This thread was started in April, 2020
Joel
April 2020 edited April 2020 in O Scale Builds
Well the Kit just arrived on Thursday and it looks like there are already 2 builds running. Unboxing is pretty straight forward in this kit as it is the basic structure. That said The basic structure informs everything else on the diorama, it sets the tone and dates the buildings. I figure I have 2 months or so until the second instalment comes out so I will take my time and try some new techniques and see if they measure up. I am so excited about this build and honoured to contribute my insight. That said my way is likely not exactly what others envision so just take what you want from this build and use your own favourite techniques to fill in the rest.
I’ve already read the manual cover to cover twice to prep for starting this build. I also plan on rereading Ken’s fabulous HO build and see if I can steal some ideas there.
Comments
admin
April 2020
I am really excited to see what you do with this kit!
Jerry
April 2020
Looking forward to your thoughts on this Joel.
Jerry
brownbr
April 2020
Glad to see you joining in. I like bouncing ideas off of you during builds.
Like you, I’ve read the manual and have already been going through Ken’s build. I plan on trying new techniques as well. I did a test wall of wet-brushing today to get some practice in. Think I’ll do it.
Joel
April 2020
glad you guys are along for the ride. Might want to hold off on the damp brushing for a day or two as I do have a new twist on it that I’m kinda proud of. Here’s an test from a recent build of mine:
Dave_S
April 2020
Joel,
Your test wall looks great. I am certainly glad I jumped on purchasing this kit when Brett first offered it. Like many of, you I have the kit and will begin to read the manual and follow along on the three amigos builds as they unfold. This is super exciting to be able to see three extraordinary modelers put their artistic interpretations and ideas to such a unique kit.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
Dave_S
April 2020
I think I just experienced a first, at least for me, while opening the Foundry kit. No resin fragrance! LOL
Later, Dave S.
kebmo
April 2020 edited April 2020
that’s for sure…
joel, are you going to tell us what the alternative to da,mp brushing is? your boards look pretty great.
MuddyCreekRR
April 2020
I like the look of those boards…
MuddyCreekRR
April 2020
I like the look of those boards…
Joel
April 2020
Thank Kevin. I’m sort of wrecking the flow here but ah well… So I had a Bob Ross painting night with the family and I pulled out my paint set from 40 years ago and found my old fan brush. I find it way easier to get the damp brushing effect than with the round brush recommended by Brett. I hope it’s not just that it is stiff from being so old as I’m hoping some of you will be able to recreate this effect. It is so easy, quick and is almost as good as the mineral spirit resist method. I have always struggled to get consistent results with mineral spirits and on top of that there is the health risks. I find mineral spirits work incredibly well but only about 1/3 of the time. Just my experience obviously. Somehow Karl did his incredible Loco/engine shed entirely with mineral spirits and was super consistent.
I hope to get the wood distressed this weekend and start some tests on the wood from this kit, including trying a mixture of both techniques.
sdrees
April 2020
I like it very much
Jerry
April 2020
Looks great Joel.
Jerry
Robert.G
April 2020
I think this is a great result. Certainly a great start on this new project. I will be sitting on the first row… (if there is still a seat available.. 
)
I decided to hold on with the build until I have the whole ‘ensemble’ of kits that will make the Foundry . I still have plenty of other SW projects and I think it will be easier ( for me) to have a better overview with al the kits at hand. But since patience is THE main ingredient for any modeler, the waiting won’t be an issue… 
Anyway, I am glad Joël , that you take care of the building honors for this one. This will guarantee some interesting and educational posts on this marvelous forum.
Happy and healthy Easter to you guys (and your loved ones)
Robert
brownbr
April 2020
Can’t wait to see the tutorial Joel. Still working on a couple of experiments of my own.
Robert, that’s not a bad idea to wait and get everything before starting.
MuddyCreekRR
April 2020
I had the same thought to wait till the entire kit shows up…I have all the time in the world right now…the retired thing was enough with more time…but we’ve been kind locked down here in Jersey for almost a month…only time I leave the house is to go to a fire incident or get toilet paper…I’ve got 3 projects going already…just put 2 on the side for a bit…
Dave_S
April 2020
Joel,
Bob Ross, did you say Bob Ross? The happy “fan brush” painter!
For Father’s Day last year my wife and daughter teamed up and got me a Bob Ross leisure shirt. Most likely to get even with me for watching his painting shows back in the day. Good thing the people here in Sun City, Tucson get a kick out of it. I keep threatening them that I’ll wear it on the airplane next time we fly back to Chicago for a family reunion. LOL.
Later, Dave S.
Joel
April 2020
Great shirt. Makes me smile.
Joel
April 2020
I used the pipe brush and a file card to put in the initial grain on all the strip wood for the Pattern Shop. My first deviation from the manual (knew it wouldn’t be too far in) is to detail both sides of the stripwood. Total waste of 50% of the time but I have my reasons. First of all I am not that consistent and the wire brush is very random so sometimes it produces an unrealistic pattern and by doing both sides it takes an extra hour or two but I get to choose the better looking side. Also almost all stripwood has a better side with less “fuzzies”. Lastly but less importantly when I work both sides the strip wood tends to stay straight which makes it easier to work with.
To add further details I use the standard stuff: a dental pick, razor blade and bead reamer. The reamer lets me make random size holes instead of all knot holes being identical. On this part of the build I only added a dozen knot holes in total because most are painted over. I stain the toothpicks first and then glue them into the siding after it is stained.
I scan along each piece of grained stripwood and try to find spots where a knothole might fit. Where the grain wavers or there is an open ungrained area.
I’ll test out some base stains tonight and report back tomorrow.
Mountaingoat
April 2020
I agree with all the above. Can’t wait for what’s next. Rick
Robert.G
April 2020
So do I Ed. Both sides.
admin
April 2020
Off and running, graining and detailing the wood is the most important part!
Joel
April 2020 edited April 2020
Brett I agree whole heartedly. I tried a few different base stains the top two are alcohol and chalk, then black craft paint then dark brown craft paint (paint on and rub of as much as possible with a paper towel) and finally good old silverwood. The dark brown paint and the chalk appear almost identical in person but the camera adds a darkness to the paint. Not sure why but both alcohol based stains swelled the wood and erased much of the fine graining. I use 99% so it shouldn’t be the water content. Also the craft paints have water in them and yet they retain the definition - weird.
Today I will test the colour with 3 methods - damp brushing with a fan brush. Wetting the stripwood with mineral spirits and then damp brushing ( the mineral spirits prevent good adhesion and the flaking paint effect might be more pronounced ) and finally the old mineral spirit resist - labour intensive, time consuming and smelly but the gold standard.
Joel
April 2020
Dave_S
April 2020
Joel,
Thanks for sharing your results from base stain lumber coloring experiment. I too, often get the same results as you experienced (losing the fine wood grain details scratched into my scale wood) even when I use 99% isopropyl alcohol to prevent swelling. I would have never suspected that would occur out here in the very dry climate of the Tucson desert.
Later, Dave S. Sunny, Tucson, AZ
Joel
April 2020 edited April 2020
OK the test results are in:
First of all I did the standard labour intensive 3 coats of mineral spirits (until there is a sheen) then 2-3 coats of paint waiting 5 minutes between each coat. Then run the xacto blade up and down each piece a couple of times. Then using scotch tape gently removing paint chips. Really pleased with the results.
Then I tried something new. Coat the wood with mineral spirits like before and then damp brush with the fan brush. the mineral spirits and gently touch make it so the paint only sticks in some areas and leaves the wood pain free in others.
For both of these it is 24 hrs later and I still can’t go near them as they still stink.
Version three is as I suggested earlier just damp brushing with a fan brush. I use a windsor Newton #3 series J. Dip it in the craft paint and the dab off the excess on the edge of my paint cup (not dry brushing where you remove almost all the paint) Then very gently brush along with the grain. I use the brush with the fan perpendicular to the grain sometimes but I actually get better effects when I use it with the fan parallel to the grain.
