr said:
Closeups are unforgiving! You find all kinds of things
EXACTLY! and that’s why they’re such an important modeling aide.
randyp
January 2022
browmbr, I thought that you might like th see what I did with white showing on the Armstrong sign. I think I took care of the problem.
I did not get a whole lot finished yesterday or today. I have a break through Covid infection so I am not feeling the best. Here is the other side of the interior wall.
Take a look at the “glass” oil jar. I got that color by mixing the three clear Tamiya colors,
Maybe I should added a touch of red to get a little more brown color but all in all I thought the color is about what I was trying for Thanks for your comments. Randy
brownbr
January 2022
Excellent work.
Get some rest and get back to health.
geoawelch
January 2022
Feel better soon, Randy.
Cheers
George
Joel
January 2022
Hey Randy, Just catching up here. Some amazing modelling happening here, love the windows and the colouring and texturing on the wood. Also the weathering on some of those details is just spot on.
randyp
January 2022
brownbr and George, thanks I am starting to feel better. I am on one of the new oral antivirus and it is helping. For now I am only working an hour or two and concentrating on small things that can be redone if I mess up.
Joel, thanks very much for your input. I am just doing my best to follow along with Brett’s instructions and your expert official build.
Thanks again to all of you for your comments and encouragement. Randy
randyp
February 2022
I am still getting some things finished. I just about have the inside of the window end of the truck repair finished. I have already rebuilt the legs of the workbench twice, I will do the door on the cabinet between the windows again, there is a glue mark on the tar paper to the left of the gaskets that needs to be 'patched", and I need to redo the bails on the paint buckets. Here is what it looks like now. I will repost another picture when I get finished with the upgrades.
KKarns
February 2022 edited February 2022
Looks terrific Randy, great detail work. Watch for a few things hanging that appear to defy gravity! Lol…
TomMich
February 2022
Very nice!
admin
February 2022
Makes me so happy to see these details coming together like the way I envisioned it. So well done Randy!
Jim M
February 2022
Great job! The painting is very nicely done and subtle. Looks like you’ve added some watch parts too. A very realistic scene, you should be proud of it.
Karl.A
February 2022
Looks terrific Randy, very nicely done indeed, great work.
MuddyCreekRR
February 2022
Don’t make things too perfect…if they look good…and real to you…thats the goal…
brownbr
February 2022
Great looking wall
randyp
February 2022
Ken, I think you were talking about the the fan belts and gaskets. I think I took care of them. Admin, Jim, Tom, Karl, and Muddy Creek, Thank you for your kind comments. I spent tonight making the improvements I talked about in my last post. All the details on the wall have been glued in place. The details on the workbench and under it are loose. I hope to have a display of Lucky Lady Oil cans on the left side of the workbench. Do I need to make any changes or improvements? Thanks Randy
Yes I saw that the window prop was not touching the window. I have corrected that. The advantage of close up photography.
Karl.A
February 2022 edited February 2022
Looks fantastic Randy, haphazardly disorganized very nicely, cluttered and untidy, belts and gaskets hanging nice and randomly, naturally uneven. Broken windows look great. The broken shelf under the bench is nice.
randyp said:
Do I need to make any changes or improvements? Thanks Randy
Pretty hard to come up with many suggestions for you to make it any better,but, I can throw three tiny ideas at you if you want them, even though I know you’re not finished yet and it’s just mostly propped up.
brownbr
February 2022
Great job with the clutter. You could always put a ring of yellow paint on the bench to go with the can of paint there.
randyp
February 2022
Good idea Bryan since it is not glued down it will be no trouble. Thanks
Karl,any and all suggestions to improve my work will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Randy
Karl.A
February 2022
I’m not sure of improvement Randy, just some ideas for you to consider,
I’m not going to say anything about the bench as I noted you said nothing is glued down yet, so I know you still have more good work to do.
Everything looks so good, and very well done, details, walls windows the scene as a whole.
If it were mine…
The two lime green bottles/jars, the yellow oil jar and the yellow in the crate would get a dusting of 408.3 to dull them down a little, the color is great, just need a little dulling.
I’d paint the caps on the four jugs a metalic/silver color, you did it on the 3D oil bottle so now the jugs need it too.
Broken ends on the under bench shelf with a splash of AI or 408.3 to take away the fresh look.
Shadows, stains, rags on the bench, when you get to it.
Some little extras for you to think about as it is already looking so good, not much else I can add.
randyp
February 2022
Karl, all great suggestions which I will work on tonight. The other end wall with the parts ben will be my next project. Thanks again, Randy
randyp
February 2022
Karl, I just finished your suggestions. Thanks Randy
randyp
February 2022
Karl, the finished wall with some more details. A relative clean shop towel by the lunch box and Coke. The vice, a file on the little box by the vice, some yellow paint on the workbench, and caps on all the oil cans. Things are now glued down. Somewhere along the line I lost the red pipe wrench, probberly under something on my workbench. It is almost as cluttered as this model.. Looking forward to the next wall, so many details so little space. Thanks, Randy
Karl.A
February 2022
Most excellent.
Everything has come together beautifully.
EmeryJ
February 2022
Lots of great looking junk there.
randyp
February 2022
Thank you Karl for your suggestions. They helped bring every thing together and tone down some bright colors.
You are right Emery, there is a lot of great looking junk, but what else can we expect from one of Brett"s kits. Thanks, Randy
KKarns
February 2022
Great job Randy…belts and gaskets look exactly as they should…your detail work here is outstanding!. Really coming together. Well done!
EmeryJ
February 2022
Randy, here is a link to a GREAT post made on the forums concerning lighting. This was my starting point for information. I think this will help you a lot.
Lighting Clinic: nextceo - Techniques - SierraWest Scale Models Forum
randyp
February 2022
Thanks Ken, the inside of the other end wall is next. Emery, thanks for the link for lighting. Looks like my Visa card will get another workout. Thanks again to both of you. Randy
KKarns
February 2022
You bet Randy…I love interior detailing and really enjoy the work you doing here…makes such a big difference in the overall feel of the build to have the interior details well sorted out.
MuddyCreekRR
February 2022
Randy…also check out Evans Design Lighting…a lot of the soldering work is already done for you…resistors too…and many choices for sizes and warmth / colors of the lights
randyp
February 2022
Thanks Ken and Muddy. Here is what I did tonight. Nothing is glued down yet but this is a start.
I have shelves and more details to add but this is close. Randy
brownbr
February 2022
Both scenes turning out great. The interior will be stunning when you are done.
KKarns
February 2022
Yup, mighty fine Randy!
randyp
February 2022
Here I have added the shelves and some more clutter. The labels for the water and sulfuric acid jugs were just printed from word. Technically, the big jug should be the water because lead acid batteries used 63% water and 37% acid. But H2SO4 would not fit on the small jug. Here are a front and overhead picture. Every thing is glued down but could be changed if any of you think something needs to be rearranged.
