This thread was started in September, 2022
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022 in O Scale Builds
I got home from work tonight to find a parcel on my front porch bench that didn’t have an Amazon logo on it.
In my world that can only mean one thing, Brett’s newest and latest kit from SierraWest had arrived and my life had just got a whole lot better. My tired steps away from the car instantly lifted and I had new found energy. I grabbed the box, opened the door and eagerly rushed inside to (carefully) tear it open.
Here’s what I found inside…
A larger and heavier box than I was expecting but still with the impressive photo label to show me what treasure was stuffed inside.
As always the items inside the main box are impeccably packed for protection and presentation, also, as usual with a SierraWest kit there is very little spare space in the box.
Carefully removing the items from the box to review them reveals many layers of multiple items.
Strip wood, laser products, full size templates, another amazing manual, miscellaneous items, and of course the gold standard of TWO boxes of detail parts.
The first bag I opened was the main laser cut components, this contains the laser cut stud walls, the sub base for the tank itself and a couple of other useful items.
Next to open was the miscelaneous bag containing jigs, chain, styrene, labels, the tank roof, to name a few, but also even more.
Time to get into the bigger of the two casting boxes. The large box is filled, two bags of castings, mostly 3d printed with a few metal parts and also the large, exquisite resin castings of the shelf and storage pieces. I removed the shelves and opened the first bag… Wow, thats alot of details, all specific for the kit and way too many to list, obviously they’ll be shown in datail later in the thread.
The second bag again is filled with a bounty of incredible parts,and, in no small number !!!
I carefully packed the large box of casting back up to keep everything together and then moved on to the second smaller box of details. This box contains the more fragile, intricate and specific details.
Each group of parts is separated for protection and ease for the modeller, I had to look at these closer and marvel at them out of the bags. These delicate parts should be returned to their respective bags until needed later to ensure they are protected.
Temporarily opening each bag reveals the absolutely amazing parts inside. Simply incredible. I didn’t open the ‘spout’ bag as it also has several bags inside it with even smaller parts inside them, that one can wait until I need it.
The other bags contained the parts for the Hand Truck, Portable Air Tank, Oil Tank on Stand, Wall Mounted Drill, Oil Crate with Handle, and of course the large bag for all the components to build the incredible Handcar for the repair scene.
Last, but in no way least to look at are the amazing resin cast walls to build the Water Tank base. The resin walls fit together perfectly and the detail captured in the resin is amazing. Perfectly flat and no flaws anywhere in the castings.
Time for me to clear this bench and get started on this amazing new kit from Brett.
Comments
MuddyCreekRR
September 2022
Wow…everything looks so kool…the details are outstanding…Now I can’t wait for mine to show up on my porch…
Jim M
September 2022
Very cool Karl. I hope you start a build thread soon.
Karl.A
September 2022
Jim M said:
Very cool Karl. I hope you start a build thread soon.
I just did, you’re in it… ha
brownbr
September 2022
Can’t wait
Jeroen
September 2022
Oh my…. That is just beautiful. Lucky man, I probably will have to wait a while given the fact that I’m overseas. I’m sure you will turn this into something special and I’m going to follow this all the way. And thanks for the sneak preview!
admin
September 2022
Excited to follow along! Thank you for starting this build thread.
kebmo
September 2022 edited September 2022
hot doggity dog!
EmeryJ
September 2022
Karl seems to get more done by accident than I do all day.
KKarns
September 2022
Wow, what a kit Brett…well done.
TomMich
September 2022
There’s a LOT of really nice details in that kit! Looking forward to the build Karl!
kebmo
September 2022
kebmo said:
hot doggity dog!
er…what i meant to say was, hot diggity dog!
at any rate, i want a good seat for this one. down in front (and get off my lawn)!
kebmo
September 2022
EmeryJ said:
Karl seems to get more done by accident than I do all day.
isn’t that the truth?
SteveF
September 2022
Congratulations Brett! The components in this kit look superlative! I can’t wait to see those tank house stone walls. I didn’t expect the number of incredible castings included in the kit. I received my updated tracking notice today and it looks like Christmas comes early on Monday for me. I can’t wait to get started on my own build of this kit. I need to get busy this weekend on the tool shed so I can be ready to add the water tank to my diorama.
Karl - Thank you for starting this build thread. Your work always sets such a high bar. I’m looking forward to seeing your artistry shine on this build.
kebmo
September 2022
i really wish i had room for it but there’s just no way i could squeeze it in.
damn. these kits are addictive…
MuddyCreekRR
September 2022
My situation is I have started and bounced from one SW kit to the next…I have a started sawmill…started O’Neills…started woodcutters shack…a foundry that is as far I can go with until the next installment…a nearly finished Truck repair and Tractor repair…along with a tool shed, rigging shed…and a shack or two also in stages of being built…but I have made up my mind that once I get this kit…I will bring it to a finished state…and it (allegedly) will be combined with a few other SW kits on a module section of the layout…but I’ll actually finish this build…
kebmo
September 2022
MuddyCreekRR said:
My situation is I have started and bounced from one SW kit to the next…I have a started sawmill…started O’Neills…started woodcutters shack…a foundry that is as far I can go with until the next installment…a nearly finished Truck repair and Tractor repair…along with a tool shed, rigging shed…and a shack or two also in stages of being built…but I have made up my mind that once I get this kit…I will bring it to a finished state…and it (allegedly) will be combined with a few other SW kits on a module section of the layout…but I’ll actually finish this build…
you’ve got your work cut out for you and we can’t wait to see it!
Joel
September 2022
Wow Karl what a fantastic looking kit. I am anxiously waiting for my copy but I’m excited to follow along and see what you do with it.
randyp
September 2022
Karl, I too am looking forward to seeing you build this kit. I have one ordered and my O scale friend has a spot for it on his layout. Randy
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022
Thanks for all the great comments, interest and support guys. It’s going to be another excellent build with new things to discover and learn along the way as always.
I spent this morning finally clearing the desk, (and under the desk), sheesh…
I skipped the preparatory step of spray painting the tissue for tarpaper and the interior of the stone walls, but got them out ready and will do them when it cools down a little outside to 95 or so…
I then moved on to section one in the manual of graining and staining the stripwood for siding for the shed and colouring the laser cut framing.
Now that that is done I’ll move on to siding the walls after I’ve stained the wood for the interior wall a different colour as per the manual, and also the wood for door and window trim.
glandesjr
September 2022
Hey Karl:
I’ve been waitin’ for this. I got my kit but I wanted to see how the pros do it as you guys always have new creative ideas. Along with Brett’s outstanding tutorials and his manuals, you always come up with something unique and different. I wanted to see what you do before starting mine. I can’t wait to see what you do. Thanks for sharing, my man.
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022
Thanks Grant,
all of the new and creative ideas will be directly from the manual, and, there are a lot of them…
Once again Brett doesn’t fail in pushing the boundaries, raising the bar, and, keeping us all moving forwards on our modeling journey, whatever stage we are at.
As this is an ‘official build’ I will be following the manual page by page and the processes on those (many) pages, step by step, to show how amazing this kit is and how accessible the end result is.
Years ago, the conception of ‘official’ builds was to show that by following the manual anyone can build a model that looks like the picture on the box. That is what we all want and what I will try to show.
This build is to showcase not only the finished model, but also the excellence in the instruction, the guidance, the unrivaled quality of the components in the box and the ability for all of us to get the results we want…
kebmo
September 2022
running out to get some orville redenbacker. i’mll be right back.
Jerry
September 2022
Nice start Karl. Looking forward to your build on this one.
Jerry
vietnamseabee
September 2022
Looking forward to this Karl….HO or O scale, there’s always something to learn from one of your builds
(Yelling) hey Kev, get a couple diet cokes also
Terry
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022
Did you make it back yet Kev … ? Thanks Jerry and Terry, great to see you here.
You’ve just got to love Brett’s incredible laser cut framing… so, so good, and appreciated by us modellers.
Not only does Brett laser cut the wall framing main shape he also etches in all the stud ends and joints and where there are ‘double studs’ he etches the line between the studs to show the framing as realistically as possible.
It’s an amazing and beautifully easy way for us to model stud walls.
SierraWest innovation at the top of the game.
So much easier and quicker than building up the framing for the modeller, and also, so much more accurate for a perfect result.
Jim M
September 2022
Looking good Karl. With your modeling speed, I kind of thought you’d be done by now. Lol
KKarns
September 2022
Nice update, and the wall framing is such a great SWSM feature as you mentioned. Look forward to the wood work that’s coming!
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022
Thanks Jim and Ken,
I’m taking it slow ‘n’ easy Jim, and enjoying the journey.
First steps are done Ken, I’m keeping it subtle for this one.
kebmo said:
carry on
Yes sir, will do.
I got the basic siding done on the wall framing, a little extra detailing and weathering of the wood to follow.
Also last night after it had cooled down and it was comfortable out in the garage I base coloured the inside of the stone walls and the ‘tar paper’ sheets with spray paint in preparation for later steps in the manual.
It is now definitely beer o’clock, and the grass needs cutting.
Time for some sunshine and fresh air.
KKarns
September 2022
Come on man…close up of those walls. From back here they look terrific! lol.
Karl.A
September 2022
Thanks,
all in good time Ken, close up’s tomorrow,
depending on my work day.
SteveF
September 2022
Thank you for the play by play Karl. You are so right about the laser cut wall frames especially the additional laser cut detail. They add so much to the model without the tedious work of building the frames board by board. They also provide a nice base for any small modifications one may want to make in door or window layout.
It will be great to watch you build this “by the instructions” but with great modeling skill. Just the variety yet overall uniformity of the individual board siding in the last picture, could be a modeling class by itself. Looking forward to every step of this build.
KiwiMal
September 2022
This kit looks a beauty. Excellent build log and I will follow with interest.
regards.
Malcolm
brownbr
September 2022
You are making speedy progress
admin
September 2022
Outstanding start here! (Well more than a start.)
glandesjr
September 2022
Karl,
This looks great. Your tutelage is a big help to review before I build mine. Things are looking great.
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022
Thanks for all the responses, Steve, Malcolm Bryan, Brett and Grant, great to have you all joining in and feeding back.
Section One of the manual completed and all of the little check boxes for the steps ‘ticked off’.
Still much more work to do on the walls by following the future manual pages, but, the basics are done.
The middle wall is a different colour due to it being an interior wall.
I also weathered the door slightly more than the exterior walls because, I figured the walls would be semi protected by the eaves, but, as the door would be swung open 90% of the time it would have no protection and therefor exposed to the elements constantly…
I didn’t do any board breaks or additional weathering to the bottom four boards of the two main walls as they will be completely hidden by the plethora of details included in the kit.
However, once the structure is glued down to the base I’ll probably blend them down into the dirt and maybe darken the bottom edge a little just incase any of it ‘peeks’ through, but I doubt it will.
These next two pics are very closely accurate of the real colours, at least on my screen.
Time to get outside in the fresh air and enjoy a refreshment or two. Maybe a little more modelling later.
brownbr
September 2022
Excellent color and texture on the boards
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022
Thanks Bryan, a very valued opinion.
That last super close up picture (for Ken) makes the boards look really rough and coarse on my screen.
In reality they are super smooth and I even used my technique to polish them with a piece of paper to get the subtle shine. I guess I need to figure out this new phone/camera a little more, or maybe it’s my screen setup on this new PC.
Either way they look great in person and that’s what counts. Thanks again.
KKarns
September 2022
Superb walls Karl!..that close up will weed out all but the best wood work…well done. Nice contrast on the less weathered interior wall.
kebmo
September 2022 edited September 2022
that looks good sir. very good.
man, i want this kit…
MuddyCreekRR
September 2022
Patiently waiting for mine to arrive…I already have a few things in mind for a very minor variation that will become evident once I start my build…as I stated earlier…I am hell bent on taking this thru to completion…everything is off the workbench save for tools and chalks…loving your progress too…I was lucky enough to acquire an original CHB Denver hand car that will make an appearance while we wait for the 3D one…a hint on the variation…a few more related SW structures on the foam board…
Joel
September 2022
Incredible how quickly and accurately you work! Like Ken looking forward to some great close ups.
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022
Thanks Joel, high and appreciated praise, but I’m taking it easy, though I do have an idea for a thread coming soon. Hopefully it will make one of our members happy.
Joel said:
Like Ken looking forward to some great close ups.
Dang, if I get any closer than that last pic the model will need to be inside my phone/camera… hahaha
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022
Thanks for the input Ken, Kevin and Art.
A great compliment from you Ken, many thanks. I followed the manual for the colour difference, and it worked out perfectly.
Thanks Kev, glad you like it so far.
kebmo said:
…man, i want this kit…
Just order it man, you know you want to, and you know you’ll find a place for it. You also know you’ll regret it if you don’t.
Thanks Art, stay patient, I know Brett is working down the list on these like crazy and getting them out the door as fast as possible, along with everything else.
I cant wait to see what you do with it, especially as you have bumped it to the top of your build list. I’m looking forward to following your thread/build of this great kit.
TomMich
September 2022
Walls turned out GREAT! The texture, color variation and even the damaged boards are right on!
Karl.A
September 2022
Thanks Tom, I really appreciate that.
I finished work early so I decided to move on with section two in the manual. Adding the tarpaper to the wall interiors. I wasn’t looking forward to this, however the instructions as always, are clear and straightforward making it a simple and painless operation.
Cut the previously painted tissue paper into strips.
