This thread was started in November 2020
admin
November 2020 in Brett’s Blog
SierraWest 3D printed oil and soda pop bottles coming soon to a kit near you. Clear bottles have been on my wish list for many years!
Comments
KCSTrains
November 2020
Brett, they really look good. Amazing what 3d can do. Phil
Robert.G
November 2020 edited November 2020
Looks like real glass !! Great quality of printing also.
kebmo
November 2020
is there any possibility of them being sold separately?
EmeryJ
November 2020
LOL. Those are perfect!! I just made an attempt to create the Bud Light Orange bottles from the pewter casting ones. Not great, but not terrible either. I so need some of these boss!! Already on the stands ready for paint. Great idea!!
vietnamseabee
November 2020
Brett…maybe ceramic coffee mugs
admin
November 2020
I am super happy with them. They look absolutely real laying around a scene. I am particularly fond of the oil bottles. The tin spout is a threaded screw top and there are actually threads visible. I do plan on selling these along with a few other 3D printed items. As far as caps I could add those but for now I want empties to use as junk or just set on a shelf repurposed for something else.
Coffee mugs - great idea. Would look fantastic on a workbench.
kebmo
November 2020
i’ll take a couple dozen of the beer bottles and a dozen oil bottles!
Bill
November 2020
Dang Brett! Those are outstanding!!
Looks like a chalk/alcohol wash was used to color the bottles. Or…something else?
Joel
November 2020
Just amazing. Another SW first.
mikemettelka
November 2020
must have!
admin
November 2020
Thank you gentlemen. I have quite a few more 3D parts that would have been impossible to cast in resin or metal.
Bill, exactly right. Chalk and alcohol. Spout painted with acrylics. So easy…
brownbr
November 2020
Can’t wait to get some.
TomMich
November 2020
Look GREAT! What scales will they be?
CraigH
November 2020
Being a Gas station nut for the last 40 years ,a glass oil bottle is shaped different. If I knew how to post a picture of what I’m talking about I would.
KKarns
November 2020
HO Scale…Hmmm?? Look fantastic…I’m with Kevin…need to be available by themselves so we can upgrade existing kits with these gems!
admin
November 2020
Glass oil bottles were many different shapes. The shape I am using is based on several different styles. Here is just one example with two different shapes. There are many more you can find. There was not one universal shape.
Jerry
November 2020
They look great Brett!
Jerry
mikemettelka
November 2020
Must have these…
CraigH
November 2020
The picture on the right of that glass oil bottle is the most Common oil bottle there is I had 3 sets of them with the 8 bottle wire carry holder that most service station used… the other bottle was like a Mason Jar that the oil spout/lid would screw on to. There was other types of racks one of my Favorites was the one Mobil did in the 30’S called the fill proof bottle I believe that a very unigue top for Mobiloil only.
Robert.G
November 2020
How is it that many objects used to be more beautiful in times gone by… Oh Nostalgia… 
vietnamseabee
November 2020
Agreed Robert and we didn’t appreciate them at the time
CraigH
November 2020
My Favorite set of oil bottles
kebmo
November 2020
very cool
TomH
November 2020 edited November 2020
Brett,
Those are beautiful! When can I order some?
admin
November 2020
CraigH said:
My Favorite set of oil bottles
Those are wonderful!
admin
November 2020
TomH said:
Brett,
Those are beautiful! When can I order some?
Soon! I have several 3D printed items I will be offering soon including the bottles. Just need to get set on packaging since some of the parts are quite fragile…
CraigH
November 2020
Brett, Glad you like them…mobil oil had the most unique bottles and tops in that time period. In the gas&oil collectable field they a very sought after
admin
November 2020
Ten years ago this month Kevin O’Neill was working on the O Scale Tool Shed. Kevin’s modeling was so warm and rich. He treated every detail as a project in and of itself and that attention to craftsmanship always showed up in his work. Hard to believe that Kevin has been gone for seven years. His sense of humor and friendship will always be fondly remembered.
admin
December 2020 edited December 2020
New packaging for SW 3D printed parts…
In the second installment of O Scale Foundry (dropping week Dec 20) there are quite a few 3D printed parts included. I am super excited to get these out there. They’re so cool and in addition to the resin/metal castings and laser cut details - there is really nothing I cannot now make and include in a kit!
brownbr
December 2020
That is exciting.
Nothing you can’t make huh? Put me down for a couple hundred O scale pine cones. I want to trick out my trees.
admin
December 2020
brownbr said:
Nothing you can’t make huh? Put me down for a couple hundred O scale pine cones. I want to trick out my trees.
pine cones would be so easy… is there a market for that? hah
brownbr
December 2020
Sent you a link to a guy that makes 1:35 pine cones. They are super detailed and super expensive.
Ken needs an HO scale squirrel also.
kebmo
December 2020
when will the “glass” bottles become available?
and what 3d details did you come up with for o’neills and will they become available outside of the kit for those of us that bought o’neill’s before you bought your 3d printer??
admin
December 2020
Kevin - meant the Foundry, not O’Neills… bottles will be available after Christmas.
No Squirrels…
admin
December 2020
O Scale - 3D printed hand tools.
Here they are in use. lots of new parts here on the shelf. can you spot them all?
Dave_S
December 2020
Brett,
Sign me up for the 3D oil bottles and hand tools in O-Scale. Simply Awesome.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
admin
December 2020
Thanks Dave! Here are two styles of industrial Lamp shades…
Dave_S
December 2020
Brett,
You read my mind! Would it be possible to make those lamp shades hollowed out and a bit deeper so we can more easily put LED’s inside them? I would also like to see if I couldn’t use one to fashion a gooseneck desk top lamp for inside a station/depot window on a dispatcher’s desk or on top of a shop lathe where a woodworker is turning a spindle. You get the idea.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
EmeryJ
December 2020
New packaging for SW 3D printed parts…
Always a class act. That is really nice. Looking forward to getting some of that action.
kebmo
December 2020
droolin’ over the toolin;…
kebmo
December 2020
admin said:
O Scale - 3D printed hand tools.
Here they are in use. lots of new parts here on the shelf. can you spot them all?
couple bottles, a t-square, and hand saw and a triangle square. what’d i win?
MuddyCreekRR
December 2020
You had me at the next installment of the O Scale Foundry was coming…Those 3D details are amazing…
admin
December 2020
Dave_S said:
Brett,
You read my mind! Would it be possible to make those lamp shades hollowed out and a bit deeper so we can more easily put LED’s inside them? I would also like to see if I couldn’t use one to fashion a gooseneck desk top lamp for inside a station/depot window on a dispatcher’s desk or on top of a shop lathe where a woodworker is turning a spindle. You get the idea.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
yeah, for sure I can hollow and deepen. That’s really the amazing thing about this process, super flexible. Steep learning curve (still learning a lot) but worth the time and expense. And it’s very enjoyable.
Love the idea of the gooseneck lamp. Bill suggested shop manuals for a desk or shelf. Any other suggestions?
admin
December 2020
MuddyCreekRR said:
You had me at the next installment of the O Scale Foundry was coming…Those 3D details are amazing…
Thanks man, appreciate the support.
admin
December 2020
Kevin, your getting there…
Jerry
December 2020
Nice additions to your detail parts Brett.
Jerry
brownbr
December 2020
Pipe fittings, water spigots, turn handles
admin
December 2020
Jerry said:
Nice additions to your detail parts Brett.
Jerry
Thanks Jerry, much appreciated!
admin
December 2020
brownbr said:
Pipe fittings, water spigots, turn handles
Excellent ideas…spigots especially. Too fragile to cast in metal but an awesome detail. Thanks Bryan!
vietnamseabee
December 2020
Maybe strap door hinges?
Terry
kebmo
December 2020
door handles for freight doors and door knobs for people doors.
SonofVietnamSeabee
December 2020
Those are amazing. I wish I had more time.