I plan to work on the inside of the front wall tonight. Thanks, Randy
Karl.A
February 2022 edited February 2022
Looking good Randy.
I really like the nice touch of a couple of brass parts mixed in the parts bins randomly. Not too many and not overdone but you really nailed that little splash of something different.
The chain hanging out of one of the bins also adds a little extra dimensionality to an already amazing casting. Nicely done.
brownbr
February 2022
So cool. I got a chuckle out of the hammer laying by the bottles. Gonna get that top on the bottle no matter what.
sdrees
February 2022
those walls have seen a lot of grime over the years
KKarns
February 2022
Love the parts bin Randy. Just the right amount of finishes without anything sticking out.
randyp
February 2022
Bryan,you know what they say “when in doubt get a bigger hammer”. I am glad you liked that. Karl, thanks for your nice comments. If we can later see the end of the parts ben that chain you talked about also hangs out a hole in the side of the bin down between the parts bin and the battery station. I did work on the front wall interior tonight. Here is the interior of the front wall.
The interior of the back wall tomorrow and then I will hit a snag untill I get the lighting products. Thanks Randy
randyp
February 2022
Thanks, Ken, I tried to get a well worn and dirty parts ben. Sdrees, thanks just some chalk. I wanted worn but not worn out shop. Thanks for both of your comments. If all of you have been looking carefully there have been three beer bottles on shelves. The modeler I am building this truck repair for likes his beer. I have one more left to use.. I may need to order some more from Brett. Thanks again, Randy
randyp
February 2022
The inside of the last wall is finished. I did use that last beer bottle. Do any of yoou see anything that needs to be improved? Your comments will be appreciated. Randy
EmeryJ
February 2022
Not sure if it was intended, but I like it either way, is the bottom half of the window being tilted. Many of old farmhouses had crooked leaky windows. I grew up in one!
randyp
February 2022
Yes Emery, The stick holding the window open is tilting it up on that side. And I also grew up in an old farm house too. Thanks for the comment. Randy
KKarns
February 2022
You’re on a roll with the interior appointments! Well done.
brownbr
February 2022
Well done for sure.
randyp
February 2022
Thanks Ken and Bryan. It is always nice to hear that a person is doing a good job. I ordered LED lights today. When they get here I am going to try to simulate knob and tube wiring for the building. While I am waiting for the lights I will be working on small things like the saw horses, pallets, and the floor. Thanks again for your kind words, Randy
randyp
February 2022
Well I got two walls together and the floor. I made a mistake with cutting the floor. I looked at the template and saw cutting lines. So I cut. Oops, I didn’t “measure twice and cut once” and cut off way to much of the floor. You can see I glued on two pieces of board at each corner. I don’t think I will be to big of a distraction as three of the four corners will be behind walls and under the workbench and cabinet. I got the LEDs Saturday and am going to try to wire up the LEDs today. Here is what things look like at this point.
TomMich
February 2022
Randy, looks good. The floor just adds character!
KKarns
February 2022
Right, floors were often patched with spare lumber and Tom’s right…just adds interest.
brownbr
February 2022
The floor works. Could use some oil stains. Looking forward to the lights.
brownbr
February 2022
Saw you post on Toms mine build asking about a removable roof using purloins instead of the solid cardboard included in the kit. It can be done and looks good. Solid roof is more sturdy but the outlines are sturdy enough.
Karl.A
February 2022
Walls look fantastic Randy, I love the weathering and detailing on them, so nicely done to make everything blend together so well. Looking great so far.
sdrees
February 2022
That sure is an old oily dirty shop Randy. Nicely done!
randyp
February 2022
Thanks, Tom, Ken and Bryan. The floor does need some oil and dirt. I did a test last night on some unstained wood. I used Adamantium paint and alcohol and sort of blotted it around with a brush. I will think about it and maybe try some other ideas before I mess up the finished floor.
Bryan, as far as the roof I am strongly considering using purlins. The barn on the farm where I grew up had a tin roof on purlins that were spaced about one and a half to two feet apart. now I just need to get some O scale 1x8’s or 10’s.
Karl and Steve thanks for your kind words. Randy
randyp
February 2022
another practice of the oil stains on the floor. this is black, white and gray chalk and alcohol. Then I wiped it off while wet.
That only took about ten minutes.The next picture is what took most of my time tonight. I hate electronics and soldering. It took about two and a half hours to get this to work.
My first LED light.
Karl.A
February 2022
Well, it works Randy, so that’s a great success in my book.
Lighting is something I’ve shied away from,
I have though recently bought some pre-wired and pre-resistored LED’s so we’ll see how that works out in a future build.
You have my respect and admiration for taking the step and the result.
brownbr
February 2022
Good job getting the light going. They are a chore to do at first: it gets easier but never really easy to wire them. The results are always worth the effort.
Use layers on your floor and build up to the level of grime you want. Think of it like the way you built up the level of detail on your workbenches with castings…each little bit adds to the composition. Look at some reference photos. Maybe something like a gas station surface near the pump. There is probably a large, light/diluted area of grayish grime that has some smaller areas of darker grime within it. And punctuated by small drops of wet looking grime.
randyp
February 2022
Thanks, Karl I know I hate any thing to do with electricity. Bryan you are right I did the other four LED’s tonight. So I now have a total of five wired and ready. Also, Thanks for your advice on the floor. I will be looking at pictures and try to layer the color and stains. Thanks again, Randy
randyp
March 2022
It has been a frustrating few days with the lights. First I had to get the bolts to wrap the tubing around which I finely found at a local Ace Hardware. Which was a blessing in disguise. I found two cans of the black camouflage paint. Then bending the tube was a challenge. On the third try I came up with this.
I t turned out the bending was not that big of a problem compared to getting the wire through the goose neck. I found that twisting the wires together in a tight twist and then sliding them into the tube helped. I would push the wire in a little bit at a time until it stopped. Then I would pivot the goose neck on the wire. Then try to push more wire into the tube. If the wire did not move I would pull a fraction of an inch out and pivot the tube again and the try to push more wire into the tube. I kept doing this until the wire made all the way through the tube. Then with some paint and chalk it looks like this.
After about four hours of fiddling I now have two of these goose neck lights for outside the truck repair.
EmeryJ
March 2022
I feel your pain Randy. After spending way too much time and ruining alot of tubing, this is why I bought them from EvansDesigns for about 8 bucks each.
I give you credit though… yours look super nice!!!
admin
March 2022
Glad you got it worked out Randy! Those are gonna look great all lit up!
For those unfamiliar with this kit I wanted to mention the lighting and lighting products are not part of the kit and are not SW products.
randyp
March 2022
Bryan, I took your advise about the floor. I started with a wash of IA. Then some thinned adamantium paint. I followed with brushed on 408.3 and 408.5 chalk. This is what I ended up with.
I glued the interior wall in place. The two boxes and yellow jack are now glued to the floor. The little spot of glue in the interior doorway has been scraped off and re chalked.
