# The Engine House at Eureka Springs: KKarns
**URL:** https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/t/the-engine-house-at-eureka-springs-kkarns/220
**Category:** HO Scale Builds
**Created:** [January 15, 2026, 8:59pm UTC](https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/t/the-engine-house-at-eureka-springs-kkarns/220 "2026-01-15T20:59:59Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@KKarns](https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/u/KKarns)
#### Post date: [January 15, 2026, 8:59pm UTC](https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/t/the-engine-house-at-eureka-springs-kkarns/220/1 "2026-01-15T20:59:59Z")
This thread was started in January, 2021
**KKarns**
January 2021 edited November 2022 in HO Scale Builds
Historical Account:
In keeping with my established plan of building all of Brett’s kits beginning with his first kit and working through the production run in order, I am now embarking on a build of SierraWest Scale Models third release; the Engine House at Eureka Springs. This is kit number 102 with an advertised limited run of 300. Eureka Springs, as it will be referred to during this build, was released in October 1996.
Preceding the main Eureka Springs kit release was a smaller (mini) kit called Eureka Springs Boiler House in Ho/HOn3 kit number 8083. The earliest I found mention of this mini kit was a half page color advertisement in the May/June 1996 issue of Narrow Gauge and Short Line (NG&SL) Gazette. There was not a picture of the kit just a description under the heading “New Mini-Scenes:” The insert in the kit states “The Boiler House, is the first release in our special Eureka Springs collection. Designed as a companion structure to the ES Engine House.” Following the October 1996 release of the main Eureka Springs Engine House kit, I could not find an ad in the NG&SL Gazette in the few months prior to the release. In the mean time, an ad for the Eureka Springs Boiler House was featured in the Nov/Dec 1996 issue. This ad was a half page full color ad (see figure 1).
(Figure 1)
Following the Nov/Dec issue of the NG&SL Gazette for the Boiler House featured in figure 1, and prior to an initial ad for the main Engine House kit, there was a half page ad in the Jan/Feb 1997 issue of the NG&SL Gazette announcing the soon to be available “the Engine House at Eureka Springs” (Figure 2)
(Figure 2)
Then in the Mar/Apr 1997 issue of the Gazette, a full page color ad was run for Eureka Springs (Figure 3). This same ad was also featured in the May 1997 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman.
(Figure 3)
Then the last ad I located was the next issue, May/June 1997, of the NG&SL Gazette. this was a half page black and white (Figure 4).
(Figure 4)
The Engine House at Eureka Springs was a well advertised kit and naturally sold out very quickly owing to its popularity. The stage had been set, from the first release of BlueSky Company, for the prolific production, over the next 25 years, of the finest fine scale craftsman kits ever produced (my words…not Brett’s…Lol).
**Comments**
**vietnamseabee**
January 2021
Thanks for the background prior to the build
Terry
**KKarns**
January 2021
You bet Terry! I have fun researching the history behind these retired kits and it makes a nice lead-in to the actual build thread.
**Mountaingoat**
January 2021
This is one of the many SW kits in my closet waiting on me. I will definitely be following your build…Rick
**KKarns**
January 2021
Glad to hear Rick. I finished my experimental front wall of the main structure today. I took some pics and will post the results tomorrow. Changed things up a bit and will be interesting to see what folks think!
**admin**
January 2021
What a great introduction. Brings back a lot of memories…
You know I’m a huge fan of your work so I am excited to see where you take this!
**KKarns**
January 2021
Thanks Brett, it was fun searching the back issues of the magazines looking for your promo materials, I’ll be framing a few of those and hang in my shop. I’m a little bit hesitant to post a picture of the front wall…hope you don’t kick me off the forum…!Lol..
**KKarns**
January 2021
The Build:
I believe this is a record for me with regards to the time between completing a SWSM build and the start of another! I just finished up Scotia Supply Company a couple of weeks ago and here I am spending two days working on a single wall for Eureka Springs…more on that in bit.
I decided to post a few more lead-in pictures to get things going. The first is a picture of Brett’s wonderful box art from the legendary “Green Box” dynasty!
Box art of Eureka Springs…
The following shot is a glimpse of the huge assortment of unique resin castings from this kit. Eureka Springs, as the congeners previously, had all resin castings. A few of these are amazingly complex and would love to have seen the work that went into the master molds for these! Geesh…
Eureka Springs casting collection…
The last picture is that of the manual. SierraWest Scale Model manuals are without question the finest most comprehensive fine scale modeling instructional guides on the planet! (my words, not Brett’s…Lol).
The “BIBLE”…
**Mountaingoat**
January 2021
I’ve got my popcorn.
**KCSTrains**
January 2021
Ken, I always enjoy your builds. You bring a unique approach to each and every one of them. I can’t wait to see what you do with this kit. Phil
**KKarns**
January 2021 edited January 2021
Now really…The Build:
The well recognized, and universally accepted, Step 1 of any SierraWest Scale Model build…Review and study of the instruction manual…whilst sipping a good cup of coffee!
The Engine House at Eureka Springs was based very closely on the Diamond & Caldor Railway’s engine house at Diamond Springs, CA. (Brett Gallant pers. comm.) An excellent reference is the book El Dorado Narrow Gauge, The Diamond & Caldor Railway by Mallory Hope Ferrell.
I purchased the book on Brett’s recommendation through Amazon (thanks Brett). The following picture was taken from my mac screen so its a bit grainy! Lol.
Here’s where I may get into trouble with the “Boss” as Kevin has dubbed Brett, which I love…sorry Boss.
As with any build, I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking, planning, researching, studying the manual, etc…This process started well before finishing up Scotia Supply as I knew this was going to be my next build. The big thing that struck me with the design of Eureka Springs was the largely open concept. There are no doors on the main structure with large open access to the machine shop and repair shed. The front wall center support is a single post with angled supports with an exposed header running the full length of the front wall. My plan was to give the front wall a more beefed up and finished appearance as a focal point of the structure. In addition, I wanted to give the main building some color that would contrast well with the bare weathered wood of the attached machine shop and the repair shed.
I decided on a painted worn weathered red finish. This was decided after building
The Foundry kit in which Brett designed the Pattern Shop with a peeled, faded, red paint. I loved this look and carried this over to Eureka Springs. The front wall serves as an experiment of sorts to see if one, I liked the look of the added siding and secondly the color scheme of the worn red paint.
As with all my builds, I spend a great deal of time and thought into working with the wood. The way the wood is prepared and applied sets the stage for the entire build. I decided to start on the front wall as this is where the major change I envisioned would be located. I worked on this wall for the better part of a day.
Note the added beefed up center support and the siding covering the angled supports.
Keeping in my “Dr. Grunge” persona, the bottom of the walls are well worn with typical rotted and worn siding.
Bottom right corner detail.
Left engine stall wall detail. Stripwood traps are on both sides of the front wall here. Explains the overhang of the end pieces of siding.
Keep in mind, this is an experimental wall and my not end up on the final product depending on how it looks once staged with the other walls. Note: The dimension change in reduction of the width of the stalls is acceptable and confirmed by the measurements from my Loco and Service Shops door opening dimensions. Track centerline will be adjusted accordingly and is minimal…more later.
Ken
**Mountaingoat**
January 2021
Fantastic start. I love you thought process. Always looking for alternatives. Some are great, others not as much, then you decide which you like most and go with them. Scotia was a great example. Not everything has to be by the book. This will be unique to you and an inspiration to all of us…Rick
**KKarns**
January 2021
Thanks much Rick.
**KKarns**
January 2021 edited January 2021
This was another detail shot of the lower right wall. Wasn’t going to use it as the image captured has the color washed out…but decided to post it as the detail is crisper and gives it a different perspective…whatever…Band-aid on middle finger is from reaching into the “Chopper” to retrieve a piece of cut stripwood…not advisable!
**KCSTrains**
January 2021
Ken, that is so funny. Last week, I did exactly the same thing and cut my finger with the exposed blade. Before you know it, the government will require that guards be put on the Chopper!! LOL. BTW great shot of your detailed work. You are the master. Phil
**TomMich**
January 2021
Wood has your usual detailed, weathered and grunged up appearance. Love the new arrangement of the wall. Color and textures are exceptional!
**brownbr**
January 2021
Lovin it.
**KKarns**
January 2021
That’s too funny Phil, thanks for the note.
Appreciate that Tom. We’ll see how it looks once the other walls are ready. Framing another one this evening.
Thanks Bryan, I think it will work out…
**admin**
January 2021
Might just be the best intro ever… good book btw
your usual grungy goodness - darn nice start!
**vietnamseabee**
January 2021
Historically, when I’ve seen a mining, logging, or steam railroad book referenced I jump over to Amazon and order it…in this case…375.00… I guess not this time;-((
Also, I have had s couple of run ins with my chopper as well…the Tru-Sander Kevin gave me seems fairly safe tho
Terry
**Jerry**
January 2021
Ken that is some fine weathering up to your usual standards for sure.
Yes those blades are sharp even when they don’t cut the wood they will still damage a finger!!
Jerry
**KKarns**
January 2021
Appreciate that Brett, the front end research on your classic retired kits is blast! Thanks for the suggestion on the book.
Hey Terry, I picked it up for around $145 so there are reasonable deals out there.
Thanks Jerry…Working on the remaining walls and once they are all done then I tackle the interior wall detailing. Worked up the front wall interior already just to see how it was going to go…so far so good…more later
**Robert.G**
January 2021
As I am a fan of your builds, I’m on the first row… 😃
**KKarns**
January 2021
Glad to have you along Robert.
**Bill**
January 2021
And just like THAT, the bottom right is showing some signature “Doc Grunge” wear n tear! Outstanding thought process on the treatment of the front wall. Looking forward to seeing it incorporated into the entire structure.
Were you able to get your hands on a boiler house mini kit?
**KKarns**
January 2021
Hey Bill, long time there comrade…Can’t help myself, love to destroy perfectly good stripwood! Appreciate your thoughts here my friend and yes, I found the Boiler House kit a few years ago. Pondering the placement and engineering.
