This thread was started in July 2020
AlexR
July 2020 in O Scale Builds
So, this is where we start… I honestly don’t know where this is going to end up. I am contemplating making this a module that will connect to the woodcutter shack? Thus, it would be in the 21" deep range and most definitely require more than one kit…
I’ll open the box and maybe start later this week?
Comments
Mountaingoat
July 2020
On to another adventure. You are truly motivated. Keep it coming. Your modeling is superb…Rick
Dave_S
July 2020
Alex,
I am definitely looking forward to your build of the Truck Repair Shop. Please give us a step by step as you have done with your recent builds/dioramas. This is one of my favorite SWSM kits and I really have enjoyed the personal touches and differences in each build so far.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
brownbr
July 2020
Looking forward also.
AlexR
July 2020
Here is the progress i’ve made on the first two walls. I’ve also been working on some other stuff for this project as well which has kind of slowed the build down a bit… Also, i’m taking my time to kind of getting out of the wood cutter mind set and into the mechanical repair mind set if you will… Tomorrow i think i will cut some 1/2" MDF for the base. i’m still brain storming as to what size to make it… The more i think about it, the more i want to make this diorma compatiable with the woodcutter shack, so that the rail will fit together, kind of like the model train modules… But, please keep in mind i know very little about model rail roading, just that people build modules that go together…
I didnt really follow the order in the manual for anyone else building this. At this point my goal is to get a wall complete so i can put it in a cooking tin and get it out of the way so it’s finished and safe 
.
admin
July 2020
Great start Alex! Walls look terrific. This will blend so well with your WCS diorama.
EricMG
July 2020
I’m in!
brownbr
July 2020
I like the darker tones.
Joel
July 2020 76.71.139.46
Great start to a great kit.
EricMG
July 2020
I’m doing my interior just like that!
TomMich
July 2020
Nice!
AlexR
July 2020
So… i was going to have some progress photos…
But, that wall with the windows… it’s assembled upside down… i didnt realize this until there was no room for the belts and stuff above the shelf-!
Ooops…
AlexR
July 2020
Ok, so.. I made it to the second wall to be detailed before randomess started happening… I suppose the double edged sword of this hobby is it’s very easy to collect all kinds of interesting detail parts… the first of the “Added” details parts are in the second photo.. The jack stands… More to come from the accumulated random stash of extra bit’s i’ve aquired for this diorama (i’ve been collecting stuff for this diorama for about the last 3 months while i was finishing the woodcutter ebay can be very dangerous 
).
Mountaingoat
July 2020
Alex, this is looking really good. You obviously spent time thinking about the extras…Rick
Robert.G
July 2020
It’s all in the detail, and the extras… Nice work Alex.
TomMich
July 2020
Nice work! In my opinion the details tell the story and set the scene.
AlexR
July 2020
Alright,
I think the details are done on this interor wall. I need to decide about signs… I will probably wait until i have all of the walls done prior to putting any signs up i think.
brownbr
July 2020
I like the dirty coloring of the tarpaper. The wired up battery is a nice addition as are the interesting jacks.
I notice something here that I saw on my build as well. I’ll throw it out if you have any walls left to frame. Notice how there are 1 or 2 2x4 on each wall where there is a gap at the header. The difference in length is probably about 2 passes with sandpaper…almost imperceptible until we take close up photos. For my next build with an interior like this, I plan to make the studs sit perfectly into the header so any small gap is on the footer. Why? Seems like most of the footer is always hidden by details.
AlexR
July 2020
Bryan,
I’m going with… it was beer thirty when the framers got to that side of the wall. I was as careful as i could to get as many “perfect” as i could.
brownbr
July 2020
Every one of my builds has tipsy framers also…painters too.
AlexR
July 2020 edited July 2020
All,
This is where i’m at now.. Please enjoy the photos below. i will possibly do a bit more to them… But, i’m not completely sure yet.
EricMG
July 2020
LOve that the signs are all straight!
Robert.G
July 2020
Very nice Alex.
brownbr
August 2020
Looking great. Everything has a nice dusty appearance. Placing hooks to hold the tank-retainer chain in place is a finicky process.
AlexR
August 2020 edited August 2020
Here are a couple photos of slightly different vantage points for the wall with the work bench.