The workbench on the other side of the floor had some details glued under the bench. I am thinking about replacing the door on the cabinet. It looks to heavy in these pictures.
I think the next project will be to run wires up behind the boards at each of the two corners yet to be glued and the end of the interior wall. Again all comments and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks Randy
KKarns
March 2022
Beautiful work Randy! Love all the details, so much to take in. Floor looks good, well done.
CarlLaskey
March 2022
Randy
May I suggest that you put the wire through before you bend the tubing.
Karl.A
March 2022 edited March 2022
Looking great Randy, the floor is suitably ‘nasty’ and fits well with the surrounding grime.
I echo Carls comments on the wire insertion, it was my first thought, but, I’ve never done it myself so I initially held my comment back.
As you stated you are open to them, so, I only have two minor suggestions,
1 Eliminate the door on the cabinet, as you said, it ‘feels’ too heavy. I dont think it’s needed as it subtracts more from the visual than it adds. If you really want a door there personally I would eliminate the bracing and just have a single 1x12 or an offcut 1/64 ply cut to size… for me, the bracing is the visual distraction, not the door.
2 Dust some 408.3 along the bottom edge (on the floor)of the bench and up where the details meet the floor. Do this with a tiny detail brush to blend the verticle items down into the floor, this will eliminate the ‘stark’ line between, … such as the yellow gas tank, and the boxes, even the red jack to the floor. It will give a subtle flow between them and give a slight shadow effect.
Some superb work you are displaying and my suggestions are just ideas for you to think about.
Mountaingoat
March 2022
I echo Carl’s suggestion. Insert the wire in the tube before you bend it. Much easier. That is how Evans Design does it also…Rick
brownbr
March 2022
The lights will get easier the more you do them. The suggestions above will help. You are right to always twist the wires as this will make the entire process easier. I also tie a knot at the end of the wires so I know which wires are a pair when connecting to the board…avoids potential confusion.
Floor is nice and dirty. If you need to add footpaths, a light sanding in select areas can do that.
randyp
March 2022
Cark and Karl, I thought about that. However, then I would have to cut the tube to length first. flair the ends, and put on the lamp shade and escutcheons first. This might make things even more difficult.
Bryan, at this point it a mute point for this build as I only need two goose necks and I have them.
Karl, I am going to remove the door to the cabinet. It is just a distraction. I also will take your suggestion about the 408.3 chalk. The yellow gas tank may need a little piece of wood that was “trapped” under when it was set in place. I did not get it all the way down on the floor and it is glued to the other tanks. Thanks every body for the comments and suggestions, they are appreciated. Randy
Karl.A
March 2022
I’ve never done it Randy but, this is the way I would do my first attempt.
Cut the tube about half inch too long, thread the wire (with the bulb attached) through the shade first and then ,starting from the (future) shade end of the tube and just enough to poke out the (future) wall end.
Bend the tube to shape having any excess tubing at the wall end. This can either be pushed deeper into the structure or cut off.
Once bent continue to pull through the wire until you have the bulb and shade in place, superglue or epoxy to secure.
Job done.
One day I’ll get around to it, haha.
Great work so far.
Jim M
March 2022
I don’t know what kind of wire you’re using but a small gauge magnet wire (the type of wire used in windings of electric motors) pushes through the tubing pretty easily. These wires look like there is no insulation on them, but they have a clear coating on them that acts as the insulator. The coating needs to be scraped off (with an X-acto knife blade) or sanded off at the tip to get to the conductor for soldering.
randyp
March 2022
Thanks Karl. Next SW kit I will try that. The rest of the lights for this kit will all have straight hangers. Jim, I am using magnet wire #38 AWG from Ngeneering. I was just having trouble getting it to go around the bend in the tube.
Karl, I took your suggestions about the floor and the cabinet. Here are two pictures to show the results. The first shows the yellow gas tank with the piece of scrap wood caught under it. The second shows the doorless cabinet and the details under the workbench blinded in better with the 408.3 chalk. Again, as always thanks for all your comments and suggestions. Randy
KKarns
March 2022
Nice bench details Randy. That’s going to work out to a really nice interior when its all said and done!
randyp
March 2022
Thanks Ken. I am trying to not make too many mistakes.
Karl.A
March 2022
No mistakes that I can see in those pics Randy,
everything looks superb, beautiful work.
Karl.A
March 2022 edited March 2022
Oh, an I like the little wood ‘wedge’ under the tank… it’s something I would (and have) done in reality to stop something from falling over due to an uneven floor. So, it looks perfectly practical and rational, at least to me. Great solution.
The blending worked out well, subtle, but you have eliminated the sharp lines and things now look like they are ‘together as one’, nicely done.
brownbr
March 2022
A very impressive interior
Jim M
March 2022
Randy, it’s looking good. I wanted to ask you what size is the tubing you used for your lights? My kit is missing some parts but I’m trying to make do with some things I already have on hand. I got one light anchor so I’m trying to figure out some way to replace that for the other light. The light anchor I have looks like it will receive a 1/16-inch tubing, but I didn’t have any wire that size in my kit. The picture you posted of the light looks like it is smaller tubing than 1/16 but I’ve never seen a smaller tubing than that. Maybe it’s just the picture. Thanks in advance.
Jim
randyp
March 2022
Jim, none of the things I am using for the lighting comes with Brett’s kits. Lighting products come from Tim at Ngineering. The tube is .025 outside diameter. He also has several other sizes from .018 to .095 inches. It is very thin walled and made from stainless steel. I hope this helps. Randy
Jim M
March 2022
Yes it does, thanks
Jim M
March 2022
Randy, I guess I understand better why you had so much difficulty threading that wire through the tubing. That’s some pretty small gauge wire (.004 in. diameter) and small tubing. I’ve been using 30AWG (.01 in. diameter) magnet wire but have always threaded it through 1/16 K&S tubing (the smallest tubing I could find), so that is much easier. When I order the tubing, I’m going to get some of the 38AWG too once I figure out the current draw of my lighting project.
randyp
March 2022
Jim, The wire from Ngineering is more than enough to handle the current for one LED.
randyp
March 2022
Bryan and Karl, thanks for the nice comments.
I had hit a snag the last few days because I am waiting for some things from Brett. I have been doing some prep work for the roofs. I cut the corrugated roofing material for the main roof, cut the tar paper for the shed, cut and stained the purlins for the main roof, and finished and installed the front and back wall goose neck lights. I also decided that since I was going to use purlins for the main building and not the cardboard supplied with the kit I would make a wood under layment for the shed roof.
IMG_1015resizrd
This is the under side of the roof as I forgot to take a picture of the top side. The wood was stained with gray and white chalk with a little blick on a few boards. I wanted to keep the color light as the boards would be under the cover of the tar paper.
I then installed the tar paper tearing it in places to expose the boards underneath. I then used a sanding sponge to lightly sand the top of the tar paper. this helps to bring out the wrinkles and seams.
I then used 234,3 and 408.9 dry chalk to dust the roof and brushed down from top to bottom.
