admin
Ken Karns is presenting the official forum build and I am very excited to see Ken’s personal touches applied to this kit. Ken is well known to many here and is such an awesome modeler and friend. Thank you Ken for undertaking this project and documenting your build. This takes a tremendous effort and we all appreciate it!
Everyone is encouraged to participate in Ken’s build thread. Please comment often and let Ken know you are here and enjoying his efforts but keep comments and questions on topic! Many folks visit the build threads for years to come following its conclusion and off topic conversations are very distracting. Note that this thread will be limited solely to Ken’s build. If you would like to share your work on the SW forum (highly encouraged) please start a separate build thread.
Happy builds!
Comments
KKarns
June 2018
And thus it begins…we now embark on an epic adventure that will see us entwined within the wonderful elements of SierraWest Scale Models latest release THE FOUNDRY.
I am honored and humbled to be presenting to you the official forum build of this amazing kit I now have in front of me. Brett has set the stage for a remarkable diorama that will take shape and evolve here on the forum. I would like to thank Brett for giving me the opportunity to build this amazing kit. It is obvious from the moment you open the box how special this release is and how much heart and soul Brett put into the research and manufacture of this kit…He has also proved once again that not only does he produce the finest craftsman kits on the planet, he’s an elite and superb modeler who I have the highest admiration and respect for. Well done my friend!
KKarns
June 2018
Is there anything good about a Monday?..well yes there is…particularly when you are greeted with a shipping box from SierraWest Scale Models on your back porch! I wasted no time getting the needed supplies together to officially open this very special item…
Brett will be providing a comprehensive unboxing video of THE FOUNDRY here on the web-site, so I decided an unpacking photo series would be appropriate…you can just feel the excitement!
The first glimpse of THE FOUNDRY peeking through the double boxed packing material…
I remember saying “I can’t wait to get my hands on that kit!” Well here I go…the first thing that grabs you is the sheer weight of the kit…lots and lots of cool stuff in there…
Beautiful color pictures adorn the box…first class and haven’t even opened the thing yet.
All items neatly arranged and this is exactly how it looked after shipment and just the box top removed…
mikemettelka
June 2018
Looking forward to this!
KKarns
June 2018
The start of an official forum build would not be complete without an official
Step Number 1. As with all SierraWest kits, I begin Step 1 with a secure hold on Brett’s unrivaled and renowned Construction Bible…I mean Manual…geesh I always do that…sorry. A initial cover to cover read is religiously performed and a plan of action is developed. Much of working up a SWSM kit for me is mental and this I provide ample time for.
I will begin the actual build over the next couple days and my operational goal is to provide feed-back and postings on a weekly to bi-weekly basis. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding anything having to do with the FOUNDRY build as this is our build not just mine…can’t wait to get my hands dirty graining and staining! More soon…
Ken
vietnamseabee
June 2018
please excuse the druel …I’m hoping it’s the excitement of the kit and not my old age
Terry
Karl.A
June 2018
I cant wait to see your incredible work on this incredible kit Ken.
Karl.A
BrianM
June 2018
I’m really looking forward to your interpretation and methods when building this kit, Ken.
Robert.G
June 2018
So am I . Very exiting indeed…
kebmo
June 2018
hot diggity dawg [rubbing hands together]!
Joel
June 2018
Very excited to be following along. Hoping to learn tons. Thanks for taking all the time required to do a build like this and post your progress. it really helps other modelers become that much better.
Dave_S
June 2018 edited June 2018
Ken,
Like other forum members who have already responded, I am excitedly looking forward to your build of the new Brass & Iron Foundry kit. I frequently review your 2017 build of the Blue Sky Company marveling at your creative interpretation of every day examples of detail that escape the eyes of a more casual observers. More specifically I am referring to the bottom corner of the barn structure in that build.
To quote you,
" I wanted some heavily weathered areas mostly in the corners where a gutterless roof
would allow water and rot to take hold. But only at the bottom… I love the look of
rotten damaged boards near the ground with the original framing peeking through.
You know the look I am sure."
and later you said,
“… and will be one of those nifty details that you have to look for.”
Well, yes, we do know the look of those “nifty details” and thanks to your modeling efforts, careful explanations and detailed photographs we now have a blue print for and a better chance of captivating those “nifty details” and partially hidden viewing experiences in our own modeling.
To again quote and paraphrase you from your Blue Sky build,
“Oh… The Brass & Iron Foundry… is going to be one hell of a build!”
Thanks for all the inspiration you offer through your modeling here on the forum
Later, Dave S Tucson, AZ
KKarns
June 2018
I’m quite certain it’s the kit Terry, as I did the same thing and I’m way younger than all of you!..
Thanks Karl and I will call on you frequently for your tutelage and critique.
Thanks Brian, glad you’ll be along.
So glad your here on the forum Robert as we share our work and techniques. You bring such a fresh perepective.
Keep it coming Kevin…
You bet Joel and it’s nice knowing you’re out there following along.
Hey Dave, I’m thrilled that you picked up on those subtile details and took the time to comment on them. I really enjoy that kind of detailing and Brett’s kits just ooze opportunities for these personal touches. I’m well into making notations and formulating my plan for THE FOUNDRY. Reading and studying the manual and perusal of the web-site pictures of Brett’s stellar pilot model all feed my obsession…and yes…one hell of a build!..in my mind at least…the rest is yet to see!
SteveCuster
June 2018
I’m definitively going to be following along Ken.
Jerry
June 2018
Looking forward to you getting your hands dirty with stain!!
Jerry
kebmo
June 2018
Keep it coming Kevin…
ok. lets kick it in gear…
Dwight
June 2018 edited June 2018
Hurry up and make me feel inadequate , Ken
KKarns
June 2018
Glad to hear from you Steve…
Already there Jerry!..grain and stain…
Update coming this weekend Kevin…
Dwight, the main thing I have going for me is enthusiasm and a world class craftsman kit sitting in front of me!
KKarns
June 2018 edited June 2018
The work has begun!..Brett starts us off, after the advanced preparations, with the Pattern Shop walls. This is a great structure and I love the color tones achieved. The stripwood for the Pattern Shop walls was grained and stained then damp brushed with a mixture of Boxcar Red and Ruddy Brown. If you don’t have the SWSM/Reaper paint set available here on the web-site I would highly encourage you get one…
Following the damp brushing I ran each piece through some fine steel wool to remove a bit of the paint and blend the paint to wood interface giving a nice weathered paint look.
I like to perform my final wood detailing as I am applying it to the wall templates. I’ll choose my piece of wood and detail it then glue it to the wall and work my way along. This phase of the build is not glamourous and is a bit time consuming but is of utmost importance as it forms the basis and sets the tone for the entire build.
In the next step I did a bit of research on what areas of the pattern shop walls were visible either where board ends met the door headers or where the walls contacted the ground. The pattern shop is surrounded with decking of either concrete or wood so there is minimal visible siding to ground contact that is visible. I developed a technique on my last build where wall studs were visible through rotted or damaged siding. Achieving this look is problematic with chip board templates as behind the siding is…well…chip board. This makes a great base for a board-on-board walls but negates the “see through the siding” concept. This is of course not for the faint of heart and not in many modelers play books. I just enjoy detailing the walls so much I can’t help myself.
Here is the Pattern Shop laser cut chipboard templates. I sprayed them flat black and fabricated wall studding in strategic areas that will provide a nice effect where I plan to have some rotted or missing wood. This will be kept to a minimum as too much is distracting. There will be interior horizontal siding backing the studded walls but this must wait until the walls are otherwise done as it would create an uneven surface aginst my glass bench top. More soon…Ken
Michael_Pearce
June 2018 edited June 2018
I love that wood staining great Ken. I am following intently your ideas for identifying what areas are visible and concentrating effort on those. Michael
KKarns
June 2018 edited June 2018
Nice hearing from you Michael, and glad you’ll be following along. I’ll be moving along slowly so plenty of time…
I decided to post a better shot of Brett’s wonderful laser cut chipboard templates that provide such an easy and foolproof aid for laying up the siding. Also, an additional view of the wall stud modification I made…
Dave_S
June 2018 edited June 2018
Ken,
Great to see the opening face off and first rushes on goal of the new Brass & Iron Foundry build. This is the kind of detail that gets my attention every time. Glad to have a seat at center ice along with the ability to use the replay button for this build.
Later, Dave S,
BrianM
June 2018
Ken,
Wow! Very creative and extremely simple method of creating the additional level of detail you plan to incorporate into this build.
I’m looking forward to see how you will texture and finish the chipboard “framing” and exposed areas of the interior siding given that the rotted/damaged siding will be in an interesting and potentially busy area of final detailing. I also think the location you chose fits perfectly with probable/typical ongoing damage from the day-to-day equipment and material handling activities in that area. The end result of this additional layering is going to enhance a really interesting mini-scene.
BrianM
KKarns
June 2018
Thanks Dave, glad you found the deliberate and slower start here, due to working out some details, of value and interesting. I am now detailing and “hanging” the siding on the wall templates…fun stuff…
Appreciate that Brian and nice to see you appreciate this type of “planning ahead” type of detailing. You have a great perspective on what I’m going for here…thanks again.
vietnamseabee
June 2018 edited June 2018
Get concept of the ‘rotted’ corner…am going to build up a trial wall just to try it…will post a photo for all to comment with critiques
Terry
brownbr
June 2018
Off to a fine start. I can’t wait to see this come together.
kebmo
June 2018
and so it begins…
this is going to be a great ride.
ironmountainlumber
June 2018
Hey there my friend,
I know you will bring this one to life! The coloration of the boards is outstanding. I agree the chipboard is awesome so much easier/quicker to put together a model than building individual stud walls to place the boards on. Did you build the exposed stud wall placed in the chipboard or is this from the kit? Do you know are there going to be other reaper/sw paints used for the buildings? If so I am going to have grab a paint set.
Any thoughts of integrating this with Oneill’s ?
I am hear to cheer you on with everyone else! As always looking forward to your next post.
Jim
Jerry
June 2018
Great coloring. Love that little peek of the studs in the chip board great idea.
Jerry
KKarns
June 2018
Good idea Terry. I did the same thing when I first experimented with the idea. I have done it both with the laser cut chipboard and scribed clapboard siding (much harder to do)
Thanks much Bryan…and me too!
Hope so Kevin…great bunch of followers here on the forum which makes the project all that much more enjoyable.
Hey Jim…glad to “see” ya! Brett’s choice of color for the Pattern Shop walls is great and lends itself well to nice weathering. The studded wall sections are my doing so don’t blame Brett for any of that…ha. The SWSM/Reaper paint set is used judiciously throughout the entire build and the colors are referred to by name in the manual…I highly suggest anyone working a SierraWest kit, or modeling in general, purchase this paint set. You won’t be sorry. I won’t be featuring any integration with O’Neills during this official forum build. With that said, once the build is complete we can dabble in a new thread on combining the two dioramas. Great questions Jim and again, nice hearing from you buddy.
Thanks Jerry, and when the walls are complete it will really show the value of this subtile technique.
admin
June 2018
Love the extra detail work Ken! Subtle and well worth the effort.