I’m not sure what, if anything i want to put in the center at this point yet… i may wait until the building is assembled to decide?
brownbr
August 2020
It would be perfectly normal to have that area open for working. That area will be tough to see once all the walls are together. If anything, maybe a clipboard with papers in it, an open book or newspaper perhaps.
TomMich
August 2020
Great attention to details. Love the C Clamps and chains hanging from the shelf.
KCSTrains
August 2020
Great detail modeling. It will be a shame you won’t be able to see the detail once assembled. However, you will know it!! Phil
AlexR
August 2020 edited August 2020
So, i was not happy with the shelving unit in the first photo and Brett kindly reminded me i should apply india ink… i guess i completely forgot about that after doing what seems like months of “land scaping”… Anyhow. Below is a re-worked version of the interior wall.
This evening i also started on the exterior of the windowed wall. Again, i’m not sure if i like the weathering on the green locker or not… Any ideas or feedback would be apprecaited… if you don’t like the way it looks and have an idea, please share.
brownbr
August 2020
What materials did you use to weather the green cabinet? Knowing this makes it easier to come up with alternatives.
At quick glance it looks like chalk. That should wash off to get to the base coat with little effort. Nice thing about paint is that if you don’t like it, you paint over it and start again.
kebmo
August 2020
the only change i would make would be to blend in some reddish rust chalk. otherwise to my shitty eyes, it looks well weathered.
ALCO
August 2020
I live in Colorado at 8000 feet where anything left outside for any period of time is going to get really weathered…just like the green cabinet. Looks appropriate to an outdoor setting.
MuddyCreekRR
August 2020
I always try to have photos and signs on the level…
AlexR
August 2020
Bryan, i used chalks. i put a few drops of IPA down and then sprinkled the chalk. The bottom layer is track rust, then the top lay is a dirt color chalk.
So, all of the weathering is reversable. and i can still lay that wall flat to make any changes.
brownbr
August 2020
Alex, since it is chalk you should be able to manipulate it easily. I would try wetting a brush in alcohol and blot it on a paper towel then lightly brush down the front of cabinet. This will start to streak your rust and break up the large accumulations. Go slow and check after a few strokes before going at it again. Stop when you are happy with the result.
I agree with the comments above that a rusty cabinet would be appropriate hanging on an exterior wall. I also agree with your initial assessment.
AlexR
August 2020
Here is the current status of the Tuck repair.. it’s now a a 3d structure…
Mountaingoat
August 2020
I love it. It looks great. Definitely great modeling. Rick
Robert.G
August 2020
Agree on that !!!
Dave_S
August 2020
Alex,
Great color, texture and tone in your siding plus the details and signs compliment everything splendidly.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
brownbr
August 2020
It went together very nice. Top notch work on the Ford wall sign. I found that wall bracket to be finicky.
MuddyCreekRR
August 2020
Wow…it’s looking great…the coloring and weathering is really nice…inspiring…
KCSTrains
August 2020
Really looks great. Phil
JohnM2104
August 2020
Phil, it looks awesome and if you can’t decide on a place to use it, I’m sure it will be proudly incorporated here!
JohnM2104
August 2020
Ed, I’m constantly upgrading or replacing structures so there’s always room for a new one.
JohnM2104
August 2020
Thank you Ed, I relish the compliment. It’s a pleasure being your friend as well.
Joel
August 2020
Great modelling. Love to see the little touches everyone adds. Looking forward to more.
kebmo
August 2020
i still believe the cabinet needs a little red rust. other than that, this is spectacular. i especially love the way the interior work bench looks. tools and things are placed randomly and i think it’s…are you ready for it? perfect!
AlexR
August 2020
So, this was delivered today…
I’ll be starting on this pertty soon.
Mountaingoat
August 2020
Me too.
Robert.G
August 2020
Having build that one myself, I will follow yours from the first row !!! It’s a great kit. Well, if you count the two tractors, there three kits in one.
brownbr
August 2020
Nice. I have one of those on order myself. Built one for the layout already but such a great kit I got another one.
Robert.G
August 2020
Are these symptoms of the SW addiction ? 
AlexR
August 2020
i was thinking i might incorporate some machines in lieu of the blacksmith items.