Picture is a bit dark on the ;last one but I have to admit the original mineral spirit is still my favourite but I’m not sure if all the work and frustration is worth what is about a 5% improvement in detail. I think I will do about half and half and use the various boards randomly. When I say randomly I mean very carefully selected for each wall.
KCSTrains
April 2020
Joel, I always appreciate your experimentation so we can judge for ourselves what we would like to do if this was our build. In the end, however, it’s your choice. A mixture might not be a bad thing. Phil
SteveF
April 2020
The wood graining looks great! I’m definitely going to try a few of these methods because I have the same experience with losing most of the grain effect when using even the higher percent concentration alcohol. Thanks for letting us all learn from your experimentation.
brownbr
April 2020
Experiments help us learn.
sdrees
April 2020
I have used the mineral spirits method on my Loco Service shops and I am really pleased the way it turned out. But I am going to have to try your method using the fan brush. If you are doing a number of models, you don’t want them to look the same.
Joel
April 2020 edited April 2020
Finished peeling the paint on all the wood. As always I had trouble with the mineral resist and it was quite hit and miss. The damp brushing was way more controllable.
Here’s my pile:
It still stinks 24 hrs later so moved on to the next step and I gave a light spray of colour to the walls in case any peeks through. After reading Ken’s HO build twice I have decided to unabashedly try to copy Ken’s remarkable build. After struggling with changing things up for the sake of changing them I realize that it is unlikely I will come up with something better.
I added the framing to the walls so they can show through the decaying boards.
I did an extra set of corner posts as my mineral spirit ones were pretty disappointing. The extras are just for bracing anyway so I figured why not give it a go. I went back to my damp brushing with a fan brush. Much better:
Hope the mineral spirits evaporate in the next few days so I can start planking the walls
brownbr
April 2020
As long as it gets you the look you are going for.
mikemettelka
April 2020
I had already decided to copy Ken’s builds myself lol!
admin
April 2020
Ken definitely set a new bar with his HO Scale rendition and am excited to see how his ideas translate to O Scale!
Joel
April 2020
Finally had a few hours to spend on the model. The strip wood is dry so the first thing I did was look at each piece carefully and find the best pieces and set them aside. Then I found the worst ones where the peeling paint wasn’t realistic and I put them aside too. I started with the two most visible walls and used mostly the really good strip wood. I used an old wood burner I use for marquetry projects to “rot” away the bottom of the front wall. I have to tone it down and add details but it’s a good base.
The left wall was also completed. I don’t weather my butted board ends. I usually just try and use the cut ends of the stripwood as it comes from Brett. I use the bad stripwood under the doors where it will be blocked by loading docks. There is so much extra strip wood included I pretty much stuck to the ones I liked. I chose each piece specifically for contrast and weathering, trying to make the wall interesting and believable.
Still lots to detail.
Mountaingoat
April 2020
Looking fantastic. Great start. Rick
MuddyCreekRR
April 2020
Looking good…
Jerry
April 2020
Great coloring and detail on the those bottom boards.
Jerry
brownbr
April 2020
I like it.
KCSTrains
April 2020
You put a whole lot more thought into the placement of each board than I do, but the effort certainly pays off in a more realistic look. Phil
Joel
April 2020
Finished the base of the second set of walls. I added a little more paint to the top of the walls where the paint might have been better protected from the elements. I also added a few nail holes on the board ends. The pictures make the red much brighter than it is. I will be doing a wash to unify the walls a bit.
sdrees
April 2020
nice work
Robert.G
April 2020
Good decision for the paint at the top of the walls. Is Logic aswel. Looking very nice so far.
Joel
April 2020
While waiting for the paint to dry on the windows and doors I had a few minutes to cobble together the track for the large door. Very easy with the instructions provided. I added some carriage bolts to secure it to the wall. I just used rivet decals, pretty simple. Hope to paint it tomorrow and maybe start work on the windows.
KCSTrains
April 2020
Joel, I always enjoy your builds. However, you’re not going to convert me to O scale!!! Phil
Robert.G
April 2020
I think I was born in the dark zone… I can echo Ed’s statement; extremely well done!!! Question, do you find it easier to glue the styreen first and then paint it? Matter of not touching the wood with the rust paint .
Joel
April 2020
Thanks Phil.
Robert I do glue it all together and then I will paint it and weather it and then install it on the wall. It is just resting there for the photo.
Jerry
April 2020
Very nice Joel.
Joel
April 2020 edited April 2020
Thanks Jerry.
I added a bit of rust to my door track.
I started working on my doors. I took each piece and after spray painting I added some wood grain with an xacto knife.
Then I weathered it with a bid of dry chalk powder and taped off each separate board with masking tape so I could use the damp brushing with fan brush technique.
Only took about 5 minutes per door and I prefer the effect over just dabbing the paint on. After it was dry I added a bit of dark grey chalk to bring out some of the details.
Still have to glue it together and add the glazing.
Joel
April 2020
MuddyCreekRR
April 2020
Interesting technique…
KCSTrains
April 2020
Joel, it’s like sausage making. Not great to look at when it’s in processing, but oh what a great look when you’re finished!!! You have to trust the process. Thanks. Phil
admin
April 2020
That is superb!
brownbr
April 2020
Door looks great.
kebmo
April 2020
i’ll say!
Jerry
April 2020
That’s one hell of a door!!
Jerry
Robert.G
April 2020
Very nice result!!
TomMich
April 2020
Great weathering. Your damp brush technique looks just like peeling paint!
sdrees
April 2020
the door is beautiful
Joel
April 2020
Thanks. I finished up the doors and I’m now working on the windows. I always find my broken glass lacking so like with my repair shop I googled broken window and had hundreds of great patterns to choose from. i reduced the photo in black and white and traced the fracture lines.
I dusted with a bit of chalk so the lines would pop a bit.
Here is the back wall with the track and doors placed in position (just waiting for the oil paint to dry before properly gluing in place)
MuddyCreekRR
April 2020
Looking good…
KCSTrains
April 2020
Good job all around, especially the broken glass. Phil
Robert.G
April 2020
The glass looks naturally broken. Good job.
brownbr
April 2020
I like it.
Mountaingoat
April 2020
Great!
sdrees
April 2020
Nice
kebmo
April 2020
well done!
Joel
April 2020
A day of busy work spray painting the roofing materials and walls. Also stained the boards for the repair shop and damp brushed them. Also wanted to show some boards under the tarpaper like Ken did on his build so added some 2x10’s where I thought they may be required.
Now to sort the stripwood and start boarding up the walls.
Joel
April 2020
Just a short update on my roofing experiment. I am always trying to find a fine texture for shingles and roofing paper. I decided to try something new with the asphalt shingle. Instead of painting after installation I just painted the sheets and hope to get a bit more randomness and will try and glue it on on the weekend. The problem is always getting a bit of texture. I’ve never been luck with using sand and paint although that has worked well for others I think I need finer sand. What I did instead was to put the shingles on the garage floor and then climbed on a chair and used a spray paint from about 8 feet above the shingles. This allows the paint to partially dry before hitting the paper. I used two different black paints and sprayed for about 5 seconds of each. I let that dry and then repeated 4-5 times until the shingles were black but rough. I then did a short blast of grey and voila:
Looks a bit brown because of the lighting but it actually is a very dark grey.
Really pleased with this easy technique. BTW it works way better if the the paint is warm and the garage is too.
JayNSmith
April 2020
I like that idea! I may need to spread out quite a few newspapers, though.
Joel
May 2020
Boarded up 2 of the walls. Using the stencils was quite easy as described. My sign ended up a bit too vivid so I gently brushed it with the soft wire brush (looks like a toothbrush) and it faded it beautifully.
My only issue is the colour of the “peeling paint” it does some weird stuff to my brain because it is so closed to wood colour sometimes when I look at it it looks just like faded wood and sometimes I see it as peeling paint. Bit of an optical illusion to me. I love the effect but if I wanted a peeling paint effect I think I would be better off with a brighter white white. Hopefully I’ll finish off the walls and start the roofs this weekend.
Mountaingoat
May 2020
Wire brush to the rescue. Great technique. Looks fantastic.