In regards to using my paint set, I provide a list of craft store paint colors in the back of the manual. It is not so much the color choices but the quality of the paint that makes my set a worthwhile purchase. The Reaper High Density colors are really a joy to work with either on wood or castings, and my set provides a focused color palette perfect for my kits.
Michael_Pearce
June 2018
Totally endorse that about the High Density Reaper paints I purchased from Brett. The best I have used for virtually all applications including on some plastic based vehicles as well as wood and castings.
KKarns
June 2018
The first wall of the Pattern Shop siding is finished. This is the rear wall. I wanted to get this posted so you can see where I’m heading with the look of the Shop. Note there is a slight amount less paint wathering where the roof line will overhang the eaves and darker wethering under the window openings and along the ground where water would weather the wood and discolor it. Three more walls to go…Ken
Slightly distracting background but just a quick update to get the idea…
vietnamseabee
June 2018 edited June 2018
Ken…do I understand correctly from a previous post that you begin the coloring, dry brushing, etc on a group of boards but you do individual weathering i.e the less weathering under the eaves on individual boards just prior to placing them…seems like you said this really slows the process down but you’re better able to get the look you want.
Terry
KKarns
June 2018 edited June 2018
Right, I grain the wood then stain followed by the damp brushing on all the wood. I then take each individual board and do the final detailing such as splits, board end joints, knot holes, damage, rot, etc. and glue to the template. Takes a bit longer but I have complete control over what type of detail I get, where I put it, and how it blends with the wood already glued down…The issue of the less worn paint under the eaves is a bit different. I finished the wall and then went back and slowly built up paint with damp brushing along the gable edge followed by a light wire brushing. Otherwise its hard to do by just selcting individual boards.
KKarns
June 2018
Same wall with a slightly different perspective…
BrianM
June 2018
Very nice start, Ken.
Karl.A
June 2018 edited June 2018
This attention to detail, of where the weathering would be more or less, is superbly done.
Placing and detailing individual boards, is what moves a great model into the ‘incredible’ model realm… it’s a thought process that comes easily once you get started.
Yes it takes a little longer as Ken says, but not much… and just look at the difference it makes in that last picture posted.
The subtleties in the weathering, the specifics that Ken does so well, just another weathered wall, until you look closer, notice all that specific shading, and then, you see the realism and realise why it looks so good.
Beautiful work.
Karl.A
Joel
June 2018
A great start to what looks like it will be another fantastic build.
Jerry
June 2018
Great weathering. Sure shows up well when you take the time to do the detail part.
Jerry
Robert.G
June 2018
Totally agree with Karl.A & Jerry. A pleasure to look at.
MitchN
June 2018
Dr. Grunge,
I am studying your first wall and I notice very realistic looking rot/wear on the board ends below the doorway. Do you jam the individual boards into a stiff wire brush to get that effect? Do you carve it out with a knife?
MuddyCreekRR
June 2018
I will be watching each and every posting in great anticipation of the “O” scale version…I have learned much from you and have been inspired in many ways…
Bill
June 2018
So it looks like I picked the right time to check in!
I love the appearance of your walls Ken. That Boxcar Red is such an ugly color out of the bottle. But it’s perfect for delivering a “weathered” base hue right off the bat. I hadn’t considered adding Ruddy Brown into the color layer but it adds a nice pop of distress and age.
Going back a page, I sure appreciate the tip on spraying the chip board a flat black!
I’m probably not the only one who lays up the boards only to have to go back and squeeze in a tiny brush with black paint into the cracks to hide the brown chip board that shows through!
Jotting that one down!
vietnamseabee
June 2018
Bill…me too…why does it sound so simple after someone else points it out…kidda like “why didn’t I think of that” ;-))
Terry
KCSTrains
June 2018
If Bill is checking in, I guess I need to check in as well. Ken, of course I would follow any build you did. Your tips are spot on and I view your builds as the standard to strive for. Keep on building. Phil
KKarns
June 2018 edited June 2018
Brian…I love getting those first few pieces of stripwood laid up as it sets the tone for the entire build…
Hey Karl, your insight and critique is so valuable. We discussed the issue of the weathering, or lack there of, under the eaves and I took your lead and I think it worked well it this case. Thanks my friend…
Joel, nice hearing from you and appreciate the vote of confidence!
Thanks Jerry…I can’t seem to model wood siding without the grunge factor…!
From one wall enthusiast to another Robert…thanks.
Mitch,
After I do a generic wire brushing to grain the wood, I stain, then damp brush with the color on all the wood. I then randomly select a piece and begin the final detailing board by board. The ends you are referring to…I first sand the end so it’s not square, then I use my #11 blade and makes various cuts and gouges. I also will shave a bit of wood with the blade at a very low angle. Once this is done I hit it again with the wire brush just on the end. This is followed with more stain or AI to darken the ends as they would be if naturally weathered. This is a converted BlackSmith Shop so grunge is the order of the day!
Very nice thing to say Muddy…thanks much.
Must be doing something right if I’m able to pull Bill off the water long enough to take a peek! What’s up buddy? Right, Brett’s color choices are always spot on…and the mixing of the Boxcar Red and Ruddy Brown (SWSM/Reaper Paint) looks fabulous. The “red” can sometimes lean towards pink if you work it wrong or choose the wrong “red”…however, this combo came out just perfect for my taste.
Chipboard sprayed flat black…straight from Brett’s manual…and not only can you not see anything below the cracks, I like to bush in some dry chalk here and there to represent dirt and crud that has settled in some of the cracks and crevices.
Very true Terry…
Hey Phil, thanks for wading in here. Haven’t heard much from you…how’s the layout coming along? Thanks also for the kind words…
KKarns
June 2018
Thanks much Ed appreciate that.
Mike Engler
June 2018
Paying attention and taking notes. A flying start Ken, even though you are deliberate and thorough. I’ll get on this but probably not until after the National Narrow Gauge Convention. In the meantime vicarious enjoyment watching you have at it.
admin
June 2018
No disappointment here Doc Grunge, wonderful modeling!
KKarns
June 2018
Thanks Brett, I do worry about being a bit slow and folks thinking I just putter around! Another update with the finished Pattern Shop walls is due in this weekend. The manual is a wonderful read and so comprehensive. Folks, this kit is amazing…getting into this build for sure!
Thanks for dropping in Mike and I know you can appreciate the deliberate (thanks for not saying slow) pace here working up these walls. They are so very important to get right! Keep in touch…
BILLR
June 2018
Of all weeks to have a family reunion scheduled! Being one of the old guys I couldn’t slip away. Now I have to do my share to unload the car while still sneaking away to read all I’ve missed…
As usual Ken is off to a flying start. I need all the help and hints on wood grain that I can find, and this site is full of masters! The walls are already full of detail…looking good.
jpcohen
June 2018
great start, just watching from the sidelines, can’t wait to get this kit and work on another Bret master build.
KKarns
June 2018
Plenty of time to catch up Bill. This weekends post I will highlight some additional wood detailing as I finish up the Pattern Shop walls. Thanks much for your support here.
Nice to have you checking in JP…, Brett’s kits are phenomenal and a pure joy to build, like I’m telling you something you don’t already know right! Appreciate the note.
Wes
June 2018
Hey Ken
I hope you are well.
Im just catching up and loving it so far. That red faded paint came out beautifully. Looking forward to more.
KKarns
June 2018
Wes, my good man…nice to hear from you. Thanks and just putting the last wall of the Pattern Shop finishing touches on and will be ready to post tomorrow.
KKarns
June 2018 edited June 2018
The basic four walls of the Pattern Shop are completed. I paid particular attention to the wood detailing and am modeling the Pattern Shop as an older structure showing its age gracefully.
The Front Wall with the unsided area being covered by the ajoining Workshop. Note the missing and rotted siding in the corner. This will be more subtle once scenic and other details are added.
This is the left wall with the cut out for the interior mounted sliding freight door. Keep in mind when reviewing the wood end detail that the bottom of almost all the walls are not visible due to concrete and wood docks, so this area was not highly detailed.
The right wall with the cut out for the wonderfully detailed laser cut roll up door. Leave it to Brett to develop such an awesome piece!
And finally for the sake of being complete in one post, the rear door featured previously. The cut out here is for the cool split rear doors.
The following set of images are close up shots of some of my wood detailing…knot holes, board end detailing, etc…
Note in this image the knot hole in the center of the picture. The knot itself was purposely not made round but rather oblong with the wood cut around it in a tear drop fashion.
Here is the wood detailing where I installed a wood framed header into the chipboard template so the spaces behind the wood show the studs and open space.
I included this picture to illustrate an important detail. The stripwood is grained, stained, wire brushed, and damp brushed with color randomly. The wood is cut into rough lengths and choosen at random…then I begin to detail each pice of wood keeping in mind where it will go and what kind of look I want…nothing random here on out. The picture illustrates this by showing collateral wood damage and in this case wood rot and insect damage. Notice how the damaged area carries over to the piece beside it…all planned out carefully…Oh and the scraped and dinged wood along the edge of the freight door is because its along the edge of the freight doors!
More soon…Ken
Michael_Pearce
June 2018 edited June 2018
Just cannot wait to attempt to emulate the master. Really impressive work Ken
nextceo
June 2018
Like the weathering on that last picture…so good…
Jerry
June 2018
Looking good Ken. Coloring & weathering go hand and hand.
Jerry
Robert.G
July 2018
Very well done Ken. Logical and plausible wear and patination. Like it a lot !!
vietnamseabee
July 2018 edited July 2018
Great results…I’m thinkin’ you learned all these great techniques from Dr Grunge
Terry
skywatcher
July 2018
Very nice , as i follow along i’m building O"Neills, batteling the dreaded wood fuzz . it takes alot of massaging to get rid of .They don"t call them craftsman kits for no reason . nice job Ken .
BILLR
July 2018
I love the selection of “close-up” photos that show your mastery of the various stripwood details; AND the fact that you include your thoughts on what “look” you’re striving to attain, then add your thoughts on why certain nicks and rub-areas area are occuring in the areas chosen. The fact that you also planned ahead to build in the framing areas is fantastic! I’m sure that those accumulated talents are why you are often asked to work on “official builds”. Your make a good teacher.
I found that I went back and reread your “Dr. Grunge Advanced Wood Clinic” and gained an even greater appreciation for everything you have been sharing with us. It goes without saying but Brett has truly designed-in so many spots for us to enjoys these kits and develop our skills.
admin
July 2018
Wow Ken, simply amazing what you can do with HO Scale siding. Love the logical wear and damage.
Wood fuzz is an natural product of producing stripwood. After handing hundreds of thousands of pieces over the years from four different suppliers I can comfortably say “fuzz happens”. It varies over the years in amount and size but hey, fuzz happens. So grain it, detail it, stain it, and enjoy the process!
Now, I believe a craftsman kit has less to do with the kit and more to do with the builder. Modelers who enjoy constructing something rather than unpacking a finished product are all craftsman…
admin
July 2018
For those who are new here Ken has affectionately earned the nickname “Dr. Grunge” for obvious reasons. He created a wonderful clinic here on the forum everyone should check out:
The Dr. Grunge Advanced Wood Clinic: KKarns - Techniques - SierraWest Scale Models Forum
Joel
July 2018
Amazing attention to detail. Great start to an amazing kit. I love the little peaks at suds behind rotting boards. I also like that as weathered as it appears no one technique is overdone. Just perfect.
ironmountainlumber
July 2018
The walls are absolutely well done. The grunge is spot on! Truly fine scale modeling!
