This thread was started in October, 2020
jmanugo
October 2020 edited January 17 in HO Scale Builds
Hi everyone.
I’m new around here, I just landed. I hope you are all OK.
I am from Spain and I am passionate about railway modeling.
I had never seen Brett’s wooden kits before, I came to Sierra West by chance, I really liked the O’NEILS kit. I started with the kit as soon as it arrived at my house and I have a great time building it.
It is the first time I have made something with wood and I am enjoying it.
In the photos you will see that the posters and labels are not in English, I have Spanishized it by giving the kit another name. His name is not O’Neils, his name is Balboa. Here in Spain, in the Euskadi community, there were very similar factories in the past, and I have allowed myself the license to adapt it, but only in the name, labels, and in the assembly of the wooden planks, everything else remains the same.
I have also had a little problem with understanding the language, translating concepts that can be expressed in another way in my language. My English is not very good, and with the help of the translators I am getting ahead.
Another small drawback has been to go from inches to millimeters, “I have gone crazy”. I have been meticulous not to err in choosing the wooden slats, and in some cases I have inadvertently changed the thicknesses.
A greeting.
Jose Manuel
Comments
admin
October 2020
What a beautiful model Jose, so well done. I love the warm colors and rich textures. It’s so rewarding for me to see models like this. Thank you for posting.
brownbr
October 2020
Excellent job on this kit. The colors and textures jump out to me as well.
Is there a program you are using to recreate your signs?
jmanugo
October 2020 edited October 2020
Thanks for your comment Brett.
brownbr said:
Is there a program you are using to recreate your signs?
The signs I have translated and printed on a normal printer, I have used the signs that came in the kit as a template.
I don’t know if this is what you wanted to ask me.
I forgot, after looking for the similar typeface, I edited them in Adobe Illustrator.
Greetings.
Jose Manuel
Robert.G
October 2020
Great work Jose. Nice colors. I have the modest impression that European modelers use brighter , more vivid colors the the Americans. Anyway this is a fine build. Certainly not your first… 
EmeryJ
October 2020
Welcome aboard Jose. Very nice work sir.
KCSTrains
October 2020
Bienvenidos Jose and congratulations on this excellent build of Fabricaciones Balboa!! I agree with Robert - your choice of colors is very good and really adds to the how dynamic the build appears. I will definitely look at your pictures as I build my O’Neills. Mucho gusto. Phil
jmanugo
October 2020 edited October 2020
Thank you very much for the welcome.
Yes, I will upload photos as I progress.
Greetings.
Jose Manuel
TomMich
October 2020
Very Nice! The colors and textures of the wood are really great! Your weathering is also very subtle and realistic. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to seeing more of your work.
Alan_H
October 2020
Very nice work. I hope mine turns out that well!
PainTrain
October 2020
Excellent job with the color selection and pictures.
dick52
October 2020
Fantastic build, as others have said those a great colours , certainly draws you in .
Jerry
October 2020
Super job!!!
Jerry
Dave_S
October 2020
Jose,
Thanks for sharing your build of this kit along with all the excellent photos.
I am inspired by your modeling. Could you share some additional information on the type of ink, paint and chalk that you use to get the vivid colors we see in the photos.
Just out of curiosity in your build did you use the HO (1/87th) or O-Scale (1/48th) scale kit?
In addition to your modeling being top notch your photography is as well.
jmanugo
October 2020
Thank you very much to all for your comments.
Ed, your Spanish isn’t that poor, it’s good. You can have a long conversation with any Spanish.
Dave, I hope I don’t bore you with such a long explanation.
O’Neills (Balboa) I’m building it in H0
I use the same brand of chalk that Brett says in the manual, Rembrandt, I have been using them for over 10 years.
The acrylics are from Model Color and Model Air from Vallejo.
Once the chalks and acrylics have been applied to the wood, I fix them with White Spirit and a wash of Ammo Mig, I can’t tell you the reference because I’m not at home, and I don’t remember.
This makes the colors pop.