Rick
MuddyCreekRR
May 2020
Excellent progress…I did similar to my stencil with the 0000 steel wool…
brownbr
May 2020
Turned out good.
KCSTrains
May 2020
Joel, the asphalt shingles look good. Just don’t fall off that chair!!! Phil
TomMich
May 2020
I see what you are saying about the paint effect. At first glance it looks like weathered wood, but upon closer inspection the peeling paint effect does show nicely. It probably looks better in real life that in the photo. Sometimes weird things happen in photos.
Jerry
May 2020
Joel very nice. The lettering is perfect.
Jerry
Joel
May 2020
Here’s my roof, 1/2 done. I wanted an older shingled roof that needs to be replaced. I ran a woodburner along each shingle strip (even more dangerous than standing on the chair). Pretty pleased with the texture and decay. Needs some more weathering and a bit of lichen but should be a nice contrast to the newer office building roof.
Robert.G
May 2020
Well done Joel.
kebmo
May 2020
i’ve replaced shingles (in a past life that look just like those. nice technique.
admin
May 2020
shingles look fantastic!
brownbr
May 2020
Turned out nice.
Joel
May 2020
Thanks all but I’ve never had an easier time putting on shingle. Pretty much all done for you except a bit of glue and a bit of time (with a woodburner).
Dave_S
May 2020
Joel.
Some great new techniques for adding details to roof shingles. Another technique to add to our modeling repertoire.
Thanks, Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
MuddyCreekRR
May 2020
Shingles look good…
Joel
May 2020
Thanks gents. I’m really pleased with the final result even before weathering. I worked on the pattern shop roof. Pretty straight forward. Needs more weathering but I’ll leave that until it is in place.
KKarns
May 2020
Hey Joel! The results do appear very similar and any would work well IMHO. I keep going back to the first but that may be that it appears to be the best picture!lol. What makes all of them is your wood graining…nicely done. I love your attention to the wood Joel…name of the game.
Joel
May 2020
Ken I agree the wood finish is the basis for everything that comes later. Worth spending a bit of time trying to get it right.
I worked on the shed walls today. I used the same grey weathered wood as the battens on the pattern shop roof. Still have to finish the windows and weather the tar paper.
Robert.G
May 2020
It already looks great. Can only get better.
Jerry
May 2020
You achieved the look you wanted. Great job.
brownbr
May 2020
I like it. You could split a batten or 2 and it would fit in on this wall.
Joel
May 2020
Finished the rest of the shed walls. Starting to really itch for part two so I can assemble these buildings and weather them up.
admin
May 2020
Fantastic! Love the exposed wood. Texture of the tarpaper is wonderful.
KKarns
May 2020
Like the faded weathered door and the cracked but not broken out window…door lighter at bottom darker towards the top…
Joel
May 2020
Thanks Brett, Ed and Ken. Finished up the lining on the shed door and the windows on the shed. Added some hinges for the windows out of old wire. A bit oversized but they work for me.
Mountaingoat
May 2020
Fabulous. The hinges really aren’t out of scale.
Rick
Robert.G
May 2020
they are just right
KCSTrains
May 2020
Everything looks great. Phil
TomMich
May 2020
Texture and color of the wood is great! Really like how the garage door is weathered.
Joel
May 2020
Finished the roof but then realized that likely part two will include all the rafters so I will likely rebuild the roof with all the individual boards and then use tissue paper to get the texture and rot to show through. I will have this as my spare. I used the uneven ends of the newsprint and just quickly ran it along the woodburner to give a worn/shrivelling appearance and get rid of any of the paper fibers sticking out. I think I can do better but it was an interesting idea so I thought I’d share.
Joel
May 2020
Added a small door handle (HO 2X6 painted black) and some wear to the door jambs and flooring
brownbr
May 2020
The added details work well.
Mountaingoat
May 2020
Love the worn edges of the roof paper.
Rick
KCSTrains
May 2020
Joel, looking great. One item to consider. If the door is one that operates like a pocket door and slides to the right, I would make the same scrapping marks you have at the bottom of the door on the other parts of the door. However, the part causing the “scrapping” may only be on the bottom. Just a thought. Phil
Joel
May 2020
Thanks all and Phil I like the idea and will try to add some more damage. Just winding down now and putting a few more details on the walls.
Robert.G
May 2020
I like the worn boards and the peeling paint. Just enough to be natural and convincing.
MuddyCreekRR
May 2020
Outstanding work Joel…I really like the coloration on the repair shop…I’m anxiously waiting for the next installment to continue on…
Joel
May 2020
Last pic and then I too am waiting for the next instalment. Very excited about it.
Mountaingoat
May 2020
Looks fantastic Joel.
Rick
KKarns
May 2020
The above picture is the money shot Joel!..sweet modeling my friend. PS…Love the rusted metal effect you got on the track rail!!!
Karl.A
May 2020
Havent read the whole thread yet, but, dang, that last pic of the wall is just fantastic work.
Broken panes look so good and ‘natural’, another instance of Joel’s thought process paying off dividends.
sdrees
May 2020
I really like how the weathering on the door turned out.
brownbr
May 2020
These will serve as a great foundation for the rest of the build. Great job.
kebmo
May 2020
wow!
Joel
May 2020
Thank you you all so much for the comments. Pretty much learned it all building Sierra West kits and hanging out with you guys.
Ken the technique for the rusted metal track I also learned from one of Brett’s manuals. Apparently people didn’t love the effect but it is so simple and straight forward it is my go to for most rust.
Dark brown/black paint. Let it dry and then add a few spots of dark brown oil paint then orange chalk blotted on so it sticks to the oil paint and gives a fine texture. You can also use a burnt sienna paint and dab on some brown chalk. Only problem is waiting a few days to a week for the paint to dry before touching it. Also I use water mixable oil paint so there is no smell or need for turpentine.
Jerry
May 2020
Beautiful Joel.
Jerry
Joel
July 2021
Just got news that part 2 is about ready to go. The myriad of fantastic new castings and 3D prints is staggering. So many amazing little scenes to work on. So excited to inject some life into this build and get back to modelling.
Jerry
July 2021
Looking forward to it!!
Jerry
KKarns
July 2021
Great news for sure Joel! Cant wait to see you detail those 3D parts and integrate them into your build. Back here for some stellar modeling…
Karl.A
July 2021
Cant wait for your progress on the next stage of this amazing kit, definitely looking forward to your results on the new parts and learning from you as you go.
admin
July 2021
Really excited for everyone to get their hands on this installment. So many new details and even a couple new techniques I have been playing around with.
Joel
September 2021
Got my package and have read through the instructions a couple of times. Now to prep these fantastic new detail parts. Very excited, obviously. At first glance this part could probably be completed in 1-2 weeks or 1-2 months. I think I’ll take my time and try some new things. Then probably go back to my old techniques. I guess I’ll have to see as I go along.
Joel
September 2021
I’ve finished prepping the metal castings and have blackened them as per the instruction. Now on to the resin pieces. A few things to note when working with these. First off about 3/4 of them can just be primed right out of the box. No parting lines no deformities on the bottom edge. The only ones that need a bit of work are the gas cylinders and if you want to be really picky (like me) the boxes and crates. A quick pass with an emory board works well. Be aware that this is not the same resin as we are used to. I used to scrape an xacto knife across the bottom edges of each casting but this new resin is a bit more brittle and can chip. I found I could slice the “elephant foot” off but had to use a brand new blade. Easier just to sand it (wearing a mask) or skip the step completely.
The boxes are fantastic little details with appropriate wall thicknesses and great handle details. The gas tank with handle is spectacular as are so many of the new pieces.
Now on to priming and then the build starts.
MuddyCreekRR
September 2021
I too have started mine…and I have an idea as to what I want to do that will take some time…we shall see…I love the details and the kits progression…this diorama is going to be a long time in finishing…and a bit expensive…
Joel
September 2021
Well a good start to the first wall. Still some chalk to add and some highlights on some of the rust and tone down a few shiny areas. I’ll probably finish the walls and glue them together before adding the final touches
KKarns
September 2021
excellent wood detailing Joel. less weathered up under the eaves, stenciling readable but faded, doors more heavily weathered from elements and use…tells the story!