Jim
KKarns
July 2018
Thanks much Brett and hope folks find or have found the wood clinic useful.
To give my take on the issue of the “fuzzies”. As Brett suggests in the manual, after I do my initial graining of the stripwood I run each piece through my thump and forefinger while holding a piece of rather fine steel wool putting pressure mainly on the edges. This takes off virtually all the “fuzzies”. I don’t go overboard on the initial graining which I suspect is what causes most folks issues with the fuzzed wood. I do most of my detailing with a pointed awl and my #11 blade which of course creates no “fuzzies” at all. The board ends you see on my walls that are highly weathered/rootted are not created with the wire brush but rather the tools I mentioned. If you attempted to impart that much wear with just the wire brush you would have fuzzed wood all over the place. I will then go back over my completed wall with a magnifyer and fine forceps and pick off any offending splinters or fuzz. Most minor fuzz seen in a close up photo is virtually impossible to see otherwise.
I would also add, that Brett’s stripwood has never given me issues with excessive fuzz, it’s good stuff.
KKarns
July 2018 edited July 2018
Michael, thanks for kind words and nice to hear from you down under…
Alan, hey man, thanks and I figured the close ups were a good way to illustrate things.
Jerry, they sure do…and thanks.
Robert, still not use to the word “patination” being used around here, but love it! thanks for your thoughts.
Terry, Dr. Grung?..that ole buffoon…pay him no never mind, maybe he’ll go away…
Hey Sky…, Nice to hear you are working up O’Neills, loved that build! Hope the info. on the “fuzzies” helps and thanks for the note.
BillR, you are making things all worth while my friend! what a very nice note, made my day.
Joel, thanks much and it certainly is an amazing kit. Look forward to seeing you again this year.
KKarns
July 2018
Hey Jim, glad you like the walls and was hoping you’d wade in here. Thanks as always for your comments and comradery.
MuddyCreekRR
July 2018
I said it once before…and I’ll say it again…your weathered wood looks more like real wood…than real wood…really nice work…
KKarns
July 2018
Thanks Muddy, cracked me up!..
BILLR
July 2018
Ken, I don’t know if anyone else does this but I often convert this entire “forum discussion” into word documents so I can highlight points and make notes for myself, along with the manual. MuddyCreekRR just offered a great compliment, but also made an interesting point about the weathered wood in the pattern shop. We know the building had a previous life as a “Blacksmith Shop” and that your goal was to build “an older structure showing its age gracefully”. Now I’m looking forward to see any weathering variations used for the attached repair shop which may have a different history, but could be affected by the adjacent tempering shop. Time will tell
vietnamseabee
July 2018
Bill…same with me… I print out a hard copy…”paperless office”…ha, not for this old-timer
Terry
BILLR
July 2018
Hey, Terry; As one Nam vet to another I’d also confess to saving some of the jpg photos so I can enlarge them on the monitor…
Bill
KKarns
July 2018
I like the way you think Bill. That very concept is part of my planning strategy and why SierraWest kits are the premier craftsman kit on the market. Brett doesn’t just produce a kit, he creates an entire back story. I’m way younger than all of you…but I am a bit old school as well and like hard copy of this kind of stuff.
Thanks much Ed for the kind words there…
Next up will be the wonderfully detailed windows and doors for the Pattern Shop.
KKarns
July 2018 edited July 2018
Quick update…I applied the very faded and worn “BLACKSMITH” stencil on the rear wall. I wanted a barely legible hand painted sign to match the age of the structure. This building is now a Pattern Shop so the sign has long aged away…
BILLR
July 2018
Well Done! It has made history come to life.
KKarns
July 2018
Thanks Bill…in certain light angles it’s not quite so faded but pretty close…
BILLR
July 2018
Soon after Brett announced this kit he posted a faded photo of a family foundry. It later disappeared from the website but I begin to wonder if there are any familiar lines in the kit buildings, even if foreshortened. My question is prompted by an interest in genealogy, 5 generations of plumbers in our midwest family, and the recent discovery of a glass negative of a machine shop/boilermaker in a southern branch. Look long enough and most folks can find interesting stories tied to railroads.
kebmo
July 2018
that really looks great.
Karl.A
July 2018 edited July 2018
Perfectly executed Ken, you stopped at just the right point to show and emphasize the story/history.
Karl.A
Robert.G
July 2018
Spot on Ken. Just like Karl said. Well done.
SteveCuster
July 2018
Great stuff so far Ken. The wall looks great.
-Steve
sdrees
July 2018
The walls look old Ken, real old!!!11
sdrees
July 2018
His walls of course, Ken is one those youngsters on the forum, not like us old farts like you Ed and myself.
KKarns
July 2018 edited July 2018
Thanks Kevin…
Appreciate that Ed.
You are so right Karl, it was hard to decide where to weather the thing and still have it “there” enough to make out I’m happy with the level and glad to hear you agree. Not something you want to try and go back and add more to…yikes!
Ditto with you Robert, tickled you also agree on the level of weathering for the same point I made above.
Hey Steve, long time…I’m still stewing about your wonderful diorama at the last EXPO. I’ll be protesting in my own way…Thanks for the thumbs up on the walls.
Now don’t forget Stephen, I’m also going for grungy! Thanks for the compliment, old is good.
MikeM
July 2018
Amendment: old in modeling is good, the jury’s still out on the rest of it…
Karl.A
July 2018
I agree with you Mike, “old in modeling” especially the way Ken is doing it here is great…
the other kinda old, not so much..
Karl.A
jpcohen
July 2018
love the attention you give to the basics, wood, knots, rot, weathering, a great fun! Keep it coming, the summer has just got started and so has this build.
sdrees
July 2018
Ken,
Grunge and old go together.
KKarns
July 2018
Mike, rest of it I would call “seasoned”!
Thanks Karl…we’ll leave it at “old in modeling”
Appreciate that JP, I do give the basics a fair amount of attention, good or bad, that’s for sure..
Right on Stephen…
KKarns
July 2018 edited July 2018
I primed all the window and door components for the Pattern Shop with the Rustoleum khaki Brett recommends.
This is a very fine mist, dead flat paint, excellent for this application. While the paint is dry and now curing, I turned my attention to detailing and trimming out the 3 freight door openings.
This is the rear door that has the split dock doors and track. Brett has you use the same wood used for the siding for the threshold sill. This is great as this wood is thick and perfect for a dock threshold, while the other trim is thinner…well thought out here. I sanded down and rounded the front edge of the threshold for all 3 doors. This would naturally occur over time from continuous use.
The right wall dock opening, note the tickness at the far left and how the wear has thinned out the section in the middle.
Right wall edge damage from loading and unloading freight and materials.
Right wall edge details…
Left wall…
The header of the right wall freight door opening that has the trim installed. After placing the trim I used a small brush and some diluted white glue and ran it along the top of the trim. I then took another small brush with chalk and brushed the chalk onto the area with the glue then blew off the excess. This gives the effect of dirt and grunge accumulation.
More later…
Joel
July 2018
I love the level of detail and the stories it tells. I am following along avidly. So much to learn so little time.
BILLR
July 2018
Good to focus on the artistry of “AGE”. Whatever its called, these photos show that Ken does it well!
vietnamseabee
July 2018
Dust and accumulated grime on the door header…Ken seems to have no limits…makes me wonder if a pile of rat droppings will appear inside in a viewable corner…so much to learn and emulate…an honor indeed to be following along
Terry
kebmo
July 2018
i totally agree. ratshit. hmmmm
MikeM
July 2018
sdrees said:
Ken,
Grunge and old go together.
Odd coincidence, my wife has said that many times while commenting on my wardrobe…
Build question–to what extent should the splits/cracks in the ends of abutting boards line up? I have seen quite a variation in this and wonder to what extent it happens with real boards (I have little direct access to prototype examples of this).
KKarns
July 2018 edited July 2018
Glad you’re here Joel and thanks.
Thanks Bill, and I guess there is a bit of art to “the grunge”
Have to draw the line somewhere don’t we Terry!..the honor is mine, to be knocking elbows with you guys.
I’ll pass on the rat crapola Kevin…I will not bend under the peer pressure…
Thanks Ed. Working hard…hardly working…or something like that
Mike, there you go…that’s why the women folk are way smarter than us.
The splits and cracks on the board ends would not necessarily line up as it would depend on the individual board grain, what type of wood was used, where the nails were put in, how much moisture each board had when it was put up etc…on the other hand, damage across boards of course would line up and areas of rot tend to involve more than one board. With the scale we are working in with The Foundry (1:87), the splits and such on board ends is very subtle unless magnified.
KKarns
July 2018 edited July 2018
The Pattern Shop windows and 2 of the 3 freight door sets are finished. The roll up freight door is being worked on and is treated with a different color and weathering than the others.
What can I say about Brett’s laserboard windows and doors other than they are simply wonderful. So easy to work up and the look is amazing. remember when you review the pictures here that these windows and doors are not wood and are cut to such thin and exacting standards that the look is so prototypical. They take paint, chalk, and weathering just like wood…
Here are the split rear freight doors. I followed the manual and was a bit skeptical on the final step that calls for the scuffing of the doors with fine steel wool…not anymore! That step was the ah..ha moment…a little scuff and the doors look newer, more scuff and you age the door right in front of you…genius Brett.
I decided to see how much I could make the kick plates at the bottom of each door look like wood. These plates are installed separately so I was able to use my #11 and cut and create grain and nail holes in the laserboard. Nail holes are a bit strong but without magnification, they are perfect…you can just tell they are there. I finished off the weathering by applying a tiny amount of diluted white glue along the bottom ledges and brushed in dirt colored chalk to simulate accumulated dirt and debris.
This is the large single left wall freight door. I purposely varied the mix of paints to give it a bit darker shade than the split doors. This door is assembled just like the split doors with the front etched side glued to the base. It mounts on the inside of the left wall, open as you desire. Just remember if you open it too far you’ll be able to see the lack of floor on the inside!..but hey, who wants to have very much of this beautifully designed door behind a wall!
The rear wall windows that are postioned on either side of the split freight doors. The lower sash is designed to fit from the inside tilted inward as desired. This will be done just before the walls are assembled so the wall can be laid flat for work on hanging the freight doors and track…
More later…Ken
KKarns
July 2018
Oops, forgot to show the outside window frame laserboard window pieces. Once again, detailed to look like wood…
Note the subtle nail holes and graining.
Reality Check! Just to show how small, thin, and to exact standards Brett’s window materials are…
vietnamseabee
July 2018 edited July 2018
Apparently the window sash/frames are not to delicate to apply wood graining?
Terry
sdrees
July 2018
Doors and windows look fantastic Ken
KCSTrains
July 2018
Nice update Ken. I appreciate where you show what is standard according to the instructions and where you might vary it a bit. I’m enjoying the build. Phil
KKarns
July 2018 edited July 2018
Terry, ohh very delicate. I supported the entire frame other than the one side I was working on and grained it very lightly with the tip of my #11 blade.
Hey Thanks Stephen…can’t wait to get them “hung”…
Right Phil, I will try and do this throuhout the build and that’s the enjoyment of Brett’s kits, making them your own…
Joel
July 2018
Fantastic work. What an amazing eye for colour and texture.