Cut the strips into sections.
Glue the sections to the walls between the studs.
First wall done and still wet glue.
I did add a few tears for interest but kept it subtle.
I’ll do the other three walls now while that one dries. When all walls are dry I can add weathering and blending.
Jim M
September 2022
That looks great. You’re doing the kit proud
kebmo
September 2022 edited September 2022
kebmo said:
…man, i want this kit…
karl said:
Just order it man, you know you want to, and you know you’ll find a place for it. You also know you’ll regret it if you don’t.
you’re right i would. being on a fixed income now, i’m gonna have to save up for it. about a third of the way there as of today.
[karl’s like the little devil on my shoulder…order it man!]
KKarns
September 2022
Nice update Karl. More peer pressure…“get the kit Kevin!”
Karl.A
September 2022
Thanks Jim, SierraWest kits always seem to bring out some of my best work…
Haha Kev, I guess I’m a bad influence, but in a good way …
I’ll need to let these walls dry for a while now, I’m really happy with how they came out.
The white is no where near as bright as it seems on my screen, it’s more like the last pic, and still even duller.
Maybe because they’re wet, but, chalk weathering is still to come yet any way.
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022
Thanks Ken, it was a surprisingly relaxing process, utilizing Betts excellent instruction and templates.
glandesjr
September 2022
Wow Karl, the tarpaper really looks great. Superb job. I love it.
KKarns
September 2022
Look forward to the weathering…
Karl.A
September 2022
Thanks Grant I’m real happy with the results so far.
I’m out working in the yard right now while giving the walls time to dry.
Once dry I’m looking forward to chalking them up little,
after that, the next step in the manual is adding the windows.
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022
You and me both Ken, good to have you following along.
brownbr
September 2022
Tarpaper has a nice faded look
sdrees
September 2022
Hey Karl, I am quietly following along on your magical build. Great job as usual.
Joel
September 2022
Looks great. I love the finish you got on the tarpaper. let me guess “just following the instructions”.
Jerry
September 2022
Tomorrow has come and gone! And Karl is sitting back having a cold one saying I wonder if I made them wait long enough yet!!
Jerry
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022
Thanks so much, Bryan, Steve, and Joel, I’m guessing it looks better on your screens than mine…
Thanks Bryan, the technique yields that effect beautifully, and I haven’t even done anything to it yet.
Dont be so quiet Steve, we all love to hear from you, and of course that also prompts the other ‘quiet guys’ to join in too, the more the merrier. Great to hear from you and thanks so much for the compliments.
Thanks Joel, so glad you like it, and yes, I’m “just following the instructions” … to the letter. If we want the results, we follow the steps/manual.
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022
Jerry said:
Tomorrow has come and gone! And Karl is sitting back having a cold one saying I wonder if I made them wait long enough yet!!
Jerry
I gotta slow myself down and keep you hanging on my friend, and waiting, If I let myself go, you’d miss it… haha
My love to you and the girls.
randyp
September 2022
Great work Karl. I really like the close up of the wall. I hope that when I get my water tank I will be able to get my wood to look half as good as yours. Would you be able to add a little more how to to your posts. Thanks Randy
TomMich
September 2022
Karl, I’ve seen the tarpaper used in previous builds, but have thought it would be a lot of work, but after seeing how you cut the strips, then the various sections, and knowing the accuracy of the pre-cut wall framing it looks to be an easier process that anticipated. Looking forward to your weathering process.
MuddyCreekRR
September 2022
My kit is enroute…due here no later than Monday…but since I just got deployed to the Carolina’s for the “next” landfall of Ian…it will sit unopened for a wee bit…
randyp
September 2022
Muddy, thank you for your service. My kit is also on the way. Randy
CarlLaskey
September 2022
Be Safe and get home soon.
MuddyCreekRR
September 2022
FEMA is doing the Curly Shuffle with other teams..moving 3 from Florida to SC…so we are now standing down…and since I go “off call” at midnight…I’m still going to be headed to Florida but for a short work/road trip gig on Monday…I may have it in time to take along and oggle…
David_C
September 2022
I’m very much like MuddyCreekRR, in that I bounce from one kit to another depending on what medium I’m working with at the time. Also on what my brain is suggesting what I do. I have no control over my brain, usually my wife controls that somehow.
I’ve recently been able to continue on with my layout and a lot of that has been marking out where all the wonderful Sierra West kits are going to be placed. Next week, there is going to be a lot of wiring for track power as I just recently purchased a new Digitrax EVOXD set. Then it’s back to constructing the structures.
I thoroughly enjoy following Karl’s construction methods as well as Brett’s great manual techniques.
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022
Well OK, so, back to the build…
I spent a couple of days away working on another modelling project (or two) while also thinking about this one.
I knew I wanted to adjust my tarpaper a little, the technique is awesome and does just what it should, however, as with any technique there are a thousand variables.
So, mine needed a little adjustment, I didnt feel my black paint ‘bled’ through quite enough, so here’s how I adjusted it.
I simply dulled down the contrasting white by carefully using a small brush between the studs and applying a little A/I. I was careful to use a very little on just the paper so that it didn’t ‘leak’ through to the front side, I did several light applications letting it dry in-between.
(This could obviously have been easier done with the full sheets before cutting and applying.)
I wasted about an hour trying to get a good pic of the wall, but still couldnt get one.
However, you can hopefully see the difference between the right wall which was adjusted and left wall which is not done yet.
So, I guess the purpose of the post is, adjustments can always be made.
80% of the walls will be hidden by details anyway, and it’s the interior side, but, there it is.
Now I can move on to building the window frames and windows.
Karl.A
September 2022 edited September 2022
randyp said:
Great work Karl. I really like the close up of the wall. I hope that when I get my water tank I will be able to get my wood to look half as good as yours. Would you be able to add a little more how to to your posts. Thanks Randy
I’m really just following the outlined steps from the manual Randy, so that anyone who has the kit, and is building the kit will be able to see my actual results from following closely the detailed explanations in the manual.
As always, I’ll be more than happy to answer any specific questions you may have.
Karl.A
September 2022
TomMich said:
Karl, I’ve seen the tarpaper used in previous builds, but have thought it would be a lot of work, but after seeing how you cut the strips, then the various sections, and knowing the accuracy of the pre-cut wall framing it looks to be an easier process that anticipated. Looking forward to your weathering process.
I had the exact same thoughts Tom, but once I read through and got started it was amazing how simple and quick it was, the accuracy of the walls, templates and instructions made it so simple. I think it was about 15-20mins each for the three main walls from start to finish. Really easy.
TomMich
October 2022
Glad to hear the tarpaper was so easy to do. I’ll have to try it sometime. Would the use of black chalk made the darkening of the tarpaper easier? Instead of worrying about the A/I bleeding through to the outside of the wall would the chalk worked?
randyp
October 2022
Karl, do you have any idea why Brett make individual pieces of "tar paper " between the studs as opposed over the outside of the studs? To me over the outside of the studs would be a less tedious process. Maybe Brett can chime in with his reasoning. Thanks again Randy
kebmo
October 2022
randyp said:
Karl, do you have any idea why Brett make individual pieces of "tar paper " between the studs as opposed over the outside of the studs? To me over the outside of the studs would be a less tedious process. Maybe Brett can chime in with his reasoning. Thanks again Randy
i asked that earlier. karl said he didn’t know but would check with brett.
KKarns
October 2022 edited October 2022
I have papered the interior of my walls in a few builds and this is my take on it. The main reason to tar paper after the siding is put on is to ensure the tar paper is solidly glued to the interior siding boards in a thin prototypical appearance. I actually burnish the tar paper down to the boards with an old short bristled paint brush. It’s more tedious that way but gives a really nice appearance. the interior boards then actually ghost through the tar paper…unobtainable if the paper is put on first. Sorry to junk up your thread Karl.
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
As i replied to Kev on the other thread i too originaly had the same thought.
However after personally completing the process i can attest that it is very simple and not a tedious process at all.
I discovered that the benefit of being able to ‘seat’ the individual pieces down onto the siding snugly allowing the texture and individual boards definition to show through was worth it.
With Bretts instructions and templates it was a quick, easy and satisfying result that i’m very happy with.
Could it be done the other way as mentioned, sure, but then you run into the problem of the paper sagging and stretching as its wet over the studs with no support, and then gluing the boards to a ‘blind face’ of the framing.
Then to get the tar paper to stick and conform to the siding youd have to soak the glue through the paper from the inside to get it to attach to the siding. Any manipulation would further be limited as the ‘sheet’ would be attached to the whole frame reducing manouverability.
As i said, It was a quick, easy and effective process.
“If it aint broke, dont fix it…”
Karl.A
October 2022
We cross posted Ken.
Thanks for your experienced input and great explanation/result of how the technique works.
KKarns
October 2022
I saw that! Lol…we were of course, on the same page. Please delete as needed to clean up the thread.
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Nothing to delete, yours is an affirmation of the process and the reasons why it works, based on your actual results.
randyp
October 2022
Thanks, Ken and Karl. Your explanations make sense. The only other SW kit I have built was the Truck Repair. With the vertical boards, boards showing through the tar paper wasn’t that big of a consideration. Again thanks, Randy
kebmo
October 2022
makes perfect sense to me, and i knew it would.
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
I haven’t touched this build for a couple of weeks due to my work schedule and some other projects I wanted to get finished up.
I know Brett has been working his ass off and getting many of these amazing kits out to a good number of you to enjoy. So I’m looking forward to seeing those build threads appearing soon and following along.
So with that said, I had time this morning to make some progress, I got the window openings framed out and then built the windows themselves. A couple of cracks, one or two broken, but, nothing too dilapidated as it’s a working structure.
The manual doesnt say to glue the windows in yet, so, I set them aside until called for later in the manual.
And that completed this section of the manual.
The next section of the manual jumps straight into painting and finishing the amazing detail parts.
This is because of the incredible interior detailing that is part of this kit.
MANY details need to be finished and installed into the structure as the walls are being ‘raised’.
So, for now, as directed I’ll be putting the walls safely away and my next steps will be all about those details. I think I’ll try to get them prepped and primed tonight, and then tomorrow (with fresh eyes) I’ll get to working on paint and finishing them, ready to be installed.
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Oh, the picture is crappy because I had to upgrade and install the new Photoshop version to post it. I’ll set it up tomorrow.
For tonight, it’s time to unbox these jewels, put them on sticks or toothpicks and spray some paint on them and get them ready for the next steps tomorrow.
KKarns
October 2022
Laser cut windows in SWSM kits are always a joy to work with! Finishing off the walls nicely thus far. Look forward to your wizardry on all the detail parts…
randyp
October 2022
Karl, I am looking forward to seeing you paint the details. The walls look great. Randy
Karl.A
October 2022
Thanks for the posts guys, great to read them.
Time to move forward with the castings… two whole boxes of them.
I’m going to start with the larger box .
As noted previously box 1 contains two bags full of 3DP details, plus the large resin shelf units, (so you still get that great smell when you open the box).
I put the smaller and the ‘un-drillable’ items onto the sticks.
Next I drilled out the details that I needed full access to and inserted the ‘clipped off’ tooth pics. (WEAR A MASK !! )
That was bag 1 from box 1 completed last night.
I moved on to bag 2 this morning, to be shown in my next post.
Karl.A
October 2022
Moving on to bag 2 I continued the process in the same way as last night. Bag 2 again contains a great assortment and quantity of perfect SWSM detail parts.
A closer view.
The variety and number of glass jars and bottles included in the kit.
Not just a few couplers, brake shoes, etc … but plenty to fill out and detail the scene perfectly.
Such a beautiful sight…
After a busy afternoon inside working on other things it’s time to grab a beer and head outside into the sunshine.
Along with a couple of cans of primer and all of these beauties to get them ready for the next steps in the process.
randyp
October 2022
Things are looking good Karl. Do you put the tooth picks in styrofoam to spray paint? I am looking forward to the colors. Thanks Randy
admin
October 2022
I think I’m insane putting that many castings in one kit…
Hah, just joking. I will never skimp on castings to save time or $$. There’s nothing worse than buying a kit and finding a teeny, tiny baggie with 5 poorly produced casting inside!
EmeryJ
October 2022
Looking good Karl.
KKarns
October 2022
Just the 3D parts collection is a bargain at the price of the entire kit!
admin
October 2022
KKarns said:
Just the 3D parts collection is a bargain at the price of the entire kit!
Amen brother… very well said!
Karl.A
October 2022
admin said:
I think I’m insane putting that many castings in one kit…
I’m only on box 1, just wait until you see whats in box 2… oh, nm, haha
Thanks Emery, damn straight Ken.
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Thanks Randy,
I carefully put the “sticked & pic’d” details in the box and carry them outside.
I dont spray them on foam as the spray paint would eat through it.
I then take the stick or pick out of the box one by one and spray them with the finish required. They are then stuck into foam to dry and be readily available.
Outside (use in well ventilated area) after spraying base coats.
Back on the bench safely ready for the next steps. “spray & play”
Time for me to shoot a game or two and get focused, maybe more later.
Jim M
October 2022
Wow, so many details. What a great kit. You’ve got your work cut out for you. Great start.
Jeroen
October 2022 edited October 2022
Incredible. What great progress and if this all is painted it should be very impressive Karl. I never realized the amount of castings in this kit. There’s just so much to look at.
mikemettelka
October 2022
admin said:
I think I’m insane putting that many castings in one kit…
Hah, just joking. I will never skimp on castings to save time or $$. There’s nothing worse than buying a kit and finding a teeny, tiny baggie with 5 poorly produced casting inside!