Regarding the photography, I use a Kikon D3500, the photo is taken indoors. The white balance of the camera is done manually, since I have a hodgepodge of light types: halogens, LEDs, … also to cause harsh shadows I use a 500 Watt bulb.
I close the diaphragm enough so that the photo comes out as focused as possible. Since exposures are long, the camera is mounted on a tripod and has a self-timer.
If you need me to explain a concept further, tell me.
Dave_S
October 2020
Jose,
Thank you for the additional information regarding chalks, paint, washes and your camera.
In the early 1970’s I learned to use a Canon FTB camera that shot slide film and negatives for printing. I mostly focused on black and white photography in those days and using my dark room for printing. Using the Canon FTB taught me how to use depth of field (aperture opening/f stops) and shutter speeds and the different Kodak films available in that era to great advantage along with a wide angle lens, the standard 50mm lens and telephoto lenses. What I haven’t mastered however are all these new digital cameras and their features since I haven’t taken the time to learn how override their built in exposure systems and set my desired depth of field and exposure times. Consequently, I take the easy route and just use my Apple i-phone.
As your time permits I would like more information about which Ammo Mig washes you use and how you apply the white spirits. Perhaps you can give a more detailed explanation on the next SWSM kit you build. I was introduced to the Ammo Mig paint/washes by a modeler here on the SWSM forum and still need to learn more about their application and uses. Like you and many of the modelers here on the SWSM forum I use Rembrandt chalks exclusively and am fortunate to have a great art supply store near where I live that carries hundreds of possible color sticks for our use.
Thanks, Later Dave S. Tucson, Arizona
KKarns
October 2020
Beautiful work Jose, and welcome to the forum.
brownbr
October 2020
HO! (gasp)
jmanugo
October 2020
Thanks again for your welcome.
Ed, to your question about Judean Bitumen, tell you that I don’t use it.
Dave, I use the camera in manual, not automatic. In automatic I use it for other types of photos. The good thing about these digital cameras is that you can repeat the photo until you like it without wasting film.
What I do with the washes is the following: in a small container I mix the White Spirit with the wash, 60% - 40% approximately, depending on how dark you want it. Once the wooden slats have been stained and painted with the acrylics and dried, I brush them with the mixture made previously.
This process contrasts stained wood with acrylic, the wood is darker, depending on the mix, and the acrylic hardly darkens. In addition, this process fixes the powders without leaving a stain on the fingers in subsequent manipulations.
I’ll give you the reference of the wood wash at another time, I’m not at home and I don’t remember the number.
Greetings.
Jose Manuel
jmanugo
October 2020
You’re welcome Ed.
If you need me to tell you any questions you have about it, ask me.
Dave, the wash reference: MIG-1007, he calls US MODERN VEHICLES.
Also tell you that not all White Spirit work well with these enamels, I usually use the one of their brand or one that I do not know if you will have it in your fine arts stores, it is called LIENZOS LEVANTE and I liked very well for all enamels and oils.
I leave you the link of the photo in case you find it there.
Dave_S
October 2020
Thank you Jose for the explanation about using white spirits and washes, We are an inquisitive group as suggested by Ed and when we are presented with new ideas we ask lots of questions. That is how we all learn and improve. Learning is a life long process and some of us learn through experimentation and trial and error while others learn from others who went down that road before we got there.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
TomH
October 2020
Jose, love this take on this great kit!
Wonderfully done and thank you for sharing so much insight into how you got such great results.
Thanks,
Tom
jmanugo
October 2020
Tom, thanks for the comment.
Another step.
Communication staircase between the tower and the main building.
Photos from different angles.
Greetings.
Jose Manuel
brownbr
October 2020
The last step looks to be free fall.
KKarns
October 2020
Very well executed. Love the weathering…Ken
Joel
October 2020
Great job Jose. Love the weathered clapboard. Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.
jmanugo
October 2020
Hi.
Thanks for your comments.
brownbr said:
The last step looks to be free fall.
It made me laugh.
I am not going to put a railing because this area is attached to the rear wall of the welding shop, it does not need it.
