This thread was started in December, 2015
KKarns
December 2015 edited February 2016 in HO Scale Builds
Due to an issue with my thread on the Loco Shop, I’m re-posting just a few images of the finished interior of my build to re-establish the build thread. I’m also posting a better picture of my first mock up of a barbed wire fence that will be part of the Loco and Service Shops diorama…If anyone would like to see a previous picture, I can re-post…Ken
Comments
brownbr
December 2015
My oh my. You are certainly doing things in HO that most of us can’t do in larger scales. I particularly like photo 2 with the workbenches having individual tools, and the power conduit on the wall. Photos 4 & 5 have incredible realism with nothing distracting attention away from the detail inside the shop. The barbed wire sure turned out nice.
It appears that you are going for an ultra-realism with your models, and your skills allow you to do so. With that in mind I will pic 2 nits. In photo 2, the belt on the lathe looks loose. In photo 8, the door handles look a bit wide, maybe 4". I had to look hard to find these by the way.
KKarns
December 2015
Bryan, appreciate that and you have a good critical eye. The scale on the sliding door handles are a bit generous and your calculation of about a scale 4 inches is spot on. I should have made those maybe half as wide to a scale 2 inches or less. May modify as it would be simple to do as they are just made from copy paper.
The belt issue is a function of the image angle I suspect after looking at the actual thing again. I have attached another image from a different angle and the belt looks tight here…I think? Does it look better to you? Also look at image 4,5 and 8 of the belt in question and there it appears better as well…I think!..:)Ken
Bill
December 2015
Well Ken-
This is simply spectacular! So much to take in and all of it “fits” perfectly. You get the sense that the crew left everything as it lay and are about to return and resume their work at any moment.
I’m anxiously awaiting a s-b-s on your fence. Looks very promising!
Just a suggestion…take the largest make-up brush you can find (a real big one with tons of soft bristles) and run it over the area near the office. There are some stray gains of sand on the wall and on some of the floor boards that kinda stand out.
So yeah…too many out of scale specks of sand!! That’s about all I can offer in the way of improvements.
Stunning work! This is modeling at the absolute finest level!
Love it!
Bill
Ojaste
December 2015
Ken, I still drool when I look at the work you have crafted here. Can’t wait to see the diorama build up and how you plan to do that. As for the barbed wire, not a bad idea/implementation and would look good from the diorama viewers standpoint.
KCSTrains
December 2015
Ken,
I like the barbed wire. It looks realistic to me. Again, your attention to detail really sets the standard for all of us. Are you going to the Fine Scale meeting in the Spring? If so, I would love to sit down with you and go over a few of your techniques. I always love to learn from the Masters and you are one of them. Phil
KKarns
December 2015
Bill my friend!..nice to hear from you. Yea, I have been routinely “sweeping” out the Loco Shop as I continue the detail the exterior. Those images were taken outdoors and there was some breeze and I had a small brush that I would wet and remove offensive crap that got inside. those grains were tough to see during the photo op. Will for sure do a final cleaning up of the place when done. I appreciate your kind words of encouragement and it means allot to me as you know. The fence technique has promise as I think once the thing is in place and weeds, bushes, trees, etc. are placed along the fence row it will look good. It will not however, stand up to close-up photography but I’m not so sure that’s a big issue. I’m continuing to experiment with some other ideas but will likely get this one on the diorama and see how it looks.
Hey Marty…Mr. video extraordinaire! Thanks much for your critique and your thoughts on the barbed wire (see comments to Bill). I like your comment “would look good from the diorama viewers standpoint”. That’s exactly what I’m thinking, great from a viewers eye, plausible from a critical eye, and geesh Ken! from a close-up photo shot:)
Well Phil…yes I am. I have reserved a room for the EXPO and will be arriving Wednesday evening. Would enjoy a sit down for sure and to “bench race” as I like to call it. We should get a SWSM builders group “meeting” together at the show. Lets mull that over as I know Bill is coming as well. Also, thanks very much for your thoughts there Phil, very kind for sure.