BILLR
July 2018
These are great “details” and I appreciate seeing them at this stage of the assembly. I like the fact that you mentioned that that multiple paint and chalk colors were used because each of us will probably need to match slightly different shades of aged wood by this point. This might also be a spot to add a window or two that a worker attempted to clean with a rag. (the smeared glass still wouldn’t reveal the interior.)
KKarns
July 2018
Thanks much Joel. Colour and texture…the first verse in the SierraWest bible…
Glad the intermediate pictures and descriptions are helpful. I like to vary the colours used within a determined pallate. The glass pane cleaned by hand detail you mention is a good one and one I have used previously and may do here based on your suggestion. This detail can be added at anytime so I’ll see how it goes together and what areas are the most visible.
KKarns
July 2018
Last of the Pattern Shop freight doors. This is the really nifty roll up style door. Brett suggests making a handle out of flattened solder and that’s exactly what I did. Looks to me slightly out of scale but again, without the camera and magnification it looks perfectly fine. On to putting all the cool doors and windows in…
Karl.A
July 2018
Terrific update Ken… Colours and textures are wonderful and that added element of “accumulated dirt” is one of those ‘small things with a big impact’
Very nicely done my friend, great modelling.
Karl.A
vinceg
July 2018
Ken, what a treat. The textures and colors are just unbelievable. I am loving watching you bring this to life.
KKarns
July 2018
Thanks much Karl. The windows and doors are a real treat to work with as you know. Keep in touch…
Appreciate that Vince, and nice to see you following along here.
nextceo
July 2018
Like that handle on the Garage Door…cool detail.
Jerry
July 2018
Ken some fine work on the windows and doors.
Jerry
Robert.G
July 2018
Are you sleeping at all Ken ? Such a nice detailing . Wear on the right spots. It becomes hard sometimes to believe this is HO. This would be to small for me to work on so I am full of awe to see this. Good we have these photos because when one looks at a finished build, all those details get a little ‘lost’ just because they are so tiny.
You are doing a super job Ken. Thanks for taking all that time in posting.
mikemettelka
July 2018
Beautiful as always! Makes me want to work on my stuff… soon enough I can/will. Until then I will just continue to be awestruck!
BILLR
July 2018
Ken, Just a technique question about your roll-up door construction. Do you use a folded paper joint-reinforcement to keep the seams closed during the glue drying? (since the back side of these seams remain invisible in a closed building)
KKarns
July 2018
Hi Bill, the roll up style garage door is a two part door, as are the other doors on the Pattern Shop, with a base piece and the top piece. Both pieces are scored so the fold is easy and stays put. I folded the base first then the top piece and made sure the bend was the same then glued the two pieces together. They are staying put just fine.
KKarns
July 2018
Alan, the handle was a nice addition and easy to construct albeit small…Brett made the suggestion in the manual to fashion a handle out of flattened solder wire and it worked perfectly.
Jerry, thanks much and next to the stripwood detailing, one of my favorite things to work on. So much you can do to individualize the build by working with the windows and doors.
Appreciate that Robert and you have intuitive insight regarding the smaller details. As more and more small details come together they make a significant impact on the look and “feel” of the entire diorama. I love doing the details that are tucked in behind things that a viewer would only see if they peeked behind a barrel or behind a door, etc…
Hey Mike, good point…this forum not only brings great modelers together but we motivate each other to do out best work. I’m the same way…I’ll get a bit off modeling and then I’ll see someones post and I’m all fired up again!
BILLR
July 2018
Ken, Thanks for providing the responses to all of the questions/ interruptions that that we raise. We are trying to absorb all of the construction details that you, Brett and so many others have already mastered. I was considering reworking a N scale grab iron but using thin solder from electronics is interesting.
Now I’m wondering if I can use a thin copper strand from flex wire and a touch of solder to mimic a 1/87 padlock when we chain a set of doors closed.
Karl.A
July 2018
Bill, I would like to echo your praises towards Ken for providing us his time in posting all of these valuable updates. Great modelling such as this itself takes time to accomplish.
To keep stopping and take pictures and then share them with us takes even more time.
As viewers we all appreciate that time taken and thrive on the images and descriptions.
Stranded wire is indeed a great option for a HO padlock, and the touch of solder is a great idea for the lock itself. I have used ‘squashed’ tubing for the lock, but, that was in ‘O’, I think your idea of solder is great for HO because it can also be squashed, and, then easily sanded to shape/scale.
Karl.A
brownbr
July 2018
Great progress. Everything looks so natural.
KKarns
July 2018
Thanks much Bryan…
KKarns
July 2018 edited July 2018
Rounding the corner on the Pattern Shop Walls. I have installed the right, left, and rear freight doors and both the rear windows (the tilt in lower sash on both windows not installed yet but must be before the walls go together). All that remains is some detailing and the Pattern Shop walls can be assembled. My next post will be the finished structure minus the roof. (well…in reviewing the post I realized I forgot to install the track stops on either end of the track beam…made em…just forgot em…)
Here is the rear freight access with those wonderful split track doors. You will notice on all three doors I installed a false floor that can be seen when peeking through the door openings. I discussed making this addition with Brett and he had explored the idea but found once the various roofs are installed and the inside is dark, these false floors will not be readily seen or not at all. I decided to just throw them in as they make for nice pictures before the walls go together…I also installed some very tiny bolt heads here and there…
Note the false floor…even though I figure these floors won’t be seen, I still gave some consideration as to the logistics of the floor. Note the floor planking ends are meeting the the threshold. I designed the planking to run from front to back in the long dimension. The right and left doors will show the planking running parallel to the thresholds…
A little scale perspective…
The right freight door with the roll up “garage” style door.
Once again, note the floor planking running parallel.
Left freight door. This one is barely cracked open, didn’t want to hide much of this beautifully designed door!
Walls up and then the roof…more later…Ken
vietnamseabee
July 2018 edited July 2018
The false floor(s) are probably supported by blocking?..I think you might have talked about the hint of color earlier but is the coloring per the manual or your own thought process?
Wes
July 2018
Now you just showing off Ken. Flippen hell man. Every time I think it cant get any better you go and push it up another notch. Well done
Bill
July 2018
Simply stunning work, Ken! So well done.
I love the floors. False or not, it draws the viewer into the structure. Little details like this are the type that sell the illusion–that every expected element is in place. They assume theres a 100% furnished interior.
Couple questions:
-Did you do any dry brushing on the walls (posted in today’s update)?
-where did you get that little tray (back on page 4)? Perfect little organizer!
KCSTrains
July 2018
Very nice Ken.
kebmo
July 2018
wow. i used to clean horse crap out of barn that looked just like that. awesome!
vietnamseabee
July 2018
Ah man…don’t give Ken any ideas…he’ll start adding odors to the weathering process ;-))
Terry
BILLR
July 2018
The floor is a great addition. In the future you’ll be experimenting with adding a stack of old boxes, etc.
KKarns
July 2018
Terry, the coloring of the wood both in technique and color came straight out of Brett’s manual. I did vary the percentage mix of the two colors on two of the doors for variety.
Wess, hey buddy, nice hearing from you and appreciate the kinds words. Lots of new and innovative stuff in this kit…
Bill, what up my good man?..thanks for your thoughts on things as you know how much I value your opinion. No dry brushing on the walls or doors. I picked up the tray, which came two to a package I believe, from Hobby Lobby. I liked it because it’s really shallow and easy to pick little bits up with your fingers.
Thanks Phil.
Kevin…always a compliment when a model looks just like the real thing to someone, even if it is a barn full of manure!
Thank BillR, easy enough to do…
Robert.G
July 2018
Ken, those walls look super. Adding so much contrast in the boards makes them stay interesting and vivid. I’ll keep on your track !! 
KKarns
July 2018
You make sure you do that Robert…I appreciate you and your wisdom, thanks much.
KKarns
July 2018 edited July 2018
As promised, I finished putting the walls together and they went up beautifully. As most of you know, Brett’s walls, and particularly the corners, go up so well and seamlessly. It sits dead flat, dead straight, and dead square… I decided not to add the additional wall details yet as I want to see how the buildings will “feel” once staged together. This complex has the Pattern Shop you see here, attached Work Shop, which is my next project, and the Tempering Shed attached to the Work Shop. I’m working on the Pattern Shop roof as we speak…
Now that’s a cool wall!..Has to be one of my favorite single walls I have ever done, the design is just wonderful. Note the addition of the tilt-in lower window sashes and the rail stops on the track, which I forgot to add in the previous post.
And then the terrific roll-up style door, such a innovative design…
The unsided portion is covered by the attached Work Shop.
This is how the rotted area looks with the walls joined. This is the only area that you can easily see the wall all the way to the ground as the remainder of the lower walls are covered by the various concrete and wood docks.
Back around to the large single freight door, another beautifully designed door…
More Later…Ken
BrianM
July 2018
Your rendition of the Pattern Shop is looking great, Ken. It really brings out the age and re-purposing of the original blacksmith structure. Hopefully you can create a sufficiently different perception of structure age on the adjoining and much newer workshop addition while still making it merge into the overall scene.
I also really like the various “personal” touches that you have added to this structure together with the associated “why and how to” descriptions.
Looking forward to the next installment!
BrianM
BILLR
July 2018
Those four walls combine into a wonderful “historic” building that yells that it probably is decades older than most of the latter “additions”. There is one future part of this building that may be out of step so I’m waiting to see how Ken handles it. {It only occurred to me when I looked at Brett’s colored photo where each building is labeled.} The ROOF intended for this rustic masterpiece seemed too clean and lacks the expected historic partially-shingled or rusted corrugated roofing effect that would now be expected on such a weathered building. It will be interesting to see how the “master” weaves it all together in his upcoming performances. Having seen parts of this magic show I’m sure he’ll deliver!
Jerry
July 2018
“Stunning”
Jerry
MuddyCreekRR
July 2018
Outstanding work…I love the coloring of the wood and the distress that you always do so well. I too like to put in the false floors ( I did so on O’Neills)…it avoids that “oh look…no floors” comment from someone that just might look really really close…makes waiting for the “O” scale version even harder…
Joel
July 2018
Fantastic work Ken. I can look at these photo over and over. A true master.
nextceo
July 2018
Looks fantastic man!
Robert.G
July 2018
I can only repeat what has been said by everybody already, just awesome… The more for me because it is HO …
brownbr
July 2018
I like it a lot. It sure tells a story.
Did you consider replacing one of the big sliding door panels with a patch? I ask because everyone’s door patches on O’Neills looked so good and I wondered how it would look on these doors.
KKarns
July 2018 edited July 2018
Thanks Brian, and the plan is to have the Work Shop appear as a slightly newer structure with less obvious weathering and deterioration…I only hope I don’t get carried away with DR. Grunge persona! That’s one of the things I love about kit building, the personal touch each builder imparts on their model.
BillR, you bring up a great point and one I have angst about while contemplating my roof construction for the Pattern Shop and one that is appropriate to discuss now and will carry over for the remainder of the build.