It is true that until this arrives I am going to prohibit the passage to the Spanish adventurers because of the free fall.
Greetings.
Jose Manuel
ALCO
October 2020
Really like the photos against the black background. Brings out your craftsmanship.
Dave_S
October 2020
Jose,
Ditto to Ed’s comment, you are indeed a wonderful new member. But this forum is blessed to have many, many fine modelers who are willing to share their ideas, talents, comments and suggestions. New blood gets everyone’s creative juices flowing.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
jmanugo
October 2020
Hi everyone.
Thanks Ed and Dave.
I am moving forward.
Supports and under covers of the canopy of the main building.
They are not glued yet, they will be fixed on the diorama.
I think I’ve said it before. I’m having a great time building this kit. It is the first time I have made something in wood and I am enjoying it a lot.
Greetings.
Jose Manuel
brownbr
October 2020
What material do you normally use?
jmanugo
October 2020
brownbr said:
What material do you normally use?
I usually use cardboard and plastic.
dick52
October 2020
Wow, fantastic !
TomMich
October 2020
Great work Jose! Amazing to see what you are doing with the cardboard and plastic.
admin
October 2020
Superb, what a joy to see your work. What scale?
jmanugo
October 2020
Thank you, I like that you like it.
admin said:
… What scale?
It is H0
KCSTrains
October 2020
Jose, outstanding and believable work. Wow. Phil
**
Robert.G**
October 2020
Fantastic work Jose. !!
Robert.G
October 2020
You would be very welcome Ed, everybody by the way… Jose, if you got the time, I think we all would like to see some layout photos. Now that you teased us with your work…
jmanugo
October 2020
Thank you all for the comments.
Robert.G said:
… Jose, if you got the time, I think we all would like to see some layout photos. Now that you teased us with your work…
Robert, if it’s okay with you, I’ll open another thread so as not to mess up this one with photos of other designs.
Greetings
Jose Manuel
mikemettelka
October 2020
Beautiful… love it all
KKarns
October 2020
Nice work, you obviously have the stucco modeling down cold!
Alan_H
November 2020
Great looking stuff! It’s always nice to see something to aspire to!
jmanugo
November 2020
Thanks friends.
I keep moving forward with Balboa.
The welding shop canopy.
Greetings.
JM
Alan_H
November 2020
Looks awesome!
KCSTrains
November 2020
Continued great work. Phil
mikemettelka
November 2020
Really pretty!
jmanugo
November 2020
Friends, thank you for your comments.
Ed, it’s funny that you compare me to two golf stars. It is a sport that does not attract me much, but what a coincidence, I live in front of a golf course, near hole 10. You watch me from somewhere.
Dave, I’ve done these three takes, I hope they work for you.
Greetings.
JM
Dave_S
November 2020
Jose,
The three additional photos are perfect. Basically they show exactly what I hoped to see.
I sent you a personal message through the forum.
Later, Dave S.
jmanugo
November 2020
Thanks to you Ed, and to all of you.
More progress with Balboa. The bracket for the oil tank and tank.
Greetings.
JM
admin
November 2020
Just keep getting better!
EmeryJ
November 2020
It certainly is a pleasure to see this model come together. Your detailing is incredible.
brownbr
November 2020
Custom stencil and all.
mikemettelka
November 2020
If mine comes out 1/4 as good I will be happy… phenomenal!
Dave_S
November 2020
Jose,
The colors, tones, weathering and details you have established in this set of photos is incredible. Behind every nook and cranny there is something hidden to explore. I look forward to each new set of photos and stage of your build. Thanks for documenting in such a detailed manner. It is quite enjoyable to follow your creative work.
Over the period of years that I have been a member of the SWSM forum group I have been exposed to an immense amount of talent and and an explosion of creativity. But what strikes me most about this group is the camaraderie and the willingness of fellow modelers to share their experience and creativity so openly. For that I am truly thankful.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ.
jmanugo
November 2020 edited November 2020
Many thanks friends.