I agree… my wife was kind enough to get me some off topic kits for our anniversary (one had sentimental value to it… )but I am so used to yours, that there was some shock at how little there was!
kebmo
October 2022
oh man, that’s a boatload of details!
TomMich
October 2022 edited October 2022
Wow! That’s a lot of great castings! Looking forward to your painting and weathering of them, and placement in and on the diorama.
KKarns
October 2022
We’ll be watching for you to account for every single one in the diorama!
prsdgt65
October 2022 edited October 2022
Karl
I agree with that wonderful smell of the resin castings. It would be a shame if that was not there.
Frank
randyp
October 2022
I know what you mean. When I opened my box I could barely ge whiff of resin. Randy
brownbr
October 2022
Those will keep you busy for a while
Karl.A
October 2022
Thanks so much for your comments guys, it sure is a boatload of beauty.
Indeed Bryan, quite a while I’m thinking, I’ll start to get to work on them tomorrow, hopefully.
I’ll start with the basics and go on from there, definitely lots to work on.
Robert.G
October 2022
Karl, you are doing a great job once again. I wouldn’t mind all those castings. It’s all in the details they wrote in the newspaper. So it must be true… 
Karl.A
October 2022
Thanks Robert, definitely plenty in the details with Brett’s kits, and a lot more too.
A whole week later after priming the details and I finally made some time this evening to get started on the first basic steps of getting them ready.
Still much more to come.
kebmo
October 2022
shelving units look terrific!
MuddyCreekRR
October 2022
Looking good…love the colour choices…
ALCOALCO
October 2022
I’m in the process of preparing shelving units for Foss’ Landing. I’m going to post this last pic on my workbench. This is what I’m after!
TomMich
October 2022
Shelve turned out GREAT! I love working with Brett’s shelving details. I think they really add a lot to a scene.
KKarns
October 2022
Nice progress Karl. Wonderful wood color.
glandesjr
October 2022
Looks great Karl. Great color choices. Thanks.
randyp
October 2022
Karl I really like the color of the shelves themselves. To me it looks like wood. I know you still have more to do on and I am looking forward to your magick. Randy
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Thanks guys, these pieces are such a joy to work with. Wish I had a little more ‘bench’ time right now.
I got a couple of hours today so I added the next layer to some of the details. These ones are ready to be put aside until final touches when they are installed.
Gotta love the crisp, sharp detail in Brett’s resin shelf castings…
I don’t know how he can do it, but, I am so glad he can…
Looking at them all on my desk, that’s about 10% of box 1 completed, I’ll have some time to work on the wooden crates, boxes and other wooden items tomorrow, hopefully.
MuddyCreekRR
October 2022
Just doing some priming of my stuff tonight…not too happy with Krylon camo tan…so I called it quits for tonight…
Karl.A
October 2022
Sorry you weren’t happy Art, I did mine with the Krylon khaki, no problems.
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Well, I got bored watching TV so, I chalked up some of the crates and a few other things with base colours.
After that I put the base layers down on the awesome Fordson tractor radiator, amazing detail on this part.
MuddyCreekRR
October 2022
Looking good Karl…not sure with the paint…It just looked too thick…even after a lot of shaking…going down to the shop in a bit and look in on it…
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Thanks Art,
A painters tip regarding spray cans for you…
if the temperature is low/cold where the can is stored, stand it in a bowl of warm water to warm the can up.
This will make the paint less viscous and it will spray a much finer mist and go on much thinner and smoother.
I’m not sure what temp it is in your shop, but this may help you out with a better result if it’s cool/cold out there.
brownbr
October 2022
Excellent work on the wood cabinets…and all others for that matter.
EmeryJ
October 2022
Karl.A said:
A painters tip regarding spray cans for you…
if the temperature is low/cold where the can is stored, stand it in a bowl of warm water to warm the can up.
This will make the paint less viscous and it will spray a much finer mist and go on much thinner and smoother.
Thanks for this tip Karl. I have had this issue with spray paint in the past. (not on models)
Very fine detail work on all the goodies here. Appreciate the pictures and how to tutorial. It really does help.
MuddyCreekRR
October 2022
Thanks, the shop is in the basement, 65 degrees last night. The paint dried fine…I’m just so used to the Rustoleum brand…didn’t lay down as I am used to. I used to paint cars in my youth…so I’m particular with my paint…lol
randyp
October 2022
Well Karl again as always excellent work on the details. I am glad I saw the color pictures of your barrels. I can not believe the paint job you on the two barrels in the lower left of the second picture. Staves on the inside as well as the outside. Fantastic!! I have not primed my details yet so I was going to use khaki on the barrels. I just could not fathom painting something was going to be brown, black to start. I should have known better that Brett would not lead us astray. So I will rearrange my sticks tonight and put all the barrels with the other parts to be painted black. Thanks again Karl for your expertise. Randy
TomMich
October 2022
Great work on the details! those shelves turned out GREAT!
KKarns
October 2022
It’s all in the details, and you’re all in!
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Thanks so much for all the comments as always guys, wonderful to have you all following along as I go. I appreciate you joining in.
Nothing much to show tonight, but, I have to admit I did deviate from the manual a little bit (not recommended) and added a little personal touch of my own to the wonderful locker…
Luckily it will be hidden away on the interior and probably never seen again.
MuddyCreekRR
October 2022
MIght need to have this appear somewhere on my build
randyp
October 2022
Mine also Karl. Randy
brownbr
October 2022
Cool locker. Despite your advice, I will deviate.
Robert.G
October 2022
Karl, you sinner !!! Nice work though…
MuddyCreekRR
October 2022
It’s going to turn into a Where’s Waldo during a build…it could show up anywhere…
Karl.A
October 2022
Just about finished with box 1 and almost time to move to the next stage…
Jim M
October 2022
Box 1? Holy crap. Nicely done, everything looks great.
TomMich
October 2022
Nice! Love the labels.
randyp
October 2022
A fantastic job Karl. and so fast it takes me forever to Paint the details. You must have really sanded the labiles down very then. They look painted on. A question, did you spray gloss on the bottles already or are you going to “fill” them first? Thanks Randy
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Thanks Jim, indeed, it is an amazing collection/selection. I dont think I need anything out of box 2 in order to move forward with the actual construction as many of these need to go into the interior walls during that process, but, I’ll need to check the manual to be sure.
Thanks Tom, I feel they make a lot of difference and add to the depth of a scene when placed.
Thanks Randy, I spent 15-30 mins after work each night this week working on a selection at a time, that way , for me it seems to go quickly and I can stay focused.
I actually forgot to dig out Bretts sign sheet, I’ll do that later when I go inside and replace any I need to. These are just my own, simply printed on paper and glued on, un-sanded, but, there are tricks 
The clear bottles are just glossed right now, I’ll wait to fill and finish them when I figure out where they are going in the scenes.
Karl.A
October 2022
Actually, I just realised, I do need to get the wall mounted drill and light fixture out of box two and finish them so that they can be mounted on the interior wall prior to construction.
I’ll double check if there is anything else I need too.
KKarns
October 2022
Beautiful detail work!
ALCOALCO
October 2022
I’ve seen the bottle signage somewhere around here recently but I certainly don’t mind seeing it again…and again…
Karl.A
October 2022
Thanks Ken, a high and appreciated compliment.
Thanks Alan, some things just automatically deserve a re-run…
kebmo
October 2022
gorgeous details!
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Thanks Kev.
TomMich said:
Nice! Love the labels.
Along with the main sign sheet Brett also provides a 2nd sheet of small labels for the cans, bottles, etc.
I’m just so used to grabbing my big sheet of labels from my drawers I forgot to get Bretts sheet out of the kit box.
Here it is.
TomMich
October 2022
You did the cans proud with your own labels. Now you have the kit labels you can add elsewhere. Man that’s an impressive amount of details! The galvanized cone tops on the cans are a nice touch.
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Thanks Tom, the galvanised tops are like the ones I’ve seen out on jobs.
Also something to note, for the ones with caps, I did the caps in ‘silver’ for stainless, it doesnt really show up in those pics,but,
the silver shows off the amazing threads so well that are actually printed in the caps.
Here they are showing the threaded caps before finish painting.
Joel
October 2022
Just fantastic work on the details. So much to love. Amazing really, both the quality and quantity of details and you bring them up to an even higher level of realism.
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Thanks so much Joel, great to hear from you buddy,
This morning I finished up the acetylene tanks, which means that that’s the first set of details done.
Next thing in the manual is to start detailing the interior walls with some of these beauties before moving forward with construction.
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Well, while I was clearing off the desk today from all the paints, chalks, brushes, etc from detail work I found another ‘stick’ of details I had put to one side for ‘later’ behind the paint bottles.
So I finished them up quickly and continued getting the desk cleared for wall detailing and construction over the next few days.
Now, I REALLY do think that is the end of the castings from box 1… well, except for the exquisite collection of hand tools, the shovel, broom, etc, but I’m leaving those until diorama construction so that I don’t lose any of those tiny suckers.
glandesjr
October 2022
Wow Karl, these look awesome. I love the radiator, especially the way the name stands out. Man that is really cool. You’ve give me some great ideas. Thanks.
KKarns
October 2022
Unbelievable the number of beautiful 3D Parts in that kit! That wagon wheel detailing is off the charts cool…
kebmo
October 2022
KKarns said:
Unbelievable the number of beautiful 3D Parts in that kit! That wagon wheel detailing is off the charts cool…
no kidding!
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
You got that right, also, thanks for noticing the wheel Ken,
I tried to get it looking like an exterior wooden rim, and then with a steel ‘tire’ on the outer side of that rim to protect the curved wood, like it should be.
I also tried to define the steel ‘gromets’ on the end of the wooden spokes to show that differing connection.
The center steel hub I obviously rusted (instead of greased) as the wheel is out of use and abandoned in the weeds.
I’m a little disappointed that in the picture the rust colour looks very close to the wood colour, but hey, nobody’s perfect and it will probably end up behind a shrub any way.
I might add some peeled red to the spokes as I’m really not happy with them, we’ll see.
Thanks Kev, you’re really going to enjoy this one…
admin
October 2022
Wonderful progress. Details look fantastic!
EmeryJ
October 2022
Not only excellent work, but I have yet to figure out how you can do this so fast. I can be timed with a calendar.
MuddyCreekRR
October 2022
Details are looking great Karl…
randyp
October 2022 edited October 2022
Karl, I like the sink and the concrete blocks. The sink looks abandoned and rusty. The blocks are just the right color of gray. What color did you use? Randy
Karl.A
October 2022 73.2.191.87
Thanks Randy, indeed, the sink will appear in a junk pile.
Blocks are Ceramcoat “drizzle grey” craft paint, which is really light. The colour is darkened with black chalk dabbed on with a brush to get the texture/variation.
randyp
October 2022
Thanks Karl for the Information. Randy
KKarns
October 2022
What I notice most Karl was how the outer metal band appears separate from the wood portion…just as it should…looks sweet!
Karl.A
October 2022
Indeed Ken, good eye for the minutia, (of course).
It’s a beautiful piece with perfect detail, I’m glad I was able to show it.
brownbr
October 2022
I like those new cans a lot.
Robert.G
October 2022
Super work on those details !!
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Thanks Bryan and Robert.
I opened box 2 earlier and just finished the two details out of there that I need for right now.
The hand cranked/operated, wall mounted Dill Press, which is such an amazingly highly detailed part, perfectly reproduced for this kit. Plus, the work light that sits on the wall above it.
Now I can start getting the walls detailed and ready to go together.
Karl.A
October 2022
Jim M
October 2022
That drill press is awesome. What a great detail and I love the paint job.
I got my kit today, looking forward to building it. I’ve been following your progress here. You’re doing a fantastic job.
brownbr
October 2022
Love that drill
KKarns
October 2022
How cool is that! Beautiful finish work.
randyp
October 2022
Karl, great colors on the drill. The bare metal on the wheels and gears looks well used and oily. It is a will used machine as there is little rust as it should be. Randy
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Thanks so much Jim, Bryan, Ken and Randy, it’s an amazing piece.
Finally made some time today after work, cleaned up and made some more space on the desk and now ready to move on with some actual progress.
Torrential rain this evening, so, more pics as it happens…
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Before work this morning I epoxied the two main cabinets to each wall and held them in place to dry through the day.
First thing tonight was to cut the bracing for the Drill and glue on the shelves for the cabinet and wall. Also to colour and glue in place the lasercut braces for the shelves.
While that was drying I figured I’d make a quick post.
KKarns
October 2022
Love the shelf brackets. Locker is a nice touch and nicely chipped and weathered.
Karl.A
October 2022
The brackets are a great little detail Ken, they add a subtle depth and ‘reality’ to the shelves, a great addition.
I have this wall finish detailed now except for adding the drill & light to the bracing to close out this section.
I was thinking I’ll epoxy the drill to the wall as it is so exquisite and fragile… sure, only a 2 minute step, but I’ve been thinking if I get the epoxy out again now, I might as well epoxy the stone walls together while I have it infront of me.
Spent an hour thinking about it so, I guess I might as well just go ahead and do it.
After all, it could have all been done and finished by now… haha
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Several of the bottles, cans and items added to the shelves.