KCSTrains
December 2015
Ken,
I’ll be arriving on Wednesday night as well. I definitely have some time on Thursday. Also, I’m signed up for quite a few workshops. Phil
KKarns
December 2015
Sounds fine Phil. Lets see who all is going and then maybe we can get a “meeting” together Thursday or Friday evening…Ken
ironmountainlumber
December 2015
Hey Ken,
The pictures are an absolute joy to look at. The details are just fantastic. I have been looking at them since you posted and keep picking out more and more details. I agree with others that your build reminds me of some the pictures of Chuck Doan’s work I have seen online.
I think your barb wire fence is fantastic. Really great job. Keep the great work coming. The barbs look the right size. This will be interesting design element. I thought the fence on Duluth’s was really creative.
Do you know if a HO sized climax/shay locomotive will fit inside the doors of the building? I have been wanting to ask you about that since I have yet to buy this kit and haven’t called Brett about this. I am still fluxing about HOn3 vs a combination of HO/HOn3 or just HO. The Blackstone locomotives are really awesome. I thought it was interesting that in the narrow gauge gazette back in the late 90s there were some ads for a line of locomotives Brett had sold back some time ago.
By the way your enthusiasm for the forum is awesome. So many positive comments and great ideas! This level of enthusiasm really motivates builders and those following along to continue building, getting out and building,and wanting to do their best work!!!
You are right about taking your time building. Rushing makes you repeat building processes over. Yeah the roof on Duluth got done again! Its supposed to be fun anyway and rushing is too much like working. Hopefully, I’ll post some pictures some day ( I know its my usual excuse). It would be fun to bring a build to a show for a looksee at some time. Maybe down the road. Right now keep on rolling on the build it is going to be a beautiful model. The best work yet from you! ( I bet a winner in a competition as well).
Jim
KKarns
December 2015 edited December 2015
Well hi Jim, always a pleasure to hear from you! I certainly appreciate the kind words of encouragement. I am trying to get the best possible detailing out of 1:87 scale I can, and it sure makes the effort worth while hearing from fellow modelers who appreciate it such as you. Chuck’s work of course is not of this world and is a wonderful standard to attempt to emulate.
With each build I do, I like to try new techniques and methods. The fence made from drywall tape on Duluth is just such a technique which I had not seen or heard of before. The barbed wire fence is also a challenge as I haven’t seen 1:87 barbed wire done well before either. It should look good once the landscaping around it is completed. Brett and I discussed the Loco Shop and he suggested a fence for a portion of the diorama and I decided to forge ahead with barbed wire. More on that later.
Modeling seems a solitary endeavor most of the time. The forum here bridges that gap and allows those with like interest to get together and exchange ideas, thoughts, methods, whatever…You and I are a good example…I consider you, and many here, as good a friend as any and I haven’t even met you yet! So don’t be a stranger and keep up the posting. You mentioned “wanting to do their best work”…I love that! That’s what this camaraderie is all about and this forum and Brett’s wonderful kits combine to spawn all our best work…
Can’t wait to see your work on Duluth…we discussed the roof on Duluth before and glad to hear the second go might be the one…Don’t fret about not posting pictures, your posts have been most enjoyable and just let us know occasionally that your working least we get the notion you’re loafing!
Regarding your inquiry on whether or not a shay or climax loco would fit…absolutely and very nicely I might add. I have posted a quick picture of a Heisler Loco backing into my loco shop. I personally like HOn3 as narrow gauge just looks perfect with Brett’s line of kits and oozes that backwoods logging/mining charm. The narrow gauge, light rail, just looks right. What’s this about a line of Locos Brett sold??
Take care Jim and keep in touch. I’ll be keeping you updated on the Loco Shop…Ken
KKarns
December 2015
MikeM
December 2015 edited December 2015
So far as I recall Brett only produced one loco, an HOn3 Porter. If this works, I’ve attached a scanned (unfortunately not perfectly) an image of the engine from his 2008 limited edition book of photos (which, BTW, is worth hunting for if you can find one somewhere).
ironmountainlumber
December 2015
Hey Mike,
Thanks for the cool picture. I saw the loco I mentioned to Ken in gazette 50 year collection dvd and saw Brett sell one about 1-2 years ago on eBay but hadn’t found any pictures yet like the one you posted. Really cool.
I wish he would come out with some new cars and his old ones again since I missed buying them. Allen did an absolute beautiful build on the backwoods work train.
Hey Ken,
Thanks for the post and just what I wanted to see with the loco in the shop. Who made the loco buy the way? It is very nice and really compliments the shop!