I may go back with the sanding sponge and take off a little more of the black at the seams like the seam that shows up just under the large tear on the left side. I like the wood showing through the tears in the tar paper. I am also thinking about adding a patch of a different color tar paper somewhere to add a little more interest. May be a dark green. Or do you think that might be to much with the tears and boards showing through?
The last two things are the goose neck lights. I drilled two #71 holes, threaded the wires through, then pushed the tubes through, straightened up the tube, and then glued it with a little ACC. The shade is an O scale 18 inch stamping from Ngineering. The escutcheons are N scale 18 inch lamp shade. I am using a nine volt battery to power the lights at this point.
The front wall light.
The back wall light.
The lights should be brighter when I get all of them hooked up to the twelve volt power supply. Thanks for taking your time to read and look. All comments and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks Randy
Karl.A
March 2022 edited March 2022
fantastic progress Randy, and results. that last pic is terrific. I like the way the lower sash is tilted from where it is supported on th right but sagging on the left.
Hinges and details on the door look great. Really nice work.
brownbr
March 2022
Looking good. I like the wood showing through the tarpaper also.
randyp
March 2022
Thanks Karl and Bryan, for your kind comments.
Jim M
March 2022
Question for all. I’ve never seen “tar paper” or “roofing felt” used as the primary roofing material, only as an underlayment, and I’ve also never known it to be any coloring other than black. Is “tar paper” just what different locations use for “rolled roofing” or am I mistaken? Curious, thanks.
Randy, your technique looks great. I don’t think I’d add a different color patch. The lights turned out great, nice job. I love adding lights to the structures, it adds so much and brings the scene to life.
randyp
March 2022
Jim Thanks for the comment on the lights. It is nice to hear especially after all the time I have spent on them. You are right normally it would be used under shingles or some other roofing material. Just tar paper would be used on a shack or shed where time or money were a consideration. Get up quick and keep at least most of the water out. Thanks, Randy
MuddyCreekRR
March 2022
“Tar” paper was used as roofing in many locations in the northeast. Most are familiar with 15 or 25 pound felt tar paper for underlayment. There are heavier weights that had been used as main roofing, up to 50 pound felt that was overlapped and possibly tarred to seal the roof…wooden battens were also used. There was also rubberized rolled roofing. The red color we occasionally see is rosin impregnated…all would need regular replacement every few years to keep weather out…
Jim M
March 2022
Thanks for that great information. I’ve never seen that roofing in practice, so I was wondering if it was just a local lingo for rolled roofing. Good to know, thanks
randyp
March 2022
Jim, thanks for your questions. Muddy, thanks for your reply to Jim. It is always nice to find out new information. Randy
randyp
March 2022
I think I mentioned I was going to get a couple more Sierra West kits. Will I did. So here will be my second and third SW models.
I will probably not start on them until after August. I need to get the layout fixed up for the layout tours during the NMRA national here is St. Louis.
vietnamseabee
March 2022
Can never have too many of Brett’s kits on the shelf waiting to be built
Terry
KKarns
March 2022
Nice start to a SierraWest Scale Model stash!
randyp
March 2022
Terry and Ken, these will be something I will do for a break from the forty or so S scale building kits I have on the shelf. Plus the five foot long bridge I am building to fill a gap in my main line. Oh Well “Model Railroading is Fun” Right?
Karl.A
March 2022
So good to see those two now on your shelves. You are definitly going to enjoy them both.
Have fun with them and post pics when you get to building them.
Thanks.
randyp
March 2022
Karl, I will do that. But I have a layout to get ready for the NMRA tours here in St. Louis. Also I plan to go to the Narrow Gauge Convention. So it is going to be at least middle of September before I take on another O scale kit.
I have made some more progress. I now have the walls together.
The model is on the plywood I will be using for the base. The hole is going to be at the corner and have the wires for two lights gong through it.
The hole under the goose neck light is going yo have the wires for three lights. The person I am building this for wanted it on half inch plywood as a base. So when I get to the point of glueing the building down I will be using the wood glue I have been using to glue the kit together. Thanks Randy
brownbr
March 2022
Looking great.
How are you planning space for the circuit board and battery for the lights? Will there be a switch included?
randyp
March 2022 edited March 2022
Bryan, I will let the person I am building the model for decide how he will position the board and power it when he installs it on his layout. If it were on my layout I would use a regulated power supply. I would then, keeping the wires as short as possible to keep from snagging them, attach the circuit board to the underside of the layout. When I display it at a local narrow gauge meet I will power it with a nine volt battery.
admin
March 2022
Flooring looks fantastic, this is an exciting time seeing the structure come together!
randyp
March 2022
Thanks Brett. I have a cautionary tail. I had never used grout as a ground cover. So I got it all scattered and smoothed out. I did not want to use a spray of water on the building so I used an eye dropper to wet the grout with alcohol. I then dropped on matte medium. It was white on top of the grout. No problem it will sink in and disappear right, wrong. An hour or more latter the matte medium is still all white and on top of the grout. I was lucky, it was not dry yet. So I took a thin metal scale ruler and slid it under the building including the floor and got it loose with little damage. I have done some testing and will revert to the tried and true wet water and white glue. I am not sure what the problem was with the matte medium. It could be a reaction with the alcohol or the binder in the grout. So the damage is glued back together and I will glue the building down again and start over with the grout. Wish me luck. Thanks Randy
Jim M
March 2022
Randy, did you dilute the matt medium? It’s what I use for applying the scenery and I think it works great. I use a mister to apply the wet water and add a drop of dish soap to the wet water as well. I hope you get it sorted out, good luck
Karl.A
March 2022
Sorry to read of your problem Randy, but so glad to read you saved the situation, it’s a fantastic build.
Always follow the manual my friend, Brett’s techniques, methods and instructions never fail to produce the consistently best results. They have been proven over and over again.
The only times I have ever seen anyone have a problem is when they don’t follow the instructions.
Deviation leads to disaster… (possibly).
As a side note… Matte medium contains talc, which is what gives it the flat finish. This is possibly where you got the white residue from. This residue will sink to the bottom of the bottle over time. Never EVER shake the bottle before use.
You can however decant off the liquid into a new bottle after allowing it to settle. This will minimize this problem.
randyp
March 2022
Jim, I used alcohol not wet water. So I think it may be a reaction with the alcohol and the matte medium.
Karl, It was not just the talc. As I told Jim I think it is a reaction with the alcohol and the medium. Any way I did a test in a scrap piece of plywood with wet water and white glue and it worked just fine. I will be going back to the old tried and true method of wet water and white glue. Thanks, everyone for your comments and suggestions. Randy
Karl.A
March 2022
Glad to read you have it figured out Randy and I look forward to seeing the excellent results.
randyp
March 2022
Karl, I will do that. But I have a layout to get ready for the NMRA tours here in St. Louis. Also I plan to go to the N arrow Gauge Convention. So it is going to be at least middle of September before I take on another O scale kit.
randyp
March 2022
In the past few days I did some work on my work bench. A friend built me some paint shelves. I now have a place for my
aK, Reaper, and Floquil paints that I use the most.
