This thread was started July 2023
Robert.G
July 2023 in Miscellaneous Builds
Summer is here, people are on vacation, sunbathing in the Hamptons, the Keys or another fancy place.. And it shows in the forum. Very little is going on. So I decided to animate it a bit with the following.
Before anyone of you nice people gets confused, this is not the next SW kit, nor a lost one , nor a bootleg one. It is by a rather obscure manufacturer named Robert.G. And I won’t blame you if you haven’t heard of the guy…
So, as I mentioned earlier, I only have the O’Neills left to build, but not at hand here in France, thus I decided to do this one. The idea has been wandering in my grey cells for a while and this was the time to realize it. The U.S Mail Railway Office.
I also wanted to do a log-cabin-sort-of-construction with this one. The BLC is still alive.. So log cabin it is. It is a scratch build edifice, yes I know, could be a SW kit ( I guess I am indoctrinated by SW kits.. ) but is is NOT !!! The only SW parts are some little details that you will recognize . All the rest, including all the other details are home brewed !!
And to do things differently , I’ll start with showing you the finished build. Later I’ll come back with the making of pics. So no worries, you’l see the nativity of the edifice from zero with all the explanations…
Enough words, time for some photo’s. Enjoy.
Robert
Be back soon, I’ll let you digest these first.. 
Robert
Comments
JenS
July 2023 edited July 2023
Dear Robert,
Again, Great and Fantastic work. I fell in love at first sight. Love the rings on the log ends a lot.
I even noticed some headphones on the wall of picture #5. Sorry, my eyes are molelike…
vietnamseabee
July 2023
I’m ready to order two…HO and O…;-))
Amazing Robert….every photo is a feast to the eyes…simply amazing stone chimney…the metal roof…. I need to get back to the photos….awaiting the next installment
Well Done, buddy
Terry
Robert.G
July 2023 edited July 2023
JenS said:
Dear Robert,
Again, Great and Fantastic work. I fell in love at first sight. Love the rings on the log ends a lot.
I even noticed some headphones on the wall of picture #5. Sorry, my eyes are molelike…
Jens, those are hooks from the logging blocks.. But yes, they look like headphones..
JenS
July 2023
I know my friend, just kidding
TomMich
July 2023
Great work! Creating a log cabin that looks so real is not easy, and you have done a great job! Really like the moss on the roof and chimney.
KKarns
July 2023
Beautiful work as we have come to expect Robert.
sdrees
July 2023
Well Robert, you have done it again. Just Fantastic. I really like the color tone of the logs and the corrugated roof. WOW!!!
ALCOALCO
July 2023
As usual, your photography and composition really add a sense of realism to your work. As others have said, the log ends, the waterproofing on the roof, stonework and more are masterpiece details! What a great way to break up the summertime doldrums in this heat!!
Jim M
July 2023
Simply amazing.
admin
July 2023
Wow, how fantastic! Thank you for sharing this build with us. Love the stonework on the chimney so much.
Jerry
July 2023
Beautiful scratchbuild!
Jerry
Karl.A
July 2023
The aqua pastel blue really fits the masterful scene beautifully.
kebmo
July 2023
at first blush it looked like the business end of blue sky. love the colors, log ends, and everything else.
there ya go brett, the pilot model is done for you…
vietnamseabee
July 2023 edited July 2023
Great timber ends (done with a leather punch?)….I’ve tried that technique but haven’t been able to master it….going to try again tho….masterful technique ….do you hold the timber in a small vise when tapping the ends?
Terry
Robert.G
July 2023 edited July 2023
Terry,
the timber ends were done after the logs were assembled so I only needed to hold the punch and the hammer.
Started with the smallest diameter and worked my way up to the biggest. ( 6 of them ) Make sure they are not all concentrical.
Soon pics in the 'making of ’ departement 
The art is not to punch to hard or you will split the end…
vietnamseabee
July 2023
Thanks, G
BenPopper
July 2023
fantastic
Robert.G
July 2023
Welcome to ’ The Making of ’ . This is the story of a good old fashioned modeling build. Meaning, no computers, no 3D printing machines, no laser cutting devices, just an x-acto knife, a straight ruler and elbow grease.