Got one for you. Recently you discussed the beginning process of detailing your O Scale Sawmill with the “green” metal roof. Well I am in possession of a serious collectors item! Now it’s not signed so that decreases the value a bit, but I have a genuine roof panel that was painted and detailed by none other than the infamous Bill O. That’s right you! You gave me that piece when we were at the show in PA. where you brought your unfinished SawMill and I brought my unfinished BlueSky…
By the way, if you need that panel I’ll give you a really good deal! Lol…
**Bill**
January 2021
Bwahahaha! Wow, I totally forgot about that. Hold on to it and I’ll sign the back next time we get together!!
**Joel**
January 2021
Ken what a great start. Really looking forward to following along and learning. Always a treasure trove of ideas to try out. I’ll be following along avidly.
**KKarns**
January 2021
Hi Joel, Nice hearing from you. Appreciate your thoughts here and look forward to your input as things move along. Working on the other walls and will get another post of my progress soon.
**PainTrain**
January 2021
Great start!
**KKarns**
January 2021
Thanks much Aaron, appreciate your thoughts…Ken
**Dave\_S**
January 2021
Another Ken Karns kit build to savor. especially the “grunge” parts. What more can we ask for?
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
**KKarns**
January 2021
Thanks Dave…plenty of grunge on this one…lots of wood work on the walls which is what I’m working on right now. Just finished paint peel detail on the resin windows. Should have something to post, maybe tomorrow.
**KKarns**
March 2021
Figured it was time to dust off this thread and get things up to date. Despite the lack of regular posts, a good bit of work has been done. All the walls of both the engine house and attached machine shop are done. The diorama base is done and the wood floor in both the engine house and machine shop are down and detailed. The machine shop walls and three of the four engine house walls have been positioned and glued to the diorama base. Basic track work has been installed and the interior of the machine shop is complete. The machine shop has been redesigned a bit to suit my vision of the project along with a few other interesting additions. I will point those out as I move along in the build. !
I previously posted pictures of the front wall of the engine house which functioned as a test case to see if it fit my plan. I have continued with the other three walls in the same fashion (see below).!
The west wall with the opening for the attached machine shop.
The east wall depicting the very open concept of Eureka Springs.
The rear wall with an additional window added. This wall had to be lightly modified to match the front wall engine bay as this has the pass through track.
Keep in mind that the somewhat overdone weathering at the bottom of the walls will be toned down by all the details and scenic work.
All stripwood for the walls were given an initial graining with a wire brush then an initial coat of AI to give them the base color and texture. Each individual board was then detailed for the weathered, worn and rotted appearance particularly along the bottom where the wood would contact the ground. Following the detailing, various shades of weathering powder were strategically placed and worked in with mineral spirits. This was followed by damp brushing with the “red” PollyScale paint to give the faded, worn, peeling effect. Battens were treated the same way. The inside of the walls were also detailed for a dirty, oily, grungy, engine house look (see future post below).!
Next up will be the completed interior walls, the engine house and machine shop floor, and some track detail…Ken
**KCSTrains**
March 2021
Ken, I glad to see your update. I had a feeling you were working on it, but just not posting. So far, so good. I love the worn look. As is usual, your wood weathering is superb!! Looking forward to future postings. Phil
**KKarns**
March 2021
Thanks Phil. Sorry to hear you’re back at work! Lol.
**Mountaingoat**
March 2021
Love what you show so far. Anxious to see the floor and interior. Always glad when you post Ken…Rick
**KKarns**
March 2021
Appreciate that Rick, likewise…I’ll post the floor and interior walls tomorrow.
**kebmo**
March 2021
can’t wait to see the rest!
**admin**
March 2021
walls look fantastic. cannot wait to see more!
**KKarns**
March 2021
Thanks Kevin.
Appreciate that Brett.
**KKarns**
March 2021
Laid the planking for the main engine house and installed code 55 rail and completed the initial weathering. Next up will be installing three of the four walls. Leaving one wall out to allow access for interior detailing.
Boards weathered with real dirt and powders rubbed in by hand to give a slight sheen of a well traversed wood shop floor.
Track detail…rail spike heads not installed yet.
**TomMich**
March 2021
Ken, outstanding work on the walls! Weathering and coloring are up to your usual great standards. The floor is also well done. Love the patch in the last photo as well as the end of the top track in the first floor photo.
The grate in between the rails, what is it for and where did you get something like that? Really adds a lot of interest.
**Mountaingoat**
March 2021
Impressive as usual. Also, love the grate. All those drips have to go somewhere…Rick
**admin**
March 2021
Love the grate as well, subtle but very effective.
**KKarns**
March 2021
Hey Thanks Tom! The patch, grate, and track stop and walkway pieces are for exactly as you pointed out…to add interest and variation. What is the grate for…I have no idea! lol…I like Rick’s usage explanation. I’ll send you a PM Tom on the grate.
Thanks Rick and see above! I’ll have to add some oil drips around there…
Glad to hear Brett, it dresses up the trackage a good bit I think.
**KKarns**
March 2021
Three walls of the main engine house and the machine shop addition walls are up with the interior initial wall weathering completed.
Added protective wire screen over the two windows…
**KKarns**
March 2021
Here is a preview of how I decided to work up the walls of the Machine Shop. Went with a slight greenish hue…not sure why…something different I guess.
**Mountaingoat**
March 2021
Steam engines were a greasy oily mess to work on. They were constantly adding grease and oil at most stops so you can imagine what the drippings were like when finally parked for a period of time thus the need for the grate…Rick
**mikemettelka**
March 2021
Aspirational as always
**brownbr**
March 2021
Up to your usual high standards.
**KKarns**
March 2021
Thanks Mike. Interior detailing always takes an great deal of time and planning. The machine shop alone took me 2 weeks! Much of that just figuring out what I wanted to do!
Appreciate that Bryan. Nice hearing from you.
**mikemettelka**
March 2021
The green is really nice… I tried it on an off topic build and it came out very different
**KKarns**
March 2021
Appreciate the support, I tried to keep it subtile and the weathering also served to tone it down a bit.
**Wes**
March 2021
Just catching up Ken. What a beautiful build so far.
I cant wait to see more.
**KKarns**
March 2021
Hey Wes, so nice hearing from you! Hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Appreciate your thoughts here and look forward to posting more knowing your following along.
**Dave\_S**
March 2021
Ken,
I keep pouring over the interior details of the main engine and after several times I finally spotted a really great detail in the final floor photo, in the bottom right hand corner, the rail joint bars.
Code 55 rail spiked with rail joint bars nuts and bolts, now that’s some fine track detail work. Looks like you have a copy of Mike Cougill’s book Detailing Track. Great reference to have.
Later Dave S. Tucson, AZ
**KKarns**
March 2021
Well hey Dave, nice hearing from you. I really appreciate your picking up on the track detail. I put my time in on it that’s for sure. Like the time spent working with the wood, it makes a big difference in the end! I found that .010" x .030" styrene strip will fit in the recess of the track to make the rail joiners. The NBWs are really “dinky” to finish off the part. Actually I have not seen Cougill’s book but sounds like a must have.
**Dave\_S**
March 2021
Ken,
Checked on the availability of Mike Cougill’s book “Detailing Track”. You may have to go direct to him for purchase.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
**brownbr**
March 2021
A good book Dave. I have a copy around here somewhere. Just can’t say where.
**KKarns**
March 2021
Thanks Dave
**KKarns**
April 2021
Finished up the interior of the Machine Shop. You’ll notice a couple machines with belt drive pulleys…without belt drive!..well my plan is to keep things reasonable. Most of the facility will have electrical service so those machines have been converted. The Machine Shop is lit with two LEDs in the ceiling (see the wad of wires…lol). Haven’t decided on the main engine house yet but probably won’t as the roof of the engine house Brett designed to be removable.
Wanted to get this picture logged in before the main engine house details obscured the view! Keep in mind the shop room measures a whopping 3 3/4" x 3"…about the size of your palm!
**Mountaingoat**
April 2021
fantastic job! Rick
**brownbr**
April 2021
Looks great.
**KKarns**
April 2021
Appreciate that Rick…
Thanks much Bryan…
**admin**
April 2021
Awesome stuff Ken. Such a beautiful shot of such a small space. I love the worn floorboards.
**admin**
April 2021 edited April 2021
With Ken’s permission I am posting a couple pics from the Diamond and Caldor Railway book. These two shots in particular inspired the design of this kit especially. Great book with tons of modeling ideas.
**KKarns**
April 2021
Nice Brett…I’m actually modeling the overhead storage area seen there behind the ole pot belly stove.
**KCSTrains**
April 2021
Ken, thanks for putting this in it’s true perspective. We forget sometimes how small these spaces are. However, you’ve packed in the details!! Great work. Phil
**KKarns**
April 2021
Thanks much Phil…
**TomMich**
April 2021
Great work Ken! Up to your usual grungy standards. Especially like the grimy, sooty walls.
**KKarns**
April 2021
Grungy?, Grimy?, Sooty?..best compliment I could ask for! lol. Thanks Tom.
**ALCO**
April 2021
You did a great job on that door knob! (LOL)
**KKarns**
April 2021
WooWhoo!..somebody noticed!..
**KKarns**
April 2021 edited April 2021
Limited update…
The roof of the machine shop is almost done. I made an exhaust stack from scratch for the wood stove in the machine shop. I designed one just like the one here (see image) for my BlueSky build and decided to do another one here. The BlueSky stack was about twice this size…tedious work in this scale! I’m not finished with the detailing yet but close.
**Mountaingoat**
April 2021
Wow! That takes an eagle eye and super steady hand. Well done Ken…Rick
**kebmo**
April 2021
sheesh…
awesome detail. you should let brett cast it for future kits.
or his new details line. poke poke, hint hint.