Yes, I made a template with a typeface very similar to O’Neills, same length and height, and laser cut it.
If you look at the oil tank, you will see that it is upside down. I didn’t notice that detail and have fixed it by adding a styrene strip to the bottom. You will see it in future photos.
Greetings.
JM
EmeryJ
November 2020
When I started as a cabinet / furniture maker about 25 years ago, my mentor told me that the difference between a good craftsman and a great one is that the great one can hide the mistakes that he WILL make. No one is perfect. You have proven this concept very well Jose!! That looks just wonderful.
jmanugo
November 2020 edited November 2020
Friends, thanks for the comments.
Another little progress, the wooden fence.
And what I told you yesterday, the styrene profile that I placed in the lower part of the oil tank, due to the big mistake I had.
Not bad, not if you come to appreciate.
Greetings.
JM
KCSTrains
November 2020
Jose, great recovery!! I also like the fence. Is that faded graffiti?? Phil
jmanugo
November 2020
Yeah, something like that Phil.
Paint worn by time, paper posters peeled off by the weather, humidity in the lower areas, …
Greetings.
JM
jmanugo
November 2020
I keep progressing with the details of the tank, and the oil supply pipe.
Greetings.
JM
Alan_H
November 2020
Fantastic weathering!
Robert.G
November 2020
Indeed !!
Mountaingoat
November 2020
I can just feel that rust on the supply pipe. Fantastic…Rick
brownbr
November 2020
The timber edges look great, as does everything else
ALCO
November 2020
Now that’s 3-D rust!
sdrees
November 2020
I hope those pipes are safe for whatever is flowing thru them and not burst. Looks unsafe to me with ll the rust.
Dave_S
November 2020
Jose,
It just keeps getting better and better, if that is even possible. Hopefully, none of this most recently posted exquisite detail will be hidden behind the wooden fence in your final diorama.
(“Say it isn’t so Mr Bill.”)
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
KCSTrains
November 2020
Joe, I’ll certainly keep an eye on your build for ideas as I complete my O’Neills build. Phil
TomMich
November 2020
Outstanding!
jmanugo
November 2020
Thanks Tom.
Very good Phil. In the link I put in the first post are all the photos from the beginning in case you want to take a look.
Base for the diorama. It is lined with a 0.12 inch DM. It is somewhat larger than the template provided by Brett.
And a few small details.
Greetings.
JM
TomH
November 2020
Incredible!
Joel
November 2020
Lovely modelling. The rusted pipe is outstanding. Looking forward to all the little details.
kebmo
November 2020
looks fantastic.
jmanugo
November 2020
Thanks friends for the comments.
I have started to glue and decorate the track and that is how it remains.
Greetings.
JM
KCSTrains
November 2020
Unbelievable detail on the trackwork. What did you use for the track nails - an nbw? (nuts, bolts, washers). Phil
vietnamseabee
November 2020
That’s what caught my eye as well, Phil…the ties, ballast, the coloring of the rail…need I go on?..well done, JM
Terry
sdrees
November 2020
Great detail work on the rail and ties, etc
Robert.G
November 2020
Idem…
brownbr
November 2020
Very nice.
jmanugo
November 2020
Hi friends, thanks for your comments.
Phil, the track is plastic, everything is joined in one piece except the rails.
Greetings.
JM
mikemettelka
November 2020
Flex trac?
jmanugo
November 2020
Yes, it is flexible track. Roco brand, code 83 of H0.
It differs from the USS track in the gap between the sleepers which is wider, and the length of the sleepers, which in this case is shorter, having a width of 1.1811 inches.
Greetings.
JM
jmanugo
November 2020
I forgot to mention that the flanges that join the rails are made of photo-etched brass.
The track is the same as the one in this photo, but the one in the photo is a rigid track. The joint plates between the two tracks are those of the brand.
Greetings.
JM
KCSTrains
November 2020
Jose, it’s amazing how you turned plastic flex track into something as beautiful as that. Unbelievable. I really, really like it. Phil
jmanugo
November 2020
Hello guys.