For me to construct a roof that is significantly dilapitated, which is beyond what Brett designed the roof to be as the Pattern Shop would have kept the roof in good repair to protect the valuable materials inside, I would be deviating quite significantly from the manual and the original intent. This is the “official forum build” and my goal is to follow the manual in the constructiuon process and impart my personal modeling style where I see it complimenting the build. A good example would be the excellent color choice of the Pattern Shop. I detailed and weathered the wood to my style but the color follows the manual. Had I changed the color, that would change the entire look and feel of the diorama and believe me, Brett spends countless hours researching the combination of colors, texture, arrangement, composition, etc…following the manual will result in a superior model. So I plan to weather the roof within the materials provided and I love challenging myself to see how I can impart my modeling style on the various materials.
Thanks for your kind words and intuitive insight on the build Bill. It’s folks like you that make this so enjoyable. It’s not just a model…it’s the planning, the process, and the people.
Jerry, I’ll take a one word compliment anytime! Thanks my man.
Thanks Muddy, right the color Brett came up with is perfect for this guy.
Hey Joel, I appreciate that my friend…
Alan, what’s up in your world?..thanks for the note and wondering what your working on?
Robert, you are right, I have resisted the temptation to try O Scale and find my nitch in 1:87 and enjoy seeing how much detail I can squeeze out of it. Thanks for the support.
SteveCuster
July 2018
Fantastic work as usual Ken.
-Steve
BILLR
July 2018
Ken, Thanks for the reminder about the intent of the “Official forum build”. By intent you should live within the contents of the “box”, and I neglected to state that’s why your later magic will be interesting to watch.
Others in the forum may see that Brett also designs in a bit of flexibility so a kit owner has a chance to add some individual touches. I believe that this wonderful, old, weathered blacksmith shop is one of those spots. The roof needs to be weather-proof but it also could utilize other equally aged and weathered materials from the hobbyist’s own supply drawer. That opportunity for creativity is why this is such an interesting hobby.
KKarns
July 2018
Bill, well stated…and see below and let me know what you think.
Right Ed…glad we got that straight…ha.
KKarns
July 2018 edited July 2018
Hopefully nobody is tired of seeing the Pattern Shop, but I am now ready to move on to the Repair Shop. The roof is done…so not to be redundant, most of the pictures are just the roof. The front left corner of the roof has damage and rot but no on the inside just through the overhang. This area is directly above the rot on the bottom of the front wall as you may recall.
Worn but functional. Dusted each batten with black chalk for highlights and accumulated grunge.
I for one enjoy an occasional scale perspective…
On to the Repair Shop…
kebmo
July 2018
dayum!!
vietnamseabee
July 2018
Double dayum!!!
BrianM
July 2018
Looking good, Ken!
BILLR
July 2018
Ken, I knew you would work some magic and indeed you did! The damaged area above the rotted wood was a great touch and weaves a consistent story for this historic building. Well done.
sdrees
July 2018
Ed, speak for yourself!
Karl.A
July 2018
Fantastic work Ken, beautifully executed as always.
The shadowing and shading you have added works perfectly, both on the walls and the roof. Such added depth brought out on that roof, easily over done, and, usually not done at all, you got it just right.
(ignoring your dilapidated corner) You have given character, depth and interest to a perfectly intact roof, without the need of patches, multiple materials or even some guy with a hammer, very nicely done.
You have the balance between functional and secure with just the right amount of age and wear for interest from the viewer.
Karl.A
Robert.G
July 2018
Tired of seeing those wonderful photos ??? you must be joking. This is a very well succeeded roof !!! Not everything must fall apart and be totally dilapidated.. no ? With these kits, every modeler can go his own way, add his personal feel to it. That’s why they are so SUPER !!
brownbr
July 2018
Roof matches walls perfectly
admin
July 2018
Outstanding work Ken. Love the personal touches and personality you have added to make it your own.
vietnamseabee
July 2018
I’m with Robert…luv the photos…every photo adds to the story
Terry
KKarns
July 2018
Well Brett, this kit is panning out just as I/we all expected…simply amazing. This first structure went together flawlessly and the three freight door styles are just delicious!..best way I can describe them. Thank you for providing such a phenomenal product and appreciate everything you do.
Karl, as I have said before, you’re one of those legendary modelers that as I work through a build you are always there. I find myself frequently thinking “I can’t wait for Karl to see this and what his thoughts will be” Your critique is always spot on and I feel my modeling is improved with every comment and suggestion. Thanks much for your support and guidance…appreciate you my friend…
Kevin, thanks man, another one of those one word compliments I’ll take every time.
Thanks Terry for building on Kevin’s thoughts! Glad the amount of photos is not getting any yawns…at least not yet!
Appreciate that Brian…
Ed is that saying you like it without saying you like it?..
BillR, was thinking of you and our previous conversation while working on the roof. Thanks again for pointing out such an appropriate discussion topic. Thanks for such kind words and really glad you’re following along.
Thanks Robert, I’m trying to go along methodically on this build and not rush through documentation of the various aspects that build on each other. Pointing out and attempting to match the roof with the structure as an example. I figured taking pictures of the walls together AND the roof installed one may take away from the other as far as build progression is concerned. Appreciate your encouragement as I work through this project.
Bryan, that’s what I like to hear as going into it you’re not sure it will pan out the way you invision! Thanks.
ironmountainlumber
July 2018
You my friend are truly a mad genius! The walls are exceptional. First the weathering of the word blacksmith on the front is perfect. Just the right amount of fade. The walls are faded with just the right amount of color and “grunge”. The technique that Brett thought up for scuffing the doors is fantastic. It really says a lot about his modeling. Every kit I have built keeps adding more and more to my arsenal of techniques for model building. Even with other kits I have found I incorporate the techniques I have learned from his manuals and the builds by yourself and everyone else here. This always improves the non sierra west kits I am building and really brings them up to the level you obtain whether it is the first Sierrawest kit or your tenth. Again it really says a lot about his ability to teach and develop new techniques and the abilities of the modelers here on the forum.
The garage door partially open is totally cool. The roof is also excellent and I do like the corner rot. Perfect. I don’t post something in a week and you have the first building exceptionally done. Amazing!
Thank you for the really nice comment after my last post! We are all here to cheer you on!
Cheers!
Jim
(BTW I am not Australian or from Great Britain but always like the way the use the word cheers!)
Karl.A
July 2018
Ken said "I for one enjoy an occasional scale perspective… "
Me too, it reminds me that this is HO, which makes it even more impressive to enjoy.
KKarns
July 2018
Jim, “Mad genius” nicest thing anyone has ever said!..Kidding aside, thanks much for the kind words and you are so right regarding Brett both as a modeler and a manufacturer.
I’m in…Cheers!
Ken
I was hoping those images thrown in occasionally were useful and nice to see. Thanks Karl.
Jerry
July 2018
Workmanship is right there. The coloring on the roof is so perfect that black chalk sure did pop the detail.
Jerry
KKarns
July 2018
Thanks Jerry, I was pleased with the results of the chalking…
KKarns
July 2018 edited July 2018
Have begun work on the Repair Shop walls. This is the finished right wall to illustrate where I’m going with the Repair Shop. 90 percent of this wall is covered by a large J.E. Morton’s Foundry sign. Only the edges are visible once the sign is glued to the wall. The walls also sit atop a wood foundation which is a wonderful look and a great design by Brett. Note the toned down weathering at the bottom of the walls as compared to the Pattern Shop and the overall good condition of the siding boards. The color is damp brushed on as before with a nice aged off white achieved by mixing Pale Buckskin and SW Bone at about 70/30.
Shot of the siding installed over the laser cut framing…you can see just how realistic the laser is in providing a studded wall for interior detailing if desired. The next post will be of all four finished walls…Ken
Robert.G
July 2018
Looking great Ken. I like how you pay attention to the bottom weathering outside AND inside. You stay consequent . Makes no sense to have boards who have seriously suffered from sun, rain , drought, rot, and clean, as new on the inside. It’s all in the detail with these kits… ( you noticed I used weathering, not patination… 
)
BILLR
July 2018
Nicely done, Ken. You are executing finishes that show age but still indicate that the Repair Shop addition may be at least a decade or more recent than the Pattern shop.
This is a fantastic group of buildings… a great kit. It’s becoming apparent why it was a sellout in two days. Brett will be busy producing the second run for some time into the future!
Dave_S
July 2018
Ken,
I really enjoy watching your builds as they progress. I learn something from each of your posts showing progress and especially look forward to your detailed explanations of the steps followed illustrating how, where and why as the building moves through each phase. The comments from other journeymen builders add to the overall pleasure of coming back to the forum discussions throughout the day. I believe that Robert has made a very important observation/point about the weathering at the bottom of the interior walls. These are the sort of details that establish builds on this forum as being among the best out there. As always, I am looking forward to each of your posts, Ken.
Later, Dave S. (Enjoying the respite afforded by our Sonoran Desert monsoons!)
admin
July 2018
The weathering on the siding is fantastic, excellent work!
Jerry
July 2018
Nice weathering not overdone.
Jerry
KKarns
July 2018
Brett, thank ya sir…the enthusiasm for this kit is building with every board I glue down, and I think those following have the same feeling.
Thanks George for your perceptive critique…Brett thinks things through and to provide laser cut wall studding for those that may want to detail the interior is just plain excellent customer service. He didn’t have to he wanted to. Love the choice and as I get the Repair shop walls done and the foundation going I’ll decide if I’m going for a bit of interior work…hmmm…much more interior wall detailing to come if I decide to detail the interior. certainly don’t give up the “P” word!
Right Bill, I also am stoked on how these three structures in the east complex (my designation!) are shaping up…then of course you have the Stone Foundry and the west complex of three structures all seamlessly integrated into one killer diorama…Oops, getting carried away here…
Thanks ED.
Well Dave, thank you very much and so nice to hear that going along methodically with updates that appear trite are actually useful and meaningful. as an example, rather than wait until all the walls are done and post an update, I decided to post one completed wall to allow followers to see where I was going with things. Such an enjoyable project with you guys out there offering up such purposeful discussion…thanks.
Back to the bench…Ken
Karl.A
July 2018
Completely agree with you Dave,
Seeing a master at work is wonderous to watch, but then to see the step-by-step they used is inspiring to us all.
As yourself and Robert note, those extra steps make the difference.
Karl.A
KKarns
July 2018
Finished up the Repair Shop walls featured here. Next I will be installing the doors, window and the Foundry sign on the right wall and building the foundation for the shop…
Front wall of the Repair Shop…
Rear wall…
Left wall, unsided portion covered by the Tempering Shed…
Right wall featured previously…this is the wall where the large Foundry sign goes…
More later…
Michael_Pearce
July 2018
I think the rotting wood at the base of fences and buildings with vertical boards, is all too usually missing on models except your of course. It looks totally realistic, appreciate your work. My kit should be here early next week but I shall have to content myself with reading your posts and the manual until I return from overseas. Trust assured whichever continent I am on I shall read your latest update at soon as I see it posted it gives me so much inspiration. I feel sure your build, together with the detailed SW manuals, give new Sierra West hobbists the momentum to make a start on their kits.
KKarns
July 2018
Thanks Michael for the very nice note and appreciate your thoughts. The board end detail you mention is a subtile but important detail in my mind as well. Thanks again and be safe in your travels…Ken
kebmo
July 2018
ken,
just curious about your wood detailing technique. do you use something other than (in addition to) the wire brushes to get your graining?