**KKarns**
April 2021 edited April 2021
Right Rick…tedious work but worth it as it adds a bit of visual interest to an otherwise plain stack.
Thanks Kevin. I can’t wait for the 1:87 versions of Brett’s 3D work!
**KCSTrains**
April 2021
Great job Ken. Not something I would attempt. I know my limitations. LOL Phil
**KKarns**
April 2021
Thanks Phil…just fiddly…
**Karl.A**
April 2021 edited April 2021
Push the limits, boundaries Phil, you got it.
Stack looks great Ken.
I’m sitting here waiting for the “how to”…
**KKarns**
April 2021 edited April 2021
That would be like me showing Van Gogh how I paint by numbers!lol…Thanks my friend…
**Karl.A**
April 2021
Thank you,
OK, I’ll do it the next time I do one…
**KKarns**
April 2021
Placed my stack on the machine shop roof, added the ridge cap, and a few patches for visual interest. Next up is placing the battens on the main engine house wall where the roof of the machine shop butts up against it. Left those off so roof would fit snug and flush against the wall. Once that’s complete then attention will return to the interior of the main engine house…more as it develops…
**admin**
April 2021
While watching you finish up the outside is loads of fun… I am looking very forward to seeing the way you detail the interior!
**KKarns**
April 2021
Appreciate the note and now that the Machine Shop is basically done I can get back to interior work. I know I’m behind on exterior updates but want to wait until the interior is completed as I left the one wall off to allow access to the interior. The interior is shaping up really well…Your interior wall designs offer wonderful modeling opportunities and I’m taking advantage of those. What’s really nifty is how your individual interior walls allow me to put the first wall in and detail the entire area and document it without the second interior wall obscuring the view! Then I’ll put the second interior wall in and detail that area and so on documenting each”level” so to speak working out towards the wall I left off.
**Karl.A**
April 2021
Looking forward to your work on the interior.
**KKarns**
April 2021
Have completed the second phase of the interior of Eureka Springs (Ho/HOn3), save for a few tweaks after seeing the pictures here. The overhead storage area above the “office” was inspired by the photo on page 75 of the book; El Dorado Narrow Gauge The Diamond & Caldor Railway by Mallory Hope Ferrell. Brett posted a picture of that page above…just had to model it…the chain link inspired by the modeling of Dave Revelia.
Next up will be phase three which includes the second interior wall and a chain hoist…more later…Ken
**Bill**
April 2021
Wow, this is some incredible work Ken! That loft area is a cool little scene. Love it!
**KKarns**
April 2021
Thanks Bill, saw that and just had to model it!
**TomMich**
April 2021
Amazing work Ken! So much to look at. The loft is a great addition. Lots of great little detail scenes.
**admin**
April 2021
The overhead storage area is superb. Love it. The water cooler, cup holder, chalkboard, and electrical details make this hard to believe it’s HO Scale…
**KKarns**
April 2021
Appreciate that Tom. Since you mentioned “little details” here is an example of the extremes in detailing that we go through that will never be seen…fun anyway!
I put a decal on the front and side of the tank in this picture with black lettering…I don’t even know what they say! lol.
**TomMich**
April 2021
But you know they are there!
**KKarns**
April 2021
Thanks Brett and thanks for developing such a timeless kit!
**Mountaingoat**
April 2021
The cup dispenser next to the water cooler and the used paper towels overflowing the trash next to the sink! WOW and WOW! I am sure there are more little details I haven’t found yet. Ken, truly amazing modeling…Rick
**brownbr**
April 2021
I spy some light.
The chalkboard made me smile.
**KKarns**
April 2021
Yeah that’s true Tom…
Thanks Rick and appreciate you picking out those little details. Like I have mentioned previously, I love trying new things with every build, even if that “new thing” is a small little detail I haven’t utilized before.
That chalkboard is in the original picture of the engine house…see Brett’s picture above…so I just had to include it! Thanks for noticing Bryan.
**kebmo**
April 2021
amazing…
**KKarns**
April 2021
Hey thanks Kevin!
**Robert.G**
April 2021
Well Ken, this is so beautiful. And I love it when everything is placed so it makes sense and is logic. And it definitely has your signature… 😉
**Dave\_S**
April 2021
Ken,
Another home run. Deft use of your imagination and the execution thereof. Sure hope that light above the office roof annex will illuminate to draw some of the viewers attention to that area.
Did you use black tulle to create the safety glass in the window next to the ladder in this photo;
Thanks, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
**KKarns**
April 2021
Appreciate that Robert and coming from a master craftsman as yourself, means a great deal!
Thanks so much Dave, and nice hearing from you. I used standard white tulle spray painted brown and then weathered. I found spray painting the stuff before messing around with it gives it a bit of added stiffness making it easier to handle and easier to see. White is really hard to see and keep track of! Lol
**EmeryJ**
April 2021
Your detail work is superb Ken!!
**KKarns**
April 2021
Thanks much Emery…get it done while I can still see all that stuff good!
**Jim M**
April 2021 edited April 2021
Beautiful job Ken, looks incredible. That is quite an impressive structure.
**kebmo**
April 2021
Jim M said:
Beautiful job Ken, looks incredible. That is quite an impressive structure.
i’ll say. man…
**KKarns**
April 2021
Thanks Jim, right you are…the structure is wonderful, lots of details planned.
Appreciate that Kevin!
**Karl.A**
April 2021
Ken, you surpass yourself every time. Always the next level. Great work as always and executed perfectly.
**KKarns**
April 2021
Appreciate that Karl, coming from you that means a great deal…
**ALCO**
April 2021
Sustained excellence time after time! You are now an internet influencer (LOL). Congrats.
**SteveCuster**
April 2021
Fantastic work as usual Ken! The interior looks dirty but not messy just like a real shop.
**KKarns**
April 2021
Well Al…nice to hear from you and thank you for the kind words here! I get lost in these kits every time! lol.
Hey Steve, long time my friend! Thanks much and dirty is good…
**KCSTrains**
April 2021
Ken, another amazing build. The detail is just wonderful. You really think of everything. Phil
**KKarns**
April 2021
Thanks Phil! Nice hearing from you.
**Karl.A**
April 2021
I keep coming back to admire that pic at the top of this page… remarkable.
**KKarns**
April 2021
Ahh…you’re just checking out the calendar!..Appreciate that my good man…
**KKarns**
May 2021 173.88.78.186
Did something I try not to do and that was, I rushed some pictures of phase three of my Eureka Springs interior detailing. After I posted the pictures, I noticed several issues in the modeling that needed corrected. One…OK no big deal, but there were at least four issues so I deleted the entire post, fixed the modeling issues, and have to re-take all the pics and re-post. Weather is not looking good for pics over the next few days, so I am posting one shot here until I can get the thing imaged.
**Karl.A**
May 2021
Incredible stuff Ken, the finish on everything is beautifully done. I also like the photo angle.
**Keep it Rusty**
May 2021
Wow, Ken. What beautiful work. Once again, my own standards are raised.
**KKarns**
May 2021
Thanks Karl, the only shot that didn’t show my screw ups!
Appreciate that Craig.
**Robert.G**
May 2021
Ken, this is beautiful work and I think even your screw ups are looking great… 😃
**KKarns**
May 2021
Thanks much Robert. Got to fix an issue in this last pic as well! Geesh…good example of how taking pictures is a valuable tool in modeling.
**brownbr**
May 2021
Love the overhead crane
**KKarns**
May 2021
Thanks Bryan, its a nice feature to build details around.
**SteveCuster**
May 2021
Looks great Ken!
**KKarns**
May 2021
Hi Steve…nice hearing from you and appreciate the note here.
**TomMich**
May 2021
Outstanding! Love the use of the overhead crane indoors. The finishes on the walls and floor give a WELL used appearance! also like the use and placement of details. Great work Ken!
**admin**
May 2021
That last shot is incredible. Beautiful modeling and photography.
**KKarns**
May 2021
Thanks Tom. The pics make the floor a bit washed out as they are a bit darker.
Appreciate that Brett. I’m feeling pretty good about the interior detailing concepts I have going…will post more soon as the weather improves. Took a deep breath and carved out a 3" x 4" chunk of diorama base up near the rear of the shop…more on that later.
**EmeryJ**
May 2021
The detail you portray on that scale is staggering. Just unbelievable Ken.
**KKarns**
May 2021
Hey thanks Emery, really nice having you here.
**TomMich**
May 2021
Ken, the floor just looks dusty and dirty to me in the photo
**KKarns**
May 2021
Right Tom, it is but it’s got a bit darker look to me in person. Kind of that grungy ground in oil and dirt feel to it. I’ll clear that up on the next round of pictures.
**KKarns**
May 2021
Got a nice afternoon to re-take the images of phase three of the interior detailing.
**Karl.A**
May 2021
Beautiful, just popped in the house to get a beer and I hit refresh on the screen and got this, awesome work Ken.
First thing I noticed was the shadowing around the studs, rafter/peak on the walls… nicely done, makes such a subtle elevation doesn’t it…
I’ll come back for further admiration when the sun goes down.
**Keep it Rusty**
May 2021 edited May 2021
Gorgeous.
The detail is a testament to what is capable in HO.
The coloring is a testament to what is capable in the hands of an artist.
Bravo.
**Robert.G**
May 2021
Did anybody say ‘detail’ ? Just awesome Ken.
**brownbr**
May 2021
I enjoy looking for the details on your details. What stuck out to me with this batch is the teeny labels on cans and barrels, the grease marked scrap barrel and the bucket hanging on the wall.
**EmeryJ**
May 2021
Great detailing again Ken. Always a pleasure to look these pictures.
**sdrees**
May 2021
Great work Ken.
**Dave\_S**
May 2021
Ken,
EUREKA !!!
This is some extraordinarily fine modeling. Now I have to remember to take photos of the interior before placing the final wall/walls in place to show details that can’t be seen except by the modeler once everything is buttoned up.
Can you outline the colors of chalk and methods you used to color the outside batten on board exterior siding?