Once the epoxy on the light fixture was dry enough I inverted the wall to try and make sure the fixture didn’t sag while the epoxy was fully curing.
I tried to copy Kevin’s awesome result on the fire extinguisher that he shared in the 3D detail thread, (Page15), I came kinda close, but, I’ll need to put some more effort into it to match his.
I also messed up the chalk finish on the drill and light fixture due to handling and holding them in place while the epoxy dried, but that’s an easy fix and I know better than putting a chalk finish on something that’s going to be further handled anyway, but, I wanted to show them off earlier.
More tomorrow…
randyp
October 2022
Karl, an excellent use of details on this scene. Looking forward to your adding this wall to the others. Randy
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Thanks Randy, much appreciated and great to read your comment.
I’m just copying the pictures in the manual and using the details in the scenes shown there, so, all the credit goes to Brett.
Next wall tomorrow…
Jeroen
October 2022
Insanity. This is awesome. I really cannot find the words to tell you how impressed I am!
KKarns
October 2022
Excellent detail work…That drill press is wonderful, as is the entire scene…and that’s just one wall!
brownbr
October 2022
Incredible wall scene.
Karl.A
October 2022
Thanks so much for your great comments Jeroen, Ken and Bryan.
It’s much easier for me to follow Brett’s great instructions and ideas than coming up with things myself.
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
CORRECTION … I ERRED
When mounting the drill press I should have first mounted the drill to a vertical board and then mounted this to the wall. To create a solid base for the drill.
I’m not going to try and pry mine off now and redo it as it is such a fragile piece.
Just something to watch out for if you are following along before building your own.
The process is detailed in item 6 on page 33, I got ahead of myself and missed it.
TomMich
October 2022
Great scene with a lot of neat details. The missing piece on the drill press mount is not noticed. Love all the details.
Dave_S
October 2022 edited October 2022
Kudos to Karl. Just fantastic modeling. The stationary drill is a show stopper for certain
An amazingly realistic capture of an extraordinary detail. Kudos to the creator of the stationary drill.
Later, Dave S, Tucson, AZ
MuddyCreekRR
October 2022
So noted…the drill looks good as it is…love the coloration on all of the details including the drill…I’m near the same process and photos are coming
Karl.A
October 2022
Thanks Tom, Dave and Art, much appreciated.
I cant believe after getting such a good result on the drill I missed the extra board behind it, I did give it a little ‘wiggle’ earlier with an exacto blade to see if it will ‘pop-off’ , but, I decided I’m not going to risk it, I’ll make sure to read the instructions more carefully in the future pages.
So I spent some time this afternoon building and detailing the door for this wall, then I added the shelf unit to the wall and the individual details on top of it. I also glued on the outstanding water cooler detail for that scene.
There will be many more details added around the shelf on the floor later in the build, also a table will be built to go under the water cooler further ‘down the line’ with more details to create a full scene.
For now, here is a quick mock up with a few, as yet unfinished details.
Time to move on to the next manual page and the second wall.
Pictures later if I make any progress on this tonight…
Karl.A
October 2022
Well I made some progress but got distracted with a movie or two.
I’ll finish it up tomorrow, hopefully.
CarlLaskey
October 2022
Nice work Karl…
glandesjr
October 2022
What great work. I love the drill press and the locker. Man they look so real. The shelving and the details really bring this entire scene to life. And you’ve just begun with this detailing. George.
MuddyCreekRR
October 2022
Stellar job as usual Karl…I like the concept of the open shelf casting too…the ability to put what you wish up there, but Brett always finds the right amount of stuff with great detail too…
KKarns
October 2022
Beautiful work Karl..love the C clamps and crow bar hanging from the window!
randyp
October 2022
Karl, a nice use of the crates and bottles. Also I see the square hanging from the shelf a real life detail. Good work as always. Randy
TomMich
October 2022
Nice! Are those empty Corona’s yours?
admin
October 2022
Excellent! Those 3D Printed c-clamps. Who woulda thought?
sdrees
October 2022
Karl, your junk is done very well.
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Thanks so much for the great support and comments everyone, it’s always great to have you all joining in my threads and reading your thoughts.
Brett’s incredible scene composition skills along with his incredible details make modeling such a pleasure.
After reviewing the current manual page again the only other thing to be added at this stage is the hanging jacket on the side of the cabinet. The rest of the details will be added later during construction.
So, I added the jacket.
And that completes the initial stages for these first two walls.
So, time to put them up on the shelf safely until they are needed later.
The next steps in the manual are to epoxy the stone walls together and then paint them.
Luckily I epoxied them together pre-emptively last night so they are good and cured for tonights steps.
Time to get these primed and ready for paint. After priming I’ll probably leave them alone for an hour or so before finish paint.
Luckily there is enough around here in the office for me to keep me occupied and get into ‘trouble’ with while I’m waiting…
More later, maybe…
(You know it Tom, I’ve got to have a few 'C’s to get the creative juices flowing…)
Karl.A
October 2022 edited October 2022
Well I got a little sidetracked with another project, and, the paint still feels a little soft/tacky on these walls, so, as the manual states… “Allow to dry thoroughly”
I might just be leaving these to dry overnight before any further progress.
I followed the steps in the manual and I am really happy with them at this point.
My plaster did get a little too thick too quickly so I had to spray the corners with water to keep it soft and wipe the excess off with a damp cloth and then clean out some of the mortar lines.
But, this was to be expected considering all the variables involved, a little extra time spent gave me a result that I’m really happy with. A relatively quick and easy process.
MuddyCreekRR
October 2022
Nice progress…I let my prime cure overnight too…it stayed tacky for quite a while…don’t want fingerprints…
randyp
October 2022
karl, your joints look great. you did a great job with the plaster. Randy
brownbr
November 2022
Great progress.
EmeryJ
November 2022
Looks great Karl. Seams look to be quite perfect.
kebmo
November 2022
the level of realism that you attain with every build is so impressive. those loaded shelves on the side of the locker are unbelievable.
KKarns
November 2022 edited November 2022
Love the walls sitting in front of the computer…motivation at hand!
TomMich
November 2022
Those details are exceptional! Your stone wall corners turned out GREAT! Can’t wait to see how you color them.
glandesjr
November 2022
Hey Karl, I love the jacket. You did a great job highlighting the creases. And the interior details are superb. The walls look great. Isn’t it amazing how the walls go together and you can’t even see the seams? You don’t get any better than that. George
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks for the compliments guys, great to read you all following along, it sure keeps me motivated.
Work over for the day and time to make some progress on these beauties.
I’ll be following the manual on the technique completely but, as I already have a few other stone walled structures, (RRCamp, BlueSky, etc..) I want them to be similar colors, same area, same stone, theory.
So, I need to look back for the colours I used on those and then get to work on these walls tonight.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
As mentioned my colouration is greyer than Brett’s due to my colour choice to match my existing structures.
But the process was the steps from the manual.
Next step will be the brickwork, this will be a new one for me so I’m interested to see my results.
Time to have a beer and mow the leaves, maybe more later.
Thx for all the comments.
Jim M
November 2022
That looks great, very impressive. Great idea to jot down the colors you’ve used so you can refer back to a past build to recreate the same colors. I never know what I did in the past.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Thanks Jim, appreciated.
if only I was organized enough to ‘jot’ things down…
Luckily I was able to go back to my old build threads on those structures and get what I needed from my posts. Thats my way to make notes…
Jim M
November 2022
Even better. Your willingness to teach others, helps you down the road too. Win/win.
KKarns
November 2022
Love the color and looks like quarried limestone. Just enough variation to look natural, the brick work will really set it off nicely.
MuddyCreekRR
November 2022
Those are the colors I wanted to go with too…lol…That really looks good so far. As for keeping track of paint and stain colors, I started to write them down in the manual. This time around I will on the inside back cover dab a color swatch and write down the colors.
brownbr
November 2022
Very convincing stonework
admin
November 2022
Outstanding. Looks fantastic. Can’t wait to see the walls with the brickwork colored and weathered.
EmeryJ
November 2022
Stone is excellent sir.
ALCOALCO
November 2022
I can’t believe how realistic your stonework looks!
randyp
November 2022
Looks good Karl. I am about to the color stage on my build. I need to talk to Rich to see what color he wants the stones to be for his layout. If it were going on my layout I would use siennas and umbers. Keep up the good work. Randy
TomMich
November 2022
Nice stonework! Coloring is very subtle yet cohesive.
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks guys, I’m real happy with the result, I was a little nervous about halfway through but kept going and the final result is just what I wanted.
Thanks Ken, Bryan, Emery, Alan and Tom, I tried to keep the colour changes subtle as I didnt want to end up with a suburban garden wall look.
Thanks Art and Randy, I used siennas, umber, and a pewter grey.
Thanks Brett, you and me both, unfortunately that’s going to have to wait until tomorrow, it wasn’t a good work day… ha
More tomorrow.
glandesjr
November 2022 edited November 2022
You know that’s a great idea writing down the colors next to a color swatch at the back of the manual. I never remember the colors I’ve used and am never successful when I try to repeat colors I like. Karl’s ability to look back at prior posts is great if I posted enough but work always gets in my way. Thanks for the tips.
Karl.A
November 2022
Basic brick colour applied, further weathering and special effects will be added just before installation so they dont get messed up, for now it goes up on the shelf with the other completed components.
I also painted in the window sills and headers (stone) and then painted the lip for the windows black.
Next in the manual is building the shed floor and then gluing walls together.
MuddyCreekRR
November 2022
looking good
Jim M
November 2022
Looks fantastic. Really love the colors
KKarns
November 2022
Spot on! Beautiful casting.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Thanks so much Art, Jim and Ken, I’m real happy with everything.
glandesjr said:
Isn’t it amazing how the walls go together and you can’t even see the seams? You don’t get any better than that. George
Indeed George, Brett’s castings and their quality are the absolute best, marry that to the unrivalled manual, and then, all we as modellers need to do is follow the instructions to get outstanding results…
Jeroen
November 2022
This is so good! I really love the results and the educational approach of your posts Karl! There’s much to take in for a newbie like myself and I can’t tell you how inspired I get from this. Those walls look awesome. I originally thought to do mine with the techniques Brett describes in the Foundry manual (painting with pastels) but I might reconsider after seeing this. Beautiful, just beautiful. And what drew my eye is that structure in the background. Very curious how that will build up!
brownbr
November 2022
You are right to be happy with it. It will steal the scene.
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks Jeroen, so rewarding and thankful to read you get something from my posts.
Thanks Bryan, much appreciated.
Jeroen, I sent you the link for the build thread of the brick structure in the background.
Jeroen
November 2022
Thanks Karl, highly appreciated!
Karl.A
November 2022
Spent some time today laying down the floorboards for the shed and car area.
It’s now sitting next to me under weights until tomorrow as instructed, waiting for the walls to be added and then weathered some more when I know where the details will go. I’ll also add some oil spills down the tracks and in the work area etc.
Jerry
November 2022
Nice work on the stone and brick. Looking forward to the weathering on that.
Nice base coloring on that floor. And can’t wait to see those dirty footprints all over it!!!
Jerry
EmeryJ
November 2022
Very interested in seeing how the weathering comes out here Karl. I know it will be great.
Quote
ALCOALCO
November 2022 38.109.215.138
“Dirty footprints”? Don’t give him any ideas! Probably too late….
Karl.A
November 2022
ALCO said:
“Dirty footprints”? Don’t give him any ideas! Probably too late….
<‘wink’>
randyp
November 2022
Excellent color on the rocks and bricks. The rocks have a nice depth with the light and dark gray colors. Did you do a lighter gray first and then come back and dry brush a darker gray? However you did it it looks great. Randy
glandesjr
November 2022
This is looking great, Karl. The brickwork and stone walls have perfect coloring and you nailed the bricks and mortar. The flooring also looks spot on. Can’t wait to see what it looks like with the walls. Do you add tracks or is it without tracks?
MuddyCreekRR
November 2022
The floor looks great…this is an area that I have a few ideas on…once I get to that point…we shall see…I like you tend to wait till I know detail placement before I weather and ware much…the coloring looks great…
KKarns
November 2022
That floor is going to look awesome once dirtied up and the walls planted!
mikemettelka
November 2022
Interested in how you did the coloring on the rock work as well!
kebmo
November 2022
Karl.A said:
CORRECTION … I ERRED
When mounting the drill press I should have first mounted the drill to a vertical board and then mounted this to the wall. To create a solid base for the drill.
I’m not going to try and pry mine off now and redo it as it is such a fragile piece.
Just something to watch out for if you are following along before building your own.
The process is detailed in item 6 on page 33, I got ahead of myself and missed it.
karl,
you can carefully dab alcohol where you epoxied the drill and gently wiggle it. it may take two or three applications of the alcohol, but it has worked for me in a similar situaton.
sorry this is so behind the times. i haven’t had my laptop in a week and a half.
EricMG
November 2022
Karl, this is truly outstanding modeling. Cheers to you and a lovely very complete kit. The drill press is a slayer!
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks Kev, but its too fragile to mess with.
Thanks Eric.
Wes
November 2022
Hi Karl
Its been some time since I’ve been to the forums. And what a pleasant surprise to see this build of yours. As always, your work is top drawer.
Going back now to read the thread from the beginning again.
Hope you are well bud.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Hey Wes ! Good to see you back.
Thanks, and hope you enjoy catching up.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Back to the build, finally… well, I’ve been slammed at work, which is a good thing,
but tonight I know i’ve got this weekend off, for a change, so, it’s time to make some progress.