How about a loose roll of rope to hang from one of the pegs. You’d also have a full set of items up there for a game of Clue 
admin
December 2020 edited December 2020
Definitely have thought about figures and animals - not really my wheelhouse tho…
Now these gas bottles are my thing. I HATE casting these so this is what’s in printer #3 this morning… see how they turn out. First batch. This shot is from my computer screen of the file prep.
TomMich
December 2020
Would be great to see some in HO!
admin
December 2020
TomMich said:
Would be great to see some in HO!
hah! the smallest one’s are HO…
TomMich
December 2020
Cool!
TomH
December 2020
Wow Brett!
Might even have to pick up an O scale kit just to really tear into some of those details.
TomH
December 2020
How about electrical boxes/meters for connections to power lines? In HO of course!
admin
December 2020
TomH said:
How about electrical boxes/meters for connections to power lines? In HO of course!
Excellent idea!
admin
December 2020 edited December 2020
engine909 said:
Your wheelhouse is larger than you think. Sales would be phenomenal. Even Ken would purchase some.
Yeah, every time I have offered the CHB figures they have sold out in days. No question there is a market but I am not passionate about making figures so…
admin
December 2020
Happy little soldiers fresh from the printer. A bit of post processing and they will be on their way to new homes tomorrow. Exciting to be able to create resin, metal, and 3D printed parts. I don’t believe anybody else is producing details in three different mediums.
EmeryJ
December 2020
A pasture full of Texas Longhorns… LOL.
admin
December 2020
EmeryJ said:
A pasture full of Texas Longhorns… LOL.
Hook em’ Horns…
trains4ms
December 2020
Hi Brett,
Those look really fantastic. From the pictures it looks like you have solved the layering that shows up on 3D printed parts. Great job.
Are you including them in current kits that are shipping now instead of your current tanks?
Mike S.
admin
December 2020
Yeah Mike, layering/banding - no issue.
Never shipped a 3D part in a kit, until tomorrow that is. I have been shipping resin castings whose masters were 3D printed since August. HO and O.
kebmo
December 2020
exciting times.
admin
December 2020
Thought I would take this full circle… O Scale O’Neills part one casting assortment with 3D printed gas bottles. Took five months to get where I wanted them to be in order to be included in a kit… December 2020 marks a first for SW after 25+ years of shipping “traditional” resin and metal castings. HO Scale 3D parts will be shipping in 2021. Cool stuff…
Mountaingoat
December 2020
And we are the beneficiaries of your efforts. Looking forward to the River Front and other future kits…Rick
ALCO
December 2020
Appreciate that you are not sending out the 3D parts still on their spruces. I’ve had such parts on spruces fly away and never to be found.
MuddyCreekRR
December 2020
Brett…have you come up with any different techniques for painting or detailing the #D stuff? I would think they should be just the same as the resin stuff. I have just started working with other 3d details and haven’t seen any issues as of yet. I’ll get more practice with the details I will see in the next part of the O scale Foundry.
admin
December 2020
ALCO said:
Appreciate that you are not sending out the 3D parts still on their spruces. I’ve had such parts on spruces fly away and never to be found.
I will definitely be shipping some parts without sprues but some small, fragile items need the sprue structure to protect them!
admin
December 2020
MuddyCreekRR said:
Brett…have you come up with any different techniques for painting or detailing the #D stuff? I would think they should be just the same as the resin stuff. I have just started working with other 3d details and haven’t seen any issues as of yet. I’ll get more practice with the details I will see in the next part of the O scale Foundry.
One of the attractive properties of the resins I chose to print with is that they are quite similar overall to the resin I have been casting with for years - so same techniques and materials apply!
TomMich
December 2020
Brett, that’s what makes Sierra West the best kits on the market. You are always striving to come up with innovative techniques, and materials. Thanks for your commitment to the hobby.
ALCO
December 2020
ALCO said:
Appreciate that you are not sending out the 3D parts still on their spruces. I’ve had such parts on spruces fly away and never to be found.
Make that “sprue”
admin
December 2020
Thank you Tom, your support is much appreciated!
“Spruces” works just fine this of year - auto correct tried to grab my “sprues” too, hah!
So I had a customer ask me this morning what makes the 3D parts good?
Specifically for gas bottles, HO or O Scale:
Perfectly round - not squashed like a part from a traditional mold
Perfectly flat bottom - no need to file to get it to stand up straight
I just press the play button on the printer and two hours later have handful of perfect castings… ok oversimplified but you get the idea!
EmeryJ
December 2020
Just curious… would the 3D printed parts be any less fragile than say the tiny laser cut ones like fan blades or similar?
Also, would it be any faster printing them as opposed to the slow process of the laser? Most importantly, would the end result be as good?
admin
December 2020
Emery - specifically for the fan blades the 3D parts would be too thin to package and ship. Laser is quite a bit faster than the 3D printer actually.
admin
December 2020
Been mixing and pouring resins for well over 25 years. Why in the last year can I not find a stupid cheap plastic bottle that doesn’t leak? Very frustrating to have to start every morning off cleaning the tint bottles… Never had this problem before.
EmeryJ
December 2020
Try www. webrestaurantstore dot com (local would be Acemart store)
They have those ketchup, mustard, etc bottles that look about like these. Rather cheap.
I have ordered other things from them in the past and have been very pleased.
TomMich
December 2020
Everything gets “New and Improved”!
MuddyCreekRR
December 2020
Just 3D print some gaskets for the bottles…seriously…Gasket material can be cut to help seal the bottles one would thing…
admin
December 2020 edited December 2020
Thanks Emery, I appreciate the suggestion.
Art, duh on me… gonna laser cut a gasket - thanks for the reminder, hah!
admin
December 2020
After a minute of thought I was like crapola… this just too easy. Thanks for making me use my brain Art.
MuddyCreekRR
December 2020
Brett…been there…done that…
ALCO
December 2020
Brett, I wonder if plumber’s PTFE thread seal tape would work with less mess when refilling the bottle?
Robert.G
December 2020
I make sealing rings for these kind of bottles out of old rubber inner tubes . Works super and at no cost
nemmrrc
December 2020
Groovy.
Jaime
Jerry
December 2020
If you made people we could get a little Brett in every kit!!
Jerry
MuddyCreekRR
December 2020
Assorted tools…a railroad onion style lantern…actually anything that you could get better detail from 3D printing as opposed to casting…
Joel
December 2020
Amazing details. Just when we all convinced your kits couldn’t get any better.
KKarns
December 2020
What Joel said!..
admin
December 2020
Joel said:
Amazing details. Just when we all convinced your kits couldn’t get any better.
Thanks Joel and Ken, much appreciated!
admin
December 2020
Jerry said:
If you made people we could get a little Brett in every kit!!
Jerry
Oh man no, hah!
admin
December 2020
Handmade crushed drums and trash cans. A couple of the drums were run over by a tractor and the treads are visible. Weathered simply with ipa and powdered chalk.
kebmo
December 2020 edited December 2020
are these gonna become available to us?
admin
December 2020
You bet Kevin… working on some fun new things like these.
mikemettelka
December 2020
Nice!!
EmeryJ
December 2020 edited December 2020
outstanding!!!
Mountaingoat
December 2020
HO?
admin
December 2020
These are O but I will also make them in HO
admin
December 2020
Robert.G
December 2020
Details with such realisme you only find at SW. Great stuff.
brownbr
December 2020
Very nice.
kebmo
December 2020
cool
admin
December 2020
thank you gents…
KKarns
December 2020
Sweet pic, well staged…if that doesn’t get you in the mood to model grungy don’t know what would!
admin
December 2020
true - that’s definitely the idea!
KCSTrains
December 2020
Love the trashcans!! Hopefully they will be in HO. Phil
MuddyCreekRR
December 2020
The area I’m going to model on the layout for O’Neills and the foundry will need some of those grungy cans and drums…
EmeryJ
December 2020
SonofVietnamSeabee said:
How about a loose roll of rope to hang from one of the pegs.