Jim
nextceo
December 2015
Hey Jim…Thanks for the Shout Out!
Alan
KKarns
December 2015 edited December 2015
No problem Jim. The Loco is a United Scale Models from Japan. Yea, it does get the backwoods logging image going sitting there in the Loco Shop doesn’t it! Maybe I should include it in the finished diorama…hmm…
Wes
December 2015
Stunning work Ken
If all that the master Bill could find is a couple of stray grains of sand, I think you doing something right. Love your work bud.
KKarns
December 2015
Yea Bill’s OCD…I put that kind of stuff there just to drive him crazy!
Thanks much Wes. Outside is coming along. Lots and lots of details…Ken
KKarns
December 2015
Finished the section of barbed wire fence on my Loco and Service Shops Diorama. Outside pictures later as these were taken indoors and the colors are ehh…Ken
nextceo
December 2015 edited December 2015
Hey Ken,
Did I miss it…what gauge wire did you use, what glue drops did you use for the barbs and did you do anything special to get the paint to stick to the wire?
Thanks!
Alan
PS…Fence looks great!
KKarns
December 2015
Thanks for responding Alan, appreciate your thoughts on the fence as it hasn’t been modeled effectively very often in 1:87 scale. I am in the process of adding the weeds, old growth, etc. along the fence line which should really blend the fence in well. Wanted to get a few shots before hand to illustrate how the fence looks by itself. The wire is EZ Line fine black with small dabs of regular Elmers glue to simulate the barbs. I then spray painted the wire brown and added rust chalk.
ironmountainlumber
December 2015 edited December 2015
Simply Awesome! The fence is well done and very believable as a barb wire fence. What might be cool is to add one of Bretts metal wire role castings over one of the posts. Just a thought. I see your microscope in the background for all this fine work you do. Very Cool.
Jim
KKarns
January 2016
Hi Jim, thanks for your take on the fence. I am now in the process of landscaping the road and the fence line. Makes a big difference getting the fence blended into the surrounding diorama. You suggestion of the wire fence roll over a fence post is going to be implemented and I’ll post pictures of the finished area soon. Trust you had a greater holiday…Ken
KKarns
January 2016
OK Jim…here are some sneak previews of the barbed wire fence line with your roll of wire hanging from a post. Appreciate the suggestion, and I was going to put it on an end post as I think that looks better, but I had already placed a few things on each end post and the wire would be too much…I think…I can still move it if I change my mind.
Ojaste
January 2016
Ken, excellent!
nextceo
January 2016
Hey Ken,
Fence looks good. Couple of questions:
1 - Are those just super trees you are using?
2 - Did you get the email I sent you about DCC - HON3 Engines. Looking to swap over to that scale but I cant seem to find DCC logging engines in that scale…
Thanks!
Alan
KKarns
January 2016
Thanks Marty!
Alan, the trees were made with armatures from shrubs outside my house (yews I think) and the foliage branches are from SuperTrees. The SuperTree armatures to me are too skinny to look like real trees so I use my own.
I think the problem you’re having with the Locos is that there are few HOn3 Shay or Climax being made with DCC and sound. Plenty of the DC variety in HOn3. I don’t have any wisdom on where to go to get the HOn3 Locos with DCC and sound other than hit the web and see, which you obviously have done already I would imagine.
mayhaw9999
January 2016
Stunning work Ken
If all that the master Bill could find is a couple of stray grains of sand, I think you doing something right. Love your work bud.
brownbr
January 2016
Very nice fence line. Nothing more to add or take away. But if you have a street sign laying around (stop, RR x-ing, etc), then a rusted one leaning up against one of the poles might look interesting.
KKarns
January 2016
Hey Wes, thanks for checking in and appreciate the comments. Just a small snip-it of a picture to give Jim a look see at his suggestion of the roll of wire on a fence post. Will of course post full view images when its completed. Geesh…lots to do yet!
Bryan, thanks and your thoughts on the sign is perfect. I actually have a couple of signs, both “No Trespassing” type at either end of the access road. One attached to the end post of the fence and another on a post stuck in the ground near the road. A rusty discarded sign would look good as well…thanks. Ken
Coors2u
January 2016
Really nice work Ken. The fence is such a perfect addition.