Next thing in the manual is to glue the walls together and start on the diorama base,
But, for tonight it’s just quickly mocked up,
but more ‘real’ progress tomorrow…
More tomorrow.
brownbr
November 2022
The open wall just draws a viewer in
KKarns
November 2022
Wow, such impressive details. Love that view above of the jacket and the cans on top of the shelf unit. Beautifully done.
Jim M
November 2022
This is really fantastic. It’s all coming together so we’ll. Such a cool kit. Great job.
randyp
November 2022
Very nice Karl. Good to see it all coming together. It will be a shame to cover all that wonderful detail with a wall and a roof. Randy
Mountaingoat
November 2022
Fantastic modeling Karl…Rick
TomMich
November 2022
Very nice!
glandesjr
November 2022
Looks great Karl. The jacket is really well done. I really like the way you’ve done it. The whole interior is superb. Great job.
MuddyCreekRR
November 2022
WoW…looking really good my Friend…slowing progressing to that point too…detailing the walls and painting details…working on my base tomorrow…
CarlLaskey
November 2022
Karl.
I do not have the words to tell you how great that looks. …Carl…
Joel
November 2022
Wow Karl, just fantastic work as per usual. The fine detail on that hanging jacket is amazing. So much to take in.
Jerry
November 2022
I agree with you Karl leave the drill press and drink the alcohol!!
Jerry
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks for all the great comments everyone, I really appreciate them and you all taking the time to join in with the thread.
I kind of wasted the day relaxing and not doing much… haha
Just now I found some foam in the closet, cut it to size and we’re ready to epoxy the floor down and move forward with gluing walls and things down.
Randy, I hear you on that, I’ll prob have the roof fully removeable, or maybe just the front half. We’ll decide when I get to that point.
Thanks again.
sdrees
November 2022
Hey Karl, just amazing
Jerry
November 2022
Karl what kind of foam is that or did you paint the top of it???
2" foam here in Jersey i still around $50.00
Jerry
kebmo
November 2022 edited November 2022
jerry,
i priced a 4’ x 8’ sheet of 2" thick construction foam yesterday. $56.00 at home depot.
when i was there i noticed that they are selling 1" thick 2’ x 2’ panels. they’re called project panels, but there was no price posted.
randyp
November 2022
Hay Karl, I just noticed the 1:1 bottle on your workbench. I guess that is why you have so many model bodels with the same label. HaHa Randy
MuddyCreekRR
November 2022
The 1" 2’x2’ panels were going for $6 a while back…now are about $8…I bought 2 cases of those 2 years back and use them to build on and then mount into the layout. They also work great for elevation construction.
Karl.A
November 2022
3/4" blue foam Jerry painted with tan.
I was ready to epoxy the pump house down last night but I realised I hadnt finished the windows.
So, I just finished off the door and windows for the pump house and installed them. I also glued together the first two walls of the shed. Now I’m ready for the next steps.
Joel
November 2022
The door is beautiful. All coming together.
MuddyCreekRR
November 2022
Great progress Karl…I keep trying to get into the shop…the public has other ideas for me…turning off my pager tonight and unless I smell smoke…or hear an explosion…I’m modeling
Wes
November 2022
That stonework is beautiful Karl. So is the brick and the door and windows.
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks Joel, Art and Wes.
Before epoxying the stonewalls to the base I dirtied up the walls, as Brett says in the manual the structure is right next to the rails so would be pretty grimy.
kebmo
November 2022
outstanding. the stonework, as everyone has said, is gorgeous.
Jim M
November 2022
Just keeps getting better and better.
KKarns
November 2022
Really finishes it off! Nicely executed.
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks Kevin, Jim and Ken, much appreciated.
randyp
November 2022
Beautiful work Karl. I enjoy following along with your progress. So much faster than mine. Randy
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Thanks Randy, glad you enjoy following along.
I do like to get in an hour or two at the bench each week. haha
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Well, I’m at that point, and as always I get a little nervous, I dont know why but, it’s just one of those things for me.
Time to epoxy all that hard work down and then hope I did everything right and I followed all the steps correctly.
Nothing has ever gone wrong, everything has always worked out perfectly, but, I do still get that little ‘twinge’ when I plant it down for eternity… probably just me.
Anyway…
structure and ties epoxied down and planted earlier today, I gave that a good few hours to cure while I did ‘other’ things and then tonight I just laid down the base layer of ‘dirt’.
Thats going to need to dry out until tomorrow and then we can turn the manual page and see what’s next.
So, the newsprint paper that Brett puts in the USPS kit shipping boxes is great for keeping the desk clean at this stage.
Time to take a deep breath and get messy. (but very carefully…)
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
randyp said:
Hay Karl, I just noticed the 1:1 bottle on your workbench. I guess that is why you have so many models with the same label. HaHa Randy
Haha Randy, I like to keep things familiar and prototypical to what I see around me IRL…
Karl.A
November 2022
mikemettelka said:
Interested in how you did the coloring on the rock work as well!
Thanks Mike, I followed the steps in the manual and am really pleased with the results.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
glandesjr said:
… Do you add tracks or is it without tracks?
Tracks will be added in the next steps George.
Thanks for following along and all your comments.
brownbr
November 2022
You got the grimy look going on.
kebmo
November 2022
but somehow you manage to get so much done when you do.
Jerry
November 2022
Karl.A said:
I do like to get in an hour or two at the bench each week. haha
What do with the rest of your time??
Anywho that is a beautifully weathered looking little shack!!
Jerry
TomMich
November 2022
Karl, don’t you mean being next to the rails it would get pretty Grungy? Turned out very nice!
KKarns
November 2022
Ahh…coming along splendidly!
admin
November 2022
Wonderful progress, now the fun begins.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited January 2023
Thanks Everyone, great to read all the comments.
I’ve got a few irons in the fire Jerry to keep me busy.
Ken is the master of Grungy Tom, I’m just going to play around with grimy.
The fun begins… meaning that it’s back to graining and staining strip wood.
Next in the manual is to put the base aside and build the tank base and water tank.
I got the base done and now I’m moving on to the tank.
(the tank ‘frame’ is just sitting on the platform to show it together)
The details are relegated to the back of the bench for a while. I spotted this one in the pile and snapped a quick pic.
I think Bretts tool box is more randomly cluttered than even one of my real life ‘general’ ones.
This toolbox in the kit is about 3/4" long and 1/8" wide, so pretty small, Brett still managed to squeeze in a hammer, plumbers wrench, couple of adjustable wrenches, a tire iron, drill bits, some regular wrenches and a few other things, amazing detail part.
Looks like I missed painting the hat in the background, there’s also a few more I missed on the sticks, the car batteries for example, plenty of time until we get to that point.
Of course we all know that “the fun begins” as soon as we open that wonderful SWSM box.
Jerry
November 2022
Can’t believe all the discs to keep the tank round!! Brett you are the “MASTER” of kits and ideas for sure.
Glad you kept the tools in the box nice an shiny looks that there getting a lot of use.
Jerry
Karl.A
November 2022 edited January 2023
A working mans tools make his money and pay his bills Jerry, he should always take care of them and keep them clean.
Jim M
November 2022
Wow, what a great job painting that toolbox with tools. You must have good eyes and a steady hand.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited January 2023
Thanks Jim, I’ll admit I had to wear glasses for that one, but yes, a small brush and a steady hand.
Well Jerry, those circles and the spacers worked perfectly as designed to keep the tank absolutely straight and true. Such an easy process and fantastic method.
Base done, details and weathering to follow…
another day.
randyp
November 2022
Tool bok and tank look great. Randy
Joel
November 2022
Love that tool box. What fantastic detail.
KKarns
November 2022
Tool box is wonderfully detailed…love the barrels and hat in the background.
Jerry
November 2022
A perfect tank!!
Jerry
Jeroen
November 2022
That looks wonderful. I would have thought the weathering of the boards came before attaching them, so that is a little surprise. It all looks awesome, I can’t wait to get mine and start with it. It’s very inspiring!
Karl.A
November 2022 edited December 2022
Thanks Randy, Joel, Ken, Jerry and Jeroen.
Jeroen, the boards were grained, weathered and basic random colour stained before assembly.
The sun bleached top, rising damp and colour blend were then added after construction.
kebmo
November 2022
[i’m gonna need a bigger house…]
Jeroen
November 2022
Oh yes, I’m seeing it much better now. To be honest, I noticed the lighter Wood strips on the side after I wrote the remark Karl. But these pics show even better what you did. I’m really enjoying your thorough explanation on progress. Can’t wait to see what the landscape will look like. Did you make the sleepers under the rails yourself… and what rails will you be using?
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
At the begining of this thread there was a detail bag I didnt open and show as it was small parts and waited until I needed it.
Well we are at that point, so, here’s whats in the bag…
More bags in the bag…
It’s basically all the exceptional details for the water tank, along with chain, styrene for the fill pipe, gauge and brass wire.
Also the spout, turnbuckles, weights, pullys, NBW’s, globe valve + handle and the finial.
Thats more details than most other kits… hahaha
Karl.A
November 2022
First thing to be used was the turnbuckles,
I added the bands to the tank using the extremely easy guide method provided by Brett and then added the highly detailed turnbuckles to the bands.
Next in the manual is graining/staining the wood for the shingles, building the subroof and then putting it all together.
KKarns
November 2022
Best water tank details I have seen yet!
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
You know it Ken.
I wasnt going to post this pic as it looks so bad… but it does show some of the details.
Also I had cracked one of the super fragile rods in the middle of the 2nd down turnbuckle, and the third is slightly mis-aligned. Luckily as they are so fragile Brett provides several spares for just such an incident, now that is customer service and support at it’s best.
I’ll replace the broken one with one of the spares later as I have already cleared and moved the tank off my desk, (well, I’ve cleared a 6" working area), to make the shingles.
KKarns
November 2022
Looks the real deal!
Karl.A
November 2022
Took some time out, and I got the first row done, moving on to the second row.
I’m thinking those cut-offs would look good around, and in a burn barrel…
Karl.A
November 2022
Jeroen said:
Did you make the sleepers under the rails yourself… and what rails will you be using?
The sleepers (‘ties’ for our American friends) were weathered and cut from 6"x8" stripwood, (6hx8w),
The code 55 rails for inside the handcar shed are provided in the kit,
for the mainline rail I think I have some code 83 rail around here somewhere that I’ll use.
Jeroen
November 2022
Thanks for the info Karl!
brownbr
November 2022
You are right about the turnbuckles looking awesome.
Nice color grading on the tank boards.
kebmo
November 2022
the water tank looks terrific. i can’t get over the detail in those turnbuckles. did brett include a wrench for tightening them down?
randyp
November 2022
Looks great Karl. Nice graining on the wood. I especially like the board ends that are under the bottom turnbuckle. Randy
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Thanks Bryan, Kev and Randy.
Kevin, the wrench is in the tool box on the previous page.. ha
Randy, I didnt weather the ends of the boards, infact I sanded them smooth with the ends of the tank. The top will be covered by the roof.
The bottom would not have any rot or splits as it is a water tank and would leak. It is sanded to fit flush on the decking.
The two boards you see must be natural ends of the strip wood pieces that I missed.
Thanks.
Jerry
November 2022
Great details by Brett. An a “MASTER” putting them all together!!
Jerry
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks Jerry.
The shingles are actually much greyer, more like the top of the tank sides.
I had my ‘yellow’ lights on.
Next steps are back to the diorama base.
kebmo
November 2022
you make it look so easy…
Karl.A
November 2022
Just following the instructions my friend.
KKarns
November 2022
Most excellent!
Jim M
November 2022
That looks great.
randyp
November 2022
Really nice Karl. I like the color. Randy
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Thanks Ken, Jim and Randy, really good to read your comments.
A quick ‘mock-up’ of the ‘parts’ just propped together so far and where I am at,
most not glued together or finished yet, but, just to see where I am as I’m not in the mood to model tonight.
It’s still nice to look at though…
Jerry
November 2022
EXCELLENT!
Jerry
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks my friend.
kebmo
November 2022
all this work done, and it’s only been 5 or 6 weeks. man, you’re like greased lightning on these builds, and they always turn out so great. i am in awe
EmeryJ
November 2022
Really shaping up Karl. Thanks for taking the time to share all the wonderful pictures. It sure does help seeing these to go along with the manual. Invaluable to newer modelers like myself. Greatly appreciated sir.
TomMich
November 2022
Looking GOOD!
Joel
November 2022
Wow! great work. I love the turnbuckle detail and the subtle accumulation of dirt and rust around them.
KKarns
November 2022
Really coming together. That last pic is the money shot! The wood on that tank is just beautiful, lighter on top a bit darker on bottom with a subtile transition…perfect.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Thanks for the great input and comments Kevin, Emery, Tom, Joel and Ken.
Not much progress over the last couple of days due to working on other ‘side projects’.
However, I installed the walk boards infront of the structures and also the step put infront of the pump house door.
I also put the inside rails down in the ‘car bay’.
As you can see I also put most of the "hand-car’ together, it’s sitting to the side with the epoxy setting in some of the pics.
I think the extra ‘elevations’ Brett added into the simple walk boards add a lot of dimensionality into the scene and give it interest.
I also grained, stained, cut and then weathered the shingles for the main roof.
I’ll work on applying those to the main roof tomorrow.