Thanks Phil. There are many layers of paint and the process is very slow.
After a short absence, I make little progress with Balboa. Little but I like it.
Greetings.
JM
EmeryJ
November 2020
Jose, you give a whole new meaning to extraordinary. That is so wonderful.
Alan_H
November 2020
Very nicely done. Gives me something to strive toward!
brownbr
November 2020
The castings are very well done.
Mountaingoat
November 2020
Truly amazing detail work and scenery…Rick
mikemettelka
November 2020
Wow!
admin
November 2020
Simply outstanding…
TomMich
November 2020
Fantastic weathering on your details! Really great work. thanks for sharing.
Joel
December 2020
Beautiful work on the casting. Love the rusted barrels.
jmanugo
December 2020
Many thanks friends.
A small advance, lighting the main building and the loading dock.
Greetings.
Jose Manuel
Robert.G
December 2020
Great atmosphere !!
TomH
December 2020
Stunning
sdrees
December 2020
WOW!!!
KCSTrains
December 2020
The lighting is great. Phil
admin
December 2020
Wonderful, really changes the mood…
brownbr
December 2020
Love the lights
admin
December 2020
Hah! Thats perfection!
Dave_S
December 2020
Ed,
Yes it does. What would life be like without SWSM kits to build and music?
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
ALCO
December 2020
I’ve been coming back to pic #2 all day. Great stuff.
jmanugo
December 2020
More Advances.
Concrete driveway, and the terrain practically finished.
The only building attached to the base is the main building, the rest is superimposed, many details are still missing.
Regards,
JM
Mountaingoat
December 2020
Great looking road and truck. can’t wait to see how you finish this…Rick
Dave_S
December 2020
Jose,
Many thanks for that tutorial on scenicing. The photos are great as always. Now I have something to use to try out a few new ideas and hopefully get results similar to yours. I will have to save up a few coins to purchase that grass tool you showcased in that photo tutorial.
Nice looking advances on the sceniced area surrounding the main structure of Balboa Fabricating. I’ll be checking in regularly to see how things progress from here forward.
Cool truck Wish that O-Scale modelers had something like it. I guess I could use the cab over model of the gasoline truck as a starting point for a scratch build of a dump truck similar to yours.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
KCSTrains
December 2020
Jose, I love your progress. It’s a nice touch to add the concrete driveway. Keep up the good work. Phil
admin
December 2020
Simply wonderful Jose. Love the truck!
dick52
December 2020
Just fantastic, wow !
kebmo
December 2020
i am in awe
KKarns
December 2020
Beautiful.
EricMG
December 2020
LOve this!
jmanugo
February 2021
Hello friends.
Thanks for your comments.
After a long time without publishing anything for other matters that had me busy, I have started to paint and apply patina to those small details that make this kit something great.
Greetings.
JM
KKarns
February 2021
That’s some mighty fine detail work! That shot would make a great promo for the volume of castings in the kit!
TomMich
February 2021
Very nice painting and weathering of the details!
Karl.A
February 2021
Such beautiful work Jose,
a natural touch and effect you have on every aspect of your modeling.
Wonderful and inspiring to look at.
jmanugo
February 2021
Friends, thanks for the comments.
I keep moving forward putting the little details.
Greetings.
JM
admin
February 2021
Wow, just wow. I have to keep reminding myself this is HO Scale. The weathering is wonderful and the details superbly done. Thank you for sharing these pictures with us!
Jerry
February 2021
admin said:
Wow, just wow. I have to keep reminding myself this is HO Scale. The weathering is wonderful and the details superbly done. Thank you for sharing these pictures with us!
I’m with Brett on this one. Wonderful modeling!!
Jerry
Mountaingoat
February 2021
Brett already said it. “Wow, just wow!” I can’t add anything to that but a hearty thankyou for posting…Rick
brownbr
February 2021
Fantastic
Karl.A
February 2021
Outstanding modeling and detail work. Wow is right !!
jmanugo
February 2021
Friends, thank you very much for the comments, I’m glad you like it.