Jerry
September 2021
Joel wonderful detailing on the wood coloring. I really like the way you did the door track very realistic coloring.
Jerry
Joel
September 2021
Thanks Gentlemen. I still have to muddy up the bottom of the doors and maybe work on the door hangers a bit but it is getting there.
Jim M
September 2021
Wow, that’s incredible modeling.
admin
September 2021
Outstanding Joel, up to your usual high standards. Cannot wait to see more!
TomMich
September 2021
Great job on weathering and coloring of the wood. Like the window glass as well. If I may make a suggestion? Perhaps some scrape marks where the doors rubbed on walls from sliding back and forth.
ALCOALCO
September 2021
Neat idea!
Joel
October 2021
Great idea, would tell a bit of story. I’ll get back to that wall. Meanwhile I worked on the concrete loading dock. 9 layers of 12 different colours. No chalk yet.
Jerry
October 2021
Very nice Joel. Beautiful coloring!
Jerry
Robert.G
October 2021
I agree. Can only get better with the final chalk .
brownbr
October 2021
Looks like a slab of concrete
admin
October 2021
Wonderful color contrast between concrete dock and wall. Both look natural.
SteveCuster
October 2021
Great coloring and textures so far Joel!
KCSTrains
October 2021
Joel, I’m catching up. You haven’t lost your touch. Superior work and great colors. Thanks for sharing. Phil
KKarns
October 2021
In the end it looks like old concrete! Wonderful wood work.
Mike Engler
October 2021
This is some great model building Joel.
Joel
October 2021
Thank gentlemen for the nice comments. On to the next wall. This one is quite busy. Just installed the garage door and painted my first few 3d printed castings. Can’t believe Brett went through the trouble of creating 2 separate castings so they could be numbered differently. Fantastic little detail. May have made them a bit too grungy but can you really weather something too far?
CarlLaskey
October 2021
I LIKE THAT LOOK JOEL
Mountaingoat
October 2021
Fantastic start to a great kit…Rick
vietnamseabee
October 2021
That concrete dock is pretty awesome!!!
Terry
kebmo
October 2021
that’s exactly how i would want mine to turn out. spot on!
sdrees
October 2021
Great job Joel!
Jerry
October 2021
Great coloring Joel. Was that your choice for the lockers?
Jerry
Robert.G
October 2021
Nice job. I like the lockers very much…
KKarns
October 2021
Beautiful work Joel! Love the lockers and the coat hanging there…but of course I gravitate to the wood…terrific work above the door and the board end detail…
admin
October 2021
Superb, love the contrasting color of the number plates and lock mechanisms. Excellent!
TomMich
October 2021
Great coloring and weathering on the lockers! The rest is great also
EmeryJ
October 2021
I finally got a chance to look thru the box. So much cool stuff in here. I mean not only the contents, but even the packaging is just first class. With this much excellence, just think if Brett made whiskey… oh my!!
Joel
October 2021 edited October 2021
Well made some headway on the right wall. So many details and lots of little labels. Now that I look at the picture there is too much chalk on the fire extinguisher hose and the white drum on the lower left shelf has to be toned down. The details are loose and only to show I haven’t been asleep for the whole week. I did manage to use a hole punch and cut out the center of a speedometer from a model car to act as the gauge face, topped with a drop of clear varethane. Should be able to start wall #3 soon.
Pappy
October 2021 edited October 2021
Fantastic work Joel!
Can you share what paints/chalks you used on the Concrete Loading Dock…love the old concrete look.
vietnamseabee
October 2021
A lot to like in that scene but I especially like the hanging tools on the bottom of the cabinet..especially the handsaw
Terry
Robert.G
October 2021
Great scene. The air compressor is really a super detail. Well done Joel !
brownbr
October 2021
Love it!
KKarns
October 2021
Terrific detailing Joel!
Jerry
October 2021
Excellent Joel! What did you use for the hose on the compressor??
Jerry
sdrees
October 2021
Fantastic, I like all the different labels. They sure make a difference.
TomMich
October 2021
Nice detail work! like the hanging clipboards plus all the labels!
Joel
October 2021
Thank you all for the nice comments. Jerry I use standard solder. I keep 2 different “thin” sizes for hoses and ropes. Very easy to bend and very cheap which is important because it takes a few tries until I’m happy with the hose. Pappy I will write out the “recipe” later to day. It’s not mine but one I found on the internet for painting model game terrain.
Pappy
October 2021
Thanks Joel!!
Joel
October 2021
OK Pappy here goes.
-
start by spraying the stone or concrete with black spray paint. Then I do a dark grey angles at 45 degrees and a light grey pass at about 70 degrees. This foundation shows where the highlights are and is a great base for the water based paints.
-
same as your stone wall I dab on some splotches of earth, ruddy brown and concrete. Very watered down.
3)Dry brush with a tan like earth or Karak stone
-
light dry brush with a light grey, I use mouldy skin
-
highly thinned washes of roof brown, sand and Khaki Highlights
-
again dry brush with Mouldy Skin
7)Pin washes with a black wash (like nuln oil) in crevises or deep cracks and along the bottom of walls or concrete bases
-
some mildew or dark green areas along the bottom where moss grows using slimy green from AMMO.
-
finally with a very light hand run a thin line of mouldy skin along the sharp edges for a highlight.
Pretty simple and really only takes 15min or so to complete.
Pappy
October 2021 edited October 2021
Thank you very much Joel for this, very appreciated!
Keep up your fantastic work!
Pap
Karl.A
October 2021
Beautiful Joel, Love your work so far on these details. (Wall, door and dock equally so).
Two subtleties I was drawn to (in a good way), the slightly added extra dirt/grease under the motor on the compressor, plus the soft streaks from the top of the tank itself.
Mostly your finish on the gas can, bottom far right, perfect red, great chips/rust effects, just enough, slight dust/dirt effect. That’s my favorite from a great bunch.
Pappy
October 2021 edited October 2021
Joel, keep up your great work bud!!
All looks great and no need to adjust anything..looks great!
MuddyCreekRR
October 2021
Following closely as I need to get started on mine now that I’m home for more than a few days…love the coloration and detail work on the tools and lockers…
Joel
November 2021
Thanks guys. Still have to add a bit of residue running don the side of the compressor and gas can and then hopefully post them in the new thread. Meanwhile on to wall #3. The rest are quite simple so I should be motoring along. Just want to try to do justice to these details.
Karl.A
November 2021
Man, I love that effect on your siding, so, so good and realistic. Tied in with those perfect nails brings it home for me.
Robert.G
November 2021
Can’t agree more !!!
Karl.A
November 2021
I also like/noticed how the very top of the siding has little to no peel/wear.
You obviously have thought and planned well for where that area of the boards would be protected from weathering by the roof overhang.
Nicely done.
brownbr
November 2021
So nice.
admin
November 2021
Wonderful looking wall Joel. This is the “simple” wall and will have tons more detail added later when the gantry crane is installed.
TomMich
November 2021
Very nice!
KKarns
November 2021
Outstanding modeling in all respects Joel! One hell of a job thus far.
Joel
November 2021
Thank all. Karl no planning really. I just damp brushed a bit of paint over the top 1/2 inch or so of the wall after the wall was complete, to indicate where the eaves would protect the paint.
Joel
November 2021
A good weekend for me. Started gluing walls together and built the foundation for the next building. Also trimmed the doorway with some leftover scrap so the hinges have some thing to rest on and light doesn’t leak around the hinge side of the door.
Pappy
November 2021
Fantastic work Joel!!
I have those exact same brass clamps! They work great!
Karl.A
November 2021
Love those walls Joel.
Robert.G
November 2021
Good idea for the doorway. When separate walls become volumes then it gets interesting.
Looking good Joel !!
Yes, me too for the clamps. And the sizes bigger as well. Works great for soldering.
brownbr
November 2021
Fancy clamps right there. Great color on the decking.