Thanks. Dave S. Tucson, AZ
**KKarns**
May 2021
Hey Thanks Karl, nifty you noticing that. Worked harder on the “grimy” walls than many of the actual details!
Appreciate that Rusty! Nice having you on the forum.
Thanks Robert. I find this kind of detail work hard to get started with, but once I get rolling it gets really enjoyable.
Well Bryan, I can always count on you to pick out the small subtile details! Makes it so worthwhile when you know, that I know, that you know it’s there!
Thanks so much Emery, and also appreciate all you do including the 3D work!
Thanks Stephen and nice hearing from you.
Really appreciate the kind words here Dave. Right, I knew I needed to take pictures in stages as I worked towards the side with the missing wall. Once the walls up then I reverse the angle and take a few pics of what’s along that wall and done!
Sure, let me get a better pic of the siding and I’ll outline how I got there.
**KKarns**
May 2021
OK Dave here’s what I did in working up the walls (more than you requested but takes it through all steps):
Grained the raw strip wood with a wire brush.
Lightly sanded the edges and ran through steel wool to remove “fuzzies”
Applied a general AI stain to get a base grayish color.
Hand selected each board and detailed the business end to fit my overall plan for the rotted damaged areas.
Applied various chalks (dry) to the boards in specific areas, particularly at the board ends. Set the chalk with mineral spirits and applied a damp brushing of the red paint.
Once dry to the touch applied steel wool to create the worn peeling effect. Same treatment for the battens. Battens and boards were completely colored before gluing to the framing. Final fiddly detailing once the wall was complete.
**TomMich**
May 2021
Great work Ken! Love all your detailing. So much to study. I see something new each time I look.
**Dave\_S**
May 2021
Ken,
Thanks. Great explanation as always. Now I have to experiment to get the effect I want, weathered but not neglected or abandoned. I think that dry brushing is the key to achieving the look I want. I will be working with clapboard/lap siding.
Later, Dave S Tucson, AZ
**Pappy**
May 2021
Love your builds Ken!
I’m on my 6th SW kit and learning from you and others here.
Keep up your great work
**KKarns**
May 2021
Thanks Tom.
You bet Dave, anytime.
Appreciate that Pappy and nice to hear 6 SWSM builds under your belt!
**Pappy**
May 2021
Wish I can purchase this HO kit from Brett. Most of the HO kits are sold out or unavailable at this time. Going to get bored if no more Bretts kits available.
Just kidding, I have a few unlimited kits to build from brand x but prefer Bretts kits by far.
Waiting for the HO version of the RiverFront!!
Ken, keep up your great builds!!
**KKarns**
May 2021
I hear ya Pappy!..I spent about 6 months tracking down, on the secondary market, all of SWSM HO/HOn3 kits and securing them all for future builds. The RiverFront is destine to be a classic and one that I’m thrilled to have a chance to build!..Thanks for your morale support and look forward to more “knocking elbows” with ya! Lol.
**Pappy**
May 2021
I do have the BlueSky Company kit which I believe is Bretts first kit.
Bought at a train show a while back for about $75 bucks.
Will keep on my back burner for now.
Can’t wait for the RiverFront!! as you.
**KCSTrains**
May 2021
Ken, your outdoor shots are fantastic and really show the detail you put into your builds. Outstanding. I really enjoy your unique crafting vicariously. I just don’t have the skill or imagination to get to this detail, nor do I think I want to. LOL Phil
**KKarns**
May 2021
You are too kind Phil! If anything…I’m enthusiastic. Thanks much my friend.
**admin**
May 2021 47.32.246.71
I am curious what it means when you keep having to tell yourself:
“This is HO Scale, This is HO Scale, This is HO Scale…”
**TomMich**
May 2021
I agree. Amazing work!
**KKarns**
May 2021
Thanks Brett, really appreciate it. Sticking to 1:87 as long as my eyes and hands can take it! lol.
Hey Tom, appreciate the support.
**Joel**
June 2021
Just catching up after a bit of a break. What fantastic work. What an inspiration to the rest of us. Each scene tells a little story. Sadly my vocabulary is lacking to describe how great this is.
**KKarns**
June 2021
Hi Joel, Really nice hearing from you! We all need breaks my friend and I have been under the radar as well dealing with elderly parent issues. Hard to concentrate on modeling at times, but hey, that’s why it’s a hobby.
Thanks so much for your kind words here, means a great deal and came at a wonderful time as I need a boost in my modeling mojo!lol. Keep in touch and look forward to your continued camaraderie.
**TomH**
June 2021
Just an extraordinary example of what 1:87 can be!
**KCSTrains**
June 2021
Ken, sorry to hear about the elderly parent issue. It is time consuming and a labor of love. I hope all goes well. It’s a good thing modeling is therapeutic. Phil
**KKarns**
June 2021
Thanks Tom!
Hey Phil, yes..it is a process and stressful for sure…thanks for the morale support.
**KKarns**
July 2021 edited July 2021
Once again in need of dusting off this build thread. I have been moving along steadily on Eureka Springs just not posting…I decided it’s just not as much fun modeling without sharing progress.
Here is a vertical boiler I’m working on…in the fuzzy background is the steam engine this boiler will be powering…more later. Ken
**kebmo**
July 2021
boiler looks great! glad to see you’re back ken. i hope all’s well.
**KCSTrains**
July 2021
Ken, welcome back. Your weathering is spot on. Very good. Phil
**KKarns**
July 2021
Thanks Kevin, all good here…
Appreciate the note Phil.
**TomMich**
July 2021 108.205.147.72
Glad you’re back. I have missed your great work!
**KKarns**
July 2021
Thanks for the note Tom.
**Bill**
July 2021
Incredible detail that you brought to life in that boiler, Ken. Wow!
Sorry to hear about your parents and what must be a difficult time for the family.
**KKarns**
July 2021
Hey Bill, nice hearing from you! Thanks for your thoughts on the boiler here…progress albeit small. I just finished planting it in the boiler house along with the steam engine. Piping was a challenge in this scale but came out OK I think. Cheers my friend…
**Mountaingoat**
July 2021
Love the boiler. The level of detail, especially in the weathering is fantastic. My eyes cross just thinking about trying this level of detail. (That’s experience talking)…Rick
**admin**
July 2021
That is an outstanding job on an important detail. Great to see more progress!
**KKarns**
July 2021
Hey Rick, nice hearing from you and appreciate your thoughts. Just joined the boiler up with the steam engine and planted it in the “building”. Next up to detail the building and connect to the line shaft…
Thanks much Brett. All walls are up, the Machine Shop is done and all interior details are done except for along the last wall where the line shaft runs. Much yet to do…
**kebmo**
July 2021
that’s a tease is i’ve ever heard one.
pics please 🙂
**KKarns**
July 2021
Hey Kevin, appreciate you my good man. Want to get the building done first before posting any pics but wanted you to know I am getting some work done!
**kebmo**
July 2021
oh, okay. we’ll gladly wait…
**brownbr**
July 2021
Boiler turned out great
**Joel**
July 2021
The boiler detail is fantastic. Can’t wait to see the whole scene but take your time.
**KKarns**
July 2021
Waiting on me should be something you’re used to!
Thanks Bryan, and it looks much better paired with the steam engine.
Hey Joel. Appreciate that and the entire mini-scene should come together soon. Working out a couple issues…
**KKarns**
August 2021
Progress shot on the steam engine and boiler area…much more detailing to do here prior to planting on the diorama…
**Mountaingoat**
August 2021
Outstanding!..Rick
**kebmo**
August 2021
i’ll say. damn…
**brownbr**
August 2021
the asbestos wrap is an OSHA hazard but looks mighty fine.
**KKarns**
August 2021
Thanks Rick. Probably will end up over engineering the scene once I get the main drive pulley and line shaft set up…but haven’t modeled a boiler and steam engine before so having fun with it none the less! Eureka Springs is turning out to be busier than originally planned which may be a bad thing in the end…we’ll see.
Appreciate that Kevin.
The pipes needed something for a little visual interest, good you noticed Bryan, you’re one for those small details as well!
**Jerry**
August 2021
Ken HO that is some awesome work!!
Jerry
**Keep it Rusty**
August 2021
Wow. Love it.
**TomMich**
August 2021
Awesome work!
**admin**
August 2021
Absolutely FANTASTIC!
**EmeryJ**
August 2021
Impressive as always Ken.
**KKarns**
August 2021
Thanks much Jerry…very fiddly in parts!
Glad to hear Rusty, and nice hearing from you.
Hey Tom, appreciate the support and your thoughts here.
Thanks Brett and I have begun detailing and using some of your 3D detail parts starting with the Boiler “house” here. When I get to finished photos will point them out as I go. Have the fire extinguisher hanging on a post just out of view!
Thanks Emery, and as I mentioned to Brett I’m just getting started detailing the 3D stuff you wizards have created. Honored to be able to incorporate them in my project here.
Ken
**Joel**
August 2021
Just beautiful. I love the fact that it is it’s own little unit and will be detailed and then plugged into the major structure.
**KKarns**
August 2021
Thanks Joel and that’s nifty that you noticed that. It will end up partially below grade. Gives it a different look than just placed on an above ground pad.
**kebmo**
August 2021
i for one, can’t wait to see how this turns out/
**KKarns**
August 2021
Hopefully within the next month or so I’ll have the whole project about done. Interior details is what took so long…In the end there will be 4 separate models constructed in addition to the Eureka Springs structure; boiler, steam engine, hoist, and crane…The machine shop has been changed to include a below ground level among other things…much yet to do.
**kebmo**
August 2021
sounds pretty cool. take your time, we’ll wait. 🙂
**KKarns**
August 2021
Thanks for the support Kevin, makes it all worth while.
**Robert.G**
August 2021
SUPER !!!
**TomMich**
August 2021
Always look forward to seeing what you do with SW kits. You always add some nice twists and give us all ideas.