Thanks for checking in…
Karl.A
November 2022
KKarns said:
… Love that view above of the jacket and the cans on top of the shelf unit. Beautifully done.
Thanks Ken, instead of having the jacket ‘central’ on the side of the shelf unit, I moved it over to the left so that the jacket casting overhangs/protrudes the side of the cabinet.
This gives the effect that it is a separate item from the cabinet, it also gives an extra 3Dimensional aspect to the scene as a whole.
It’s a very subtle difference, but one that I think adds an additional subliminal effect to the overall look.
It’s always the small things.
Wes
November 2022
Beautiful Karl. The door slightly open into the stone structure is always a nice little detail.
randyp
November 2022
Karl, I went back and looked at the jacket. Very nice subtle detail. These color pictures really help me when I am doing my own work. Thanks Randy
Joel
November 2022
Just fantastic work, as always. getting to the really exciting bit.
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks for the replies and support Wes, randy and Joel, great to see the feedback.
Last night I got the basic shingles applied to the main roof,
music turned up, shingles glued down…
This is just the main shingles, tonight I’m getting motivated to finish off the edges and hatch openings, also maybe the cap.
Jim M
November 2022
Beautiful job on the shingles. Very realistic
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks so much Jim. Really appreciated.
Mountaingoat
November 2022
Great variation in the shingles. Your modeling is incredible…Rick
MuddyCreekRR
November 2022
The shingles look really good…like the variation of tones…
brownbr
November 2022
Nice warm tones on the shingles.
The hand seems to have been used in an inappropriate way by a lineside worker…to pop wheelies!
EmeryJ
November 2022
Good lookin shingles boss.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Thanks Rick, Art, Bryan and Emery,
I like the slightly warmer grey colour, slightly more aged, to go above the walls, I need to blend them a little but I’m liking this first step so far.
Thanks again.
glandesjr
November 2022
I’'m only gone for a week for work and when i come back you have practically completed the entire model. What an awesome undertaking, Karl. It looks superb. I can only echo what others have already said. Master doesn’t even come close to the work. Man it looks great. Thanks for sharing Karl. I’ve learned a lot from you and I thank you for that.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited September 2023
Thanks Grant for those very kind words and it’s great for me to read that you have been enjoying my posts.
We all learn a lot from each other and it’s always rewarding to hear back from the readers who are following along, so, thank you for your comment.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Well, Brett keeps teasing me with these wonderful details. Following the manual pages and
I just finished up this small scene and I was in detailing mode … then …
I turned the manual page and it’s back to graining and staining… so, it’s time to build the railings for the tank platform.
KKarns
November 2022
Nice start to the detail work. So many wonderful details, love the double sash window and propane tank.
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks Ken, the bar has definitely been raised with this kit, some amazing progressions in the exquisite details and quite a few new technique updates too !!! SWSM never stands still and keeps on moving forwards.
I got the tank railing built, so, next in the manual is gluing down the main components…
First is to notch out the tank platform so that the handrail can be attached correctly, and then epoxy it to the stone walls.
While the platform is drying the end gable is glued into place onto the shed walls…
Now that the gable is in place I’m just about ready to glue the shed down to the decking and the platform… just testing the placement right now and making sure things are square and line up correctly.
Next up is the interior detailing… once the glue is dry on the walls.
brownbr
November 2022
Base of the stone wall looks great with the details added.
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks Bryan, I added some shadowing to the wall/floor before placing the details, and then a slightly different tone around them once they were placed, just to blend things together.
MuddyCreekRR
November 2022
Great progress Karl…great to see it come together, all the coloration looks spot on, looking used but not abused. I need to spend some time getting the walls detailed so I get to this point…you’re using grout for the soil base it appears ?
Karl.A
November 2022 edited December 2022
Thanks Art,
“worn but still working” just like me.
Yes, my usual grout base mix as always.
Mountaingoat
November 2022
Continued awesome modeling. I hope to see a revised HO version with all the new updates…Rick
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks so much Rick, always great to have you along for the ride with me.
Jerry
November 2022
Beautiful detailing!!
Jerry
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Thanks Jerry, hope you enjoyed your day.
CarlLaskey
November 2022
Karl.
This is the best work that you have shown us and a pleasure to see. …Carl…
TomMich
November 2022
Very nice Karl! Seeing some details being added is where the fun begins! I know you have mentioned in a previous post about shadowing beneath the details, it really adds a lot to the scene here.
Joel
November 2022
Karl it really looks like a fantastic kit and you are doing a fantastic job. I love the mini scene along the stone wall, so realistic.
glandesjr
November 2022
Hey Karl, How about lights? Any thought to that? Just wondering. I usually use lights on all my Sierra West models but they are not always the easiest to place and run the wires.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Carl, thanks so much for the high compliment. Thanks Tom, I like the depth, reality and blending it gives to the finished model.
Thanks so much Joel, indeed a fantastic kit, the wonderful scene is direct from the manual, as is everything else, it always amazes me what can be accomplished by just ‘following the instructions’.
George I have the plan and prep done for the lights, that process may be added/shown at the end of the thread as an ‘extra’.
For now, I’m ‘step by step’ with the manual and showing how following those steps yield amazing results for everyone.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
I still have a few more details to add to the inside, such as the stove, hand-truck and some others on the walkway. Hopefully more progress tomorrow.
Jim M
November 2022
Fantastic pictures. This is really a beautiful diorama.
Mountaingoat
November 2022
Looks like you figured it out though. Awesome pics of an awesome model. This is getting better and better as you approach the finish…Rick
KKarns
November 2022
Powerful modeling Karl, has your signature style! All those details that come in a kit that size…nobody else comes close. Details are amazing and all tailored for each scene and well thought out.
brownbr
November 2022
So many great mini-scenes to take in. For me, the details that stands out as adding to the realism the most are the empty glass jars.
glandesjr
November 2022
Now remember Karl, it’s better to be pissed off than pissed on. Trust me, I know LOL. I have a Nikon D850 and it is quite a beast of a camera, but man it takes great pics, so once you get the hang of your setup, you’ll be the KING of photos. Take care.
kebmo
November 2022
KKarns said:
Powerful modeling Karl, has your signature style! All those details that come in a kit that size…nobody else comes close. Details are amazing and all tailored for each scene and well thought out.
nobody. else. comes. close.
nobody.
MuddyCreekRR
November 2022
I have 3 expensive camera’s…and my Samsung phone takes the best photos…lighting is my issue…
Jeroen
November 2022
Beautiful. Enough to leave a man speechless. Of course the goodies Brett puts in the box are a thing of beauty but getting the best out of them is art. One you have mastered without a doubt. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy watching this come together. I hope mine arrives soon!
TomMich
November 2022
Karl, the photos turned out just fine. No need to fuss with those other toys. I love looking at your photos. Every time I look I see something else that’s great.
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks so much guys, great to read all the comments, I’m really enjoying this build.
I made a little progress this evening on the rear corner and I’m really happy with the result so far.
Now I just need to decide which way to go next… right to the oil scene, or, left to the scrap pile…
But, that’s for tomorrow, right now I need food.
Robert.G
November 2022
Karl, this is another amazing kit you bring to life. Fantastic details, ( one would buy the kit only for the awesome details in it ).. equal weathering and scene composition. And I am blown away with the speed you achieve all of this !!
Perhaps, is this more a question for Brett and feel free to place this in another category.
If this is modeled after a real water tank, I’d like to see a photo of this, if it exists..
Besides the fact that you’ve made a super master of the stonework, I can’t get rid of the idea that it makes me think of the entrance of a medieval dungeon…
I also wonder what the purpose is of that short piece of rail inside. It doesn’t have a connection with the main rails, so how does a small wagon, or whatever needs to be repaired gets from one to another.. Even when small, it must weigh to much to carry it.
Anyway, great work Karl..love it !!!
Joel
November 2022
Have to agree with Jeroen. Just fantastic scenes, one after another. I hope you are lighting the interior as it would be a shame to miss all this
MuddyCreekRR
November 2022 edited November 2022
Robert, a lot of the old hand cars had a wooden frame work…if you look at the ends…you can see the cut-outs that almost look like wheel barrow handles. 4 stout men could move one. I saw a real handcar shed in Pa. once that had a wee turntable to access the tracks…history documents it caused more issues than it was worth…The stone building was meant to hold up the weight, and provide insulation to the pumps that may be present to pump the water up into the tank. In the north east such as up in Maine, a lot of the water tanks are fully enclosed in wood and well insulated…
MuddyCreekRR
November 2022
Karl, it’s looking so good, I’m bummed I am not as far along as you…time is not my friend right now…the weeds look so good in with the clutter…
Karl.A
November 2022 edited January 2023
Thanks Robert and Art, great to read you both.
I decided tonight to go to the ‘oil scene’.
In order to complete that, I needed to get out even more details from Box2 that were still unopened and unfinished.
I just finished those two up ready for the next steps. I really love the raised lettering on the crate, amazing detail and so crisp/defined.
The details required out of the selection in box ‘two’ are the “Oil Tank on Stand” and the “Oil Bottle Crate”
More later…
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Time to eat and let the glue dry…
I might add the bottles, small details and final weathering after food, maybe…
brownbr
November 2022
Excellent!
Joel
November 2022
What a great scene. That Mobil crate is fantastic!
ALCOALCO
November 2022
Raised lettering?! I thought you had added that…
TomMich
November 2022
Great Scenes! The fun really begins with adding details, and yours are GREAT! Lots of little scenes.
KKarns
November 2022
Wonderful detail work. Crate detail is mind numbing!
Karl.A
November 2022
Thanks guys, really appreciate the replies.
I figured quite a few of you would really like to see that awesome crate from Brett. That scene is about half done.
I’m going to chill out for an hour and watch a show, then after that I’ll get back to this side view and then work my way around the corner.
Well, that’s the plan as long as the tornadoes don’t take my power out, modelling by candlelight ain’t happening.
Updates later…
randyp
November 2022
Karl I like the oil bottle on the window ledge. Nice color on the shingles. Randy
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Thanks Randy, I copied that bottle placement from the manual and pictures on the site from Brett’s model.
There’s going to be a lot more oil bottles lying around, especially in this scene. I’m going to add the bottles, hand tools, rags, etc later.
I tried to get a better pic of the lettering on the crate, but, it’s installed, it’s tiny, my painting isn’t perfect and, its tricky to get a focused shot of the minute lettering.
(Did you notice the screw threads inside the open gas can lid lip, awesome stuff…)
Anyway, I did some more work on this side and the basics are now done.
Now it’s time to turn the corner to start the next scene.
randyp
November 2022 edited November 2022
Karl, It looks great. That oil crate is beautiful. I hope I can get mine to look half as good. Randy
Mountaingoat
November 2022
Exceptional as always Karl. Love how this is coming together. Hard to believe there is more detail to come…Rick
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Thanks Randy, it’s an amazing detail, I have faith in you… Thanks Rick, I’m loving it too.
Bottles. hand tools and final ‘finesse’ remains to be done in this area, I like to leave that until the very end.
I didn’t get as much done as I had hoped for, but, I’m hungry, so, it’s a good stopping point for tonight.
More tomorrow.
MuddyCreekRR
November 2022
Great progress…looking great…I was in the shop for 15 minutes last night…but the FD got busy…down in the shop again…slow progress…
kebmo
November 2022
y ou’re doing a bangup job on a fantastic kit. this looks beautiful!!!
Robert.G
November 2022
The composition of the oil drum scene is just great, just right !! Like you said, AWESOME details… The rest looks pretty amazing too …
brownbr
November 2022
Fantastic work. I love the new details and how you laid them out.
admin
November 2022
What incredible progress, everything looks so amazing. Weathering and coloring is so natural and well executed. Enjoying watching this come together with all the detailed scenes coming to life.
Jeroen
November 2022
Breathtaking stuff. I already liked the painting of the structure but you paintwork on all this smaller details is just the cream on the pudding. Such great details, such refind paintwork. Part of me wants to see this finished, the bigger part of me is enjoying the process of creating this. Awesome work Karl. On a sidenote - is there a short description somewhere on how you do your groundwork? That’s an area I definitely can improve and all help and suggestions are welcome. Keep up the cool work!
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Thanks for all the great feedback Art, Kev, Robert, Bryan, Brett and Jeroen.
Composition and detail placement is all copied exactly from the manual, so the credit all goes to Brett for that.
Here you go Jeroen…
Go to the thread entitled “Dirt, Detail & Dioramas…Karl.A”
Any questions just ask in that thread.
Jeroen
November 2022
Thanks Karl, much obliged!
sdrees
November 2022
Hey Karl, your work contues to amaze me. WOW!!!
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Thanks so much for that Steve, really appreciated and rewarding to read.
KKarns
November 2022
That kit just ooozes details! Top shelf modeling Karl.
Joel
November 2022
Karl this is my favourite part of any kit and you are killing it. You might be copying the scene from a master but you are doing it incredibly well. Inspiring modelling for sure, thank you.
Karl.A
November 2022 edited November 2022
Thanks Ken and Joel, great to hear from you both and read your support.
There won’t be any progress on this tonight, I need to clean the kitchen and then take the Porsche for a cruise along the California coastal highway…
Maybe more progress tomorrow…
mikemettelka
November 2022
Karl… you live in California?
Karl.A
December 2022
I’m in Mississippi Mike, it was a driving sim joke… it was funny in my head… ha
TomMich
December 2022
STUNNING!