Jerry
November 2021
Looks great Joel.
Jerry
Joel
November 2021
Thanks Karl, Robert Bryan and Jerry. Glued on the roof and built the old wooden dock. For this dock I tried to capture the old silver grey colouring. The boards are slightly more spaced than the repair shop deck I did this weekend. Trying to imply a certain age difference.
Pappy
November 2021
Joel, your doing great! Love the silver gray look.
Keep up your great work!
Pap
kebmo
November 2021
between this and ken’s engine house i’m just in reverential awe…
and frankly all the other builds.
and it’s clear i don’t really belong here,
Karl.A
November 2021
Great result with that silver grey Joel, also nice variation between the boards and tones, some even still have a hint of tan. Good stuff.
(also, Construction is beautifully and accurately done.)
KKarns
November 2021
I’m going to try again here…Your walls are just stellar Joel, and love your work with the strip wood. You nailed the bleached out grey wood tone on the dock…feels dry and warm top the touch from baking in the sun! Lol. Well done on all accounts.
Hey Kev…open up a window…your getting loopy from that wonderful SWSM resin smell! lol…you and your modeling light this place up my friend…its all about that…
Karl.A
November 2021 edited November 2021
Everyone belongs here Kevin, from the guy who is opening their first SWSM kit box and graining those first two pieces of strip wood, to the masters like Joel, Ken and Robert whom we all drool over and admire.
Your great work inspires me and many others and your ideas help us all, we’re all in this learning and improving experience together.
(sorry Joel, I got off topic, my bad)
The graining is defined yet subtle, really nicely done, cant wait to see your next progress on this.
Joel
November 2021
Thank Pappy, Kevin, Ken and Karl. Kevin this where we all belong, trying to inspire each of us to become better modellers. Each of us brings something to the table and we are all richer for it. OK enough diversions. I added the rafters. I added an old piece of stripwood under the line to stop the wood from shifting as I cut the rafters. For those who have not started this step my template was perfect for the short rafter tails but the long ones were not long enough so had to measure them from the actual roof.
Certainly getting the idea of the structure now.
KKarns
November 2021
For sure Joel, looks amazing.
Pappy
November 2021
Fantastic work Joel! Can’t wait to see more progress!
Robert.G
November 2021
This is very nice Joel !! I wonder how you gonna establish the transition between the concrete dock and the wooden platform…
brownbr
November 2021
Looking good.
MuddyCreekRR
November 2021
Looking great…I have mine on the workbench…doing a little bit when I can…this is inspiration to try to do more as time allows…
Joel
November 2021
Thanks guys, The wooden dock looks a bit stark right now but hopefully I will pull it all together with the details and scenic material. Robert I have no plan right now just hoping it gels over a bit of time. I put on the smoke jacks and toned down the roof with chalk.
kebmo
November 2021
looks really great.
Karl.A
November 2021 edited November 2021
Looking fantastic Joel, I love this stage of ‘placing’ the components together to get a sense of progress.
I know you’ll bring it all together flawlessly (as always) after this planning, visualizing and set-up phase. Great to see and watch your progression through each step.
Jerry
November 2021
Beautiful work Joel. Really can the wooden deck now! Wonderful coloring!
Jerry
Joel
November 2021
Thanks Jerry, Kevin and Karl.
Another productive weekend. Finished the repair shop.
CarlLaskey
November 2021
Joel.
That is a great looking repair shop a nice way to spend the weekend.
Pappy
November 2021
Looking Great Joel!! Can’t wait to see more!
KKarns
November 2021
Hey Joel, fantastic wood work my friend! Love that front window and the sign peeking out there looks beautiful…more pics please! Lol.
TomMich
November 2021
Turned our really GREAT! Wood texture and coloring are very nice!
brownbr
November 2021
The color is great.
ALCOALCO
November 2021
Great grain and stain. Roof straight and flat. Eye candy!
Karl.A
November 2021
Beautiful work Joel, I love the colouring and the deep grain, so much character without being caricature, wonderfully done. Mailbox is very nicely done as are the doors.
I’m with Ken, I want more pics, of all four sides… and the roof !!
Robert.G
November 2021
An example Joel, great work. And I’m with all the other curious viewers… MORE pics.. 
Jerry
November 2021
Joel what can we keep saying excellent work!!
Jerry
bpiffero
November 2021
Wow! Looks fantastic. Would love to see more pictures as you go.
Joel
November 2021
As requested I finished the flashing and placed the two buildings together. Just to place them. I’m inclined to leave the build at this point and work on individual casting. I have to work out how to wire the lights and will have much easier access if I stop here. Also I will likely knock off a light or two while waiting for the next instalment. I think I will glue everything together and add the lights as I glue everything to the base.
Karl.A
November 2021
Just wow Joel… !!
Everything is beautiful.
So excellently done.
Pappy
November 2021
Looking great Joel!!
Robert.G
November 2021
Very nicely done Joel !!!
brownbr
November 2021
Impressive.
vietnamseabee
November 2021
Well done, Joel…looking forward to your castings
Terry
KKarns
November 2021
Beautifully done Joel! Love the large Foundry sign. Things are coming together nicely.
SteveCuster
November 2021
Looks great Joel! The colors and weathering are perfect.
Jerry
November 2021
Beautiful coloring and detail.
Jerry
MuddyCreekRR
November 2021
Looking good…
Joel
December 2021
Thanks everyone. Here’s a few of the details I’ve been working on.
Also wanted to try and get a “Better” plywood effect. I had some old decals from a wood weathering set and thought I’d give them a try. Took the plywood supplied and gave it 5 coats of gloss varathane then applied the decals.
brownbr
December 2021
Love the way the plywood turned out. Where are the decals from?
bpiffero
December 2021
Woah! That plywood looks like stuff off the shelf at the orange depot, except not warped and battered. I have never heard of plywood decals. Really cool detail.
Jerry
December 2021
Details and plywood are looking so good!!!
Jerry
kebmo
December 2021
brownbr said:
Love the way the plywood turned out. Where are the decals from?
the plywood looks fantastic. where’d ya find 'em?
vietnamseabee
December 2021 edited December 2021
Hmmmm……I wonder if the thickness of hardwood edge banding or veneer skins would represent sheets of plywood…..maybe not for HO but maybe for O scale….
Terry
;-(( should have done my research first…..edge banding is .0394 thickness and veneer sheets are.025 thick. By my calculations in O scale 3/4” plywood would be .015 thick plus the grain pattern of banding/veneer would probably be out of scale
Terry
Joel
December 2021
Jerry and Bryan - the decals are from uschivdr dot com - more for model airplanes but I like the look.
Terry I think the veneer would be close (and you can find older thicker veneers) but unfortunately they tend to curl. I was thinking of getting some of the really thin 1/32" plywood and trying that.
Ok took awhile to get the lettering acceptable but here is my first try at a coke bottle. Needs some dust or some condensation not sure which yet. Took forever to get the lettering right.
TomMich
December 2021
Turned out GREAT! What did you use to color the bottles?
Joel
December 2021
I used transparent yellow and blue to make the green and added some red to make brown. A bit of flat red for the caps. Tah dah.
TomMich
December 2021
Nice!
Karl.A
December 2021
Use 1/64 plywood for, well plywood. It is O scale .75 inch thick so thats right too. It also has the 'layers.
I used to use it for shingles and siding on scratch builds.
Available in all hobby shops.
Those bottles look fantastic Joel, excellent stuff.
admin
December 2021
Holy cow - they look real. Great job! I’m thirsty now…
Joel
December 2021
Got out my macro lens. Here’s a better picture showing the bad paint on the bottle tops but the lettering is clearer.
Robert.G
December 2021
Very nicely done Joel !!! This is incredible…
Pappy
December 2021
Joel, excellent work!! Can’t imagine doing this in HO.
Keep up your great work!
ALCOALCO
December 2021
This is outrageous…ly marvelous!
Karl.A
December 2021
Simply outstanding Joel.
You are showing us all what can be achieved.
These masterpieces need to be highlighted and showcased in the 3D detail thread as well !!
brownbr
December 2021
Super impressive.