KKarns
July 2018
Thanks for your inquiry Kevin. Wire brushing is just my first step in detailing my boards. They all get an initial wire brushing for the basic grain, then I follow with detailing the board ends mostly with my #11 blade and a pointed awl. Various imperfections such as gouges, cracks, pieces of wood missing, knot holes, etc. are done both to the board ends and strategic places along the length of the board and where two boards butt together. Check my Dr. Grunge Wood Clinic thread for more details…
Here is a good close up of one of my walls of my HO/HOn3 O’Neills Fabrication official forum build I did two years ago…it illustrates all the details I mentioned and only the base graining was done with a wire brush!
kebmo
July 2018
i’ve been through the dr. grunge tutorial several times, and use all the same techniques, but yours show up so much better than mine…
it could be the lighting at my bench. it kinda sucks. my wood treatments look so much better in person than in the pics…
vietnamseabee
July 2018
Another great tutorial I refer to often is Kevin O’Neill’s work on painting castings and details
Terry
KKarns
July 2018
Very likely the lighting if its looking good to your eye Kevin.
KKarns
July 2018 edited July 2018
I sanded down the large paper Foundry sign to almost “see through” thin and mounted on the stripwood sign base, weathered and attached to the right wall of the Repair Shop. Added four bolt head castings and done. Note a couple of the “cracks” between the boards don’t look quite perfectly straight upon magnification. I went back and fixed that but either way wasn’t noticeable on the model…
The foundation and floor for the Repair Shop and Repair Shop front porch is done. The cracks between the boards was filled with dirt colord chalk and the front edges of the porch boards were slightly rounded from wear. Hard to make this look interesting without the Repair Shop sitting on it!
The manual calls for a mitered joint on the corner of the foundation timbers and a butt joint where it meets the Shop foundation. I decided to have the timber ends visible with end detail as I like the look…
More later…Ken
brownbr
July 2018
You are on a roll. Sign looks good. How many did you tear until you got this one?
Robert.G
July 2018
As usual, just right ! The bolt head castings make it more real than printed ones. I also like your decision of showing the ends of the foundation timbers. I believe construction in this way is more used than in a mitered way. Ether way, it are those details that keep the whole build interesting to look at and to discover when finished.
Thanks Ken for posting all these beauties…
nextceo
July 2018
Lights out on that sign man,just Wow,
BILLR
July 2018
As I went back and reread the “Build” I finally recognized the assumption that affects many of my own viewpoints. I tend to see the model from the viewpoint of my railroad in 1916. In some cases that affects the use of certain details. Someone else may be seeing the appropriate amount of aging from the eyes of the 1950’s. Certainly barn wood would vary considerably over those decades so the question of what’s appropriate is still dependent on knowing the “when” during the building. On the other hand I’ve also begun to notice that a number of hobbyists just build the most interesting building possible for the sheer pleasure of the build. Talk about an eye-opener… Ken told us what he was going to build but I’ve been asleep at the wheel. Another confirmation that SierraWest builds kits that can make everyone happy.
KKarns
July 2018
Thanks Bryan, got it sanded down and glued down on the first try!
You bet Robert and appreciate that. I enjoy the subtile personal modeling choices that make a build personal and unique. I never change anything for the sake of change, but rather for my style of modeling and what I like based on my overall plan formulated early on.
Thanks Alan, I was happy with how the sign turned out and as I mentioned to Bryan, got it the first time. Brett includes several copies and two choices of sign layout so those building this kit can jump in and get it done without worrying about messing one up.
Good point Bill, and to further clarify I’m modeling The Foundry around circa 1921 or so with the Blacksmith Shop originally from the late 1800s. This also is the same vintage as my O’Neills Fabrication diorama that provides the used oil for the Foundry and…well you know the back story…
KKarns
July 2018
Finished putting up the walls and the roof of the Repair Shop. I’ll be getting some pictures this evening. Prior to putting the walls together, I lighted the end of the floor that wopuld be under the covered porch outside the building. I used some fine steel wool to lighten it a bit then hand rubbed in real dirt to get a worn ground in dirt look.
Note the end of the floor planking has been lightened, this section will be outside the building under a covered roof.
Brett stresses the need for the rear and left walls to be perfectly plumb and at the exact edge of the foundation as the rear wall butts up against the Pattern Shop and the Tempering Shed butts up aginst the left wall of the Repair Shop.
Here I’m making use of various steel stock to brace the rear wall perfectly alligned with the foundation and plumb vertically. Plumb walls and tight corners is a must…
KKarns
July 2018
Repair Shed with walls and roof installed.
The covered porch and associated details yet to be installed…
Love the look of this wall sitting on the timber foundation…well designed Brett!
Some scale perspective. Rear and left wall. Unsided rear wall butts up aginst the finished Pattern Shop and the unsided left wall has the Tempering Shed butted up aginst it.
Full frontal…on to the Tempering Shed…Ken
BILLR
July 2018
That’s Fantastic! Your walls are so square that the use of machinist’s plates are obvious. I assume that you’ve collected quite an assortment of weights, magnets, and machined edges over the years.
Karl.A
July 2018 edited July 2018
Love the high contrast in those walls, also the specific, and well thought out/planned, ‘more weathered here than there’ factor, and still it all blends together beautifully and naturally.
Superb!
Karl.A
Joel
July 2018
As always amazing work. Love following this thread.
brownbr
July 2018
Looks great.
What material are the shingles supposed to represent? They look more uniform than your usual roofs.
vinceg
July 2018
Wow. Fantastic. All that great texture and color – hard to imagine it’s HO scale. The big hand helps 
Robert.G
July 2018
Just amazing, and this is only the beginning…
KKarns
July 2018
Thanks Bill and yes, I have a large assortment of metal stock for just this sort of thing.
Appreciate your thoughts Karl as always…
Hey Joel, nice hearing from you and thanks much.
Thanks Bryan and your attention to detail is obvious! Brett researched and developed these prototypical classic 3-tab asphalt shingles, correct for early 1930s, just for this kit! They are so easy to install, weather effortlessly, and look fantastic. This is such a refreshing development from the standard shake shingle roofs we have all been modeling for years. This is just another example, which there are many with this kit, of Brett’s innovative design and manufacturing philosophy that elevates SierraWest as a patriarch of the modeling community.
Thanks Terry and sorry about including the “lunch hooks” in the images, I should have my wife do the honors!
Right Robert, just getting started and appreciate your thoughts.
KKarns
July 2018
Finished up and assembled the walls of the Tempering Shed. The Tempering shed is tar paper and batten and is such a cool little build. The tar paper is applied to the chipboard templates and I put in some horizontal base siding in strategic location as before by cutting out portions of the chipboard template and replacing with detailed stripwood. The hinged solid wood door is a killer little feature. Brett has provided so many innovative door designs in this kit. The roof and the corrugated metal Workbench Awning are yet to be installed.
Note the added horizontal wood base siding and missing tar paper in strategic locations.
Although the rear of the Tempering Shed butts up aginst the Repair Shop a portion where I added the wood siding and missing tar paper is visible…
What is with me and needing to get my hand in the image!!! I need my wife Cathy to stand in here…her hands are much more acceptable than mine!
Dave_S
July 2018
Ken
Great little structure indeed! Like you, I am admiring the latest assortment of doors that Brett designed for these neat structures. Of course no structure would be complete without the signature “KKarns” treatment. In this case, the horizontal boards “peeking” out at strategic locations from underneath the tar paper. Nice work as always. I might be tempted to add a 2" x 4" interior frame to the structure so that a few 2" x 4"s could be peeking out from underneath some of the horizontal wall boards. But that will only be if I get a chance to build this structure in O-Scale some day (sigh!).
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
Karl.A
July 2018 edited July 2018
Terrific treatment and effects on that tar paper, so much interest created to something
that could be so ‘plain’.
The ‘up and over’ door looks perfect, such a great design by Brett that fits perfectly
where it is located.
Your weathering of everything is superb as always.
Karl.A
(hi to Miss Cathy)
admin
July 2018
Love it! So well executed…
Robert.G
July 2018
Ken, besides the perfect look of your tarpaper, isn’t it a very big / large single piece of it ( last photo) ? Or am I not looking good. Don’t they come on a roll of about 40 inch ? Otherwise, again great stuff.
KKarns
July 2018 edited July 2018
Robert, last photo is the rear of the shed which most is butted up against the repair shop and not visible. Just the vertical area that I added the siding under the missing tar paper can be seen. Thanks for your thoughts and kind words. This is a great little structure Brett designed.
Robert.G
July 2018
Should have known that… I don’t have the kit and haven’t really studied the finished build , so…
Anyways, even being not a owner of this fabulous kit, I 'll be right on your tail… 
KKarns
July 2018
Right Robert, not something you would immediately notice. It will look really good once the three structures are together…thanks again.
Thanks Brett, had a blast working on this guy. Have the roof, awning, and stack yet to go. So many cool details on a relatively small structure, signature SierraWest all the way.
Thanks Dave and glad you like the exposed siding under the tar paper, I personally love that look and is so prototypical.. The doors and windows in this kit are just ridiculously cool with new and innovative designs and so easy to work with.
Appreciate your thoughts Karl as your insight is always refreshing and spot on accurate.
Thanks ED, tilited-in lower sashes straight out of Brett’s manual…I love the look as well.
kebmo
July 2018
the tar paper looks really good. ah hell…everything looks really good.
ironmountainlumber
August 2018
Dr,
Fantastic eye for detail as is usual for any of your builds! The sign is perfect. I really enjoy reading your process of thinking about where to weather and fade boards. One thing that is really exception besides all the rest is the tarpaper. Very nicely tore with the boards behind. Very natural. The doors in this kit are really awesome. How you did the placement looks very natural as well.
Success! The patient is alive, alive I say!
Great job!
Cheers,
Jim ( aka #1 fan of the mad genius Dr. Grunge)
KKarns
August 2018
Thanks Kevin appreciate that.
Hey Jim, you cracked me up!..I played that video twice, once as is and once imagining my workshop in the background and instead of Frankenstein on the table it’s J.E. Morton’s Brass & Iron Foundry…too funny.
I appreciate both you and Kevin pointing out the tar paper detailing. I thought it worked out well and well worth the extra effort. The roof will have a tad bit more as well. Nice hearing from you buddy…Ken
Jerry
August 2018
Great idea with the Tp & wood showing.
Those little details that your adding are sure making the model a real standout!!
Jerry
KKarns
August 2018
Thanks Jerry and I really enjoy those little subtile details that individualize the build and coveys a modeling style…grungy!
ironmountainlumber
August 2018
Hey Ken,
I am glad I made you laugh. You got exactly what I was going for with the film clip!
Jim
KKarns
August 2018
Well played Jim…
KKarns
August 2018
I have completed the corrugated awning and roof for the Tempering Shed. The roof is not attached just staged…
Additional wear and tear to the “tar paper” roof. I staged the roof card on the structure to position the stack. I decided to have the area around the stack worn and with the tar paper missing. I fashioned a sealing flange out of paper and tucked the top edge under the paper and the bottom edge over as would have been done. Dirtied the paper with chalks and added a couple of bare areas on the other side of the roof.