**KKarns**
August 2021
Thanks Robert.
Appreciate your thoughts Tom and this build will certainly have plenty of “twists” Lol.
**KCSTrains**
August 2021
Wow Ken. You just keep raising the bar!!! Machinery is your things. Outstanding realism. Phil
**KKarns**
August 2021
Thanks Phil, nice hearing from you.
**geoawelch**
August 2021
No matter where you look here, Ken, such a high quality of modeling. The detail is mind blowing and then seeing the small scene with your fingers for scale makes it seem like black magic. It’s so nice to be seeing the fine modeling on this forum again.
**KKarns**
August 2021
Hey Geo, nice to hear from you! Appreciate the very kind note here. I started out this build with no plans to detail the interior above the basics but that soon changed…like right after I started! Lol. I worked all weekend on it and the line shaft, boiler and engine house are almost done…the diorama has much more work to go but close to scenic work. Have a couple of loading/unloading areas to get done, a utility pole, couple of tanks (love tanks), a jib crane is done just need to attach it to the building, and the main roof…enough to keep me busy for a good while!
**KKarns**
August 2021 edited August 2021
Providing an update on my HO/HOn3 Eureka Springs project. Finished the third and final phase of the interior detailing and secured the last remaining wall of the main engine house.
General view of the interior from the large open east side of Eureka Springs. I was able to include some of the wonderfully detailed 3D printed SWSM detail parts, I will point those out as I go through the images. The feature in the center is a movable elevated platform for locomotive cleaning and maintenance. Note the fire extinguisher mounted on the exterior wall on the right…Brett’s 3D detail…incredible.
Shot of the line shaft operating a couple pieces of equipment. The maintenance platform is in the middle, note the water line and hose for cleaning locos and equipment…I found a reason for the grate between the rails…Lol.
View from the north side of Eureka Springs.
Close up of the wheel lathe.
Featuring the line shaft config. The two screw jacks tucked beside the open stall are Brett’s 3D printed parts…absolutely flawless pieces with outstanding detail!
Other end and the other, smaller lathe, with several of SWSM 3D Details. SierraWest 3D Details: Tank cylinder without the valve, open wood barrel, two types of screw jacks, open top fuel can behind the screw jacks.
View of the engine and boiler shed and line shaft. I decided to do something a bit different and made the shed with a below ground floor and a foundation. There is a grate covered drain in the back corner and the diorama terrain grade will slope away exposing the drain pipe on the outside…more on that with the scenic work.
Additional view of the shed without the roof finished of course. The roof will be corrugated metal.
View of the electrical box and wiring for the shop lights that don’t work! Lol. Roof is removable so have to keep the details honest…
Sneek Peek…I completely re-designed the attached machine shop…obviously! Brett’s original stone wall design gave me the idea to re-work the structure to have not a stone wall but a stone foundation and actual lower level. That lower door leads to a functional room with actual working lights…more on that later on…
**geoawelch**
August 2021
Hard to believe this level of believable detail is possible in HO. Mind blown. Again.
George
**KKarns**
August 2021
Thanks much Geo. Glad to have the interior(s) done as I think the rest will go quite a bit quicker!
**Pappy**
August 2021
Ken, absolutely fantastic work. Keep up your great work!!
**Mountaingoat**
August 2021
I love how you make changes that make complete sense that add so much to the model. The depressed engine shed and the lower room under the machine shop. Wow. Not to mention that movable platform for better access to the locomotives for cleaning and repair. Absolutely impressive Ken…Rick
**kebmo**
August 2021
gobsmacked
**KKarns**
August 2021
Thanks Pappy, and you know my mo…slow and steady! Loll
Appreciate that Rick. I’ll get some pictures of that lower room later on as I mentioned.
I’ll take that Kevin, thanks buddy!
**Pappy**
August 2021
Agree Ken, slow and take your time my friend
**Robert.G**
August 2021
Just fantastic work Ken, slow or not, just great. I like to see that kit in O scale…hm hm hm… 😉
**brownbr**
August 2021
Very nice and a clever re-design for the stone walls.
The screwdriver holder on the wall by the lathe caught my attention.
**KKarns**
August 2021
Thanks Bryan.
**admin**
August 2021
Amazing Ken, you literally raise the bar and outdo yourself with each new build.
**EmeryJ**
August 2021
So much great stuff going on in there Ken!
**ALCO**
August 2021
He’s not slow, he’s just thinking…about how to make this kit his own. Always a pleasure Ken
**sdrees**
August 2021
Great work Ken, WOW!!!
**KKarns**
August 2021
Thanks much Brett. Really enjoyable build.
Appreciate the note Emery…really enjoyed detailing and placing the 3D printed detail parts…great stuff and can’t wait for more.
You get me Al! lol…method to the madness and thanks.
Hey Stephen, appreciate the kind words and expression!
**TomMich**
August 2021
Amazing and very creative take on this classic structure! Love all your details. They are placed and weathered to perfection. Hard to tell them from the real thing! I always look forward to your builds each one gets more creative and better.
**KKarns**
August 2021
Really appreciate your note here Tom, means a great deal. The interior work has chewed up both time and detail parts that’s for sure! Always nice to get past a major portion of a build.
**KCSTrains**
August 2021
Ken, your attention to detail is truly professional grade. This is a diorama I would have to see in person to truly appreciate. I would need to bring my stool so I could sit and study each detail at length. Then, you add to an already great kit a lower level. Unbelievable!! Can’t wait to see what you have in that room. Thanks for posting. Phil
**KKarns**
August 2021
Hi Phil, so nice hearing from you. Honored to get such a nice note my friend. As I have mentioned previously, I have one LP in every diorama. The LP is not obvious and has to be looked for…that lower level of the machine shop is a hint…lol.
Thanks again Phil and talk soon.
**Joel**
September 2021
Incredible work as always. Love your take on this build. So many fantastic little scenes.
**KKarns**
September 2021
Hey Joel, appreciate that sir! Things are gelling with this project nicely. Wasn’t sure, at the onset, the direction I was going with it. Had some issues to work out in my mind but believe those have been settled. Working on the roof of the main structure and the boiler house. The jib crane is done and installed and turned out better than I had expected. Not all that far from beginning the scenic work…
Thanks again for the note and keep in touch. Always a pleasure to hear from you.
Ken
**KKarns**
September 2021 edited September 2021
Update on my Eureka Springs build. I have the removable main roof completed save for weathering. Not sure what I’m going to do here, still mulling it over. Decided on a raised rib roofing material for the look I was after.
I decided to build a small shed to place out front under the service pole. This will add an interesting detail as well as balance out the diorama which is “heavy” towards the left rear! Lol…The little shed will have lots of rotten areas along the bottom, as sheds tend to do…I wanted the framing to show through the areas I’m planning on having the boards a bit rotten so spliced in strip wood framing where I wanted it (see photo below). More later…Ken
**TomMich**
September 2021
Love the look of the roof! How did you make the roof so it is removable? Can’t wait to see what you do with the exterior and detailing.
**KKarns**
September 2021
Thanks much Tom. The roof is removable by Brett’s design. You build the roof by lightly tacking the trusses to the end walls and then the support boards are glued to just the trusses and not gabled walls, glue down the roof material and then carefully pry up the trusses and done! Genius design…
**Mountaingoat**
September 2021
Definitely coming together. Waiting to see your magic with the integration with the scenery…Rick
**KKarns**
September 2021
Thanks Rick
**Pappy**
September 2021
Ken great work as usual!
**sdrees**
September 2021 edited September 2021
You know Ken, the Engine house looks fantastic, but it seems that you went a little lite on the grunge you usually do. Which is ok.
**KKarns**
September 2021
Thanks Pappy.
Right Stephen, a bit lower on the Grunge scale!
**Keep it Rusty**
September 2021
Nothing but excellence!
**brownbr**
September 2021
Coming together nicely.
**dick52**
September 2021
Fantastic,well done !
**sdrees**
September 2021
And I like it very much this way Ken on the grunge scale.
**Robert.G**
September 2021
Another very nice build if I might say.. Another one I’d like to see in O scale… 😉 Curious about the shed…
**KKarns**
September 2021
Appreciate that Rusty.
Slow but sure Bryan.
Thanks much Richard and really nice hearing from you.
Thanks for the support Stephen. Things evolved to a more refined structure than originally planned or designed.
Thanks Robert.
**KKarns**
September 2021
Finished up the small, scratch built, shed for the Eureka Springs diorama. This will allow some interesting detailing once planted and the scenic works gets underway.
**admin**
September 2021
and there’s the grunge! Wonderful.
**MuddyCreekRR**
September 2021
Nice…
**geoawelch**
September 2021
Those pics underscore the fine craftsmanship in a SMALL package. Amazing, as usual, Ken.
George
**Robert.G**
September 2021
Very nice weathering on the wood !!
**brownbr**
September 2021
That will make a good addition. I might consider a sign or coil of wire hanging on a wall.
**ALCO**
September 2021
See-through areas turned out great!
**KKarns**
September 2021 edited September 2021
Right Brett…I constantly drift that way!
Thanks much Art.
Appreciate that George. Can’t believe how long it took me to put together this little approx. 1 inch square structure!
Thanks Robert
Right Bryan, looking forward to all that kind of detailing once planted and I have a feel for the layout of things.
Thanks Al. The walls, before the wood siding goes on, looks a bit strange with the stark framing. Once everything is on and weathered it softens that look and the subtile framing peeking through creates some interest to the walls.
Here are a couple pictures that I referenced to place this little shed on the diorama. The first is the photo Brett posted earlier on in this thread, and is from the book by Mallory Hope Ferrell…El Dorado Narrow Gauge The Diamond & Caldor Railway. The second is from a web search.
**TomMich**
September 2021
Nice little addition to the build
**KKarns**
September 2021 edited September 2021
Thanks Tom. Balancing out the diorama was a big factor prompting the addition, along with visual interest and opportunity for some fun detailing
**Joel**
September 2021
Up to your unparalleled standards. Small but impressive.