As with all my builds, I start with a drawing in real scale of all sides on 1mm grid paper. And, very important, I always have a 1/48 scale figure at hand to make sure to keep the right proportions. Doors and windows not to big or to small etc..The basic shape of the building , without the log-part, came from a photo .
The first ‘logs’ are cut to the right length and provided with the notches at the ends.
To make it easy, I decided to first assemble the whole and then cut out the door and windows.
The spaces between the logs were filled with a plaster/white glue mix.
So, now we let everything dry and be back soon for the next episode…
brownbr
July 2023
What a great looking structure
CarlLaskey
July 2023
Robert.
Is there anything that are not able to do.???
Joel
July 2023
Up to your usual high standards, just fantastic. I particularly like the detail on the ends of each log. Amazing.
Karl.A
July 2023
Another amazing build Robert and a joy to look at.
I know I will spend alot of time and several views enjoying this.
Well done.
Robert.G
July 2023
Next episode..
I let the photos speak for themselves, but if you have any questions, please ask. No extra charge… 
vietnamseabee
July 2023
Thanks Robert…. Enjoying your process almost as much as the finished product
Terry
TomH
July 2023
Always amazing work Robert. Just beautiful.
kebmo
July 2023
how about a couple shots of your work area, so we can see where the magic is created?
vietnamseabee
July 2023
I second Kev’s request….I’m always interested to see my fellow modelers workspace…..maybe a separate topic:thread?
Terry
sdrees
July 2023
What colors did you use on the logs Robert? And, was thereany special way you applied them?
Jerry
July 2023
Nice work.
But from the one photo I think you need more paints!!
Must be a very full workbench with supplies.
Jerry
Robert.G
July 2023
sdrees said:
What colors did you use on the logs Robert? And, was thereany special way you applied them?
I first put very diluted black alcohol stain on the logs, the usual stuff. White chalk paint and Bitume de Judea ( the brown aphaltum with turpentine ). And then scraping and then enhancing a bit with some pastel colors here and there. White, earth, umber.
kebmo said:
how about a couple shots of your work area, so we can see where the magic is created?
coming up Kevin, Terry. let me first clean up the mess after this build. I don’t want you guys get the wrong impression.. 
The little open barn is made out of boxwood . The same wood I use for my trees. Strong, tough, hard and holds up well over time
Tomorrow, the chimney
mikemettelka
July 2023
Love the design of this!
EmeryJ
July 2023
Really good stuff here Robert.
Robert.G
July 2023
The chimney was made out of isolation foam. Stones were carved with an x-acto knife, primed, painted, colored with pastel pencils and pigment powders.
and the rest is history..
ALCOALCO
July 2023
Hmmm…have to give this a try!
TomMich
July 2023
Stonework is really GREAT!
glandesjr
July 2023
Hi Robert:
this is truly AWESOME and a great teaching vehicle for neophytes like myself. i’ve never tried a scratch built kit and after looking at this, I probably never will LOL. Just your drawings alone put me to shame. I’m lucky if I can draw a straight line but your design and execution are great. I learn so much and want to thank you for the extensive tutelage you and others give to help us all become better modelers. Looking forward to the rest of the show. Come to Chicago and I’ll take you to the shooting range to prepare you for your visit to the Chicago Battlefield, IL. Take care.
admin
August 2023
Wow, love that chimney. Thanks for sharing your process. Hopefully it will inspire more folks to give this method a try.
EmeryJ
August 2023
Ok, now that is incredible. Carving work is outstanding.
MuddyCreekRR
August 2023
Wow…
Robert.G
August 2023 edited August 2023
Thank you guys. You see, even with the simplest, rudimentary tools , one can achieve great results. Admitted, it is easier and perhaps quicker with the aid of 3D printing machines, laser cutting devices and computers, but this is just 'old school ’ modeling…
Jerry
August 2023
Wonderful work!!
Jerry
Joel
August 2023
Just a joy to follow Robert. Fantastic modeling
BobsBrainCell
December 2024
Very inspiring, Robert!
geoawelch
December 2024
It’s heartwarming to see such fine modeling.
MuddyCreekRR
December 2024
Masterful work as always…
vietnamseabee
December 2024
Great work, Robert…I always learn something new from following your builds….always a “head slapper”…
terry