Robert.G
August 2018
Really well done Ken. Perhaps some green/moss on the edges of the overlaps ? That’s where they usually can be found. Of course if it never rains, not …
Some random dirty white spots from birds poo could be seen aswel on those old tarpaper roofs . Just some thoughts . Weathering is spot on.
admin
August 2018
Superb. You get such believable texture in something as mundane as tarpaper. Love the edges of the roof as well…
KKarns
August 2018
Thanks Robert, and all your ideas are good ones. Final weathering will be done once the buildings are attached.
Appreciate that Brett and have grown fond of detailing tar paper thanks to your wonderful Tempering Shed design! Oh…now I get to detail that sweet little resin tempering oven casting…
KKarns
August 2018 edited August 2018
Here is the Repair Shop roof/porch completed. I’ll be detailing a bit more on this one of course but getting there.
The rot and exposed board ends on the left side appears a bit stark but it will be tucked under the overhang of the Tempering Shed so will be shadowed and the effect is mellowed.
KKarns
August 2018
Note the concrete dock casting proping up the shop…
Karl.A
August 2018
Outstanding modeling Ken. Everything is so perfectly imperfect, the continuity of the level of weathering flows from roof, to walls, to flooring. Excellent.
Karl.A
KKarns
August 2018
Thanks much Karl…pictures look a little blah or washed out but there is some good contrast when looking at it…
KKarns
August 2018
Moved onto the tempering oven and just had to post a quick shot…
This is single piece resin casting! Has to be one of the finest, crispest, most detailed casting I have ever seen. Such a joy to work with material like this…
KKarns
August 2018
I’m going to put a little black chalk around the edges of the door and below…
Karl.A
August 2018
KKarns said:
I’m going to put a little black chalk around the edges of the door and below…
Also… maybe… some subtle black streaking up above the door… kinda like where an old steam train passed under a tunnel..
Everytime they opened that door to reload the fire I’d imagine a bellow of smoke/soot/crap billowing out and staining the brick above.
But def one of those things to do in moderation, when you think it needs just a little more, stop and walk away.
The next day you’ll usually look at it and realise that its just right and be thankful you didn’t overdo it.
Just an idea,
Karl.A
KKarns
August 2018
Great thought Karl, I’ll post a picture tomorrow and see what you think.
MikeM
August 2018
How do you model HO scale pigeon poo without making it look like a condor infestation? I suppose a fine brush with a single bristle?
KKarns
August 2018 edited August 2018
Good point Mike…I like to do my final roof weathering and detailing after it’s all assembled such as water marks and deterioration as water would run down one roof and down on another at certain places as would leaves and debris…
For sure Ed…
KKarns
August 2018
OK Karl, here’s a shot of the tempering oven with the reminants of the soot that would have been released every time the door was opened…but that door is not used anymore so the soot marks have faded just a bit. Great suggestion and hopefull carried out to reasonable effect…
Robert.G
August 2018
Like you said, this is a super casting. And very well weathered.
Karl.A
August 2018
Excellent Ken. Just right.
vietnamseabee
August 2018 edited August 2018
Nice weather…not a cloud in the sky
Terry
brownbr
August 2018
Great job on that casting.
Joel
August 2018
Superb colouring. Great casting.
KKarns
August 2018
Thanks Robert.
Appreciate the suggestion Karl, spot on as always!
Good day for pictures.
Thanks Bryan.
It is a wonderful casting Joel and the coloring Brett suggested is perfect…
Jerry
August 2018
Nice coloring on the casting.
Jerry
KKarns
August 2018
Thanks Jerry…
KKarns
August 2018
I have finished gluing up all three structures of the first Foundry “complex”…the Pattern Shop, Repair Shop, and Tempering Shed. Finishing a few details and will post pictures of this first completed phase. Things turned out great and the structures went together flawlessly. The engineering Brett put into the marrying of these structures is amazing. Five different roof lines, three strcutures and the tempering oven…awesome!
Karl.A
August 2018
Tease !
KKarns
August 2018
Hehe…I have the porch floor fixed to show you to…
Jerry
August 2018
Nice coloring on the casting.
Jerry
KKarns
August 2018 edited August 2018
The 3 structure complex consisting of the Pattern Shop, Repair Shop, and Tempering Shed is basically done. A bit of final detailing will be done once things are planted on the diorama. Keep in mind that the pictures here are more for technical assistance than for aesthetics, which will come once the diorama is completed. I wanted to get good pictures of the roof lines and how things go together in the first phase.
I’m really stoked as I am now ready to move onto the incredible stone Foundry! Can’t wait to get at it…
Taken in bright sunlight so just a bit washed out appearing but check out Brett’s design here. Four different roof lines…how cool is that!
Another view of the Repair Shop entrance.
Karl pointed out to me an oversite on my part in an earlier post of the Repair Shop. I weathered the front wall where the siding meets the front decking to look old and showing darker wood and some early rot. However, I failed to match the weathering on porch decking where it contacts the vertical siding! This picture illustrates that fix. I will tone down the dark contrast a bit more and have the joint with dirt and debris…Thanks Karl for keeping an eye on me…it was your turn ya know.
The Tempering Shed awning appears in this image to stick out a bit and noticeable, but keep in mind a work bench and shelf casting goes under the awning with associated details which balances out the overhang nicely.
KKarns
August 2018
Next up is a series of pictures from more of an elevated sight line to show the roof lines and details…
Note the weathering from the water tank…more on that in the last picture.
Note the wonderful Tempering Oven tucked between the Pattern Shop and Tempering Shed.
I spent some time experimenting with water stains for this particular area. What I came up with…I dissolved some white chalk in alcohol and with a small brush swirled it around to keep the chalk in suspension, and then quickly lifted my brush out of the alcohol and touched it to the roof and allowed the alcohol to wick up the tar paper and along the roof battens. Once the alcohol dried it left the chalk residue in a natural appearing way…
Karl.A
August 2018
Nailed it.
Karl.A
admin
August 2018
That’s some incredible work Ken. I love the water stains. Just right…
Joel
August 2018
I concur. Everything is just right. Amazing build of an amazing model.
EricMG
August 2018
Please, Ken, tell me this is not HO scale!
EricMG
August 2018 edited August 2018
Ken, if it is HO, I ran across two Jordan vehicle kits from the late 1970s today in a box of goodies. The missing box! If you would like them, I’ll send them to you. They build a pretty realistic HO car. There is a pickup truck with long bed. Cool old boxes too.
BILLR
August 2018
Very impressive! The buildings combined into a tremendous display of your artistic capability. I can’t wait to see how you finish the foundry wall castings… Hope you show us photos as you add the progressive color layers and shadowing to the stone walls…PLEASE?.
Karl.A
August 2018 edited August 2018
You and me both BillR,
I know Ken is going to be exceptional as always, but I also want to see it evolve…
Karl.A
sdrees
August 2018
Hi Ken,
Your modeling work so far is incredible. You have the grunge finish on the walls and distressed wood siding which looks fantastic. The sign look well worn as if its been on the building for 50 years or so. But may I say that your shingles look to be in to good of shape. You have distressed the tar paper roof which looks incredible and also the metal roofing looks very well worn.
Robert.G
August 2018
Ken, the roofs are extremely well done. ( the rest aswel of course) The metal one stands out because of the subtle, but yet spot on water marks. I suppose you will add a little color when assembling the complete build. ( I would, to make it a little less gloomy , which is even so no critic at all ! Just a personal thought) . )Perhaps in the details.
Love to follow your work man. Thanks for sharing. I know even the taking and posting photos takes time !! Appreciate it.
brownbr
August 2018
Most impressive. Too bad that killer casting is tucked away in between the buildings. I keep wondering whether the roof-rot should be on the side with the water tank.
EricMG
August 2018 edited August 2018
Just a thought. If the roof shingles were slate (which would not be uncommon in an area that had a lot of slate), the roof could remain just like Ken has it for up to 100 years. I loved the contrast between the failure of the tar paper and the straightness and solidity of the shingles—one of my favorite qualities in the structure. (But that is why nature made the female breast in so many sizes and shapes.) Ken, frankly I think that building is pretty close to perfect as is.
BrianM
August 2018
Ken, great job!
The overall blend and age/use differentiation that you have achieved on these integrated structures looks spot-on to me and I look forward to your approach on finishing the docks and the roof over the saw table area.
Request: if possible (and before you go to far with mounting all the structures on your diorama base) would you please include a “ground level view” photo under good lighting conditions looking directly at the brick tempering oven including the pattern shop and tempering shack on each side to highlight the contrast you have achieved between these structures. I know this area will be barely visible on the completed diorama but I think this view would provide a useful reference for less experienced builders. Hope the above all makes sense! Thanks.
KKarns
August 2018 edited August 2018
Thanks Karl.
Appreciate that Brett, and the water tank stains worked out resonably well I think and will continue onto the roof over the concrete loading dock below.
Hey Joel, thanks and nice hearing from you…yes, amazing kit for sure.
Eric, appreciate the offer of the vehicles but not sure what I’m going to do with respect to any vehicles on my diorama…now if you want to float me a killer HOn3 Gon like you have on your thread…bring it brother!
BillR, Nice hearing from you Bill and thanks much. Absolutely, I’ll make sure I document the steps in coloring those sweet stone walls for sure.
Hi Stephen, thanks for the input and kind words. This was the first time modeling asphalt 3-tab shingles, and I love em! My thoughts were that tar paper is going to weather and deteriorate at a much faster rate than shingles. I considered removing some here and there, turning up the edges, cutting the corner off a few, etc…but decided to just sand the leading edges and weather with chalks and make the roof in good repair. I’m not one to get into…“well they could have replaced the roof just a few years ago” and…wait, who the hell is “they”? I guess I wanted the atributes of these amazing shingles Brett came up with to be highlighted on this build…the Office just across the way has the same shingles, maybe I’ll try some of those ideas there…
Robert, thanks much for the note and nice review and I always look forward to hearing from you. The coloring is by the book as they say however, my work is typically on the dull and neutral side for sure. Brett’s color on the pilot model of these three structures pops more significantly than mine. I’ll be picking up some color with the details as you mentioned and with the scenic work as well. I think Brett did a fabulous job on the various roof and siding colors and finishes. Also keep in mind the pictures (lack of photo skill) have much variation in depicting the strength of the colors.
Thanks Bryan. You are so right my friend, I discussed this very issue of that wonderful Tempering Oven casting being tucked in where it can’t readily be seen with Brett. The finctionality of the industry dictates location of course. There will be a killer exhaust stack on top that will more than make up for the slightly hidden view.
You are also right about the roof rot on the Pattern Shop. I put it there to correspond to the rot along the bottom of the wall below. I put the wall rot there as it’s the only place that you can see the wall all the way to the ground as the remainder of the walls are covered by concrete and wood docks.
Thanks Eric, excellent points as the age apperance of the roofs can of course be any combination depending on materials and when the roofs were serviced or replaced. Like you, I like the contrast as well. Thanks for your input…
Brian, you got it my good man! I’ll get a couple of pictures straight away. Thanks for your critical eye and critique and the kind words.
I agree Ed…great input here from everyone…love this stuff don’t we!