Karl.A
December 2022 edited December 2022
Thanks so much Tom, that’s certainly a high and appreciated compliment.
I’ve been busy at work the last few days and other things on my mind so no real progress to show on the build.
However, I did realise that although I had the handcar in the back of a few previous pics I never really gave it the viewing it deserves.
It’s an amazing piece and pretty much falls together, and of course, it’s a focal point of the whole dioramic scene.
So, here are are a few older pics of it ‘in progress’ to show a few angles, it’s not finished yet but getting close. I’ll finish it off once it gets installed.
I’m really looking forward to giving it the final touches.
Jerry
December 2022
Very nice indeed!!
Jerry
Mountaingoat
December 2022
Unmatched level of detail. Kudos to both you and Brett…Rick
MuddyCreekRR
December 2022
Love the boards…coloring looks spot on…
Jim M
December 2022
So cool
sdrees
December 2022
That car is really cool Karl.
kebmo
December 2022
that is cool as hell…
KKarns
December 2022
wonderful detail!
TomMich
December 2022
Very Nice!
mikemettelka
December 2022
Bummer I was gonna say if you were in the so cal area we could meet up maybe.
Karl.A
December 2022
Thanks for the great comments guys, it’s a wonderful piece that really brings the whole scene together.
I started on the scrap wood scene but decided I had so much stuff on the bench I needed a quick tidy up before moving forwards as I was spending more time looking for things than anything else.
So, here’s a quick look around the dio and where I am up to as of now. The main roof is also done, but I left it off for now.
As highly detailed as it already is there are still plenty of details to be used before I’m finished. I consolidated most of them onto fewer sticks and there are also a few more still to do…
So that’s where I’m at, more as it happens.
Mike, driving that coastal road is on my list ‘to do’ one day in real life, I’ll let you know when that happens.
ALCOALCO
December 2022
The drainage pipe surely will eventually show some water flowing, right? I mean, an empty, dry pipe? LOL
Joel
December 2022
I can’t believe there are that many detail parts left to add. Surely most other kits offered don’t even have this many parts in the entire box.
Love your work and looking forward to seeing the placement of these final gems.
TomMich
December 2022
Love your detail work!
KKarns
December 2022
Superb craftsmanship in all respects! Beautiful piece to study and soak in all the wonderful details.
randyp
December 2022
So many paret and so little space. Great work Karl. I see you have nail holes in the hand car boards a nice touch. Randy
Karl.A
December 2022 edited December 2022
Later Alan, I’m still working on the early stages…
Thanks so much Joel, Tom, Ken and Randy… we all know by now that Brett never skimps on details or quality, but this one is next level, appreciate the comments on my work of these masterpieces.
randyp said:
I see you have nail holes in the hand car boards a nice touch. Randy
Thanks Randy, I think it adds an effect to the overall feel.
On the hand car I used something a little bigger than my usual for nail heads, to represent carriage bolt heads as the boards are bolted down to a metal frame.
I did however add smaller nail heads/holes to all of the pallets…
Dang, those pallet close ups are ‘super’ close… it does look like I missed a board end though… haha … oh well.
Also on the sawhorses though they are harder to see as they are weathered heavier…
Not forgetting the pile of old ties.
Because they are old ties I added the rust marks where the rails had been removed, the oil down the middle of the ties from when they were in use. I also added in the holes where the spikes would have been.
When you look for it I think it all makes a subtle but effective difference to the overall scene and effect.
Because Brett’s kits are always so far above any other in quality, I always like to put in that extra step and effort to try and do them justice.
KiwiMal
December 2022
Fantastic modelling. The colour tones are 1st rate. I have very much enjoyed reading all your posts and the encouraging & knowledgeable comments.
regards
Malcolm
Karl.A
December 2022
Thanks so much for your comments Malcom, great to read you are enjoying the thread. It’s always a motivation to hear from the readers and know that they are enjoying what I post.
MuddyCreekRR
December 2022
Karl…you are setting the bar high as usual…I’m going to school on what you are doing…getting some good ideas on coloration and tones…just moving along slowly…
Karl.A
December 2022
Thanks so much Art, glad you’re getting some ideas.
As long as we’re moving along that’s all that matters.
Robert.G
December 2022
I can’t get over the quality of those new printed details. The empty boxes, crates, look so much better with the right thickness of the planks. Great scenes on your diorama Karl. Nice work… Again
Jeroen
December 2022 edited December 2022
I have fallen in love. What a kit. And the way you are building it up Karl… it leaves me speechless. This is so very inspiring, and it brings back that true feeling of what modelling is. I bow my head Sir for what you are achieving and showing us here. Magnificent!
kebmo
December 2022
all the superlatives apply. what a fantastic job on an equally fantastic kit that i have to find a way to add to my stash somehow…
KKarns
December 2022
“clutter” scenes at its finest.
brownbr
December 2022
Excellent attention to detail. I noticed what appears to be a custom lid to one of the bins/boxes up against the wall. Nice touch.
Karl.A
December 2022
Thanks for all the great comments everyone really appreciated.
Thanks Bryan, well spotted, indeed the lid for the toolbox is made from strip wood and added as per the manual.
TomMich
December 2022
Really enjoy the close up pics of your detail work. They are inspiring and full of great ideas. I agree the quality of SW kits does inspire one to make the extra effort to create the best model possible.
KKarns
December 2022
What a great shot. That box is crazy good.
Karl.A
December 2022
Thanks so much Tom and Ken, great to hear from you.
I got the first basic detail layer down on the last side of the structure and I’m really happy with how everything has come out this far.
I’ve followed the manual to the letter and everything has been perfect.
I added a puddle of rain water into the flat tire and then a weed growing in the water.
You can’t stop mother nature, she’ll always come back and take over.
I’m about ready to go back around and start adding all the smaller details,
that can wait until tomorrow.
sdrees
December 2022
Karl, you have done it again. Your details are very well thought out, and you say your not done yet. WOW, !!!
Joel
December 2022
Just amazing. As always but still…incredible work.
Karl.A
December 2022 edited December 2022
Thanks so much Steve and Joel.
I added a few more details while I still had a little puddle of wet glue on my desk, waste not, want not…
Placed the old tire,
but looking at that pic now that I’ve posted it I’ll need to adjust/rework it, I dont like it.
Placed the barrels around the front ‘porch’ …
Added some sawdust and ‘offcuts’ on the ground around the saw horses for the decking scene …
Well, my glue puddle is gone,
more tomorrow.
Karl.A
December 2022 edited December 2022
ALCO said:
The drainage pipe surely will eventually show some water flowing, right? I mean, an empty, dry pipe? LOL
I hope the guy in the pump house shuts the pump down sometime soon,
If he keeps on running it 24/7 that overflow pipe is going to flood my work bench…
Hopefully it will clear up some more overnight, but, I’m not sitting here any longer waiting for it to happen. If it does I’ll take another pic tomorrow.
randyp
December 2022
Karl the overflow pipe is a very nice detail to add to all the other details. How did you do the water? I agree the tire does not look like it is IN the scene. Great work. Randy
MuddyCreekRR
December 2022
You’re in the home stretch…Looking fantastic
brownbr
December 2022
I like the idea of the overflow pipe. It makes the diorama spill out of it’s base…literally.
Fun detail with the water in the tire. Look out for skeeters.
ALCOALCO
December 2022
Thanks for the running water, Karl! Now you need scale buckets to bail yourself out!
MuddyCreekRR
December 2022
what are you using for the water?
mikemettelka
December 2022 edited December 2022
I saw a tutorial somewhere (youtube, don’t remember who did it), where they used a hot glue gun to make water coming out of a drain pipe similar to this. Looked pretty convincing on the video. Your mileage may vary, and I have not tried this myself yet.
Karl.A
December 2022 edited December 2022
Possibly Luke Towan, he does some great water effects and scenery effects. Also a great modeller all around and a vibrant youtube channel with many thousands of followers and great tips.
Hot glue is good for large areas and waterfalls. but doesnt dry clear and is hard to control in small, specific scenes.
mikemettelka
December 2022
It might have been that Jason Jensen guy. I’ve been binge watching a lot of random builds lately as I’m getting close to getting back on the bench.
CarlLaskey
December 2022
Karl how a bit of rust in that water…
Jerry
December 2022
I did however add smaller nail heads/holes to all of the pallets…
What are you using to make the nail holes?
Jerry
Karl.A
December 2022 edited December 2022
Maybe next time Carl, too late for this one.
A sharp sewing needle in a small pin vise Jerry.
AlexR
December 2022 edited December 2022
Karl, this is a great idea. I dont think i ever woulda thought of that…
Thanks!
Karl.A
December 2022
Well, I havent made any progress for the last few days due to being busy at work, and, a couple of other projects I’m working on.
But I sat down at the desk and just looked at where my next steps were going to be,
so, I thought I’d share my view…
I should be able to get back to more progress tomorrow, or the next day, hopefully…
admin
December 2022
Great update Karl. Love the color/weathering. Everything looks so good. Mighty fine work there.
Jim M
December 2022
This dio is so cool. All the details are incredible and you are doing a fantastic job. So much to see in a small space.
MuddyCreekRR
December 2022
Looking great Karl…you’re nearing the finish point…loving how it’s all coming together. You are influncing a lot of my decisions…I’m building up to the point I need to decide how to keep all the details in view since the rear of the structure will be only visible from the sides…I have an idea…counting on you and everyone here to throw in your 2 cents…I will lay it out on my thread by the weekend…once to glue goes down its down…again…Very Nice Work my Friend…
EmeryJ
December 2022
Great update Karl. This is really looking good sir. Parts for days scattered around! Love it.
Karl.A
December 2022
Thanks for the comments everyone, much appreciated.
I look forward to seeing what you have in mind Art.
KKarns
December 2022
Splendid work Karl, everything is coming together in splendid fashion. The clutter scenes are wonderfully done!
Karl.A
December 2022 edited December 2022
Thanks Ken, I think I’ll do the tank spout and hardware next.
Well, it’s the next step in the manual so that’s what is coming up.
KKarns
December 2022
That’s always a nice detail, adds a bit of delicacy!
AlexR
December 2022
Karl, thanks for all of the closup’s of the extra’s. it really adds a lot of depth and ideas for others.
TomMich
December 2022
Awesome! Love all the details and how you have incorporated them.
Jeroen
December 2022
There is so much to look at. All those different items so superbly tied together with muted colors and the groundwork… awesome stuff!
Karl.A
December 2022 edited December 2022
Thanks for the comments Ken, Alex, Tom and Jeroen.
You just can’t go wrong if you follow Brett’s lead/instructions ‘step by step’… it’s a fantastic kit and experience to build it.
Joel
December 2022
Just fantastic Karl. I will check out the other builds but in the end I hope to try and copy your work. The little scenes are so perfectly done. Just something to aim for,
Karl.A
December 2022
Thanks so much Joel, always great to hear from you my friend and also to read your esteemed comments.
Robert.G
December 2022
As always, great work. When one looks closer and dives into the 'micro ’ scenes, there is always something to discover. Like the concrete bricks which prevent the handcar from moving on the rails whilst it is worked on. Nice touch !!
brownbr
December 2022
Looks Great Karl.
randyp
December 2022
Great work Karl. The over all feel of the dio is a well used structure and the accumulated detritus around it. Nice gray dusty color. Randy
Karl.A
December 2022 edited December 2022
Thanks so much for the replies and comments Robert, Bryan and Randy. Indeed Robert, it is the small nuances that make a big difference, I copied Bretts pilot model (the best I could) and the manual for all of the scenes and placements, including the cinder block ‘stays’ under the handcar wheels.
It’s this attention to the smallest details that puts SierraWest above the rest.
Talking of details, I’m also sharing this build elsewhere and Rick asked me…
[QUOTE=Rick] Have enough details yet? [/QUOTE]
So I answered…
“”" Thanks Rick, ummm, not yet,
there are still plenty in the kit to be added…
There’s still about 25-30 main details to go, barrels, crates, junk parts, jars etc to be installed,
Also the 20-30 ‘glass’ bottles I haven’t used yet to fill up the scenes,
After that there are still the 15-25 hand tools such as wrenches, hammers, saws etc to finish off the scenes.
And that’s not including all the amazing details I’m about to add to the tank…
As always, Brett at SierraWest never skimps on the quality and quantity of the details provided to make a complete diorama. “”"
But my next update will be on installing the tank spout and hardware.
Karl.A
December 2022 edited December 2022
So, for the tank hardware a support is built following the provided templates and simple instructions. There are many accurate and perfect details also provided to complete this step.
Now this is completed the ‘install’ is the next step.
Karl.A
December 2022
Chains, spout and frame installed onto the tank. Nothing is weathered yet and I still need to adjust the chains length and add the weights, but,
that happens in the next manual paragraph after the glue is good and cured… so time to wait.
More tomorrow…
Karl.A
December 2022
A couple of random shots while I wait for glue to dry,
Just because…
Joel
December 2022
looks fantastic. Love that interior shot.
Karl.A
December 2022
Thanks Joel, really appreciate that.
CarlLaskey
December 2022
Karl.
Everything is just as it should be very nice work. …Carl…
brownbr
December 2022
All the mini scenes are making a great overall composition
Jim M
December 2022
Everything about this project is absolutely incredible.
kebmo
December 2022
it sure is. i really want to find a way to get this kit on my shelf.
CarlRowe
December 2022
kebmo said:
it sure is. i really want to find a way to get this kit on my shelf.