For the rope, about the best solution I could find was using real scale rope from the model ship guys. It was a pain to coil up until I dipped it in Matte Varnish and then wrapped it into a coil. It kept its coiled shape very well. Looks pretty darn real too.
TomMich
December 2020
Love all the new details you are planning! Can’t wait to be able to purchase them in HO
admin
December 2020
Hey Tom, lots of amazing HO Scale stuff coming in 2021…
Jerry
December 2020
That pastel stick & brush really came out good!!
You know there’s always has to be some humor!!
Jerry
admin
December 2020
hah yeah well I worked really hard weathering them. Glad you noticed!
dick52
December 2020
Nice , can’t wait .
brownbr
December 2020
Thankful I’m not on the frontline of this one. Looking forward to my time in line for the shot.
kebmo
December 2020
me too. i’m considered an essential worker, but we haven’t been given any kind of timeline for the vaccine.
admin
December 2020
Thanks for the update!
KKarns
December 2020
Just wanted to make sure those that might be on the fence regarding the vaccine to just get it done!..
Dave_S
December 2020
Ken, thanks for your support and encouragement. You don’t have to encourage this 75+ forum member, however. I’m in line as soon as my turn comes. Each state may handle this vaccination a bit different and supplies may hinder a speedy turn. But I’ll be there when my turn comes.
Another vaccination I would encourage all to get is the shingrix series. I had chicken pox as a kid and got it again as an adult while teaching during a summer school session. Thankfully a doctor caught it immediately and knew how to prevent further complications to my eye sight. Once the new Shingrix Series of shots was available I was on it. Didn’t have to convince a retired ophthalmologist friend to get it either. We went together.
Later, Dave S Tucson, AZ
KKarns
December 2020
Yup, got that one also awhile back. Good for you, sounds like you’re on top of things!
TomMich
December 2020
Ken, it appears you did have side effects from the shot! You have gotten a boost of energy to complete your workshop, and post photos of it and completed your Scotia diorama and post them. Now that’s what I call a shot in the arm! 
admin
December 2020
Hah Tom - true!
KKarns
December 2020
So you noticed that!..finding motivation in the strangest of ways…Lol.
MuddyCreekRR
December 2020
I am mandated to get it thru FEMA for the USAR stuff…so I have no choice…we just got vaccinated last year for basically every illness imaginable…29 separate injections…
admin
January 2021
3D Printed O Scale 55 Gallon Oil Drums. Each drum hand “destroyed” to create a unique piece. Perfectly round, no parting lines, scale wall thickness. Well, at least until I trash them up! Painted and weathered using my usual materials and processes. The 3D resin behaves just like the resin I have been making my castings from for over 25 years. On sale on my website very soon. HO Scale goodness coming too.
Mountaingoat
January 2021
Fantastic
kebmo
January 2021
i can’t wait for these new details to come available. they look great.
TomH
January 2021
So cool
TomMich
January 2021
Can’t have enough new details!
Dave_S
January 2021
Brett,
Will you announce these new detail additions for 3D Printed items in the Weekly News section under a new heading 3D Printed, or in another manner?
Thanks, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
dick52
January 2021
Beautiful junk !
EmeryJ
January 2021
My junk arrived! Talk about first class. The little parts bag was a really nice touch. I can’t wait to get back to the bench to mess around with all these new goodies.
Soon, as I am almost done laying track (220 ft) and finishing up all the feeder wiring.
admin
January 2021
Thanks Emery!
kebmo
January 2021
i’ll be placing an order next week…
mikemettelka
January 2021
Eagerly waiting ho scale!
Dave_S
January 2021
Brett,
Thanks for the amazingly quick turn around time between my order and receiving the resin castings. As always the SWSM craftsmanship is evident in the individual parts. The bottles, barrels and drums will make great additions to scenes.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
admin
January 2021
Working on HO Scale items for next day shipping.
Printed “a few” HO Scale 55 Gallon Oil Drums this weekend. Three different styles, absolute perfection. 3D printed details like these means no parting lines, perfectly round, scaled just right, stand flat and true. Paint and weather up just like my resin.
KCSTrains
January 2021
Brett, you know where to send them in Arkansas!! Phil
Mountaingoat
January 2021
I’ll take that one day supply! Now for the used junkers.
admin
January 2021
yeah Phil - got your addy… it’s “in the mail”
Rick- junkers coming next!
kebmo
January 2021
i received my order of deteriorating barrels yesterday, along with some other items, and i couldn’t wait to see how the barrels weathered up so i primed one with black rattle can paint.
then after the paint dried i gave a good shot of chalk alcohol.
i hit it with more chalk/alcohol, and then added some chalk to the surface of the barrel and sprayed it with alcohol to set the pigment, and here’s the finished barrel.
they came in this cool sierra west bag
the barrel looks much better in person.
and in case anyone is wondering about the blue thing, it’s a detail holder for painting, and the head rotates 360 degrees. i have two extra heads and some extra holding putty. the gizmo is available at redgrass games. i also have their wet pallete.
TomMich
January 2021
Love the texture on the barrel
KCSTrains
January 2021
Kevin,
The barrel looks great. Phil
brownbr
January 2021
Turned out nice Kevin. I gotta get my order in.
kebmo
January 2021 edited January 2021
better pics. i had to add some ash…
i like these alot.
[edit] i spent many hours standing around a burn barrel in my buddy’s back yard smoking cigarettes (at 13) while we burned these heavy wire cables his dad would bring home from work, to get the copper. barrel looked just like this one.
KKarns
January 2021
Looks great Kevin…really nifty castings. GeeWiz…I want a bag…):
kebmo
January 2021
i know where you can get some…
SierraWest Scale Models | 3D Printed Details, Sets, and Kits
KKarns
January 2021
All O Scale…I’m jumping in once 1:87 hits the market…will have to bag the bag idea until then!
kebmo
January 2021
ooops
admin
February 2021
Outstanding Kevin!
admin
May 2021
Wonder what Charlie would have thought about some of the CHB castings being converted to 3D Printing? I bet he would have been stoked! Here’s the ME900 Double Cylinder Mill Engine cylinder/trunk assembly… prints so incredibly well. These are already shipping!
Dave_S
May 2021
Brett,
Where do we find these new printed parts on your web site? Or are they only available in kits or special packages?
Thanks, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
admin
May 2021
All the new parts will be posted here:
SierraWest Scale Models | 3D Printed Details, Sets, and Kits
Will be getting a ton of new HO and O Scale parts up on the website soon!
Keep it Rusty
May 2021
Love, love, love it.
Karl.A
May 2021 edited May 2021
These are very exciting times, especially when we are already building the best available, and then, they get better.
Pappy
May 2021
Great Job Brett!,
You can do so much with 3D printing and use different materials.
We are all looking forward to your progress on other parts
admin
May 2021 edited May 2021
A customer emailed me the following question and I thought it an excellent one that s/b answered here:
“If you had the 3-D model would you be confident enough in the process to switch over to 3-D completely for something like the Mill Engine?”
Most definitely confident enough in the process. There’s nothing I cannot print - however, there’s plenty I “shouldn’t” print. With the ability to spin metal, pour polyurethanes, and now 3D print, I am in the very unique position to choose the technique(s) that best suits the part. If metal is the best material to cast a part in, then I will do that. etc… etc… So exciting to be able to expand my capabilities. Wait till you all see what’s coming!
Keep it Rusty
May 2021
A single tool isn’t always a single solution.
Thanks for sharing, Brett.
KKarns
May 2021
Good question…perfect answer!
Robert.G
May 2021
New Horizon !!
Jerry
May 2021
Oh the Christopher Columbus of scale Railroad Modeling!
You changing your name to Chris?
Jerry
admin
May 2021
So in 1799 Englishman George Medhurst invented the first motorized air compression system that was used primarily in the mining industry. (According to the internet, must be true.)