In order to reach the level of “most impressive”, you will have to reduce the Coke logo to fit on the cap also.
Karl.A
December 2021 edited December 2021
Damn Bryan !! haha. You’re a tough audience, lol.
Those bottle caps are smaller than a pin head, I know…
When Joel pulls that off, I’m quitting.
I’ve been back here at least 10 times just looking in amazement at the lettering on the bottles knowing how small they are.
brownbr
December 2021
What I find so amazing about the labels is how crisp the lines are and that the liquid volume printed also. Not to mention that it is white and the cut lines around the lettering are barely visible.
Joel
December 2021
Ah Bryan I thought of that but I don’t have the resolution and can’t find any ho scale or n scale ones to use.
Karl I will add them when they are done.
Thanks everyone for checking in and for the nice compliments.
Keep it Rusty
December 2021
Fantastic detailing!
What was your process for the bottle labels?
Joel
December 2021
The labels are 1/24 waterslide decals I got with a kit to make a case of coke. A little large for O scale but I think they work pretty well and they are very crisply printed
kebmo
December 2021
brownbr said:
Super impressive.
In order to reach the level of “most impressive”, you will have to reduce the Coke logo to fit on the cap also.
now that’s harsh…
but i wouldn’t be surprised to see it happen on this forum.
vietnamseabee
December 2021
A great knowledge base here, Joel….even tho I’m n HO guy there’s a lot to be absorbed from following your builds
Terry
KKarns
January 2022
Hey Joel, superb my friend! Its all in the details and your “all in” thats for sure. What a fine piece of work…
Jerry
May 2024
Joel have you been working on the new installment yet???
Jerry
Joel
May 2024
I haven’t received mine yet but I am very excited about it for sure.
admin
May 2024
I am shipping these currently, takes awhile for the kits to make it to Canada!
glandesjr
May 2024
Yay! Looking forward to receiving mine. Thanks, Brett
MuddyCreekRR
May 2024
Same here…want to get at least half of it on the layout…need to leave room for the other half…
Joel
June 2024 edited June 2024
Well just got back from a road trip out East and what a nice surprise on my doorstep. My copy of the third instalment of this mind bogglingly fantastic kit. So many little details and fantastic scenes. I am itching to get right to it but I will reread the instructions and my thread so I create a similar finish as previously. My gut says to rush into it but I really want to savour this one so will be going quite slowly. With any luck I’ll have it done for the Narrow Gauge Convention in September.
Karl.A
June 2024
Sounds like something well worth getting home to Joel.
I can’t wait to see your work as always, but as you say,
take your time and savor it, your work will be something special for sure.
Joel
July 2024
Karl it looks like such a fantastic kit with so many new 3d prints. Pretty much completes the right side of the diorama.
Joel
July 2024
Templates and instructions…
Parts galore:
Jerry
July 2024
Looking forward to this one Joel.
Jerry
admin
July 2024
Looking forward to seeing your build!
MuddyCreekRR
July 2024
Same…busy with the Water Tower…I’m mounting my Foundry to a 24 x 24 foam base…leaving some extra room for an addition…
Joel
July 2024
Well a lot of basic grunt work done. Primed the castings and started distressing the wood.
Jerry
July 2024
Well it’s a start. Looking forward to this part of the build.
Jerry
KKarns
July 2024
Catching up here Joel after flying under the radar for a good while. Glad I jumped in before you got rolling along too far with this gem! Your signature attention to detail is going to be a pleasure to follow my friend. Hope to see you at the NNGC…
Joel
July 2024
Finished detailing the wood and gave it the first coat of colour. I might add a bit more chalk later but it’s a good base to work with.
Jerry
July 2024
Joel I like that first cat what did you use??
Jerry
Joel
August 2024
Hi Jerry,
It’s just a dark brown paint called asphaltum from Lowes. I just painted it on and wiped it off with a paper towel. Here’s a better picture.
Joel
August 2024 edited August 2024
I tried something new with the water tank and preshaded it. I took the primed tank and sprayed it with a tan colour from a 60 degree angle to make the top and one side a bit lighter - sort of give it a sense of shadow. Not sure if it will make any difference.
I also blotted onto the tank bands some water mixable oil paint and then blotted on some rust colour chalks (3 shades). I’ll let this dry for a week and move onto another step.
Karl.A
August 2024
Looking great Joel, all of these preliminary steps are what make a great model.
I’m so happy to see you sharing the prep work before getting to all the beautiful pics at the end.
A solid foundation, and great prep work results in an outstanding result, which I know is coming from you.
Thanks for sharing these steps.
Joel
August 2024
So I finally got some work on the tank. I did the priming in 2 tones to try and add some shadows. Not sure if it shows in the pictures. The spray can was a bit clogged so I got some larger than expected splatters but it will all work out.
Now some tan and grey paint and a wash of dark grey
admin
August 2024
Love the tank, looks great!
Jerry
August 2024
Nice coloring Joel.
Jerry
TomMich
August 2024
Great coloring on the tank!
Joel
August 2024
I know Brett says the forklift is one of the greatest parts of this kit but to me it is the little things like the tank band tighteners and the bases of the support posts that I love. The detail is incredible. Thanks so much for these.
KKarns
August 2024
The grey worked out perfectly! Are you going to make the NGC next month?
Joel
August 2024
I hope to but doubt I will get this baby done in time. So many outdoor things happening and family stuff.
kebmo
August 2024
the tank looks awesome and is a testament to the quality of the casting.
general question for the group:
typically what did they seal these wooden water tanks with? oakum?
MuddyCreekRR
August 2024
The water tanks were just like barrels…a good fit of the staves…and no finish was normally used…they counted on the water to soak into the wood to cause it to swell and further seal the space between the staves…I used to maintain a water tank on top of a building in New Jersey…you had to keep them at least half full to keep the wood wet. You never wanted to tighten the bolts on the bands… …
kebmo
August 2024
thanks muddy
Robert.G
August 2024
Indeed Joel, very nice. Perhaps a little pigment powder in between the planks to accentuate and give some more depth.
Joel
September 2024
Well back from Narrow Gauge and dealing with a bit of COVID but at least I’m unpacked and readdy to start working on this amazing kit.
I painted the concrete dock and built the support for the water tank. I was going to add individual nails to all the drilled (#80) holes but I used a tiny brush to add a drop of AI to each hole and I really like the effect. I’ll see what it looks like tomorrow but the drilled hole gives the illusion of a nailhead.
Jerry
September 2024
Good effect Joel Hope your feeling better.
Jerry
MuddyCreekRR
September 2024
Hey…Congrats on your award my friend…I luckily stayed healthy…Did you go on the EBT trip?
KKarns
September 2024
Looks up to your premier standards my friend! Love the ends of the horizontal beams, looks the part. Sorry to hear after our discussing precautions at the show you still got COVID. Cathy and I had no ill effects but were not out and about that much. Didn’t attend any seminars or home tours as an example. Water tank detailing looks wonderful. Just the right amount of dry brushing. look forward to further progress.
Joel
September 2024
Thanks Jerry, Art and Ken, glad you are all staying well. I didn’t do the EBT but I did do the scenery clinic and enjoyed it very much. I went to a bunch of clinics but always wore a mask. Ah well…
MuddyCreekRR
September 2024 edited September 2024
Reason I asked about the EBT trip…is I know 2 others that did it and came back sick. I worked 40 years as a firefighter and medic…and some may disagree…but the masks don’t really help in my opinion. In particular the cotton ones. Most pathogens go right thru…and everyone puts them on and off…and adjusts them with their fingers. Washing of the hands is really the key. And the other thing that most people don’t realize…is you need to get sick…to not get sick. Build up Immunities…Now I guarantee you there’s a doctor on here that will call bullshit. But I speak from all those years working some of the nastiest ghettos in the NY and NJ area. I also have 5 years into an unused Bio degree, and studied infectious diseases. So I’m relating my experiences. But…I hope you feel better. Don’t ask my opinion on the plague, as I won’t go into politics. Nuff Said. So Wash Your Hands…avoid touching your face without doing so, and don’t eat without doing so. But I will expand on the vaccine. I had no choice from FEMA but to get the 2 shots. Within months…my knees went to hell. My Trade Center issues have been exacerbated…I was murdered on Sept. 11th, I just haven’t laid down yet. So drink a lot of fluids…stay outside and breath in nice air, and Feel Better.