EricMG
August 2018 edited August 2018
Ken, the gon is mine since it is hugely sentimental, but I will have Amanda photograph a few of my other scratch built HOn3 cars from that era—late 1970s. Also, I checked the kits. Basically never opened and still sealed, all parts, in plastic with full instructions. Yours for the asking. Least I can do for a modeler like you. I will show the photos of the HOn3 cars over on my introduction page.
KKarns
August 2018
Sounds good Eric and you are too kind! I’ll certianly pay for the kits if I can use them…
EricMG
August 2018
Ken, money could not buy these kits. I mean that. Did you see the photo of the two kits before it was removed? I’ll place it on my Intro thread. What lady?
KKarns
August 2018
Well thanks Eric. No I didn’t see them. “what lady?”…oh you’ll pay for that one!..I’m telling…
EricMG
August 2018
My buddy Lee said: “Oh, I thought she was standing in a blizzard. I guess I let my imagination get carried away.”
Jerry
August 2018
Beautiful work Ken.
Jerry
sdrees
August 2018
Hi Ken,
The noticeable damage that I have seen on the three tab shingles over the years has been done by wind.
kebmo
August 2018
yep
KKarns
August 2018
First go at coloring the stone walls of the Foundry. The wall on the right has been primed with Rust-Oleum Khaki. The wall on the left is essentially done. Various colored chalk and alcohol mix was applied randomly to each stone as per the instructions. The lintels and sills were done with a light tan chalk mix and then dulled with black chalk.
This image illustrates the texture of the resin stone casting a bit better.
Dave_S
August 2018
Ken,
Looking good. Thanks for the description of how you colored the resin stone wall.
I keep looking back at the photos of the “3 structure complex consisting of the Pattern Shop, Repair Shop, and Tempering Shed” on the previous page. Thanks for taking the structures outside for some additional photos of the three sub-assemblies as they will appear on the diorama/scene. The colors just seem to be more natural outdoors when compared to indoor light. But what I have come to notice for myself even more is that the strong shadows cast in full sunlight tend to somewhat mask the detail within when compared to the less harsh shadows of naturally lit objects photographed in “open shade” under a big shady tree.
I guess what I am getting at is something you have already discovered and why you took the time to photograph these structures in full sunlight as well as in shade.
Thanks, Later, Dave S. Tucson ,AZ
(The land of bountiful sun and precious little shade!)
Joel
August 2018
Love the subtle colour variation. Once again nailed it. I marvel at your consistency.
KKarns
August 2018
Thanks Dave. I’m not much of a photographer, so you are way ahead of me in that department. I just try and get a variety of shots that show the features of the build as best I can. I love Arizona by the way!
Appreciate that Joel. Wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out but once I started building up the various color tones it seemed to come together.
Robert.G
August 2018
Agree with Joel. Was there any filler / mortar between the stones when these buildings were made ? Nice casting by the way.
brownbr
August 2018
Looks good. Just enough color variation between stones to make it interesting, not too much to make it distracting.
admin
August 2018
Wow that wall looks great Ken! The stone color variation is perfect, natural and subtle with a bit of shadow between.
The Foundry walls represent an almost dry stacked stone with just a bit of mortar.
Dave_S
August 2018 edited August 2018
Ken,
Thanks for your reply. Just keep on doing what you are doing in the photo department as all three types of photos you take and post, indoor, outdoor in full sun and outdoor in “open shade” all have merit.
Yes, Arizona, more specifically the Sonoran Desert in the Tucson area, is a neat place to have moved to from the southwestern suburbs of Chicago. Quite a contrast from living in an area formed by the glaciers eons ago with its rolling terrain, heavily forested old oak and maple tree stands of timber and small lakes to the open 30+ mile vistas surrounding the Catalina Mountains of Tucson. Back in the Chicago area it was rare to see a sunrise or sunset through the trees but out here sunrise over the Catalina’s and sunset over the Tucson or Tortolita Mountains ranges are equally spectacular and in full view.
KKarns
August 2018
Sounds good Dave…
sdrees
August 2018
Come to Tucson and enjoy the summers!!! Uh Uh Uh
KKarns
August 2018
Can be brutal…
vietnamseabee
August 2018
Steve… I was in Phoenix last and was very warm…but I came from Orlando so same-o same-o
Karl.A
August 2018 edited August 2018
Fantastic colouring on that stonework Ken…
Those subtle umber variations are going to blend so nicely with all the wood tones of the other buildings in the diorama, and yet, be different.
The grey touch on the lintels (and some other random stones) really defines them as a separate/different stone, and still it all blends so perfectly at your hands.
Wonderful subtle variations, enough for interest but a long way from ‘stark contrasts’, perfectly done.
Karl.A
sdrees
August 2018 edited August 2018
But Ken, think of all the modeling you can get done in the summer in Arizona because we hibernate in the summer here instead of winter like the rest of the country. So besides all the beautiful sun rises and sunsets there are other advantages of living here. I rather take the heat than the snow, ice and tornado’s in the other parts of the country.
Dave_S
August 2018
Steve has very politely left out the best parts of summer here in Tucson. The seasonal snow birds are gone, so finding a parking spot in the shade at the grocery store is much easier and restaurants are far less crowded.
By the way, Steve has quite the AC system to keep his garage and modeling area quite cool whatever the outside temps might be.
Later, Dave S
KKarns
August 2018
Thanks Karl, I was happy with how the walls are turning out. I wanted a somewhat darker overall apperance and the chalk selections are perfectly suited for an old foundry. The chalks are so forgiving as you can add color, remove color, layer colors as you see fit. You could never easily achieve this look with paints. I have one more wall to do and then I’ll start on the doors and windows…can’t wait! Thanks again for your thoughts here.
KKarns
August 2018
Stephen/Dave, I have given retiring and getting a place in Arizona some serious thought over the years…not likely as a permanent residence at this point but who knows…
kebmo
August 2018
we’re going to the islands. rock island, blue island…
KKarns
August 2018
I have finished up the coloring of the stone walls for the Foundry. This is the initial coloring and will be doing the final detailing and weathering after walls are together and planted on the diorama. Next up are the windows and doors…
kebmo
August 2018
nice!
kebmo
August 2018
just curious ken…a couple of the walls appear to have a tan tint to them. is that intentional or an effect of the lighting?
KKarns
August 2018
Thanks Kevin. The wall color hue changes from indoors to outdoors but you’re right. The color here is a bit more tan than what I see. Here’s the same shot with more of the realistic color I see.
Karl.A
August 2018
You must have a yellowish(warm) bulb over your desk Ken that is casting the tan tones on the top two walls… not a critsism of your lighting, but a possible explanation for the tonal difference.
Either way, the walls look simply amazing.
Karl.A
MuddyCreekRR
August 2018
I love stone work…wood is kool…but I dig the rock work…very nice work there…
KKarns
August 2018
I think so Karl, not my best photographical works that’s for sure. I’ll get some better images once the windows and doors are installed. I have primed and painted them so just need to detail and install…
Thanks Muddy, I really enjoyed the change from stripwood to work on the stone. Love the look also…thanks again.
Robert.G
August 2018
Very well done , the stone walls. They look…stone.
KKarns
August 2018
Best comment a modeler can get when working on stone is someone to say “it looks like stone”! Thanks much Robert…
Karl.A
August 2018 edited August 2018
I dont care about your “photograhical” skills Ken… it’s your modelling skills that always have me coming back for more.
(I agree with Robert on your result of the stone walls.)
Karl.A
KKarns
August 2018
Thanks Karl, nice thing to say. I have been working on the windows and doors for the Foundry structure. These multi-pane industrial style metal windows are just incredible. I have almost all the windows installed and the doors finished but yet to “hang”. these windows and doors are highly detailed and I a taking my time with each one, as one should. I will have them all installed in another day or so…
BILLR
August 2018 edited August 2018
Ken, WOW, your choice of chalks resulted in visually realistic stonework for the foundry. Since I had originally asked for details about the color layers and shadowing it was interesting to see how your technique varied from the stone cookhouse in the BlueSky build. It did seem like the colors made this one “jump” a bit more! Thanks for all the photos that let us enjoy your classes!
vietnamseabee
August 2018
Ken… Looking good buddy…looking forward to each of your updates…
Terry
KKarns
August 2018
Well I’m quite impressed there Bill with your comparison of the stone work I did here with the Foundry and with the stone cookhouse on my BlueSky Dio. The stones on the BlueSky Cookhouse are larger and more uniform and all sides were cut, so obviously all the same type of stone so I figured the color would be quite uniform. Also being a small building the same color of stones seemed to be the way to go. On the other hand, the Foundry stones are much more random and not as “cut” and would likely represent different types of stone thus the various colors tones. Also the large expanse of wall would be really boring if not for a bit of variety in color.
Thanks my friend appreciate that and Terry, the next update will showcase those wonderful factory style multi-pane windows!
KKarns
August 2018 edited August 2018
Rather than post pictures of the windows and the right wall door installed in each wall separate, I decided to go ahead and assemble The Foundry walls and then post an update. As a result this post has been awhile coming as this portion of the build was a major one and one that I took ample time with. The windows are a classic multi-pane metal factory style window. These are some of the finest windows I have ever worked with from SierraWest, and far superior to anything on the market. The positional sashes combined with the fixed sashes makes for a totally customized look.
This is the right wall which faces the Pattern Shop.
All the walls just have the initial detailing such as the dark soot stains above the peak vent shown here. I will be leveling the final detailing once the structure is “planted”. I don’t like to do too much detailing until I get the “feel” of things as the diorama comes together. There will be more soot and grime at the windows and doors etc..
My favorite view of The Foundry with all those gorgeously designed windows! The big open space will accomodate the sand bay and will be closed in later on…
View of the rear wall from the tracks!
Left wall with the blocked up old entrance and the blank area will be covered by the amazing brick stack casting.
Working around to the front wall where the work room butts up to the main foundry building.
Front wall.
KKarns
August 2018
Now for just a couple more close up shots of a few windows and the right wall doorway.
admin
August 2018
Wow! Just fantastic. Such beautiful work Ken. Your windows are perfectly neglected and worn to convey industrial use and age. Love it!
Bill
August 2018
Outstanding work, Ken! The level of realism you’ve achieved on the stonework is a testament to your skills and the quality of these wall castings. Hard to believe these aren’t plaster!
vietnamseabee
August 2018 edited August 2018
Wow…fantastic…I’m more anxious than ever to get my hands on those windows…I grew up in a family of glaziers (glass installers). I spent many hours under the guiding eyes of my dad and grandfather learning how to bed the frames with putty, clip the glass in and then face putty industrial windows just like these…I see a few broken lites of glass…maybe I’ll contact the Foundry owner to submit a bid on replacing them ;-))…The Foundry kit wasn’t going to be my next build but I may have to reconsider now that I see what you’re (Ken) bringing to life with this entire assembly…frankly, there are so many great SWSM kits to build it’s very hard to decide which kit will be next
Terry
vietnamseabee
August 2018 edited August 2018
Ken…are the masonry walls interlocking at the corners?..I see no corner joint…scratch that question…going back I see a butt joint on the side walls
Terry
Joel
August 2018
Incredible castings and windows finished in an incredible manner. Just perfect.
Oldiron
August 2018
Fantastic work there. Could you perhaps expand on how you handle the glazing?
Bob