Fast forward about 100 years to the beginning of the 20th Century and portable air compressors were hard at work in industries big and small. They could be found in many shapes and sizes including the one Emery and I have been working on.
Simple 6 pc. kit, wait till you see it weathered and assembled. HO and O of course!
Mountaingoat
May 2021
Shame on you. You are enjoying this way too much. lol. Great work. Anxious to see everything you two have been developing…Rick
EmeryJ
May 2021
This bad boy is a game changer. There is so much detail, it just keeps popping out as the painting and weathering is applied.
vietnamseabee
May 2021
I agree with “the goat”…wipe that smile off yer face…your not bein’ paid to have a good time!!!
Well done “boys”
Terry
Jerry
May 2021
Can I say this “Holy Sh*t”!! It doesn’t get any better does it??
Jerry
kebmo
May 2021
enough of the chit chat…let see a finished version!
KKarns
May 2021
The future in modeling detail is now!
Keep it Rusty
May 2021
You know I’m looking forward to seeing this one
brownbr
May 2021
I could use one of these on almost every build
CraigH
May 2021
waiting to see how the air compressor looks built and weathered.
Joel
June 2021
Looks fantastic. It seems like the possibilities really are endless.
vietnamseabee
June 2021
Nice to see Brett reissuing the older kits now and again… I see that E J Whiley Is again being offered…if I didn’t already have it on my “to-do” shelf I’d for sure get an order in…well done, Brett…many exciting things coming out of SWSM
Terry
admin
June 2021
Got a few new 3D Printed Wooden Barrels to paint and weather. HO and O Scale. Emery and I have been busy this week!
EmeryJ
June 2021
Look at that family of barrels!! A whole fam damily. Endless possibilities.
Quote
Robert.GRobert.G
June 2021 193.250.32.97
Nice work the two of you…
brownbr
June 2021
Go guys go!
admin
August 2021
Never enough room on the bench, no matter how big it is! Why is that?
vietnamseabee
August 2021
Been wonderin’ what the “boss’s” work area looked like
Terry
admin
August 2021
Terry, realized this morning for some reason I have never posted a pic of any of my actual workbenches. This is primarily where I paint and weather castings, usually cannot see the glass top, figured since it was kinda clean I would share!
KKarns
August 2021
It’s purely mathematical…the “stuff” you accumulate is directly proportional to the space available!
admin
August 2021
KKarns said:
It’s purely mathematical…the “stuff” you accumulate is directly proportional to the space available!
So well stated!
Jerry
August 2021
Looks organized to me! I like the “Riverfront” box there. Detail parts must be under the blue cloth!
Jerry
EmeryJ
August 2021
KKarns said:
It’s purely mathematical…the “stuff” you accumulate is directly proportional to the space available!
Spot on Ken! I have a 30x50 shop that I “will never fill up this much space”… ya right!
It took 3 months.
TomMich
August 2021
Love the containers of 3D printed detail parts. Probably like most of our work spaces there’s just enough room to actually do some work.
TomMich
August 2021
My workbench is a 3 ft. wide flat solid core door. It’s a heavy brute. I built 2 drawer units, 1 for each side with a place to sit between them. I also have a shelf I built along the wall in front of where I sit. Everything is full and there’s just enough room to work at. Most everything is within arms reach and accessible.
hsilva
August 2021
Something new?
admin
August 2021
Hmmmm
Pappy
August 2021
Not going to post my work area in detail, its all over my man cave! In fact if you see my other sw builds you will get an idea 
CarlLaskey
August 2021
Hmmmm also i see something Hmmmmm
Pappy
August 2021
The Riverfront tease?
admin
September 2021
No teases or sneaky items in the photo! Just my painting bench.
Jerry
September 2021
admin said:
No teases or sneaky items in the photo! Just my painting bench.
Your no fun at all!!
Jerry
admin
October 2021 edited October 2021
Oh man, this was on ebay this morning. Vintage huh? I’m not old enough to be vintage. c’mon man…
No smart ass comments are allowed from Jerry btw. He’s waaaaaaaaay older than me.
Mountaingoat
October 2021
That just means you are like a fine wine…Rick
CarlLaskey
November 2021
Well let us try this BUMPER STICKERS with SWSM on them good idea yea think.
Jerry
November 2021
Unbelievable what some people will do to make a buck!! And to make it worse people actually believe there your castings!!
Jerry
Mike Engler
November 2021
I saw one yesterday on Google
where you had 27 employees and a net worth of $427 million. The 3D castings must be doing well!
kebmo
November 2021
Mike Engler said:
I saw one yesterday on Google
where you had 27 employees and a net worth of $427 million. The 3D castings must be doing well!
and the product list just keeps getting longer. he’ll be a jillionaire before we know it.
is this the thread for 3d detail suggestions?
if so, how about a payphone from a couple different eras?
Pappy
November 2021 edited November 2021
payphone?.
How about a telegraph office using the old fashion telegraph machine.
I lean more towards the old western days with the pony express.
Just a thought 
Jerry
November 2021
Mike Engler said:
Jerry I know I’m older than you by a year but I didn’t realize our fearless leader had caught and then passed us!
Mike today I caught Brett!! I’m 80 today!!
Jerry
Robert.G
November 2021
Jerry, HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!
admin
November 2021
Haha, you’re too funny. You got me by 20 years!!! Stop it.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Karl.A
November 2021
Happy Birthday !!! Jerry
Hope you have a great day and week.
CarlLaskey
November 2021
Have a good one Jerry do not get any sand on your cake.
Jerry
November 2021
Thanks everyone!!
Okay I’ll admit it Brett’s not that old!!
Jerry
Joel
November 2021
Happy Birthday Jerry. Good luck blowing out all those candles.
CarlLaskey
November 2021
Not to worry Diane gave him a fire extinguisher.
MuddyCreekRR
November 2021
Happy Birthday!
brownbr
November 2021
Happy birthday Jerry.
Pappy
November 2021
Happy BD Jerry.
Your 80 years young and will still be kicking 20 years from now.
Pappy
November 2021
It seems Brett’s kit’s attract a lot of Scorpios!
Jerry
November 2021
Thanks guys!! It was a great day 80 isn’t all that bad!!
Jerry
admin
January 2022
Multi-tasking…
laser cutting, 3D Printing, making a new metal mold
productive Sunday morning thus far.
vietnamseabee
January 2022
Brett….is the laser and 3D printer self-running after you set it up and you go do something else or do you need to be right there while they do their thing?
Terry
admin
January 2022 edited January 2022
In between, set it up and the machines run but they require attention, especially the laser. The 3D Printers are more self sufficient but require a lot of post print processing. You don’t get a chance to kick back and relax - they keep you hopping!
The metal mold making process requires a lot of up front prep then the mold cooks in the vulcanizer for several hours. It then requires about a 10 hour cool down cycle. Finally it can be cut and used! One of my favorite things is spinning a new metal mold, always a challenge to get all the parts just right.
TomMich
January 2022
I am amazed at the detail and preciseness you can achieve in metal castings, all castings for that matter. I can sort of understand making a 3D printed item, to my understanding, it’s all done on the computer, but to physically create a master for a casting in my mind is a creative process.
KKarns
January 2022
Good example Tom, I just inventoried the incredible selection of resin castings from my Shelby’s kit. Good grief!..the masters for those must have taken a huge amount of time. They are so well done and all different. Amazing when you can actually measure how many castings are in these kits by weight! I’m seriously considering cataloging all the SierraWest Scale Models castings I have…a historical photo atlas of sorts by category.
Karl.A
January 2022
More productive than me, I’ve spent all day just working on 20 tiny windows …
It’s a day of rest, right ?
Karl.A
January 2022 edited January 2022
TomMich said:
… but to physically create a master for a casting in my mind is a creative process.
So true Tom, I’ve always said Brett is the greatest scratch builder I’ve ever seen or known.