**KKarns**
September 2021
Hey Joel, appreciate that my friend…nice hearing from you and trust all is well.
**kebmo**
September 2021
yeah,…i’m speechless.
**KKarns**
September 2021
Thanks much Kevin, appreciate the support.
**Pappy**
September 2021
Fantastic work as usual Ken!
**KKarns**
September 2021
Thanks for that Pappy…putting it all together this weekend and starting the scenic work…gettin there.
**ALCO**
September 2021
No dios for me this weekend. Blue sky, 75 degrees, aspen are changing up at tree line. Football.
**KKarns**
October 2021
Time to dust off this build thread and provide some sort of update. The interior detailing is complete and the roofs of all the structures (4 total) are finished save for some minor weathering. I am working my way around the diorama completing mini-scenes and scenic work as I go. Had a nice conversation with Brett regarding several issues not the least of which is the continued development of the 3D printed parts. These details are a game changer and I have been able to incorporate a fair number in my project here. I will point those out once final photos are posted.
Another topic was a couple issues I had that really slowed me down on the build until I got a handle on how I wanted to proceed. The first of which is the issue of “grass” on my dioramas, or more accurately, the lack of grass! I have struggled in the past as to detailing open ground space. Weeds, bushes and trees can fill some voids but naturally occurring in the real world is lots of various grasses. In study of my reference photos, the areas right near the structures had very little “grass” and was dominated by scattered weeds and clumps of “grass” here and there. But as you traveled further out from the buildings, the grass became more apparent and of course more and larger weeds and bushes. So I felt it was time to give a static grass applicator a go. I purchased a cheap model just to see how it would work…and as expected it didn’t work very well. However, I found this to be an actual advantage for my modeling in 1:87 scale. The poor performance caused only a portion of the static grass to actually stand up. This created a natural variation in height leaning towards to low end which looks much better and in scale. Anyway, I created the grassy areas and was pleased with how it turned out.
Second issue was the significant hillside I created on the western side of the diorama where the two story machine shop resides. I did not want just a grassy hillside so I decided to make some rock outcroppings. This is all well and good IF you’ve mastered making plaster rocks and have them look naturally located, which I have never done! So, fooling around getting that done slowed me down. Both issues are now resolved and I making much better progress. Posted here is the one side of the machine shop showing the result of the grass and rock work. Not a great image but you get the idea.
**Mountaingoat**
October 2021
Your rocks are convincing and the blend of different dirt and loose rocks give the variety needed to make the scene more believable. Well done…Rick
**KKarns**
October 2021 edited October 2021
Continuing with the Eureka Springs update. As I do not have any real progress pictures at this time I thought I’d give my thoughts on the importance of “layering” when working on your projects and the use of reference photos. Brett stresses the importance of layering throughout the manuals but worth illustrating the effect and how reference photos can help.
In the following pictures of my Eureka Springs build, I decided to mirror a small section of the actual Diamond Springs Engine House from the book I described earlier in this thread. There is a wonderfully detailed picture of the front of the engine house on pages 72 and 73. It’s not the actual engine house that struck me but the details in the foreground of the structure. back to the issue of layering. Layering can be, and should be, utilized in every aspect of our modeling; weathering details, placing details, scenic work, painting, etc. This short blurp here will be on scenic details.
In this small area I placed several boards and a scarp piece of paper. Note the layering of the items rather than just putting down individual pieces separated from each other. The one main piece has a total of 5 layers!..dirt, red weathered board, small board, paper, longer board. Below is the actual picture from my reference…
Note the layering and the clumps and interrupted bare ground and weeds rather than large expanse of grass.
The next photo is a simple detail consisting of three pieces of wood layered for interest and to depict the reference photo. Note the smaller piece of wood has the end stuck into the small gravel pile rather than just on bare ground.
This picture shows a water line and hose along with a pile of boards. Of course a pile of boards provides natural layering. The critical thing here is that the boards lay naturally. (note the slightly scratched hose with bare metal showing through…have to fix that!..benefit of photographing your work as you go)
This last picture is the reference photo incorporating both previous detail pictures. I had a lot of fun trying to emulate the reference photos in this small section. These small details get lost a bit once the entire diorama is complete, so kind of fun to feature and analyze such a small area…
More later…Ken
**Mountaingoat**
October 2021
Super good. Great examples with prototype to illustrate…Rick
**TomMich**
October 2021
Your scenery work is outstanding! Looks very natural. It’s not only about layering but also the textures you have incorporated. Great tutorial. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to seeing the finished diorama. I really like the hose bib alongside the small shack. Where did you get the spigot handle and the pipe connections?
**MuddyCreekRR**
October 2021
Outstanding stuff as we have come to expect…I always get ideas from your work…and for that…I Thank You…
**KKarns**
October 2021
Appreciate that Rick, thanks for the support on the rocks.
Thanks Tom, I’ll pull that info. together and send you a PM.
You bet Al…really nice hearing from you.
**admin**
October 2021
Absolutely love the rock outcropping, very natural. The use of prototype photographs as a reference for the scattered debris is perfect.
**KCSTrains**
October 2021
Ken, thanks for the tutorial. Great detailed explanation. I am certainly a layering disciple. Phil
**EmeryJ**
October 2021
That is some top notch rock work. In fact, thank you for the inspiration. I have a problem area that I was not sure what to do with. Well, that picture is the perfect solution. Thanks for sharing your excellent work.
**KKarns**
October 2021
Thanks Brett, and the book you recommended, and that you used for inspiration for developing Eureka Springs, is a wonderful source of ideas.
Thanks much Phil.
Nice hearing that Emery and appreciate the thoughts here.
**brownbr**
October 2021
Excellent work
**SteveCuster**
October 2021
The ground cover and hillside looks excellent Ken.
**KKarns**
October 2021 edited October 2021 173.88.78.186
Thanks Bryan!
Hey Steve, nice hearing from you and hope all is well at your end. Have you been modeling as you have been sailing under the radar here! Lol…Do you still have an active web page? Message me the name if so…
Appreciate the support on the hillside work as it was a tense and anxious period in the build!..glad to have it nearly finished.
**Robert.G**
October 2021
Absolutely well done !!!
**vietnamseabee**
October 2021
The entire build is “grunge-tacular”…especially the little shed
Terry
**KKarns**
October 2021
Nice hearing from you Robert and appreciate the comment here.
Hey Terry, thanks for that and plan on planting that shed very soon.
**KKarns**
October 2021
I began incorporating some of Brett’s spectacular 3D parts in my Eureka Springs build. The interior was essentially done when these parts became available so few of the 3D parts made it into the interior. However, I am including a good number in the exterior detailing. Just had to post this single detail that I just finished up. Well, I may add some clear coat on the bottles yet.
This kind of detail in HO…just incredible. Well played Brett and Emery!
**sdrees**
October 2021
this is looking great Ken.
**TomMich**
October 2021
I recently bought some also and am looking forward to incorporating them into my dioramas. Nice painting , especially on the crate.
**EmeryJ**
October 2021
Superb job there Ken. Man those things are small.
**Pappy**
October 2021
I agree, fantastic work with the details Ken!
We much appreciate time spent to share with others.
**KKarns**
October 2021
Thanks Stephen and nice hearing from you.
Just finished the galvanized wash tub and trash can…great stuff and so easy to work with, zero clean up and they paint and weather great. Nice to hear you picked some up as well Tom.
Thanks Emery and appreciate your efforts on these 3D parts…you both a killing it!
Hey Pappy, thanks so much. It is nice to step back from a big project and give the small individual details some attention and calling out these 3D parts is particularly nice!
**Pappy**
October 2021
Hey Ken, just ordered a lot of Brett’s newest 3D parts and should arrive by the end of this week.
Hope you can share if you can the paints and weathering methods on these little puppy’s that you suggest. 😄
Again, keep up your fantastic work!!
Pappy
**KKarns**
October 2021
Sounds good Pappy!..we can have a SWSM 3D parts detailing session…
**Pappy**
October 2021 edited October 2021
that would be awesome 😃
**brownbr**
October 2021
Great little detail. You will like the way they look with a clear gloss coat.
**admin**
October 2021 edited October 2021
Wonderful Ken, all you O Scale modelers get a real sense of just how small HO is when you see a pic like this! What’s so incredible about the 3D Printing process is the detail is the same no matter the size. Ken has really nailed the look of an old soda crate.
**Robert.G**
October 2021
I keep getting amazed by what some HO modelers can do… And Ken is one of them for sure…
**Jerry**
October 2021
Exceptional detailing of the surrounding area. Making the building even more realistic. A fine job your there Ken.
Jerry
**Joel**
October 2021
Just fantastic work. Wonderful to follow along and marvel at your build.
**KKarns**
October 2021
I’ll give that a go Bryan and yes they are wonderful details…awesome stuff.
Thanks so much Brett. Your 3D detail parts are really nice to work with and paint and detail wonderfully.
Thanks Robert, it does test the eyes and steady hand that’s for sure.
Appreciate that Jerry, next update will be a bit more substantial! Lol.
Hey Joel, thanks for you nice comments here and checking in, always nice hearing from you.
**KKarns**
October 2021 edited October 2021
Working my way around to the west side of the main engine house, detailing the exterior as I go. Here are a few more samples of the wonderfully detailed HO scale 3D details from SierraWest Scale Models that I am incorporating into my Eureka Springs build:
Flat Truck Tire. Painted Grimy Black and weathered with pigments. I put a small amount of Epoxy in the bottom inside of the hollow, yes hollow like the real thing!, tire to simulate water collecting inside.
Screw Jack from the “Screw Jack Mix” collection. One of three screw positions. This one is in the middle. Primed with brown spray paint. Painted yellow, screw painted with metallic, and light rust pigments.
Exceptionally detailed gas can from the “Tin Gas Can Mix” collection. Body painted with silver metallic, top with aged bronze, and weathered with pigments. Final detailing in place with some fuel stains.