After that I glued down the Truck Repair. After that glue dried I glued down the grout, using wet water and white glue.
I used an eye dropper for both the water and the glue. I did not want to get the building wet with a spray. After thinges dried I went to work on the large work bench in the dirt floored room on the right. The blacksmith is using an acetylene torch to repair the pick that was broken.
The next thing will be the details around the outside of the building. Thanks for any comments and suggestions. Randy
brownbr
March 2022
I’m jealous of your workbench.
The welder looks right at home.
randyp
March 2022
Bryan, I hope you know that my workbench very seldom looks like that. Usually there is a lot more stuff on top. The paint shelves were a big help.
The welder is Aspin’s blacksmith, that I cut off the iron in the left hand and the hammer in the right hand. The flame is clear plastic painted with Tamiya transparent clear and blue paints. It is not in this picture but I also added a little yellow to the end of the flame.
randyp
April 2022
Here is another shot of the welder from another angle.
I added a little yellow on the end of the flame as I said in my last post. The end of the pick in the tongs was broken off when I tried to polish the pick after using the blickner.
The next shot is the shot of the first outside scene I have tried to put together. It has more ground covering because the person I am building the kit for has his layout set in an area with a lot of precipitation.
I added the red shop rag in the first picture and orange tank to the second picture to add a little color an otherwise color dull scene. Again as usual any suggestion, comments, or criticisms will be appreciated. Thanks Randy
admin
April 2022
Wonderful detailing and weathering! Love watching this come together so well.
randyp
April 2022
Thanks Brett. I will be moving around the building counter clock wise. I will end with the shed as that has the most details.
KKarns
April 2022
Great looking scene Randy. The acetylene tank adds just the right amount of color as you mentioned with superb weathering to boot!
randyp
April 2022 edited April 2022
Thanks Ken, Glad to get feedback on my ideal.
Ok , I went on around the to the left end of the building. The worker just saw a diamondback just crawl out from under the stack of lumber. The snake is made from a piece of solder flattened on one end and filed into a tirangle for the head. The other end was dipped in ACC to build up the rattles. I put the shovel backwards in his hands ready to swing. The ground cover is a little sparser here as I thought it would get more use.
Have you been keeping track of the beer bottles scattered in various places in the scenes? so far the last one is in the trash can behind the worker in the red shirt.
Karl.A
April 2022 edited April 2022
Looking great Randy, I’m liking all the detailed scenes, the stories and the more lucious look.
This is turning into a great looking dio all around. The details and everything else are bringing it all together beautifully.
That fresh stripwood pile could be improved a little with a light wash of chalk to give it some variation and a natural wood colour. I cant remember the number off hand but could look it up for you if you’re interested.
(Dont slap a snake on the head with the back of a shovel, you’ll just piss it off. Sneak up behind it and slice of its head with a sharp stab.)
Brett may remember a time with Tigger the ‘flying fish’ and a snake on my deck… but thats a tale for the “Off topic” forum … Ha
Keep up the great work and thanks for the terrific updates and ideas.
randyp
April 2022
Karl, it is 231.3 gold ochre. I did use it on the strip wood. Maybe just not enough. Thanks for your kind words. I will be moving around to the front tonight. I plan to make the front and the other end under the shed even more bare because I think they would get even more use. Thanks again, Randy
randyp
April 2022
I turned the corner and did the front left corner.
I decided to put the oil pump bearl here so as to have oil for the trucks. The next scene will be the gas pump. I started it today at a friends house using his model size drill press.
I drilled #76 size holed through the pump top for support rods. When I get the pump painted and the glass cylinder installed I will install the rods and NBW’s
Karl.A
April 2022
Yes Randy!!, that’s the colour, one of them, maybe the lighting in the pic ‘washed it out’, still looks great.
The area with the barrel and the hand pump looks good so far and I’m envious of your friends tools.
Cant wait to see what you do with the gas pump scene.
randyp
April 2022
Thanks Karl. I needed to do some painting on the gas pump. So I skipped over it to the right front corner. Again not much ground cover because I want it to look more used.
Any comments or suggestions will be helpful. Looks like I need to add a little more ground cover under the trash barrel. Thanks, Randy
ALCO
April 2022
Great weathering!
TomMich
April 2022
Nice work on all the details!
randyp
April 2022
Alco and Tom, thank you for your nice comments. Just trying to follow Brett’s instructions and Karl’s thread in the forum discussions under techniques. Thanks again Randy
randyp
April 2022
This end of the building is almost finished. I still need to add a few more details and chalk weather some of the brighter details.
I have several boxes and drums to add. Plus two workers working on the shed.
KKarns
April 2022 edited April 2022
Beautiful pile of crap Randy! Lol…Love those wheels particularly the one leaning against the cabinet, awesome detail on those parts. Nicely done.
randyp
April 2022 edited April 2022
Thinks Ken, I think that was one of if not the first of Brett’s metal castings that I painted.
KKarns
April 2022
Those are some splendid castings and you did them up really nice!
brownbr
April 2022
Nice junk heap.
randyp
April 2022
Thanks Ken and Bryan. One more work session on the shed and then I will move on to the roof. Randy
Karl.A
April 2022
Great job on all the details and scenery Randy, the rust on the ramp looks great and the fan blades on the block are a nice touch.
Gas pump seems to be coming along nicely too !
randyp
April 2022
Karl, thanks for the nice comments. I am not real happy with the gas pump. I spent time drilling the holes for the support rods and then the glass was to big and the rods would not go past the glass.
Oh well, Live and learn.
Karl.A
April 2022
I was worried about that when I saw you had done it.
Maybe a clear plastic drinking straw is slightly smaller, that is on my “to try” list.
Or, just glue the rods to the outside of the tube, also on my “to try” list, next time I do one of these pumps.
Oil bottle looks great as does the glass dis-colouration on the pump.
randyp
April 2022
The shed end of the building is now finished. I added a few more details and the two workers working on the shed.
I also added chalk to the yellow wheel and the cans to dull them down. I added two springs by the blue tank. The barrels, boxes of junk and, and tools finish this corner. The other corner is almost finished. I may add another box or two and a few bunches of grass.
I also added rust chalk to the springto blend them together better. The final picture is from the end of the shed and includes the rafters. If you look closely at the base of the barrel by the worker cutting the board you can see the end of the board he just cut off the board.
This is the just about the end of the details on the outside of the building. I may add a barrel or box here or there but for the most part the outside is finished. Now it is time to start on the trusses and purlins for the roof. As always any comments or suggestions will be appreciated. thanks, Randy
randyp
April 2022
Karl, I may try to add three or four supports to the outside of the glass. the pump is glued in place so I doubt that I will be able to put one on the back. Thanks, Randy
Karl.A
April 2022 edited April 2022
Randy, the minor adjustments you made to the yellow/bright objects made so much difference.