It’s hard enough to do something once, where you can ‘hide’ the bad side in a pic online … but, to do it so perfect that he can reproduce it for 200 - 500 people who can hold it and examine it closely and still be amazed, that is a real master of their art.
That goes from his design, to the structure build and all the way down to his perfect castings we all enjoy.
Amazing really.
Jerry
January 2022
Yes that guy Brett is truly amazing!! In more ways than one!
Jerry
brownbr
January 2022
More than I got done this weekend
admin
January 2022
thank you all for the kind words.
the new metal mold spun perfectly this morning. Makes me happy!
TomMich
January 2022
It’s one thing to create a shelf full of boxes, barrels, and sacks, etc. These items are individually available and can be incorporated into the shelf. But someone has to create the boxes, barrels and sacks initially. Plus all the other special items that are incorporated into each kit. It amazes me to see the detail in these items and how crisp and accurate they look.
Thank you Brett for going the extra mile to create such amazing details that are incorporated into each kit. Which by the way are also exceptional.
randyp
January 2022
So Brett, what does the new casting look like?
admin
January 2022
Ahhhh, this mold was just maintenance. The molds for white metal casting last a long time but the heat eventually wears them out so nothing new… but there might be something new to share with you all soon. hmmmm
kebmo
January 2022
admin said:
thank you all for the kind words.
the new metal mold spun perfectly this morning. Makes me happy!
don’t let it get to your head…
admin
January 2022
Hah, that’s what you’re there for!
TomMich
January 2022
Oh wow! New castings! Can’t wait to see what they are!
admin
June 2022 edited June 2022
Bought a new set of “REANER STRAIGHT” on Amazon… No comment - other than made me smile.
BenPopper
June 2022
what are those used for?
Jerry
June 2022
You don’t really want me to answer that do you??
Jerry
Karl.A
June 2022
It’s a reaMer set Ben, they are small files used to enlarge small holes.
You use the reamer to enlarge the hole when putting small parts together.
It’s safer and more controllable than drilling on small parts that are fragile and/or brittle as they are less aggressive to the material.
I guess they were made in ChiMa…
I just ordered a set to use on the new 3D printed parts.
BenPopper
June 2022
Ah, gotcha, thanks. From the picture the diameter didn’t look small enough, but on second glance it would do for a lot of what I open up with small drill bits
Jim M
June 2022
Chima, LOL. I see what you did there.
admin
June 2022
So quite a few folks have contacted me about what reamer set to purchase. Look for a “broach” mininature cutting set. I never knew this until I looked the info up for this post but I like to use a “Broach” set. (technically not a reamer) A broach is a 5-sided, tapered cutting tool, used by hand much as a reamer to enlarge holes. Here is the set I have used for many years:
Might be some new products in HO/O that will require the use of a miniature broach. Just sayin’. This set is available on Amazon and I have found it in-store at places like Home Depot, $15-$20.
kebmo
June 2022
admin said:
So quite a few folks have contacted me about what reamer set to purchase. Look for a “broach” mininature cutting set. I never knew this until I looked the info up for this post but I like to use a “Broach” set. (technically not a reamer) A broach is a 5-sided, tapered cutting tool, used by hand much as a reamer to enlarge holes. Here is the set I have used for many years:
Might be some new products in HO/O that will require the use of a miniature broach. Just sayin’. This set is available on Amazon and I have found it in-store at places like Home Depot, $15-$20.
i just looked for it on amazon and no dice.
Karl.A
June 2022 edited June 2022
I have a set on order Kev, try this link…
Took me a while but this is what I found.
Brett will correct me if I ordered the wrong set… hope not.
I searched “modelcraft broach set”
kebmo
June 2022
thanks karl.
kebmo
June 2022
both are saved to my wish list. i’m only gettin’ paid once a month these days, so i can only order stuff in the middle of the month.
when i delivered mail, the social security checks were always delivered on the 3rd of the month. i guess with the advent of the boomers retiring, they had to split it up so now one group of ssa recipients gets their check on the second wednesday of the month (the group i’m in) and i don’t know when the other group gets theirs, but it’s not on the 3rd any more.
Jerry
June 2022
They get there checks on the 1st, 2nd & 3rd. I get mine on the 3rd.
Jerry
KKarns
June 2022
Brett gets his when we buy stuff!..so get ordering!!..he who dies with the most SWSM Kits and SWSM 3D parts wins!!!
TomMich
June 2022
Ken,
I’m working on the most resin and 3D detail parts!
KKarns
June 2022
No way man!..I’m on my second plastic tray organizer full of 3D parts…AND have been planning to photograph my entire resin casting collection and arrange by category such as shelf units, benches, etc…I’ll then print these and have a SWSM Resin Casting book and then search out any I don’t have and add to the collection. You better get your big boy pants on Tom if you want to keep up! LOL.
TomMich
June 2022
Ken, here’s my collection of SW details.
And a few finished ready to put into a diorama
Time to photograph your collection and start that book!
BenPopper
June 2022 edited June 2022
That is an amazing collection! Here is me standing outside Brett’s house with my sign written in red crayon…“Bring Back the O Scale Casting Sets!” I need to make the plea every once and a while
Karl.A
June 2022 edited June 2022
Fantastic selection / collection you have Tom, no wonder your work is so excellently and beautifully detailed.
The painted ones also look fantastic.
Absolutely the best available.
They were indeed amazing sets Ben, I originally had them all and have enjoyed using them up on many previous builds over the years.
KKarns
June 2022
Thanks for the follow-up to my post Tom and not bad for a starter collection!.. I’ll get my stuff out and post a similar one. Amazing how you have many in the original packages, that’s worth a few points right there.
My thoughts were to label the book as " A Catalog of SWSM Resin Castings" Selections
from the Ken Karns Collection. Has a nice ring to it…could even give them catalog numbers…“Hey Tom, I’ll trade you a #1023 shelf unit for a #365 Workbench”!
KKarns
June 2022
Too funny Ben! It is a great selection Tom has there for sure.
vietnamseabee
June 2022
You guys crack me up…first glance of Tom’s display I thought it was a photo of a certain aisle at a drugstore
Terry
KKarns
June 2022
Right Terry! Fun to shop that store with SWSM castings and sundries hanging on the shelves for the taking!
kebmo
June 2022
damn i’m jealous…
TomMich
June 2022 edited June 2022
You guys remember WAY back when? Brett sold individual castings. I bought a boat load. I first got started in 2010 at the St. Louis Narrow Gauge convention Brett had a booth. He had individual castings available for sale. That’s when I started stocking up as they were different and unique with a lot of detail. A short while after that I ordered another boat load from his website. Many of those are the ones in the plastic bags without any labels. What I liked about the resin castings is that they are cleaner with less flash, and easier to work with.
Fast forward to the Denver NG convention a few years back. He had a booth there, this time with packaged detail parts. Those are the ones with the tan colored paper label. They are also the ones listed on his website all of which are “Out of Stock”. Now 3D detail parts are being produced, which are even better with outstanding crisp detail. I suspect this newer technology will be the future of detail parts. I have purchased 3D detail parts from other sources, but Brett’s are by FAR the cleanest and have the crispest detail. Can’t wait to see what the future holds!
TomMich
June 2022 edited June 2022
Kevin, these are just my SW detail parts. I can’t begin to show the selection of metal detail parts I have, both packaged and unpackaged from numerous sources.
KKarns
June 2022
Nice back story Tom. I agree with the evolution of scale modeling details bringing the 3D printed parts to the forefront. SierraWest has always been the innovator and sets the standard for fine scale modeling. You open a SierraWest Scale Models kit or details parts box and you know its the finest materials and craftsmanship available anywhere…period!
I believe I must concede that you are currently in the lead…dang!
MuddyCreekRR
June 2022
I will miss the cast resin smell once we get to all 3d printed…I also have a lot of neat stuff in my collection…not as much as you…but I’m working on it. A friend is doing some really neat vertical boilers, along with the steam engine and mounts…I plan on doing a boiler repair business to work with O’Neills and the foundry…
admin
June 2022
MuddyCreekRR said:
I will miss the cast resin smell once we get to all 3d printed…
NEVER going to abandon hand poured resin or white metal so that smell will still be a big part of SW!