I saw a tip the other day were you take a light colored chalk and brush it down the road. It really adds some depth to the lanes. It gave it that fine dirt look that you would see in the lanes of a dirt road. Almost a transition between textures.
MikeM
January 2016
I think the problem you’re having with the Locos is that there are few HOn3 Shay or Climax being made with DCC and sound. Plenty of the DC variety in HOn3. I don’t have any wisdom on where to go to get the HOn3 Locos with DCC and sound other than hit the web and see, which you obviously have done already I would imagine.
You might contact the Shay Fixer, if he doesn’t have anything he may be able to point you in the right direction.
KKarns
January 2016
Thanks Dustin. Not done with the road yet, and that method is a good one. Chalk is good to use here as a final “layer” as it stays put fairly well without having to use thinned Elmers like you would with dirt. Roads are another one of those things that unless it’s modeled well, doesn’t look very good. I have more work to do on this one. Getting ready to put in a utility pole, wires and electrical connection…we’ll see how that goes!..Ken
admin
January 2016
Coming together really well… fits so well
ironmountainlumber
January 2016
Hey Ken,
The fence and scenery look fantastic, and oh my look at that roll of fencing. It seems to fit right at home. I really like the scenery. Very well done. Christmas was great was able to get some modeling done and over the New Year as well. Hope yours was awesome as well. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to seeing the whole diorama done.
Jim
KKarns
January 2016
Thanks Brett, very happy with the change “we” made to the track layout on this side of the diorama. Your suggestion made things come together perfectly I think and gave me an opportunity to give the barbed wire fence a go.
Yea, you like that Jim? I was going to put it on an end post like I did on Duluth but already had things poised there. You’ll see later on when I post the finished pictures. I like it where it’s positioned and adds a nice “feel” to things in that area. Thanks again for the awesome suggestion. Glad you had a nice holiday and yes, mine was great. Are you ready to post some pictures of your project(s)?..Ken
KKarns
January 2016
Completed line pole to provide service to the Loco and Service Shop.
Whittled down and detailed 12 x 12 strip wood. Final diameter around 8-10 scale inches.
Next up is the service connection between the pole and the Loco and Service Shop.
Karl.A
January 2016
Looks great Ken, I also really like the ‘insulators’, what did you use for those?
The added touch of the nut/bolt underneath the insulators takes it a step higher.
Karl.A
KKarns
January 2016
Whaaat!..Karl!..where have you been my man? The heck with the service pole…what’s up with you? Really nice to hear from you…need to catch up on things…Ken
Ojaste
January 2016
Karl who?
nextceo
January 2016
The word on the street was Karl had been take by Aliens…
KKarns
January 2016
Gone again…
Coors2u
January 2016
Its all in the details. You sure keep one up-ing yourself.
KKarns
January 2016
That’s for sure…details…details. I enjoy trying new ideas and methods on every build. The Loco and Service Shops has led to many, such as the barbed wire fence, utility pole, and many others. Thanks for the comment and hope to see more of your work soon!..Ken
Alan_H
January 2016
This build thread has been invaluable. I just took delivery of this kit. I’ve got one in front of it to finish, so at the moment I’m just reading the over manual (which I’ll probably do several times) before getting my fingers dirty. I have used some of the techniques on other projects with excellent results. Having photos and comments by another builder is a huge help. Great looking work by the way.
KKarns
January 2016
Well done Alan! This is great kit and you are going about it just right…take your time and read the manual cover to cover several times BEFORE you begin work. I’m working on the outside details now, having finished up the interior. Let me know if you have any questions and keep me/us updated on your progress…how about starting a thread on your build?..Ken
KKarns
January 2016
No pictures yet but want to keep this section active! The water tank, sand house and sand/coal storage bin, and coal bucket jib crane are done and in place. Detailing that particular scene now. Working on the shop/work car (and scene) that will be staged on a small spur track and being worked on by the service shed crew shown earlier. Next up will be to install the large oil tank and detailing that area. Also, installation of the electrical service pole and lines to the shop which I decided to add a transformer and a few other details. Then put add some parts and clutter on the south end, install the roof and well on the way to finished.
Karl.A
January 2016
Great to read that you have the kit Allan, a pre read of the manual is a great choice, especially to get familiarized with the latest techniques.
You’re such a tease Ken, enough with the narrative, lets see some pics..