Some night photos to verify that the electrical installation works.
Greetings.
JM
KCSTrains
February 2021
Very nice Jose. You are doing a great job and the results are stunning. Phil
jmanugo
February 2021 edited February 2021
Thank you very much Phil.
I’m almost done, this is coming to an end, but there is still more to do.
Some photos from all angles of how this work is.
Greetings
JM
mikemettelka
February 2021
Woooow!
brownbr
February 2021
Great presentation
CarlLaskey
March 2021
Jose. This is the best one yet be proud…Carl…
TomMich
March 2021
Your scenery work is outstanding! Love your placement of details as well.
Dave_S
March 2021
Jose,
The craftmanship of the modeling is realistic and impressive to say the least, as well as the 17 additional phots you have shared for our great pleasure and delight. It is always pleasure to see your modeling here on the forum. I always look forward to your next postings. I hope to see much more of your SierraWest Scale Models featured on this forum in the future.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ.
Wes
March 2021
One of the best versions Ive seen of this kit. WOW. Well done
KCSTrains
March 2021
Very professional and creative build. I certainly look to your build as a reference for my build. Thanks for leading the way. Phil
KKarns
March 2021
Some of the absolute best HO Scale modeling I have ever seen! Best rendition of O’Neills Fabrication without question…Ken
ALCO
March 2021
The structures and detailing are first rate. The greenery transports them to a time and place that allows us viewers to really experience an immersive experience!! Thank you for sharing!
Alan_H
March 2021
KCSTrains said:
Very professional and creative build. I certainly look to your build as a reference for my build. Thanks for leading the way. Phil
Me too! Great work, and a mark to shoot for!
jmanugo
March 2021
Friends, thank you very much for your comments, I like that you like it.
The diorama is practically finished.
On this scale, H0, I am not into putting figures because they subtract realism from the dioramas and the figures are grotesque to me, but I have found some quite good ones made in 3D and I have chosen to put a few, thus humanizing the diorama. They are painted in oil and have taken a long time to dry.
Some night photos.
Greetings
JM
Karl.A
March 2021
The figures look incredible, amazing painting in HO.
Alan_H
March 2021
I like the figures as well. You painting of the castings is awesome. I hope mine come out that well. I’ll be using your pics for reference
ALCO
March 2021
Those figures look so naturally posed and placed! Wonderful.
jmanugo
March 2021
Many thanks friends.
I made many photos under the direct light of the sun from different angles and perspectives. I hope you can use some of the reference photos.
Greetings
JM
Robert.G
March 2021
I can only echo what everyone already said. This is super work. Well done José.
brownbr
March 2021
The scenery, LP, vehicles, etc complement the structure and bring the whole diorama to life
jmanugo
March 2021 edited March 2021
Friends, thank you very much for your comments.
Nothing else I can add to this diorama, maybe later I will buy the kit, Brass & Iron Foundry at HO. I really like it and I am looking forward to building it.
I leave some night photos as the culmination of this diorama.
All the best.
Jose Manuel
TomMich
March 2021
Inspirational! Thanks you for sharing!
ALCO
March 2021
A Tour de Force! So, what’s next? (LOL) I need time to digest this one before diving into the next…
sdrees
March 2021 edited March 2021
I am with Dave WOW!!!. Your different scenes around the diorama are just fantastic and the different stories told by the LP are just wonderful. WOW!!! At first I missed the night scenes. The strategic placement of the lighting just adds for joy
mikemettelka
March 2021
Love the trees as well
Joel
March 2021
Fantastic diorama, love the details and it really comes alive with the people and vehicles.
mikemettelka
March 2021
Where did you get your little peoples?
jmanugo
March 2021 edited January 17
Friends, thank you very much for your comments, I like that you like it.
KCSTrains
March 2021
Juan, I’m sorry I’ve been delinquent in commenting on your latest pictures. What an amazing build. Your craftsmanship; your color; your scenery especially the trees; your use of little people are all first class. You are a true artist. I’m sure Brett will be happy to sell you the Foundry kit. Phil