Karl.A
June 2022
MuddyCreekRR said:
I will miss the cast resin smell once we get to all 3d printed…
I’m currently developing a line of scented candles … in my spare time …
Karl.A
June 2022 edited June 2022
admin said:
» show previous quotes
NEVER going to abandon hand poured resin or white metal so that smell will still be a big part of SW!
Haha, we cross posted…
Dang, scratch that idea then …
kebmo
June 2022
and a leaded gas candle?
TomMich
June 2022
Ken you still have time to catch up. My wife says I will never build all the kits or use all the parts I have so for now I’m slowing down. RIIIIGHT!
Glad to hear the cast resin details will stick around too. I really like working with them and Brett you have created some really unique detail parts. I especially like the shelves. I too look forward to opening an SW kit and smelling the resin parts. I know it’s weird, but it’s part of the SW experience!
KKarns
June 2022
Thanks for the window of opportunity Tom! Your wife, of course, is correct as “they” usually are! I agree on the resin parts…they have almost a cult following as they are that good. It’s often said that smells are one of the most powerful reminders of past experiences. Opening a SWSM kit and having that resin casting smell come wafting out of the box is something that cannot be explained but must be experienced!
Jerry
June 2022
Tom reminds me of going into a Hobby Store!!
Jerry
KKarns
June 2022
I received my Broach “reamer” set that Brett recommended illustrated earlier in this thread. Since then I have used it several times on a current project (not Shelby’s but SWSM) and they are awesome. The versatility in bore diameter that they work in is wonderful…thanks Brett for the steer!
admin
July 2022
Happy Saturday morning! Weekly website update complete. Workbench cleared and cleaned off. Getting ready to pack up some orders for Monday morning shipment… then working on a new O Scale kit that will be revealed very soon. Then there will be some very happy HO Scale modelers with a long awaited kit getting itself ready.
Here is my workbench all shiny clean and ready for a full weekend of modeling. Looking very forward to finishing this O Scale diorama off. Yeah, all clues are buried under the black rectangles… sorry! First kit developed in the 3D Printing era. Sooooooo many new details.
kebmo
July 2022
you dawg…
admin
July 2022
Hah! Woof…
Karl.A
July 2022 edited July 2022
I’m looking forward to seeing the results of the weekends modeling.
Not a lot better than a tidy workbench and a master plan on a Saturday morning.
KKarns
July 2022
So exciting Brett!..I’m not an O scale modeler but still can’t wait to see the new O Scale release…maybe because I’m so stoked that your attention will then be on the HO project! Ha.
Jerry
July 2022
Sure is a lot of rectangles!!! Isn’t there!!
Jerry
vietnamseabee
July 2022
Looks like a classified CIA document that’s been heavily redacted…..been trying all day to get the word “redacted” into a conversation….now I’m happy
Terry
Karl.A
July 2022 edited July 2022
Jerry said:
Sure is a lot of rectangles!!! Isn’t there!!
Jerry
The more rectangles there are then you know the better the reveal will be my friend.
After all, if there is that much to hide, then…
Haha Terry…
brownbr
July 2022
Very clean workbench for sure.
Hope one of those shipments makes it’s way to Virginia Beach
kebmo
July 2022
vietnamseabee said:
Looks like a classified CIA document that’s been heavily redacted…..been trying all day to get the word “redacted” into a conversation….now I’m happy
Terry
ah, life’s simple pleasures. [please don’t redact]
kebmo
July 2022 edited July 2022
here’s a thought that i’ve had many many times (so not exactly random). brett has to be the finest scratchbuilder on the planet. the entire kit making process boggles my mind, but it never fails, kit after kit, that the swsm kits completely blow away everyone else’s kits. case in point: i’m in the middle of a kit by a well known manufacturer. the structure itself is a very nice design, but the instructions are so pathetic as to be almost unusable. 4 pages of contradicting information and glaring omissions. when i opened the instructions i was flabbergasted at how bad they are. that’s NEVER the case with brett.
i’m probably just spoiled.
KKarns
July 2022
First mistake Kevin is opening a kit from another manufacturer! Lol.
Jerry
July 2022
KKarns said:
First mistake Kevin is opening a kit from another manufacturer! Lol.
You mean there’s other manufactures??
kebmo
July 2022
KKarns said:
First mistake Kevin is opening a kit from another manufacturer! Lol.
yeah, yeah, yeah. i had a specific need, and i filled it. never again…
KKarns
July 2022
We’ll let it slide…this time!
admin
July 2022
ok then.
randyp
July 2022
Personally, I would love to buy only Brett’s kits. But I model in S scale so I do not have a choice but to use other manufactures or scratch build. So I buy some of SW kits because I enjoy building a quality kit. at this point I have three sheds and the first two parts of the foundry. If any of you are in St. Louis for the NMRA national please stop by the Canyon and Rocky Mountain and say hi. Keep up the great work Brett. Randy
TomMich
July 2022
Looking forward for the new releases! And by the way can’t have too many details!
kebmo
July 2022
thanks lads
admin
July 2022
Might need a recommendation for a good therapist?
KKarns
July 2022
Sweet!..not until you do em in 1:87
TomMich
July 2022
I agree Ken!
Karl.A
July 2022
Amazing stuff, it just keeps getting more incredible what you can do.
Looking forward to working with these new pieces.
Joel
July 2022
Just fantastic!
SteveCuster
July 2022
Those are incredible Brett! Especially the adjustable wrench, the thumb adjustment portion detail is fantastic.
MuddyCreekRR
July 2022
Great Goggaly Moogaly…I am officially amazed…
Jim M
July 2022
Brett, your printing skills are first rate. These came out so unbelievably great.
kebmo
July 2022
I NEED A SHOVEL!!!
kebmo
July 2022
what was the result of the modeling efforts this weekend?
admin
July 2022
kebmo said:
what was the result of the modeling efforts this weekend?
Very, very soon all will be revealed…
KKarns
July 2022
Nothing better than the anticipation of something new from SWSMs!!
Jerry
July 2022
Good thing were all on the same page!!! 72
glandesjr
July 2022
Can’t wait to get a new O scale kit from SWSM with the new details. They are unbelievable. Noone does it better.
vietnamseabee
July 2022
Nice try, Kev
KKarns
July 2022
I like Kev’s enthusiasm! Who doesn’t revert to a 10 year old on Christmas morning when a new SierraWest Scale Model kit lands in the mailbox!
KKarns
July 2022
Oh geesh, remember that also!
kebmo
July 2022
i recommend staying away from harbor freight unless you’re like a friend of mine who buys power tools there really cheap and just keeps replacing them when they break down.
admin
November 2022
Something fun to listen to while you model this afternoon:
SierraWest | the Inadvertent Podcast
Jim M
November 2022
Great podcast. Lots of exciting SW news.
KKarns
November 2022
Yup, good stuff.
MuddyCreekRR
November 2022
The podcast is an excellent platform for you to keep us all in the loop as to what is coming down the line…it was very informative and I for one would love to hear more in the future…
petet
November 2022
Good stuff Brett! Keep the podcasts coming!
vietnamseabee
November 2022
Thanks for the podcast, Brett…. I inadvertently and unintentionally enjoyed it ;-))
Terry
kebmo
November 2022
i really liked it and look forward to a bunch more. (hopefully not from the bathroom)
TomMich
November 2022
Really enjoyed the podcast. Thanks for letting us know what we can look forward to coming out of SWSM as well as updates on various projects. Lots of exciting things planned. Hope you come up with more inadvertent ideas to share with us.
ALCO
November 2022
Kudos to you! News we can use! (Ignore Kevin; people talk on their phones from public toilets all
Mountaingoat
November 2022
You need more podcasts as news happens. Great to hear it all…Rick
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Perfectly done.