I just knew you would notice (and adjust) them after posting the previous pics… you have the ‘eye’ now.
The small extras you add (such as the offcut piece of wood) are the small things that add a big difference to a scene and make it natural.
I enjoy looking for them in your pictures.
Did you paint the checked shirt on the guy with the hammer ?
randyp
April 2022
Karl, thanks for kind words. I can not take the credit for the checked shirt. It was a painted figure from Allen Pollick at Fun and Games. I pried the gas pump off and added four supports. I will post pictures of it and my work on the rafters and purlins for the roof tomorrow. Thanks, Randy
randyp
April 2022
Karl, Here is the gas pump with the supports. I blackened the .012 brass wire and then spotted on some ivory white paint to get a worn look. This is the second time I reglued it in place. After I looked at the first picture the pump was leaning. So I pried it off again and re glued as it is now. Randy
Karl.A
April 2022
Looks great Randy. Taking that extra small step always seem to pay dividends.
Paint chips on the rods look right.
randyp
April 2022
As I mentioned before in this thread I did not want to use the cardboard sub roof on this model. So Brett was kind enough to cut me some more roof trusses. First, I added four extra cross braces to make a total of seven. here are the ones on the left side of the building.
I then started adding the trusses. Here I deviated from the instructions. I did not spot glue the trusses to the cross braces, but I did glue the trusses to the ridge board. Sence I was not using the cardboard sub roof the ridge board need to be part of the trusses from the start. I pit some tape over the top of the ridge board to hold it in place as I positioned the trusses. Here are all the trusses in glued in place.
randyp
April 2022
The next step in my modified build of the roof is to add the purlins. I decided it would not be out bounds to use two purlins side by side. I wanted to do this to give a larger area to glue the corrugated to the roof. I also did not cut the eight boards but kept them full length. I thought this would make a stronger removable roof. Not That it will show up when the roof is in place I stained one side of the first two purlins gray on the whole underside and the others on the ends. This was to represent the boards being exposed to the elements. Here are the first two on each side purlins clamped in place while the glue dries.
The purlins were glued to the seven center trusses, but not to the end walls. I then did the purlins at the roof peak and finely I centered the last two purlins between the peak and eaves.
I think the corrugated metal roofing is the last thing I need to do in this build. Here is the roofing material with two coats of Dark brown, mahogany brown, and dark rust.
As usual any comments or suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks, Randy
Karl.A
April 2022
Suggestions… double the price you agreed to for building this.
randyp
April 2022 edited April 2022
Karl, that is a great complement. However, there is no price. I bought the kit, built it , and will give it to Rich. I just wanted to build one of Brett’s kits. I know he Will not do an S scale kit but I sure wish he would so I could have his kits on my layout. Thanks, again Randy
randyp
April 2022
I got started on the roofing last night. Since I used purlins rather than the cardboard sub roof I could not work on the roofing flat. Also there would not be any marks to use to align the pieces of roofing. I decided to cut the sub roof out of the carrier sheet. Then I cut the carrier sheed in half and taped that to the purlins.
That way I had the marks along the side for the end overhang and the marks along the bottom to space the corrugated sheets. I added the first sheet of roofing following the marks using regular wood glue as stated in Brett’s instructions.
Because I could not lay this roof flat and put weights on it until the glue dried I came up with another method. I used my metal scale ruler and clamped it with small clamps. At the eave each corrugated piece could be clamped but that would not be possible on the second course of corrugated metal.
After the first row of roofing was in place I had to figure out how to align the top course of corrugated roofing. I cut the sub roof in half at the peak. I then used the scribed lines to mark the spacing of the roofing pieces on the purlins.
I then finished the top course of roofing clamping with the ruler and clamps at the ends of the roof.
The other side is not finished yet. But from this angle that is not apparent.
Today I plan to finish the other side of the roof. Weather and place the peak caps on the top of the roof. Again, any comments or suggestions are always appreciated. Thanks, Randy
randyp
April 2022 edited April 2022
Ok, the model is just about finished. The only thing I need to do is hook up the lights to the circuit board. The above photo is of the front of the truck repair.
Here is how I clamped the upper course of corrugated roofing. Thge next picture shows the roof with the peak cap in place.
The back of the building.
The left end of the building.
And the last picture is of the right end of the building. The rust spots on the shed roof are real rust. They came from the weight I had the shed roof under to keep it flat.
Now I need to figure out how to wire the lights to the circuit board. Again any comments or suggestion are appreciated. Thanks Randy
brownbr
April 2022
The roof matches the age/deterioration of the walls. Looks great.
KKarns
April 2022
Great looking scene…patterned shirt on the ladder guy, nice detail there.
randyp
April 2022
Thanks Bryan, the roof started out rather blothey. I went over it again with paint thinned with alcohol and rust colored chalks. I hope this worked to blend the entire roof together.
Ken, Thank you, but I can not take credit for that figure. It came painted from Allen Pollick at Fun and Games. Thanks, Randy
KKarns
April 2022
Ahh…still a cool detail to add
Joel
April 2022
Randy, I can’t believe I’ve missed so much. I’ll have a chance to go through all your beautiful pictures in detail but what a great little build. Fantastic detailing. Just great.
randyp
April 2022
Thanks Jole, I got many of my ideals from your excellent oficial Truck Repair build. I really appreciate the words of praise from a master builder such as yourself. Randy
admin
April 2022
W O N D E R F U L
Thanks for sharing this build Randy, such an awesome job.
randyp
April 2022
Thanks Brett, that means a lot coming from the SW master.
MuddyCreekRR
April 2022
This came out really great…the tones and weathering all blend together so well…inspires me to start my Truck Repair…
TomMich
April 2022
Great job! Turned out really nice! Love the details and how you placed them around the diorama.
randyp
April 2022
Thanks, Muddy, and Tom. I really enjoyed this build and sharing it on the forum.The rigging shed or the tool shed will be next but not until at least September. Thanks again, Randy
KKarns
April 2022
Wonderful work Randy. Really nice documentation of your progress throughout. Look forward to your next project.
randyp
April 2022
Thanks Ken, I enjoyed doing it. Right now it will probably be September before I do I can do another one of brett’s great kits. I will post a few more pictures when I get all the lights working at the same time. Randy
randyp
April 2022
I have got most of the lights hooked up. All of the lights are lit but one is lit from the the LED tester. I had it hooked up the power distribution board but it did not work. The light works with the LED tester but not the board. I will need to check to see what is wrong. Here is the front and right end with the shed, workshop, and gas pump lit.
The back of the building is in the next picture. The back door and the truck repair bay are lit up.
I will keep in contact by following all the great modelers on the form. Thanks for all your encouragement and help during my build. Thanks, Randy
brownbr
April 2022
Fantastic build. Your friend is very lucky.