Joel
September 2024
Thanks for the opinion Art. Spent a couple of hours learning how to use Fusion360 and cobbled together some simple piping for my water tank.
Karl.A
September 2024
Water tank and support is looking good Joel, love all that grain texture and depth.
Joel
October 2024
Thanks Karl. Water tank and piping is just about done but I now realize I put the smoke stacks on that side so will wait until the other buildings are in place before I place the watertank. That way I can get a better Idea of the proportions.
Meanwhile on to some other details. I painted the brick with a quick priming with red oxide and let it dry then I used 4 rust/brick colour paints to pick out a bunch of individual bricks. Pretty pleased with the effect. Love Karl’s mortar technique.
KKarns
October 2024
Nice detail and brick work Joel.
Jerry
October 2024
Joel the brick is really realistic. Great coloring.
Jerry
Joel
October 2024 edited October 2024
Thanks Ken and Jerry. I did start the overhang supports but I will have to install the lights and all the details before adding the rafters and roofing. I have heard many ooh and aah over the fantastic forklift and the parts rack and other amazing details but one of my favourites is the bases for the supports. Just fantastic detail you never see modelled anywhere. Thanks Brett!
Joel
October 2024
While figuring out the lighting I did a bit of work on one of my favourite details. Not finished yet but I just love it.
Karl.A
October 2024
Looking fantastic Joel.
So much attention to every little detail, beautifully done.
Joel
October 2024
I have been going back and finishing some things I should have done before. I glued the various buildings together and one of the loading docks. This week I’ve been trying to rewire the lights. I could just bend my own but I really liked Brett’s light over the rear loading dock. I snipped off one of the supporting parts and then drilled .032 holes where they attached. Then I bent some .032 SS tubing and glued it in place the threaded the light through and voila a working exterior lamp and it only took me an entire day of modelling.
Now to paint it and add about 6 coats of weldbond to the “bulb” to make it round.
KKarns
October 2024
Well worth the effort Joel!
Jerry
October 2024
Very nice Joel.
Jerry
Robert.G
October 2024
Well done Joel !!
admin
October 2024
Looking so good Joel. Lighting is going to add such an amazing dimension and your lighting is always done so well.
Joel
October 2024
Thanks everyone. Going is a bit slower than I expected but so far so good.
Karl.A
October 2024
Looking great, the working light is going to add so much.
Joel
October 2024
I seem to be all over the place with this build. So many exciting mini projects I’m like the proverbial kid in a candy store. I did a bit of work on the concrete loading dock while waiting for the lamps to dry. I also decided to add some rebar so used a 79 drill and some .01 wire (blackened) then added asmall wash of rust.
Robert.G
November 2024 edited November 2024
Very nice Joel !!! It are all those little extras one puts in that takes a model to a next level.
MuddyCreekRR
November 2024
Nice…
KKarns
November 2024
Superb concrete work Joel! Love the added rebar detail.
Jerry
November 2024
Great idea with the rebar. And nice coloring of the concrete.
Jerry
Joel
November 2024
Thanks all. I can’t take credit for the rebar. First time I saw it was in the O scale blueSky kit. I’m pretty sure someone else did it on this same concrete dock. Not original but I love the little details. Speaking of which…
Joel
November 2024
I’ve been doing a bit of work on the tempering shed door. Since the pivot is visible I wanted to make it a bit more prototypical. I made four pillow blocks from brass tubing and styrene strip and then connected them with .032 wire.
Robert.G
November 2024
It’s all in the details Joel !! Nice touch ..
admin
November 2024
Looking forward to seeing this little extra come together!
Joel
November 2024
I debated about adding a counterweight system but opted for a spring. I’ve seen both used in this style of door. Found and old brass coil of wire in my parts bin.
Joel
November 2024
the door actually works as intended but I glued it all in place before painting. The spring is a bit large but it gives the effect I wanted.
Karl.A
November 2024
Looks fantastic Joel.
You always do such a good job of taking things to the next level.
KKarns
November 2024
Great detail work Joel! Need to highlight your amazing work with some larger images.
Joel
November 2024
Well I’m sure most of you guessed that I couldn’t stand the oversized spring so last night I took it apart and wound my own spring with .006 wire wrapped around a .032 brass rod. Put both in the drill chuck and then held on to the .006 wire as the other wire spun. Much more appropriate spring and only took me a few minutes.
Joel
November 2024 184.144.48.92
Dis a bit of work on the forklift. Still needs some touchups and a steering wheel. I know the yellow is not prototypical but I really like the idea of a pop of colour. I may just build a second one in traditional grey to see which I like better.
Robert.G
November 2024
Wise decision on the spring. It was out of proportion. Much better now. And the forklift looks great. I like the yellow. Well done.
Joel
November 2024
I glued on the last wall of the tempering shed and worked a bit on the wall mounted drill. What a fantastic piece of detail.
Joel
November 2024
I also did the support for the overhang/porch roof. I only realized after cutting that the template is slightly different in that the pictures of the modeles show 90 degree cuts on the braces and I did 45 degree ones. This time I did some individual .006 nails as I had some scraps left over from winding my spring. I’ll see if I can get a close up after I do some final weathering.
ALCOALCO
November 2024
Hinges on the shed windows? I love the torn tar paper showing the framing behind.
KKarns
November 2024
That last picture is the money shot! Beautifully detailed and weathered.
Jerry
November 2024
Excellent work Joel!
Jerry
TomMich
November 2024
Nice work! Like the walls on the wood structure.
Joel
November 2024
Added a bit more detail. I found some old 2X4 s and added some rafters to the front overhang. Also had to trim the overhang a bit because now it touches the roof of the tempering shed. You can see the wires for the lighting and the small LED on the middle rafter. Also note the rafters for the tempering shed are cut and I made the first 2 a bit longer to reach all the way to the edge of the roof.
Robert.G
November 2024
What a fine build this is !!!
admin
November 2024
Looks fantastic, all the extras look so nice!
Jerry
November 2024
Beautiful work Joel.
Jerry
Joel
January 2025
Well the Holidays are in the rear view and it’s time to get down to business. Really just have the porch roofs and a few hundred casting to detail. I am torn about gluing all the details to the various docks now or waiting until the buildings are “planted” and secure to avoid the water and dust from the scenery getting amongst the details. I will likely just wait. I started with the pallets and finished them all in one evening. I built one a bit larger using an template from anothe sierra west kit. Just to have some variety/choice.
KKarns
January 2025
Really looks nice Joel! Perfect nail holes.
Karl.A
January 2025
Wonderful pallets Joel, perfect in all ways.
Jerry
January 2025
Very realistic Joel.
Jerry
geoawelch
January 2025
Models unto themselves. Outstanding, Joel.
Robert.G
January 2025
Well done on the pallets. I’d wait as well to place all the detail castings. At least that’s what I do. You have a better overview ,try the details in different spots and see what’s best.
Kevin L
January 2025
Pallets look real great work.
TravisS
January 2025
Man those are some nice looking pallets.
Joel
January 2025
Thanks everyone. Not sure if anyone has found an easier way to make those nailheads. I’ve tried pins and needles and dental tools but I like the circular look that drilling a #80 hole makes. It takes an extra 30minutes or so but is consistent.
I worked a bit on the details.
Sakman
January 2025
Very nice. I have never put nail holes on my pallets—time to start. Really looks good.
Joel
January 2025
Thanks! Did a little work on the metal bar racks. Can’t belive the small one will be hidden inside. It’s such a fantastic little detail.
Karl.A
January 2025
Fantastic colouring Joel, and the wear marks on the ‘x’ bracing and frame are just right.