Karl.A
KKarns
January 2016
Right you are Karl, just not right giving description..without something to prove I’m actually doing something! The Jib Crane has been temporarily removed to allow access for detailing the vicinity without knocking it over…Also, have not put in the Oil Tank to allow easy access to the front of the water tank and sand house. Detailing here is close to being done but not quite…more later…Ken
Ojaste
January 2016
Ken you are getting there. Are going to have trails of coal from the pile and around the track? Etc?
KKarns
January 2016
Right Marty. Waiting until I put the Jib Crane in so I can get a feel for the swing of the the coal buckets for spreading out the dropped and scattered coal.
TonyB
January 2016
I guess I was away like Karl, been busy on my own model. Good to see you posting here again, Ken, the dio is looking great.
KKarns
January 2016
Thanks Tony, and I have been following your great build you’ve been working on with much interest. I have posted a couple of small updates here to keep the thread active as I work on the exterior of the Loco & Service Shop but not going over so well so I think I’ll just wait until it’s all done. Nice hearing from you Tony…Ken
KCSTrains
January 2016
Ken, your outside construction is as meticulous and your inside construction. Great job. Phil
brownbr
January 2016
All the little tidbits are adding up to one fantastic scene.
Karl.A
January 2016
Coming along so very well Ken. Looking great so far.
Karl.A
KKarns
February 2016
Thanks much Bryan, I need to take a lesson from Alan and get some relief going in my topography!
Appreciate that Karl. I’m not going to post anymore updates until the thing is finished. Should be wrapping things up before long…Ken
Ojaste
April 2016
Congratulations to Ken for winning Best in Show at the 2016 Finescale Expo.
Karl.A
April 2016 edited April 2016
Congratulations Ken. Such a well deserved win. You have done some outstanding work and so great to see it recognized as such.
Well done.
Karl.A
sdrees
April 2016
Ken,
Congratulations on winning the Best in Show at the Fine Scale Expo. Very well deserved. I envy your talent and the details in the models you build. Very well done.
Steve
nextceo
April 2016 edited April 2016
Congrats Kenny on winning the Ms America Pageant…I mean the Best in Show for 2016 Finescale Expo!
Alan
KCSTrains
April 2016
Ken, as I told you at the EXPO, everyone was talking about your loco shop. I enjoyed your pictures on the forum, but seeing it in person was so much better. Congratulations on a job done well. Phil
Bill
April 2016
Outstanding model and a well deserved award, Ken!
admin
April 2016
Wow, what a well deserved honor. I am proud of you brother… Congratulations.
BrianM
April 2016
Ken,
Congratulations on your well deserved win and another SWSM kit build in the diorama winners’ circle! Having had the privilege of seeing your masterpiece in person at EXPO 2016 it is my option that even although the many photos are very nice they do not do it full justice.
KKarns
April 2016
I’m overwhelmed by your support and comments. Thanks so much and although I’d normally respond to each and every comment I am copying my response from the thread under “News and Ramblings” as I feel it bears repeating here…
Whew! Made it back from Boston and still reeling from the results! What an honor to be in the company of such great modelers and wonderful people. I am humbled by all the positive comments and the camaraderie demonstrated here on the SWSM forum. I usually address each and every response individually but for now a blanket…“you all are the best and make the hobby so rewarding”…will have to suffice for now! Meeting the forum members, new and old, at the show was a high point for sure. Great company, wonderful conversation, and lasting memories. So many great builds with SierraWest Scale Models generously represented as usual. So proud to be in the company of you guys and a sincere congratulations to Phil, Bill, and Dustin for your SWSM awards and to everyone who displayed at the show…great stuff.
Now…a special thank you is in order…Brett, I would like to thank you for your dedication and vision in where you’ve taken SierraWest Scale Models. To be not only a designer and manufacturer of the finest scale model kits available, but a teacher, resource, and friend is truly a measure of unparalleled success. Congratulations on another outstanding showing for SWSM and I thank you for the motivation and tutelage to take my Loco and Service Shops build to a successful conclusion.
Also a special note to Karl Allison, who I hold in the highest esteem. For your helpful comments and suggestions and for taking me to task when I either did or was about to screw something up on this build. Your encouragement and advise is priceless and you have that uncanny ability to know just what to do. Your work is brilliant and an example of what we all aspire to achieve…thanks buddy.