However, in order for the machines to work i’d need a boiler and a steam engine as well… Then, somewhere to put these added items.. I was discussing this idea with Brett and he mentioned that i would be ideal to prototype this… i usually wing it.. However, with the addition of machinery that will connect to other items, i completely agree with Brett’s advice. Also, i get the added bonus of having a sample building to plan the base with.
Brett also mentioned that Brian Nolan had done the above idea on some of his projects; i will likely do something similar to what he did. Just not exactly sure what yet..
I even weathered my prototype.
Robert.G
August 2020
Is there a photo of Brian Nolan’s idea of the incorporated machinery ? I am curious of what you want to do with this kit.
brownbr
August 2020
I like that idea a lot.
AlexR
August 2020
Robert,
Here is an example that i found online. As both of you have built this kit, last night i was thinking about putting the boiler/engine combo just to the right of the big opening and then having the pully rod enter from the side of the building like in the photo below…
Again, i’m at the brain storming stage…
Robert.G
August 2020
Thanks for the pic Alex. Keep storming…
AlexR
September 2020
I’ve made a bit of progress on the walls for the tractor repair. I’m working on the windows now and may possibly have a 3d object by the end of the weekend? maybe…
admin
September 2020
The walls looks terrific. Natural variation and weathering. Well done!
Robert.G
September 2020
Indeed, they look good !!
brownbr
September 2020
Looks good.
AlexR
November 2020
Here are some random progress photos. i took a bit of a hiatus. But, i’ve made a bit of progress of late. Some of you may notice that i am not exactly following the layout of the items as intened by Brett… I’ve saved C clamps from various other kits and got a chance to make a rigging area and thought this would be a good kit to take advante of the saved items.
Mountaingoat
November 2020
It looks great. You are making it your own which I like very much…Rick
admin
November 2020
Great stuff! Details look great.
kebmo
November 2020
cant wait to get started on this one myself…
KCSTrains
November 2020
Great progress. Phil
brownbr
November 2020
Looking great.
KKarns
November 2020
Great use of fine details. Time spent here is well worth the effort as you are demonstrating.
AlexR
December 2020
Here is where i’m at.. I’m “almost done” with the lathe… the oil paint is drying. Once that’s dried, i’ll give it one last dusting with some chalk.. Then, i think i will be done with that casting. i kind of tried to follow Bryan on the late a bit…
As for the tractor repair. the 4 walls photoed are glued together but not glued to the floor yet… i still need to contstuct the middle post before i can glue the rest together. But, i also want to put some wall details in as well. I also need to decide what i’m going to do with the open space where the track repair is taking place.
TomMich
December 2020
Great work on the details. Interior photos are very nice also.
KCSTrains
December 2020
Alex, really nice and beautiful work. I have one suggestion. On the middle shelves in the last picture, why don’t you add a bit more color? It’s a bit monotone and would match better with your other beautiful work. Phil
kebmo
December 2020
this kit is next on my agenda and if it turns out half as good as yours i’ll be a happy man…
AlexR
December 2020
Phil,
I can knock some of the chalk off. There initially was a decent amount of color. The chalk covered most of it…
brownbr
December 2020
All the castings look great.
KCSTrains
December 2020
Alex, totally up to you. I lean towards more color. For example, your first picture has wonderful color and contrast. Phil
AlexR
December 2020
Here is a bit more randomness. i’m using the portion of the tractor repair as a “stage” for now.. These will have their own place soon enough.. i’ll fix the top pully on the drill when i put the drive belt on. i noticed that was a little crooked when i took these photos..
Mountaingoat
December 2020
Beautiful work…Rick
kebmo
December 2020
agreed
brownbr
December 2020
Nice selection of machines. They will look right at home in this build. Will you have install an overhead drive?
EmeryJ
December 2020
Excellent detail work again Alex.
TomMich
December 2020
Machinery turned out really nice!
AlexR
December 2020
brownbr said:
Nice selection of machines. They will look right at home in this build. Will you have install an overhead drive?
Yes sir.. that’s the plan. I’m going to try to replicate some of Brian Nolan’s implementation… i’ve saved quite a few photos of his diorama’s.
We’ll see how mine turns out…
KKarns
December 2020
Well done Alex.