Karl.A
April 2022
Fantastic build Randy, the shots with the lighting really look great.
randyp
April 2022
Thanks Bryan, and Karl. I went down and worked on the power distribution board today. I think one of the resistors was tilted and not making contact. I filled in with solder and now all the lights are working from the board
Did any one ever count how many empty brown beer bottles were setting around? Not counting the blue barrel in the truck bay.
MuddyCreekRR
April 2022
Outstanding Work!
randyp
April 2022
Thanks, Muddy. Four month of work. I took my time and tried to the best I could. Randy
MuddyCreekRR
April 2022
I’ve been so busy with so many other things…no modeling done in quite a long time for me…
randyp
April 2022
I understand Muddy. Before I got the truck repair I had not worked much on the layout much for about six months. I hope you get back to modeling soon. Randy
Jim M
April 2022
Randy, nice job. I love the lighting. You should be proud of it.
kebmo
April 2022
this is outstanding!. i absolutely agree with everything said above. very nice job.
randyp
April 2022
Thanks, Jim and Kevin.I have enjoyed the build and interacting with all the fantastic modelers on this forum. Thanks, Randy
randyp
April 2022 edited April 2022
I think this will be the last post on “my first Sierra West model” thread. Today here in St. Louis was the sixty sixth SLANG meet. Which stands for the St. Louis Area Narrow Gauge. Usually we have a meet in the spring and the fall. At each meet models are brought for a show and tell. The spring meet has an award for exceptional craftsmanship.
The A. C. “Craig” Brown award was named after Craig Brown former NMRA president and founding force along with John Kalin of the first National Narrow Gauge Convention. So, to get to the point, my Truck Repair was the recipient this award today. Thanks Brett for such great instructions, details, and just the over-all kit. Thanks, Randy
Jim M
April 2022
Congratulations, such a great honor.
admin
April 2022
Congratulations, so well deserved!
Thank you Randy, you’re very welcome!
Karl.A
April 2022
Awesome. Congratulations and well deserved.
sdrees
April 2022
Great Job! Congradulations
KKarns
April 2022
Nicely done Randy!
kebmo
April 2022
kudos.
what’s next?
randyp
April 2022
Jim, Brett, Karl, Ken, and Kevin thanks for your praise. Kevin I have both the tool and rigging sheds to work on next.
vietnamseabee
April 2022
Well done
Terry
brownbr
April 2022
Well deserved.
randyp
April 2022
Thank you, Terry and Bryan. I was very happy to be honored with the award. There were close to thirty other models brought by other narrow gaugers. Randy
TomMich
April 2022
Congratulations on a nicely done model!
kebmo
April 2022 edited April 2022
randyp said:
Jim, Brett, Karl, Ken, and Kevin thanks for your praise. Kevin I have both the tool and rigging sheds to work on next.
i knew that. you said it earlier in the thread, and i was glib. great job on the truck repair and congrats on the award.
randyp
April 2022
Thanks Tom it is appreciated. Randy
randyp
April 2022
Thanks again Kevin. I am hinting to Rich Rands that I would be happy to build the rest of the Railroad Camp for him. If I can just get him to buy it for me. Ha Ha. Randy
Karl.A
April 2022
After the results shown and your skills shown on this build Randy, then there is no doubt that your build will be worth whatever the price is.
I’m definitely looking forward to watching your builds of the Tool and Rigging sheds, and I know I’m not alone on that thought.
After (or before) that, I, and others will also be keenly following along with your afore mentioned RailRoadCamp build thread.
Whichever kit/build comes first I know you will enjoy building them and most importantly, we will all enjoy following along and watching your progress and seeing more of your great modelling.
randyp
April 2022
You are right Karl. I know I will enjoy any build that I choose to do next. Randy
Sakman
April 2022
Very nice work. I have enjoyed following your build. I will most likely go back and add some more greenery to my model. Thanks for sharing.
randyp
April 2022
Thanks, Sakman. Sorry to take so long to get back to you. I have been having a nice visit with my colon surgeon and the nurses at the hospital this week. Just got home two hours ago. Have fun adding to your details. Randy
randyp
May 2022
I have not posted for a while. Got home from the hospital after having colon surgery last Friday. I have not worked on any kit but scratch building bents to go under a deck truss bridge that fills a between four and five foot gap in my main line.
Here is the gap in the roadbed with the deck and two of the the three trusses temporarily in place. And here are the three bents temporarily in place for the joint between the first and second truss. I have two more bents to build for the other end of the center truss. I just did not want the rest of you to think after I finished the truck repair I had slacked off. Thanks, Randy
Karl.A
May 2022
Great looking bridge so far Randy, really nice colour and construction.
I look forward to seeing it completed.
randyp
May 2022
Thanks Karl. The coloring is Prisma Color artist markers. I will post another picture or two when I finish installing the bridge.. Randy
brownbr
May 2022
Really nice bridge and scenery
admin
May 2022
Love the scene you’re creating here!
randyp
May 2022
Thanks Bryan and Brett. The bridge is for the mainline and the lower track is a logging area. The left track is my logging mainline and the right track is to log loading area. The three drum donkey is there I just need to get the spar tree and the log cribbing installed.
Joel
May 2022
Congrats again. Fantastic work on a fantastic model. Looking forward to much more Randy!
randyp
May 2022
Thanks Joel, I am looking forward to my next Sierra West kit. I will have three small sheds when I get the line side shed from Brett. I plan to put all three of them together in one scene. That is ofcourse after I finish the bridge. Then I am thinking about the Foundry. Thanks again, Randy
Karl.A
May 2022
randyp said:
Then I am thinking about the Foundry. Thanks again, Randy
Ha, we all told you at the beginning of this thread that there was no going back after building the best, you’d get the bug.
Thats great to read about the foundry and I (along with many others) look forward to seeing your great work on all of these, and more great SWSM kits.
randyp
May 2022
Yes Karl, “all of you told me so”. I have just been reading through Ken’s HO foundry build and I got hooked again. Brett said two or three weeks until he can ship the kits I have ordered from him.. Looking forward to receiving them. Randy
KKarns
May 2022
Congrats Randy on having those kits in the wings! Great work on the layout, bridges offer terrific modeling opportunities as you are demonstrating…well done.
randyp
May 2022
Thanks, Ken. I must say Ken, the wood work on your foundry build is fantastic. I am looking forward to trying to emulate your work when I get to my own foundry.
KKarns
May 2022
Appreciate that Randy and look forward to your approach on the build.
randyp
June 2022
It has been a while since I posted. Took a little over a week of to have colon surgery. But I am now back at it. I said I would post again when I got the bridge installed. I thought I would show how far along I am. The trusses are in place and the bents are in position but not glued down yet. This is a picture from across the peninsula.
You would not normally see it from this angle.
This picture shows the second set of bents with a pass through to access the logging area in the background. Here is a shot to show that a car will go through the pass through.
The last pictures looks back the other way showing the other bents setting on the new cut stone pier and abutment at the end of the bridge. As you can see I still have a lot of scenery to put in and freshen up.