Full of pertinent information, a few teasers as of what’s to come next for us all and a great insight into what you do all day.
A wonderful dialogue of SWSM, past, present and most exciting, the future.
The latest and future video’s are such a great addition to the building experience for all of us SW kit builders.
The information and ‘look’ behind the scenes makes it all the more impressive.
I’m looking forward to the next update.
admin
November 2022
Thanks for all the great comments, truly appreciated. I am very glad you all have found it useful.
nalmeida
November 2022
Congratulations for your “not a podcast” It was a great insight on the SW plans and interesting to hear all the developments. As a kit manufacturer I can relate to a handfull of things you described and it’s funny how we get to the same conclusions
brownbr
November 2022
Time well spent.
Jerry
November 2022
Great podcast Mr.Gallant!! Hope you keep doing them it will be a great addition to the forum.
Jerry
prsdgt65
November 2022
Brett,
Podcast is great. Keep them coming.
Frank
sdrees
November 2022
Enjoyed the podcast s it answeredsome of my questions about what is coming down the pike in 2023
Jeroen
November 2022
Is this a place to drop ideas for 3D prints? What about suitcases, bags, backpacks, briefcases, private stuff passengers and travellers would carry around while traveling. That would go with a train station or something, waiting to be loaded in a freight passenger car…
Karl.A
November 2022
Great thoughts Jeroen…
I see you are already thinking about detailing up that Deer Creek Station you are building.
KiwiMal
November 2022
I enjoyed the podcast Brett. All things SW, past and future, are very interesting.
Malcolm
mikemettelka
November 2022
Can’t wait to see the 30th A. Kit!
admin
November 2022
I want to thank everyone for reaching out here and elsewhere with all the positivity, very much appreciated. I am making a list of the next episode’s subject matter.
mikemettelka
November 2022
Definitely interesting to hear… and I’m glad you added the link on the main page too.
admin
December 2022 edited December 2022
I have been babysitting my oldest daughters 14 week old mini poodle Maple all week. Here she is getting her ass kicked by my awesome kitty Stan. btw, feel free to post any animal pics you desire in this thread cause it’s “random thoughts”.
admin
December 2022
Stan is def thinking “ewwwwwww”
mikemettelka
December 2022
That is a cute puppy! When we talked earlier, I didn’t mention the one that we have. Ours is similar but a black poodle
CarlLaskey
December 2022
One of my first rescues a long time ago Martha the dog and hunter.
admin
December 2022 edited December 2022
Now that’s an awesome pic! Martha was a sweetie! Doubt that kitten knew how lucky to have a friend like Martha! hah… Thanks Carl, great way to start a busy day off.
Jerry
December 2022
Our Zoey ruler of the house!!
AlexR
December 2022 edited December 2022
Samantha and Winter.
kebmo
December 2022 edited December 2022
i had a random thought about the 3d printed bottles. i’m wondering how difficult it would be to change the “sprue” from attaching at the bottom of the bottles to the top? reason?
the bottoms of the bottles would ALWAYS be square for one, and for two, it would make the bottles so much easier to dip into paint.
it just seems to make more sense, but for that matter, what the hell do i know?
Kevin L
December 2022
Enjoyed your Podcast. Good to see you will be adding an additional kit for the sawmill project which will contain the extra wood & brass rod to complete the machinery. I had to make numerous phone calls to find this wood and brass rods in Australia. In the end was able to get all the wood but had to resort to music wire for a number of brass rod sizes and believe me music wire a lot harder to work with.
In regard to 3D printing would like to see lamp shades like the ones Brian Brown made for his Sawmill especially if led globes can be used in them.
CarlLaskey
December 2022
My Grandson telling Niki a joke.
brownbr
December 2022
Looks like the joke was funny
kebmo
December 2022
brownbr said:
Looks like the joke was funny
indeed
EmeryJ
December 2022
Stella helping in the kitchen.
Darla helping get a fire going. Guess I am not doing it right.
KKarns
December 2022
Not sure which is the better camo scheme…the ladder or the cat?..
CarlLaskey
December 2022
A old cat that I rescued years ago one ear missing some teeth and a real friend.
EmeryJ
December 2022
Poor puddy does not need two ears to cuddle or love. Sweet little thing hit the lottery with you Carl!!
admin
January 2023
Working on some new O/S/HO parts! CHB Blocks and the like.
KKarns
January 2023
Very cool! Some new material here…I like it a lot!
BenPopper
January 2023 edited January 2023
admin said:
Working on some new O/S/HO parts! CHB Blocks and the like.
This is the stuff the hobby sorely needs. How about a sprue of just a dozen shackles, maybe a few different sizes.
brownbr
January 2023
Very nice. Charlie had some chokers that were used for rigging. Basically looked like a pipe T. Those would be helpful for anyone wanting to rig a spar tree.
Karl.A
January 2023
Looks fantastic, you can never have too many blocks and rigging tackle laying around in a logging scene.
Kevin L
January 2023
Very nice, must put on my want list.
admin
January 2023
More logging related details in the works, hope to have these on the site in the next week.
I have also updated the S Scale 3D Printed details with the much requested Fordson kit…
TomMich
January 2023
All right more details!
admin
February 2023
Just uploaded Episode Number Two of my podcast, recorded just this morning.
Check it out here:
SierraWest | the Inadvertent Podcast
MuddyCreekRR
February 2023
Just listened in…great info…was going to ask about the disconnect instructions…saw the answer…and glad to hear the O scale foundry is in the mix…
kebmo
February 2023
great update boss!!
Jerry
February 2023
Very well done Brett. Informative and to the point. Keep them coming.
I’ll get over to the tube and be a subscriber!!
Jerry
Kevin L
February 2023
Podcast was well done very informative.
sdrees
February 2023
I enjoy your podcasr Brett.
Dave_S
February 2023
Brett,
Thanks for producing these "Podcasts.’ They are very informative
.Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
MitchN
February 2023
Brett Gallant mentions that he would like more subscribers to his you tube channel so he can do live modeling demonstrations. As of this moment there are 438 subscribers and he needs 1000. Readers, please step up and subscribe to the Sierra West channel so Brett can get what he wants.
If you “Google”, you tube SierraWest scale models channel, it will take you where you need to be.
Karl.A
February 2023 edited February 2023
Fantastic podcast and great information throughout.
It’s always great to hear what’s going on right now,
how it all happens in the background and most exciting,
what’s coming in the future.
Great advice Mitch…
kebmo
February 2023
i’m from chicago. can i subscribe twice?
Kevin L
February 2023
I subscribed some time ago and I encourage those who have not to do so. By subscribing when Brett uploads a new video on youtube it is my understanding that youtube gives you a notification that there is a new video to watch from Sierrawest scale models.
kebmo
February 2023
kebmo said:
i’m from chicago. can i subscribe twice?
my wife just did.
Karl.A
February 2023
Awesome Kev, Thanks to you both.
admin
March 2023
All instructions are now live on my website so if you own a SWSM kit with the specific reference to the webpage - I have them all uploaded.
Jim M
March 2023
Great information there. Thanks.
kebmo
March 2023
thanks brett, i downloaded the ones i’ll need.
TomMich
March 2023
Good to know. thanks for the heads up.
admin
May 2023
Exactly 28 years ago today, I scanned the raw version of this photograph, my first kit, the HO Scale BlueSky Company Warehouse. The date I actually took the photograph is unknown, but I am thinking about two weeks earlier. This was always my favorite photograph of BlueSky. It would be nearly seven years later before it became possible to leave film behind and convert to digital photography, but that’s a story for another time! I shot this on my trusty Canon ftb that I had been using since the mid-seventies. It was taken in my workroom. (garage back then!) I was still about five months away from shipping my first kit.
As my 30th Anniversary approaches, it is always important to look back where it all started to remind myself just how far SierraWest has come! Crazy, huh?