Robert.G
December 2020
What a workshop . Makes me go looking back at Karl.A 's Nice work..
admin
December 2020
Love the machinery, can’t wait to see this come together!
AlexR
December 2020
I made a little progress over the weekend…
This was my first time painting brick… it took me a while to get is to the condition it’s in now… i think that’s about as good as i will be able to get it.
Mountaingoat
December 2020
That looks great…Rick
sdrees
December 2020
I second it
kebmo
December 2020
if it were me i would add a few more holes in the forge coals. seems like a helluva lot of effort for very little payoff. i rhink it looks fantastic, i just think it needs to look a little hotter.
the oil tank on the other hand, looks just right to me.
great modeling…
AlexR
December 2020
Well. There are no holes… that’s a real coal load… i could wet it down and play with it a bit, i think i’m going to try dual led’s first though.
kebmo
December 2020
i’m sorry i thought it was a casting.
KCSTrains
December 2020
Alex, this looks great. Can’t wait to see it in place. Phil
AlexR
December 2020
kevin, it is a casting. However, it also has a real coal load as well. i machined out the casting to put the coal load in.
So, you’re not mistaken. i’ll post a few photos later today.
kebmo
December 2020
cool
AlexR
December 2020
Kevin,
Here is the process. Also, the last photo is with the lights off in the room.
admin
December 2020
that’s some very cool stuff!
KCSTrains
December 2020
Alex, I like your series of pictures - like show and tell. Reminds me of someone, but I just can’t think of their name??? Phil
kebmo
December 2020
awesome!
brownbr
December 2020
The forge looks great. Wish I had one of those machines.
AlexR
December 2020
I’ve made a little progress… i hope to do the rest of the paint tomorrow.
brownbr
December 2020
A bulldozer blade and winch! I like those.
admin
December 2020
love it, what an awesome addition to your repair shed…
AlexR
January 2021
Here is the current progress of the large tractor.. I’m in the process of re-doing the control levers for the winch.. it wasnt quite square and was driving me crazy.
I havent oxidized any of the white metal pieces yet. So, those will be done in the next couple days possibly.
kebmo
January 2021
looks awesome!
the seat might be a little too pristine though…
AlexR
January 2021
Thanks.
kebmo said:
the seat might be a little too pristine though…
Yeah, the seat only has the first coat of paint; no weathering yet.
TomMich
January 2021
Great job! Weathered up nicely!
brownbr
January 2021
I like the accumulated gunk in the treads.
KKarns
January 2021 edited January 2021
Great addition to the build. Track weathering looks like it should, well done.
admin
January 2021
Looks great Alex, chipping is wonderful…
AlexR
January 2021
Three things left to do at this point potenitally.
- paintchip the inside of the tracks?
- weather the seat a bit more, when i put the cloth and other items on the seat?
- i have some steel cable to put on the winch.
Robert.G
January 2021
Love it !!!
brownbr
January 2021
I like that a lot. For sure add the cable.
kebmo
January 2021
sure looks like the real deal to me.
MuddyCreekRR
January 2021
Digging the tracks…looks great…
TomMich
January 2021
Great job! Weathered up nicely!
Dave_S
January 2021
Alex,
Incredible modeling as always. Thanks for posting these great photos.
The fuel spill over the tank is masterfully rendered.
The overall weathering on this piece makes it a work of art in and of itself.
Later, Dave S, Tucson, AZ
Joel
January 2021
Fantastic work. The treads are rusted beautifully. Love the paint chips.
JohnM2104
January 2021
Love the work and can only imagine all the time that went into this wonderful piece. The techniques are excellent and will be an inspiration when I get back to finishing my bulldozer.
AlexR
January 2021
I’ve made a little progress; I got the floor assembled for what will be a work shop.
Also, here is a photo of the finished tractor under repair (with the exception of weathering of the seat and final detail parts).
Here is the progress of my workshop.
Karl.A
January 2021 edited January 2021
Dude, that tractor looks awesome, beautiful weathering, such a great job on capturing the realism, you obviously did quite some research, and, translated that skillfully.
The machine shop is coming on nicely, having all the drive belts running in the same direction is great planning and will make things much easier when you get to the drive shaft construction. The machines are all looking terrific so far.