Wood barrel from the “Wooden Barrels” collection. Primed with flat black. Painted with roof brown and dry brushed with lighter tones. Ribs highlighted with graphite.
Various wood creates from the “Wooden Crate Mix” collection. Photo has the wood a bit washed out but really shows the detail of these amazing pieces. Treated similar to the wood barrel.
**Karl.A**
October 2021 edited October 2021
The screw jack is exemplary.
**KKarns**
October 2021
Hey thanks my friend! Nice hearing from you…
**Pappy**
October 2021
Fantastic work Ken!! and thanks for the suggested paint and weathering on these small puppy’s!!
**MuddyCreekRR**
October 2021
I’m glad you are doing the HO…Outstanding Work…I will stick to the O Scale…my eyes have gotten smaller…and my fingers bigger…like I’ve said before…Looks realer than real does…
**Robert.G**
October 2021
Great work on those details. A shame one needs to enlarge the photos so much to actually appreciate the quality of the casting and the paintwork…
**KKarns**
October 2021
You bet Pappy and thanks.
The 1:87 scale is a challenge when it comes to small details that’s for sure. Appreciate your thoughts here Al.
Thanks Robert, those small details are a bit tough to photograph.
**admin**
October 2021
Wow, what an incredible example of what can be done in HO Scale…
**SteveCuster**
October 2021 edited October 2021
These are great Ken. The flat truck tire is something I never really thought about but they do usually flop a bit when they sit for long upright, never really been done properly as a detail before. The water in the bottom really brings it home. I’ve gotten wet by that foul water many times, or worse fix-a-flat.
**Jerry**
October 2021
So excellent and in HO no less.
Jerry
**EmeryJ**
October 2021
How you do it is beyond me buddy. Those look spectacular. I honestly did not think the printer could do this tiny of details in HO. Once painted with your skill, I can now see that it actually does show up. Great work.
**KKarns**
October 2021
Such a wonderful “canvas” to work on Brett! Thanks for providing such a wonderful detail line.
Hi Steve. Right, something as simple as a tire can be such a nice detail if printed correctly and Brett nailed it for sure.
Thanks Jerry, make sure you drop me an e-mail regarding your question.
Appreciate that Emery! I bet it’s nice to see your work come full circle…
I’ll be posting these and some additional details over on the 3D parts thread as well.
**sdrees**
October 2021
this is looking great Ken.
**brownbr**
October 2021
We have your fingerprints now.
**KKarns**
October 2021
Thanks Stephen.
I’m not in the database Bryan…at least I don’t think I am! Lol
**KCSTrains**
October 2021
Ken, thanks for the details on the 3D parts. My favorite is the soda crate. Outstanding work. Phil
**vietnamseabee**
October 2021
I have a sheet of soda crate labels which I suspect/hope can be adapted to Brett’s sized crate..I’ll dig it out and upload for the group’s use if okay with Brett….pretty sure I got the sheet from someone else on this forum
Terry
**kebmo**
October 2021
brownbr said:
We have your fingerprints now.
nyah, ah aaaah
**Joel**
October 2021
Amazing detail work. looking forward to seeing them buried in a scene. Getting to my favourite stage.
**Jerry**
October 2021
Ken thanks for your help. It’s appreciated.
Lots to learn here with the detail parts.
Jerry
**KKarns**
October 2021
Hey Phil, you are welcome and thanks.
Appreciate that Joel. When I post the final pictures I will point out the 3D parts included in each scene.
You bet Jerry, anytime.
**Pappy**
October 2021
That would be great Terry! We are looking forward to the labels.
Thanks!
**vietnamseabee**
October 2021
Pap… they’re the same labels that Tom posted over on the other thread…I’ll be manipulating the size in Photoshop so they fit Brett’s castings
Terry
**Pappy**
October 2021
Thanks Terry.
I down loaded Tom’s labels and also re-sized using adobe Illustrator.
Just thought you had different labels.
Pap
**Mike Engler**
November 2021
And Tom’s thread would be?
**Karl.A**
November 2021 172.58.62.145
Its here Mike.
> **[the "official" Show off your SWSM 3D Printed details thread! - Page 2](http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=%2Fdiscussion%2F1318%2F3d-printed-details-thread-show-off-your-3d-printed-details%2Fp2)**
>
> this is gonna be great!
**Mike Engler**
November 2021
Thanks Karl. And Ken I think you about nailed the color of the old pale green glass coke bottles. What color did you use? With a clear coat the would be really close I’m guessing.
**KKarns**
November 2021
Used some Polly Scale Reading Green. Reaper Brilliant Green is close to this as well.
**KKarns**
November 2021
The Engine House at Eureka Springs is finished! Was hoping to get some pictures today but the weather did not cooperate. Will post soon…on to the next thing…
**Karl.A**
November 2021
Looking forward to seeing what I know will be incredible pictures.
**Pappy**
November 2021
You all here must have a boat load of Polly Scale/floquil paints.
None in my inventory.
I have tons of reaper paints and not sure if I want to spend more money on AK paints.
Again Great job Ken!!
**KKarns**
November 2021
Thanks Karl, nice to finally button up a big project like this…
Right Pappy, I had a big inventory of Polly Scale and Floquil and Brett’s Reaper set so don’t need much else side for a few additional colors.
**brownbr**
November 2021
Outdoor pics might not be until June unless you move south.
**KKarns**
November 2021
Managed to get a reasonably good afternoon to take a few pictures of my completed Eureka Springs dio. The plan is to post some general shots and later on I’ll get some individual scene and detail pics. When illustrating the detailed scenes I’ll point out the new SWSM 3D parts I utilized. A few shots show the removable roof a bit “wonky” here and there. I’ll give that some attention before putting this project to bed.
Opted for an open concept on the side of Eureka with the spur track. Jib crane would never have fit under the original awning roof! Note the wonky metal roof line…fixable…but not today.
My version of the Machine Shop. I made this a two story structure and incorporated the hillside for visual interest.
More later…Ken
**Karl.A**
November 2021
Well, as expected, I’m blown away.
Some serious time is now needed to scrutinize, digest and marvel at this incredible work.
**petet**
November 2021
Unreal Ken! Another masterpiece.
**Pappy**
November 2021
Unbelievable work Ken!!!
Between you and Karl’s work I think I need to take a break and digest all the fantastic work you folks do before moving on.
**brownbr**
November 2021
LOVE IT!
This will make a great background should you ever want to photograph some locomotives or rolling stock that you build.
**kebmo**
November 2021 edited November 2021
it sounds trite, but i am speechless. gobsmacked.
**CarlLaskey**
November 2021
Ken we do not complement each other but I will say you have done a outstanding job…C?L
**sdrees**
November 2021
Ken, You are the master! And some big WOWS!!!
**Joel**
November 2021
Just amazing work. Almost makes me want to go back to HO. Incredible what you can achieve. Looking forward to many more builds and many more fantastic scenes.
**KKarns**
November 2021
Thanks Karl, means a great deal. Feels good to finally have this one done.
Appreciate that Pete and nice hearing from you.
Thanks much Pappy, enjoying following along with your thread on Scotia…
Hey Thanks Bryan. I have a Shay locomotive that I could stage…nice idea.
Nice thing to say Kevin!..
Appreciate that Carl and we can certainly fix that!
Thanks Stephen…certainly not…but I am enthusiastic and keep my nose to my work!..how else can I see this little stuff! Lol.
Thanks so much Joel. Now that will be something to get you as a convert back to HO! What was the last HO build you did?
**Robert.G**
November 2021
This is definitely another award winning diorama. The hillside was an excellent idea. Everything looks so natural. Fantastic work Ken.
**KKarns**
November 2021
Thanks Robert
**Keep it Rusty**
November 2021
An absolutely stunning piece of art.
So much to look at and find.
Really great work, Ken.
I look forward to your close-up shots so I can see even more.
**vietnamseabee**
November 2021
Great modeling, Ken…. I admire how you can think “outside the box “ (ie the hillside concept)..
Always enjoy following your builds
Terry
**KKarns**
November 2021 edited November 2021
Appreciate that Rusty…I should be able to get some detailed pics and post this evening.
Hey thanks Terry! My first few builds were flat diorama bases with very little relief. I decided to change that up staring with Scotia Supply and now with Eureka Springs. Next in line is Shelby’s Marine which also has some nice topography…so l am looking forward to that build coming up.
**ALCO**
November 2021
Like Karl says, this’ll take some time to absorb! Can’t wait for the next installment.
**TomMich**
November 2021
Another OUTSTANDING build! I love your creative genius with how you are able to take what is a well designed and great kit and add your creative touches to it. It almost doesn’t look like the original kit it is so well executed. Can’t wait to see the close up, detail photos. I have to ask where you got the steam engine?
**KKarns**
November 2021
Thanks for checking it out Al.
Really appreciate that Tom. I’ll PM you on the mill engine.
**KKarns**
November 2021
I got a chance to get a few detail pics here and there. Let me know if anyone would like a specific close up and I’d be happy to post it…
Here’s a shot of the small utility shed I designed and service pole. I put the additional support pole buddied up against the main pole for added interest. Note: All the barrels are Brett’s amazing 3D printed detail parts. Note the lid detail!
Other side of the shed. Short wood basket peeking out from behind the barrel and the gas cans are SWSM 3D printed details.
This is the front of the main structure and followed the prototypical reference pictures quite closely. Gas cans SWSM 3D Printed details.
Close up of mill engine and belt drive line shaft detail.
Mill engine and boiler service area.
Looking all the way back to the machine shop addition.
Machine shop lower level. All details, other than the shovel, are Brett’s 3D Detail parts… Note the wood basket sitting on top of the galvanized tub and pail on the upper level…all 3D printed SWSM parts!
**kebmo**
November 2021
ah the money shot! unreal. you’ve really outdone yourself with this build. fantastic looking diorama. congratulations on a job impeccably done!