Thanks to Jaime Zepeda for the wonderful image of the Loco and Service Shops. Superb photography as we have all come to expect!
Note: I will be posting final pictures of the Loco Shop in the near future.
KKarns
April 2016
Thanks for the posting Marty, I commented further regarding our chats together in another thread you will see…
Well thanks Steve, that was a very kind thing to say. So nice to have the support of fellow modelers such as yourself.
Alan, is my slip showing? Thanks buddy…
Thanks much Phil. So nice seeing and talking with you at the EXPO. Your enthusiasm and skill is so much appreciated here, we all look forward to your camaraderie.
Bill, you know how I feel about you and your modeling, no I’m not asking for a date! Your a good guy and so good for this hobby…thanks so much.
BrianM, really appreciate that. Where were you the whole show? Would have enjoyed talking with you. Thanks again.
Ken
Coors2u
April 2016
Such a deserving award for such a fantastic model. Ken you really hit it out of the park with this one. Truly inspirational.
Quote
KKarnsKKarns
April 2016 edited September 2016
Final pictures of the Loco and Service Shops diorama are being posted under finished builds…
Appreciate that Dustin and it was great seeing you at the EXPO. Can’t wait to see you Deer Creek Mine build finished up…Ken
KKarns
September 2016 edited September 2016 65.24.55.94
OK Jerry…now this is not for the faint of heart! This is HOn3 so small stuff here.
This is a shot of the rail weathered and glued to the ties. I made the mistake of glueing down the rail before putting in the road bed, but it worked out Ok just a bit more work cleaning the rail. This stage I added the rail joiners. These are non-conductive and just for show. They are made from styrene strip cut to length and then NBWs alternating as is prototypical. I then glued them to the rail at each joint on both side as shown.
For the simulated rail spikes I took some solder and rolled it under a paint brush handle to take it off round. I then cut small disks from the ends with a razor blade, blackened, weathered and glued each one on in the appropriate spot. The following two pictures show the final result after the track bed was added.
kebmo
September 2016
wait, what? it’s a winner and we didn’t get to see any pics? please post some pics of the final product. i’ve got my drool cups on…
admin
September 2016 edited September 2016
In the Finished Build Thread:
SWSM Loco and Service Shops (1:87 scale):KKarns - HO Scale Builds - SierraWest Scale Models Forum
SteveCuster
September 2016
That’s some fine trackwork Ken. I was very impressed with the diorama when I saw it at the Expo. I think the details are easier to pick out in photos, so many small things I didn’t see in person.
-Steve
KKarns
September 2016
Thanks Steve. Yea, lots of little scenes throughout that’s for sure. Only issue with the track work is that I’m now committed to that kind of detail on all my future track…O’Neills track was done the same way as you know.
CarlLaskey
September 2016
Ken
Great job there young man, I am going to build the kit also so keep the info coming.
Carl
KKarns
September 2016
Hi Carl, great hearing from you and appreciate that. That’s great Carl, make sure you post your build here as I would really enjoy seeing what you do with it, it’s a fabulous kit for sure.
A bit of history on that build; I was doing a build thread and towards the end, due to a computer issue, the thread was lost. I recreated some of the final pics and would be happy to discuss and/or post any previous areas of the build. The final pictures of my Loco and Service Shops Diorama is located under the Finished SW Build Pics here…Ken
KKarns
September 2016 edited September 2016
Carl, meant to say that I remember meeting you at the EXPO in 2014 I believe. As a relatively fledging modeler, meeting someone such as yourself was a real thrill. I was also lusting after your wonderful SWSM Freight House Diorama you had at the table there. Fairly sure it was your build but I could be wrong there. Anyway, hearing from you here is much the same for me as then!..thanks again…Ken
CarlLaskey
September 2016
Good Morning Ken
The Freight House did belong to me and I gave it away to a friend who sadly passed and I do not know what happened to it, I do have another kit so it is on the list.Looking at your other build the interior is spot on real nice work.
Have a Great Weekend.
Carl
KKarns
September 2016
Morning Carl, Ahh…I thought so. How nice to be able to have given that diorama to a good friend I’m sure they appreciated it very much. Your thoughts on the interior of O’Neills means so much coming from you, thanks and have a nice weekend as well…Ken