When I get the scenery finished I will post again. Thanks for looking. Randy
KKarns
June 2022
Glad to hear your surgery went well. Wow, now that’s cool and some layout your building there!
kebmo
June 2022
KKarns said:
Glad to hear your surgery went well. Wow, now that’s cool and some layout your building there!
ditto.
randyp
June 2022
Thanks Ken and Kevin. I hope Brett does not mind me posting a few more pictures of the bridge I have been working on. Between the surgery and a trip to Florida I have not been getting much done on the layout until yesterday and today. I said that I would post some more pictures of the bridge when I got it installed. The piers and abutments needed to be colored and put in place. I color the plaster cut stone piers and abutments with the the first four artist acrylics and follow with an overall wash of Raw Sienna.
These are also the colors I use on my plaster rock castings.
The following picture is of one of the bridge abutmen that is colored and in place.
The last two pictures are along the top and side of the bridge.
I want to thank those of you that that have followed along with the build of my first Sierra West Kit. I would especially like to thank the ones on the forum for all the feedback and encouragement during the build. This will be my last post on this thread.
Look for my next thread. Which will be My Second Sierra West model. I have made a small start on the Rigging shed. It will be a few weeks before I post any thing on the new build.
Until then I will be working to get the layout ready for the tours for the NMRA convention. If your are in St. Louis for the convention be sure to stop by the Canyon and Rocky Mountain by Randy Meyer and say hello. Thanks Randy
Karl.A
June 2022 edited June 2022
Fantastic work on the layout, the scenery and of course the bridge Randy. Some terrific work shown throughout the entire thread and a spectacular way to bring it to a close.
I’m eagerly looking forward to following your new thread on your new build when it starts.
Thanks for all the participation and effort you put into sharing your great modelling with us all.
randyp
June 2022
Thanks, Karl. I have really looked forward to your comments and suggestions. Randy
Sakman
July 2022
Very nice work.I love the double-track(Guide rails) on top of the trestle.
randyp
July 2022 edited July 2022
Thanks, Paul. I just followed D&RGW’s standard practice. If I followed the RGS’s the guard rails would have been outside the running rails. Thanks again. Randy
EmeryJ
July 2022
Now those are some seriously nice bridges. I have a bunch of them to make. If they come out half as nice as these, I will be happy. Well done!!
randyp
July 2022
Thanks, EmeryJ. I got the Black Bear jig and instructions on ebay and just followed the steps. Randy
EmeryJ
July 2022
I will keep an eye out for that. Not so easy to find anymore in O scale i am seeing.
Robert.G
July 2022
Great looking layout. Love the bridges !!
ALCO
July 2022
You must have used a bunch of trees!
randyp
July 2022 edited July 2022
Thank you very much Robert. I am glad to see you posting again on the formu. ALCO yes a lot of wood was used for the bridge. I guess it is a good thing that the bridge passes over the logging area. You can see the big stumps around the bents. Randy
brownbr
July 2022
I like those Black Bear jigs.
admin
September 2022 edited September 2022
I am so happy to report that Randy won first place in dioramas at the 2022 Narrow Gauge Convention in Tacoma last weekend with this diorama. Congratulations Randy! Very proud of your accomplishment.
brownbr
September 2022
Well deserved
Karl.A
September 2022
A well deserved win. Congratulations Randy.
Jim M
September 2022
Wow that’s great. Congratulations Randy.
SteveF
September 2022
Congratulations Randy! I enjoyed following this build. Great win!
Robert.G
September 2022
Congratulations ! Well deserved for sure !!
EmeryJ
September 2022
Congrats! Well done sir.
CarlLaskey
September 2022
Steve That is a hard contest to win so good for you.
KKarns
September 2022
Well done Randy! Another fine showing for SierraWest Scale Models and a mighty fine modeler.
Mountaingoat
September 2022
Yes indeed! Fantastic work and well deserved. Let’s keep SWSM in the winners circle…Rick
CarlLaskey
September 2022
Sorry Randy
Jeroen
September 2022
Oh man. That is just wonderful. I love the atmosphere on your layout. I hope to find space to do something like this one day. Very very inspirational!
randyp
September 2022
Thank you all for your kind comments. Mine was not the only Sierra West model to take home a first.
Mike E. got first in the square footer. I am very happy he decided to not put it in the Dioramas. Thanks again Randy
KKarns
September 2022
Way to go Mike! Thanks for posting Randy.
randyp
September 2022
I have two mor pictures from the convention. The first is of Pete Smith on the left, myself in the middle, and Jeff Boock on the right.
The last picture is of an unusual gas pump.
I think this would make a great detail part. Hint,Hint,Hint Brett. Thanks Randy
KKarns
September 2022
Nice pics Randy, thanks for posting.
Robert.G
September 2022
I wonder if there is any youth in this hobby …??? I only see gray hair, or non at all… 
KKarns
September 2022
Good point Robert and an age old problem (no pun intended). Many organizations have trouble recruiting young membership…quite sad to see.
randyp
September 2022
Robert, there were a few modelers there under fifty. Not many, but some. Randy
Karl.A
September 2022
Ben’s a youngin, and there’s quite a few more, lots of youth in the hobby, in all genres.
ALCO
September 2022
What this hobby needs is to get some “internet influencer” to gen up some slick and sexy buzz about the model train and related fields. Gotta be female, in her 20’s, and wear lots of makeup. That’ll attract the boys!
kebmo
September 2022
ALCO said:
What this hobby needs is to get some “internet influencer” to gen up some slick and sexy buzz about the model train and related fields. Gotta be female, in her 20’s, and wear lots of makeup. That’ll attract the boys!
heheheheheh…
SteveF
September 2022
Congratulations Mike! That’s a great model. I was unable to make the convention this year but saw your work at previous conventions. Well deserved.
I agree Randy. Additional early era gas pump models would be great additions to an already stellar Sierra West detail parts line up. That Shell pump would be quite the intricate 3D model and would fit into a 1920’s modeling era.
kebmo
September 2022
randyp said:
I have two mor pictures from the convention. The first is of Pete Smith on the left, myself in the middle, and Jeff Boock on the right.
The last picture is of an unusual gas pump.
I think this would make a great detail part. Hint,Hint,Hint Brett. Thanks Randy
i think the trick might be to bribe emery…
just thinking out loud.
Jeroen
September 2022
You just followed the steps huh? Well sir, if it was that easy… You did an amazing job on that bridge and the landscaping. If ever I get to build a layout this is something to strive for. Wonderfully done!
Joel
September 2022
Beautiful work - well deserved win.
randyp
September 2022
Thanks Jeroen for the kind comments about the truck repair. I did for the most part just followed Brett`s instructions. The most important thing about this build was that I took my time and did not rush. I worked on it for four months and tried to do things right the first time. Also thanks for your nice words about my layout.
Joel, I feel like I owe you a debt of thanks. I followed along with your great build and read it two or three times before I started. Thanks very much for the inspiration. Also I would like to thank all of you that made comments and suggestions as I was building the model. Thanks to all. Randy