**KKarns**
November 2021
Thanks Kev, appreciate that and there is CCTV in there so don’t be taking anything!
**Pappy**
November 2021
Ok, I give up Ken, going to take a long vacation from this hobby. Looks too real!!
Outstanding Work!!
**KKarns**
November 2021
Lol…We’ll give you until tomorrow afternoon!..Thanks buddy, appreciate that and nice having you here.
**sdrees**
November 2021
Well Ken, I am happy that you found some lights and little people to add to your great diorama
**Jerry**
November 2021
Beautiful work Ken!! Your painting and weathering of Brett’s new details perfection!
Jerry
**brownbr**
November 2021
Couldn’t get any better. I plan on incorporating your power service pole in my next build. Hope I can do as good of a job on O as you do in HO.
I’d like you to consider dressing the edges of your foam base for final presentation. A diorama of this high standard deserves it. The rough/unfinished foam stands in contrast to the work you have done. Stripwood, veneer, or sheet plastic painted black would all serve this purpose and act as a frame to draw the viewer’s attention into the action.
**bpiffero**
November 2021
Really amazing work. The shack is a really nice detail and for some reason I’m really drawn to the jib crane.
**Robert.G**
November 2021
Beautiful detailing . I agree completely with Brian. If you’re not building these dioramas into a layout, they deserve this kind of presentation. Again, superb work.
**ALCO**
November 2021
That shot through the interior of the building from one end to the other is killer!
**ALCO**
November 2021 edited November 2021
FWIW, I’ve been spraying my base edges with Krylon Stone coarse texture that gives an unfinished coarse travertine marble look. It also hides the seam between the foam and the wood.
**SteveCuster**
November 2021
Looks fantastic Ken!
**TomMich**
November 2021
Another Masterpiece! Nice subtle coloring. The layering and textures of the scenery are GREAT! Really like the interior shots of the mill engine and boiler service area.
**KKarns**
November 2021
Right Stephen, there is also a light in the machine shop but it doesn’t show up that area very well with the main roof in place. You can still peek in through the partially open doors. Should have had at least one open a bit more.
Thanks Jerry and yes, those 3D parts are just a blast to work with.
Appreciate that Bryan. I haven’t adding anything to the borders of the base on any of my builds. I have thought about it though…
Hey Thanks so much Ben and nice hearing from you.
Thanks Robert, will give the finishing of the borders due consideration! Lol.
Appreciate that Al and that’s the best I could do on that shot regarding depth of field with my iPhone 12. Thanks for the method of using the coarse texture spray paint. I have seen that stuff used for stucco on models.
Hey Steve, thanks
Nice to hear from you Tom and appreciate the kind words here. That service area turned out reasonably well as I was pondering how it was going to look.
**Joel**
November 2021
Just fantastic work. I’ll need a few days to pore over the pictures. So many details, so beautifully rendered. Thanks so much for everything you share. It’s nice to know where the bar is set.
**kebmo**
November 2021
i can’t imagine any diorama more perfect than this one. i’m in awe.
**KKarns**
November 2021
Thanks Joel. It’s all about the camaraderie and knocking elbows with you all. That’s why I enjoy posting so much as it stimulates great conversation and banter, modeling is a close second.
Awfully nice of you to say Kev, but just don’t look too close! Lol. I echo what I said to Joel here…you all are the best.
**Jerry**
November 2021 edited November 2021
Now that I’ve seen and study the pictures. Ken this is truly a masterpiece!!
Jerry
**KKarns**
November 2021
Hey jerry, appreciate that and nice hearing from you as always!
**Pappy**
November 2021 edited November 2021
agree Jerry, ken does fantastic work!
**KKarns**
November 2021
Thanks Pappy, when I hear that, my comment is always…I’m enthusiastic and work hard at it! That’s about it…Lol. Hey pap, meant to tell you how much we all appreciate your contribution to the forum. Your camaraderie and modeling prowess has benefited everyone, thanks for hanging out with us here!
**Jim M**
November 2021
Ken, fantastic modeling. I love it.
**KKarns**
November 2021
Well hey Jim, Nice hearing from you! I thank you for that and appreciate you taking the time to wade in here.
**Pappy**
November 2021
Ken, I so appreciate your comment. Without you and others support, I would have not have progressed this far in this hobby.
Thanks again, and keep up your fantastic work.
**geoawelch**
December 2021
Absolutely speechless seeing the work you have done here, Ken. You continually raise the bar in terms of what can be accomplished in diorama modeling in any scale, but especially HO. Such a focused attention to detail, all accompanied by photography of the highest caliber. My hat off to you, sir.
Cheers,
George
**Mike Engler**
December 2021
This is quite remarkable Ken. I had seen the final photos before but really got a chance to study them this afternoon. Your modeling has always been superb but I have to say you are achieving some new levels. I looked at some of your work from a few years ago and I think taking your foot a little off the grunge pedal has also been a good thing. No matter the grunge level this is as good as it gets.
**KKarns**
January 2022
Sorry for the late reply here guys…
Thanks much George, I certainly appreciate the kind words here. Eureka Springs progressed so much better than I had anticipated. I went into it not entirely sure how I was going to address some of the ideas and issues I had. Discussed a few of these with Brett and “chewed” on them for a bit. Such a great kit and really pleased to add this piece to the collection. Shifting gears and getting into Shelby’s Marine…will be posting a few pics soon to get the thread started.
Hey Mike, so nice to hear from you and thank you for your comments here. Coming from you it means a great deal. I appreciate your take on the comparison, as it’s difficult sometimes to see when looking from the inside…thanks so much for your camaraderie and again for all you do.
**Karl.A**
January 2022
Ooooohhh… Looking really forward to your take on Shelby’s, that will be another “must see” build to follow.
**KKarns**
January 2022
Hey Karl, I’m looking forward to Shelby’s as it will be my first stab at a waterfront project. I’ll be getting the thread started soon as I completed the front lower wall to see how the paint “peel” was going to look. Happy with it so I can now proceed with the main structure remaining walls and so on…
**admin**
January 2022
Shelby’s! Cannot wait…
**KKarns**
January 2022
Brett, Have been researching and planning this build for a few months now and wow, what a fantastic kit this is! The main structure is so unique and is going to be a blast to work up. Gathering some promo material and such prior to beginning the build thread. I’ll be polling the experts here once I get to the much anticipated “water pour”…
**ALCO**
January 2022 edited January 2022
Good, Ken. You do all the research and planning because Shelby’s is next for me after BlueSky is finished. Anxiously waiting your posts….
**KKarns**
January 2022
Ha…there ya go Al, too bad as we could build them together. On the other hand, as slow as I am, you will probably catch up anyway!
**sdrees**
January 2022
A suggestion Ken, think about adding lights for the interior of the main building because there is so much detail there, it can’t be seen without them.
**KKarns**
January 2022
I’m lighting challenged! Lol. The machine shop addition and bottom floor of the machine shop are lit but not the main engine house. The roof is removable so at least things are observable that way but you are right, I should get my lighting better squared away. I’ll look a full lighting maybe for Shelby’s that I’m working on now. Wouldn’t be impossible to add lighting to Eureka Springs…will think about that.
Roof removed…
**Robert.G**
January 2022
Great view on a stunning build !!! Yes Shelby’s, another ‘wish it was in O scale available’ kit… 😉 😉 😉
**geoawelch**
January 2022
Exquisite detail, all believable, from every angle.
Cheers
George
**KKarns**
January 2022
Thanks Robert, Shelby’s is a fantastic kit and such an icon for SierraWest Scale Models. The kit was introduced in May of 1998 and was wildly popular…more on that when I get my build thread going shortly.
Hey George, appreciate that my friend.
**KKarns**
January 2022
Thanks Chris.
**admin**
January 2022
Love seeing that overhead shot again. Really reminds us of the wonderful integration between details, structure, and scenery. I too am “lighting challenged”.
**BenPopper**
January 2022
The light coming in those back windows in this shot is unreal, so unreal it is real. Incredible.
**Robert.G**
January 2022
Indeed it is !!! Tip: next time place the setting on your camera on macro, and F8 . You will have a sharp photo from the front till the end.. Just give it a try. 😉
**sdrees**
January 2022
I use to be lighting challenged and would to procrastinate about doing it, but I bit the bullet and learned something about it and now can’t do without it.
**KKarns**
January 2022 edited January 2022
Thanks much Ben and nice hearing from you!
Can that be done on the iPhone 12 Robert? That’s another thing I’m “challenged” with and that’s my own phone! Lol.
Good advise Stephen. I have procrastinated as well and vow to correct that from now on.
**Robert.G**
January 2022
I just use a small Nikon Coolpix digital camera, nothin’ fancy… 😊
**CarlLaskey**
January 2022
Chris.
I would have liked to thank you for your kind words on my Engine house but I see it has been removed .
I assume it is not good enough to be in Mr Karnes thread.
Just Saying.
**admin**
January 2022 edited January 2022
Carl, it is most definitely good enough to be included in Ken’s thread (and you most certainly know how much I admire your modeling) but it had turned the thread into a discourse on lighting. No need to take it personally. You are more than welcome to start a NEW thread about your lighting. I have received complaints from many members about thread hijacking.
**admin**
November 2022 68.185.194.170
Let’s bump this build thread up for a Thanksgiving treat…
---
### Author:  [@Curt](https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/u/Curt)
#### Post date: [January 15, 2026, 11:40pm UTC](https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/t/the-engine-house-at-eureka-springs-kkarns/220/2 "2026-01-15T23:40:56Z")
Another awesome build Ken.
---
### Author:  [@KKarns](https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/u/KKarns)
#### Post date: [January 16, 2026, 11:57am UTC](https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/t/the-engine-house-at-eureka-springs-kkarns/220/3 "2026-01-16T11:57:09Z")
Hey Curt, nice hearing from you and thanks so much. My next project, the Machine Shop, will have a similar feel to it but working out the details to make it quite unique.