Robert.G
January 2025
Some fine work you’ve done Joel. You can always ad some pencil graphite to the ‘metal’ edges. Makes them even more ‘metal’ (Almost heavy metal.. )
geoawelch
January 2025
Very nice, Joel. And a great tip by Robert to add that little something.
TomMich
January 2025
Those metal bar racks turned out GREAT!
admin
January 2025
The two stock support racks came out fantastic, great job Joel!
glandesjr
January 2025
This is really looking great Joel. What a great idea to make the pallets different sizes, and the forklift turned out really great. The details on the structure are superb. Can’t wait to see your progress.
Joel
January 2025
Thanks all for the comments. I’ll certainly give the graphite a try Robert. I built the small wheel barrow and am pleased with the results. Particularly the handles.
On reviewing the pictures I really liked Karl’s fantastic air compressor so I started building a second one. Unfortunately I dropped the Gauge on the floor and will likely wait for my next SierraWest purchase or make my own, but here is the second stab at getting this amazing casting right.
KKarns
January 2025
Nice work Joel. I agree, handles on the wheel barrow came out really nice.
Karl.A
January 2025
Both look great Joel, the handles did indeed come out beautiful, woody and worn indeed.
TravisS
January 2025
Excellent detail work all around.
Robert.G
January 2025
Looking very well !!
TomMich
January 2025
You nailed the worn rusty look.
Joel
January 2025
Ok my new way of adding wood grain (to the wheelbarrow handles) is actually an old painting trick from years ago where after allowing a base coat to dry you add a dark glaze and then smear it with a wood graining tool (essentially a plastic fork or ridged object. I saw someone in military modelling do this and I thought I’d try it. As an example I took a barrel and painted it Khaki.
Then I used some oil paint and just dabbed on a few blobs of brown paint. Note the sponge - that is the real trick here as it mimics the ridged object and allows for the streaking
That is possibly my worst picture ever but you get the idea. Now drag the sponge lightly in the direction of the grain and then let dry.
After it dries I’ll work on the bands and blot on some chalk to dul the finish and unify the weathering.
KKarns
February 2025
definitely gives a nice wood grain. I haven’t used oils much except for small areas to simulate oil and grease, that type of thing.
Joel
February 2025
Well I thought it was an interesting technique and will try it a few more times before abandoning it.
I did finally pile up those pallets with leaf springs. Still needs some dust but it’s a good start
Robert.G
February 2025
Looks very good Joel !!
Jerry
February 2025
Very nice work Joel!
Jerry
Karl.A
February 2025
Looking great Joel, stacked perfectly.
Joel
February 2025
Thanks Robert, Jerry and Karl, Did a bit of work on the pattern boxes. I didn’t add any woodgrain as I thought they would be very dusty/sandy from the molding process. Also one came printed without a handle (on purpose for variety) so I taped off the area and painted it so it would look like an old handle has been removed but left a stain.
geoawelch
February 2025
Amazing details that Brett includes. Love the “tanned” spot where the flange once sat. Outstanding modeling Joel.
BobsBrainCell
February 2025
I’ve tried and failed to add believable wood grain to crates and barrels. Interesting to see your efforts!
TomMich
February 2025
Very nice!
glandesjr
February 2025
This looks great, Robert, and the way you made the crate look with a “missing” handle is really superb. Great job.
TravisS
February 2025
Incredible detail work!
MuddyCreekRR
February 2025
Looking Great
Karl.A
February 2025
Great effect with the missing handle, looks perfect.
I have done something similar as you for the graining on barrels/crates, except I used a minwax stain, I found it more controllable for myself using a small stiff bristled paintbrush for the grain effects.
Joel
February 2025
I like the idea Karl. I have some walnut stain so might try it.
I really only have the two shelving units left. I am going to try making some waterslide decals and try that approach just to be different. I did it once before with the Campbell soup cans and had some moderate success. We’ll see how this goes. I never liked working with Photoshop. The kits labels are great I just want to see if I can make something thinner that works. If not back to sanding these labels.
MuddyCreekRR
March 2025 edited March 2025
This build is very inspiring, as I’ve been wanting to build up to the installments I have so far. I’m building a module section of my layout that will mainly be a fabrication and foundry section…2’ by 6’…and I really want to include the SW O scale foundry in it’s entirety…
Joel
March 2025
Bit of a boring update as I wait for my labels to dry I opened up one of my Sierra West detail kits so I’d have a few extra jars and bottles to detail. Didn’t quite realize the amazing number of details included. I figure I’ll experiment and keep the really good ones for the diorama. Just a base coat of colour and some gloss coat. After this Hopefully I will be prepared for the next 10 dioramas.
Karl.A
March 2025
Always nice to get the base coats on and start the process.
Also great that Brett doesnt skimp on the details so we can choose the best for the front and then hide our mistakes in the back.
Looking forward to your next steps on these beauties Joel.
KKarns
March 2025
Great idea to get those details prepped for future detail work. Look forward to seeing you work your magic with them!
Joel
March 2025
Here is some progress. Got some labels done, applied and dull coted now to touch up and weather before planting.
Joel
March 2025
Did some work on the big shelving unit. a good first level of detail. A bit too much peeling paint from the shelves.
Karl.A
March 2025
Looks good Joel, great chipping on that lower red/white barrel.
It is a great shelf unit to work on packed with detail.
I’ve done a couple of them so far.
Robert.G
March 2025
Nice work !
KKarns
March 2025
Love the labels, adds so much more detail.
Jim M
March 2025
This build is really coming along nicely. That shelving unit looks so good.
kebmo
March 2025
i love well done nail holes. outstanding.
Joel
April 2025
Ok onto the final major piece, the shelving next to the tempering shed. the rest of the details I’ll finish up and plant with the next instalment. Really looking forward to getting all these details planted. I started with the grinder. I wanted a small manufacturing label on the fron so I took a piece of self adhesive foil and cut a small square and made some writing like indentations. A quick wash and it looks pretty good.
ALCOALCO
April 2025
Slick detail!
KKarns
April 2025
Looks the part for sure!
TomMich
April 2025
Nice addition to the detail.
Kevin L
April 2025
Great work sure looks good.
MuddyCreekRR
April 2025
Nice
Karl.A
April 2025
Love it. great idea with the foil, looks perfect.
Joel
April 2025
I was pleased with the grinder but then I was going through my parts box for things to put on the shelves and came across a few HO scale etching from an old locomotive that I never completed. So I peeled off the tin foil and bend the brass etching over a paintbrush handle. A drop of crazy glue and some touchup paint and voila:
Dwaine46
April 2025
Now that’s what i call ingenuity. Looks Good !!
Robert.G
April 2025
Detail the details Joel !!! Way to go.. I suppose it turns and grinds as well..
Karl.A
April 2025
Superb Joel.
TomMich
April 2025
Very nice!
Joel
May 2025
Finally got a few new labels for some bottles. Spent the week placing different details on different shelves. Added the power cord to the grinder. Still have a ways to go to pretty happy with it at this stage and will probably add the final details and rust/dust when I do the scenery.
Robert.G
May 2025
SUPER Joel, the power cord just makes all the difference. Some of the best detailing I’ve seen. Labels, spilling on the bottles , the wear, TOP NOTCH man !!!
Jerry
May 2025
Beautiful detailing Joel. And the power cord is just perfect.
Jerry
ALCO
May 2025
First, it was a label. Then it was the power cord. Relentless! Keep up the good work! It’s appreciated.
Kevin L
May 2025
Very well done.
KKarns
May 2025
Superb detail work Joel!
Jeroen
May 2025
Super job, and those labels do look very very good! Love what youre doing to this kit!
Karl.A
May 2025
Super job on this shelf unit, I love this casting and the ability to place the details where you want, you did a great job.
Joel
May 2025
Thank you everyone. Really pleased with this kit so far. Can’t wait to start on the next phase.
randyp
June 2025
Joel, I just caught up with your build. I have been working on S Scale projects on my layout for the convention here in St. Louis this September. Brett should be sending the third section of the Foundry soon. You have done an outstanding job with the build and details so far. Looking forward to you starting the third kit. Randy