Yep
Jerry
December 2022
Fantastic!!
Jerry
EmeryJ
December 2022
More excellent progress. Thanks Karl!
TomMich
December 2022
Awesome!
admin
December 2022
wow, great update, tank looks so good.
Karl.A
December 2022 edited December 2022
Thanks so much everyone for the great responses, really good to read.
I’m down to the last couple of pages in the manual so I’m getting close, then I’ll go back and finish the last couple of things I skipped over so that I would have better visibility for the build pics to share, such as …
Put on the finished main roof, add in the stove and dolly to the interior, and of course add in all of the smaller details to finish the scenes off.
Thanks again,
MuddyCreekRR
December 2022
The Corona makes yet another appearance…I’m in the shop all day tomorrow…keep and eye out for the idea on the repair area in a different location…Bryan gave me an idea…
KKarns
December 2022
Spout details just make it! Beautiful.
Mountaingoat
December 2022
I’m gone for a week and come back to this. Great progress and fantastic modeling. WOW!..Rick
Karl.A
December 2022
Thanks so much for the replies Art, Ken and Rick, great to hear from you all and much appreciated.
Hopefully an update over the next few days.
MuddyCreekRR
December 2022
I have a few hours in tonight…and the progress is slow…
Jeroen
December 2022
So… yeah… I’m kinda speechless. The quality of your paintwork and finishes are breathtaking and I still find it difficult to comprehend how much detail Brett managed to cram into a kit so small. Mine seems to have arrived in the Netherlands so with a bit of luck I can pick it up over the next couple of days. Time to have a look at this little wonder in the flesh…
Jerry
January 2023
Karl.A said:
Hopefully an update over the next few days.
Boy time flies when you’re waiting for an update!
It’s already January 2023!!
I guess there should be a smiley there.
Jerry
Karl.A
March 2023 edited March 2023
Thanks so much for your kind and appreciated words Jeroen. I hope to see and enjoy following your version soon.
There’s alot going on here right now Jerry, but…
Here’s a small update for you my friend,
Today I added in the empty and full oil bottles to the “refill” scene. Which fills it out nicely, maybe a couple of rags and a wrench and then this scene is done.
I love that pic above, but, I’m going to throw this second one in anyway, even though it’s kind of ‘contrasty’.
I also made the door for the front of the structure and am currently re-sorting out the wood to build the roof hatches and the ladder.
Thanks for checking in,
Karl. A
(Damn, I need to add some nails to that pallet, I cant believe I missed that obvious detail, after all, I did it on all the other pallets, slacker, ha. )
mikemettelka
March 2023
What a great update!
Jerry
March 2023
Thanks for the update my friend!!
Jerry
Joel
March 2023
Great little scene, so much to take in.
admin
March 2023
Wonderful! So much to take in here…
KKarns
March 2023
It’s amazing how long it takes to create a beautiful clutter scene like that! Love the oil bottles…
kebmo
March 2023
it looks excellent (i really wanna get this kit). i just have one question: where are the spider webs?
TomMich
March 2023
Love all the details! I especially like the empty bottle in the leaning box. It seems so natural.
MuddyCreekRR
March 2023
Love the tones and coloration…the weathering is just right…the details are what makes the scene…
Karl.A
March 2023
Thanks for the kind words everyone. It’s a great little scene to work on.
I got the main roof finished and a few other things, some pics later tonight.
randyp
March 2023
Karl, as usual every things looks great. Randy
Karl.A
March 2023 edited March 2023
Thanks so much Randy, I dont seem to be finding much time to work on it right now due to ‘real world’, but,
I 'm getting real close and hopefully will get it complete in the next few days.
After work today I got the railings finished, installed the roof hatches and barrels and also repaired and installed the windows.
Hopefully tomorrow after work I’ll get the two front doors installed and add the remaining details to the water tank itself.
There’s only a few things left to do after that.
kebmo said:
it looks excellent (i really wanna get this kit). i just have one question: where are the spider webs?
I looked through the manual twice Kev and it doesn’t mention spider webs so I won’t be adding any this time.
I’m doing this build exactly as described in the manual and following every step to the letter. Hopefully that will show what anyone can do by just following Brett’s outstanding instructions.
Thanks to everyone for following along and all of the support.
brownbr
March 2023
Masterpiece in the making right here.
admin
March 2023
Superbly modeled!
Jeroen
March 2023
This is so good. The colors are just breathtaking. If I start mine this really is something to aspire to. It really sets the bar Karl!
Joel
March 2023
Stunning work. Looking forward to some more close up photos.
Jim M
March 2023
Really looks great Karl. Nicely done
TomMich
March 2023
Amazing work, even without the spider webs!
Jerry
March 2023 100.8.36.203
Well you’ve outdone yourself my friend!! One of the best yet on this forum!!
Jerry
Robert.G
March 2023
Awesome work my friend.
Karl.A
March 2023
Thanks so much everybody, I really appreciate the replies.
I’m still trying to find the last few hours to finish off this amazing kit.
kebmo
March 2023 edited March 2023
i just pulled the trigger for this baby, and i think it’s going to the head of the line!
vietnamseabee
March 2023
Awesome build Karl….well done
Terry
Karl.A
March 2023
Finally Kev… haha, you are going to love it.
Thanks Terry.
KKarns
April 2023
Outstanding!
Kevin L
April 2023
Wow
Karl.A
April 2023
Thanks Ken and Kevin, great to read you both.
sdrees
April 2023
Well Karl, you are doing it again. what a fantastic creation.
JenS
April 2023
This whole composition is a pleasure. Great work Karl.
Jens
Karl.A
April 2023 edited April 2023
Thanks so much Steve and Jen,
This build has been amazing to work through for me, the level of the SierraWest kits just keeps getting better and better, hard to imagine, but true.
As with all SW kits, when you think you are getting close to the finish you realize that there are still another 40 or so details left to do and place.
So today I got those details finished up, unfortunately I did a few “tweezer flicks” so, there are a few of the included hand tools missing from these pics, I’ll find them when I clear my desk up.
Next thing to do was glue the doors on that I built last week, they should be good and dry by now… haha
Once the doors were ‘signed’ and installed I placed the removeable roof on for a ‘look-see’ to see how amazing it all looked.
I then started going around the diorama and adding in the last details I’d just finished, some scraps of wood to fill in the scenes and the small hand tools.
I’ll go back and add rags, I just couldnt find any ‘tissue paper’ to use today.
I also added the final details to the water tank itself, the fill pipe (still without it’s valve handle) the water level gauge and the weights to the chains.
And then just kept going around scene by scene adding some of the final details.
I think all I have left to do is, rags, the ladder, and to finish the track work off.
So, so close…
Jim M
April 2023
Really looks amazing. What a great job on a great kit.
brownbr
April 2023
Everything looks so natural.
I will say I enjoy the level of detail in the printed hand tools but I did miss having metal ones such as hammers and wrenches.
admin
April 2023
Outstanding. Love the finishing details so much.
So those little metal tools I have included in my O Scale kits for years are great but if I charged what it cost me to produce them they would be about $2 each. So much time involved due to the low yield!
Jeroen
April 2023 edited April 2023
Absolutely brilliant. The layout of all those details, the painting and weathering, the colors… it just blends in so perfectly and still has this richness. This is art. Real art. I so much would like to see that I the flesh.
TomMich
April 2023 edited April 2023
Great work! I love all the details and yours look so natural. Each time I look at the photos I see more detail work.
kebmo
April 2023
that’s an amazing build of an amazing kit.
MuddyCreekRR
April 2023
Looking really good Karl…I’m trying to get back in gear…trying…
Kevin L
April 2023
Just love your work it is brilliant.
Karl.A
April 2023 edited April 2023
Thanks so much guys, Jim, Bryan, Brett, Jeroen, Tom, Kevin, Art and Kevin, great to hear from you all and for all of the positive and supportive comments, and everyone else who has joined in the thread.
I just got this beauty and amazing kit over the finish line to completion.
Hopefully tomorrow the weather will be good enough for me to take some ‘finished pics’ outside.
Karl.A
April 2023 edited July 2023
Last update, before the finals tomorrow.
I made 100 spikes, (I know, it doesn’t look like it, but, that’s 100 right there.)
I then blackened the newly made spikes and also the rail.
The rails were epoxied to the ties and the spikes patiently waited for 20 mins to be installed.
Once the rails and spikes were inplace I blended the track into the scene.
I put more oil spills and such on the track in front of the tank structure itself as I figure that’s where the loco will be stationary and spend the most time and faded it out in both directions.
Thanks for following and all the comments along the way.
(yeah, I’ll glue that door back on I knocked off, before I take the final pics tomorrow. ha.)
(i also just noticed one of the spikes is side ways, I’ll fix that too. Pics never lie and show up so many things to be done.)
Xodar
April 2023
Wonderful work on this kit. Gives me something to aspire to as I work through Foss Landing and the Shipyard. Your log will be most helpful when I get to scenery and layour of all the “junk” ad barrels.
Jeff
Joel
April 2023
Jaw dropping and at the same time up to your usual high standards. Such a treat to watch.
Karl.A
April 2023
Thanks so much Jeff and Joel, very satisfying to read you both.
I went outside for some finished pics, I’m not real thrilled with the ‘overall view’ shots of the diorama/structure but I didn’t have much time with the lighting and setup.
I am happy with how some of the close ups came out.
So, here we go…
Karl.A
April 2023
Karl.A
April 2023 edited April 2023
Such an amazing kit, lots of new details, new techniques and just plain greatness to enjoy.
Congrats to Brett on producing yet another masterpiece of a kit that once again takes modeling to another level.
admin
April 2023
S U P E R B !
Jim M
April 2023
Holy crap, this is awesome. Great job Karl, it looks fantastic.
dick52
April 2023
Stunning!
Robert.G
April 2023
So well done Karl. Nothing better than photos in real daylight. It is indeed a fantastic kit with great details. Question for Brett: is this building after an existing model?
kebmo
April 2023
that turned out spectacular and i can’t wait to get mine. it’s going right to the front of the line. it might not even make it to the shelf. from mailbox to workbench!
Joel
April 2023
Truly inspiring. Thanks for taking the time to share your incredible work.
TomMich
April 2023
Incredible! I love looking at all the details and how you have incorporated them into the scene.
Kevin L
April 2023
Wow, fantastic work Karl.
brownbr
April 2023
I love everything about it. Your builds are always inspirational.
Karl.A
April 2023 edited April 2023
Thank you all so much for your very kind words.
This is an amazing kit and I loved every minute of the build.
Lots of new techniques to keep the hobby progressing and the 3DP details are just amazing.
Another masterpiece of a kit from Brett and I cant wait to see many more builds of this kit being shared here on the forum
Thanks to you all for the comments and support throughout my build thread, that is really appreciated by me,
and it’s also appreciated by the other builders who share their work with us in the other threads.
Thanks to Brett for producing the best kits available to us.
KKarns
July 2023
Catching up on the final reveal…Whaaat…Absolutely gorgeous! Flawless execution…nuff said.
mikemettelka
July 2023
How did I miss this?!? Looks amazing
Karl.A
July 2023
Thanks so much, it’s an amazing kit and really shows what Brett has made possible.
KKarns
July 2023
You bet, beautiful work! Couldn’t agree more regarding the kit…fabulous!
TravisS
September 2023
Karl, just got finished going through this build log. Outstanding work.
vietnamseabee
September 2023
Holy Smokers….haven’t checked in for quite some time….simply amazing Karl
Terry
Karl.A
September 2023 edited September 2023
Thanks so much Ken, Travis and Terry.
Great to read that you enjoyed my final pics of this amazing kit.
I really appreciate your comments.
sdrees
September 2023 edited September 2023
Hey Karl, what wonderful project. I must have fallen asleep and missed the final outcome. You have done just the right amount of grime and not gone overboard. Your mix of colors and the way you used the grime are just right for the different material surfaces. The many little details you have used are aged very well and the placement of all the junk piles etc. is just great. You get my big WOW!!!
randyp
October 2023
Karl, Fantastic work! All the details are placed to perfection. The colors are blended so nothing overpowers the eye. I like just everything about your build. looking forward to your next one. Randy
kebmo
October 2023
what’s next on karl’s workbench?
Karl.A
November 2023 edited November 2023
Thanks so much Steve, really appreciated, everything done straight from the kit and the manual and Brett’s pictures. All of the details, placement and techniques… just cant go wrong.
Thanks so much Randy, means a lot. You and me both !
Thanks Kev, not sure at the moment, juggling several things/projects at the moment, progress as it happens my friend.
mikemettelka
November 2023
wow Karl that looks amazing!
Jerry
November 2023
Karl.A said:
Everything done straight from the kit and the manual and Brett’s pictures. All of the details, placement and techniques… just can’t go wrong.
And it doesn’t hurt to have a lot talent!! Perfect!!
Jerry
kebmo
November 2023
Jerry said:
» show previous quotes
And it doesn’t hurt to have a lot talent!! Perfect!!
Jerry
amen!
geoawelch
March 21
Karl, just reached the end (again) of this Magnum Opus build and have to thank you for the skill and artistry in transforming Brett’s instructions to life. Looking forward to receiving this from Brett and will surely use this build thread as a great accompaniment.
Karl.A
March 21 edited March 21
Thanks so much George, great to read that you enjoyed the thread and my work. Much appreciated.
I can’t wait to see your work on your build when it arrives, you are going to love it.