Jerry
May 2023
So happy you decided to go into the kit business!! You’ve come a long way my friend.
Congratulations on 30 years!!
Jerry
Dave_S
May 2023
Oh yes, Canon ftb! That was my first serious camera. I shot mostly b&w film in the early 70’s and did my own developing and printing. I always wanted a Hasselblad but raising children ended that dream. Photography is a great hobby especially when paired with model railroading and rail fanning.
Looking forward to the 30th anniversary of Sierra West Scale Models. It will be here before we know it.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
ALCO
May 2023
And many more years to come! I’m glad to have come across SWSM. It’s been a great experience!
kebmo
May 2023
Jerry said:
So happy you decided to go into the kit business!! You’ve come a long way my friend.
Congratulations on 30 years!!
Jerry
Jerry said:
So happy you decided to go into the kit business!! You’ve come a long way my friend.
Congratulations on 30 years!!
Jerry
what jerry said!
Jim M
May 2023
Great picture and congratulations on building an extremely successful business that we’ve all been able to enjoy. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
TomMich
May 2023
Congratulations on 30 years of GREAT kits! Thanks for all your efforts. And MANY more years of GREAT kits to come!
Kevin L
May 2023
Congratulations on 30 years, I am certainly glad I discovered your kits.
Robert.G
May 2023
I can only echo all the above !!! Thanks..
KiwiMal
May 2023
Well done Brent, that’s a lot of miles on the clock. Tough times and good times no doubt.
best wishes
Malcolm
admin
May 2023
Thanks so much for the kind words. 2025 is gonna be a very special year for SWSM!
Karl.A
May 2023 edited May 2023
Always loved that picture too, I do kinda prefer the one with the Mack more in it though, ha.
It’s hard to imagine that when you come in with a block buster kit like that and storm the industry, then what, where can you go from there, when you enter at the top level what’s next?
Thankfully Brett decided that being at the top meant that the only place to go from there was even higher up, to keep improving SWSM and to keep out doing himself.
We are all so thankful for that.
kebmo
May 2023
amen
Jerry
May 2023
admin said:
Thanks so much for the kind words. 2025 is gonna be a very special year for SWSM!
God I hope 2024 will bring some great stuff also!!!
Jerry
vietnamseabee
May 2023
My guess would be there will continually be some new items dropping out of the 3d printer. I’d also be pleased to see a line of generic laser cut wood items being offered…windows, doors, etc
Terry
kebmo
May 2023
what was that michael keaton movie where there were like four of him?
Dave_S
May 2023
As suggested by the name of your very first kit.
“Nothing But Blue Skies From Now On!”
kebmo
May 2023
kebmo said:
what was that michael keaton movie where there were like four of him?
multiplicity. that’s what brett needs. 4 of him.
Karl.A
May 2023 edited May 2023
kebmo said:
» show previous quotes
multiplicity. that’s what brett needs. 4 of him.
haha, lawdy, 4 Bretts…
As conscientious and dedicated as Brett is about making sure everything is perfect and up to his standards, from production to packaging I can only imagine how that would look.
The 4 Brett’s would all be going behind each other checking each others work to make sure everything was ‘just right’, I don’t think anything would actually get done.
Quality Control would still be immaculate but shipping times may be extended by 4 times. hahaha
kebmo
June 2023
i thought of another great 3dp detail that would really come in handy around maintenance facilities. wheel sets.
dick52
June 2023
Totally agree with that idea
admin
June 2023
I have both wheel sets (wheels and tires) as well as a killer radiator collection on my list of future parts to release. great idea Kevin, appreciate the suggestion!
kebmo
June 2023
admin said:
I have both wheel sets (wheels and tires) as well as a killer radiator collection on my list of future parts to release. great idea Kevin, appreciate the suggestion!
awesome!!
admin
March 2024
Product development moves ahead at a breakneck pace around here! New craftsman kits in both HO and O Scales are well along the way. I wanted to share this photograph of a heavily modified version of the 1924 Duat tractor with forks I just completed. The Duat was the first internal combustion forklift and truly revolutionized warehouses. For the first time, they could take advantage of vertical space by double-stacking loads. There’s nothing better for me than bringing historical accuracy to my kits. I had an absolute blast with this kit. A couple thoughts: The chain was made from iron links back then so the rusty appearance is exactly prototypical. You will notice the forklift tower is too tall to fit thru the doorway in the background. The piece is designed to fit in a doorway on the opposite side of the dock not pictured. The forklift will be a feature detail in both of the HO and O Scale kits mentioned earlier. At some point in time I will release this as a standalone 3D Printed detail, but right now it’s all about new craftsman kits here in the workroom!
kebmo
March 2024
very cool! can’t wait to see karl’s workup of it.
Jerry
March 2024
Great new detail by you Brett. Looks like you hit another home run with detail parts. Looking forward to the new kits.
Jerry
CarlLaskey
March 2024
Very nice Brett.
Karl.A
March 2024
Fantastic scene and details bro, just awesome stuff.
Jim M
March 2024
That is a great scene. Can’t wait to see the final product. Another fantastic kit in the making. Awesome news.
KKarns
March 2024
Yup…another premier 3D print!
randyp
March 2024
Very nice Brett. Looking forward to getting my hands on one. Randy
TomMich
March 2024
GREAT! Looking forward to the new kits and the amazing 3D detail parts coming out.
glandesjr
March 2024
Pretty darn cool, Brett. Can’t wait 'til you offer it as my order will be right after. Just AWESOME stuff. Thanks.
Kevin L
March 2024
Very nice-looking 3D print your kits are fantastic.
Joel
March 2024
Just the best kits to work with. Bar none.
Jerry
March 2024
Well I just saw the New Brass and Iron Foundry Part Three!!
Oh my God! Have you outdone yourself with this one!!
Beautiful details to say the least.
Wonderful job Brett.
Jerry
admin
March 2024
Thank you Jerry, appreciate the kind words. This continues to be a truly fun project.
In a market where the newest trend is smaller kits (downright tiny actually) that are designed to be built in a few hours, I’m proud to continue to release kits that are big and bold!
You can see the pics here:
SierraWest Scale Models | O Scale Brass and Iron Foundry
Emails are going out this weekend to those that are participating in the program.
Next up are TWO new HO Scale kits!
vietnamseabee
March 2024
Oh boy…two new HO’s…. Need to start mining the sofa cushions for coins
Terry
MuddyCreekRR
March 2024
Ordering the next installment of the foundry once I get home…much anticipated and I look forward to continuing the building of this outstanding kit…
Jim M
March 2024
Wow, this is so awesome. So many great scenes in this. Congratulations, another home run for SWSM.
glandesjr
March 2024
Hi Brett:
Just saw the 3rd installment of the Foundry in O scale and my order is placed. What an awesome addtion to an already unbelievable kit. And you are right in that other kits are focused on simple and less detail and getting them built quickly. I, however, like Big and Bold!! Thanks.
TomMich
March 2024
The new Foundry kit is simply AWESOME! I am looking forward to the 2 new HO kits as that is the scale I model. Thanks Brett, for continuing to move the hobby forward with your progress and innovative kits and details.
Joel
March 2024
So excited to continue building this kit. Can’t wait to get started.
Robert.G
April 2024
Of course, my order is placed along with a whole lot of other beautiful kits. They have to travel a long way, so better pile them up in one big order. Glad this part of the Foundry is out. It has some really magnificent details and sub-kits if I may put it that way. One of them is this outstanding forklift. Never thought anyone would, could model this with such a presicion. SW can !!!
Thanks Brett
BenPopper
April 2024
I gotta ask. Can you order part three without having ordered 1 and 2? Also, just because I love looking at the pictures you post, I wish there were links to the part 1 and 2 versions of the subscription so I could be inspired.
Dave_S
April 2024 edited April 2024
Ben,
Give this link a try. It might help a bit. It is a build by Joel.
Later, Dave S Tucson, AZ