Looking forward to more pics and progress.
(that oil can in the top right corner needs to be more ‘oily’)
AlexR
January 2021 edited January 2021
Karl,
Thanks.
I actually have a ziplock bag of metal shavings from sanding to prep for welding (i think i know where it is…). I will be using some of this on the flooring when i get to the point of gluing the machinery down.
I will make note to oil up the can.
AlexR
February 2021
Ok, this is what i’ve been up to of late…
This is a scratch built structure using Brett’s templates.. This is actually part of the tractor repair building. However, it works perfect for my intended application. Last night i finished the pully roughin. However, i still need to Oxidize the copper pipe and then glue it in place..
For those of you who are familiar with Brian Nolan, i am using a couple of his builds as insiration for this portion. he built several diorma’s with outside line shafts and steam engine boiler combos.
This strucutre is “almost” done. This will also explain why i did not use the lathe in the intended spot per the manual.
I may play with placement a bit, as i dont entirely like the grinder right next to the lathe. I would never have a grinder this close to my lathe… But, we’ll see. i also need room for the saw to be practicle as well. i may swap them.. or swap and move the saw more to the center of the room..
I had a door built… So, this wont be a “doorless” shop; just need to get around to that bit..
If anyone has any idea’s i would be glad to hear them.
brownbr
February 2021
I like where you are going with this. The roof will sure be interesting.
Blackening that shaft will be a chore. I find that brass or copper never take blackener as well as white metal. Painting is an option but its hard to match the patina of the blackener.
I would think about the placement of the wheel on the outside of the building. I don’t think you have it in the final position so I would think either close to the wall or with some kind of support for where it is.
Karl.A
February 2021 edited February 2021
Looking good so far Alex, I hope its going to be well lit to see those beautiful machines, it would be a shame to hide them and that work.
I’m like you Bryan, I can never get the brass to blacken, it always just wipes off, I always just spray it with flat black rattle can now right before final assembly. (scuff it with some fine grit first to give it tooth).
Looking forward to more Alex.
Karl.A
Dave_S
February 2021
Alex,
I always enjoy seeing you modeling projects. Nice idea for an alternate use for the footprint of one of my favorite structure’s from Brett. looking forward to more progress and photos.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
MuddyCreekRR
February 2021
Just a word from someone into steam engines and line shafts…the diameter of those pulleys will have those machines spinning really…really fast.
Karl.A
February 2021
Ha, Yeah Art, but hey, the faster you get the job done the sooner you can take a break…
AlexR
February 2021
MuddyCreekRR said:
Just a word from someone into steam engines and line shafts…the diameter of those pulleys will have those machines spinning really…really fast.
Art, i went through all of the pullies that i had for a 1/16 diameter shaft and these are all i have set aside.. So, i kind of cobbled this together with what i have on hand- and, i have no experince with line shafts… But, I completely get what your saying though. I’m sure there’s an ideal shaft speed and then an ideal machine pully main diameter to gear off of. Right now there is a little superglue on 1 end of each of the shafts in the photos below.
If i can find correct sized pullies i’ll swap them out.
To that point, i went through my “extras” and found some 1/16" brass tube. So, i used that. i’ll use the copper somewhere else…
This is where i’m at right now.
brownbr
February 2021
For me, the visual realism of modeling is more important that functional realism. I know there are the rivet counters who consider this heresy but its just my modeling approach. So oversized pulleys would not matter to me as long as they looked good. When I see the 2 large pulleys on the inside to the right, I wonder if one of them might look better if you swapped it out with a smaller one. That way there are not 4 of the same size right there together. Another “look good” trick I have used on pulleys is to lightly wipe the areas where the belts go with some steel wool to give them a bit of a shine.
MuddyCreekRR
February 2021
I am a big fan of “if it looks ok to you” its ok. I know the pain of trying to find the right details to model with. So if you are happy with it…go with it…I am far…far from a rivet counter…
AlexR
March 2021
I’ve made a little progress as well as made some adjustments.. I was also able to score some new items to add. This is what i currently have… The machine shop is coming along… Obvously there is more to go… Once i finish with this structure, then i will be able to start working on laying out the buildings ect and figuring out how all this will come together…
Karl.A
March 2021
Looking great Alex, the new/replaced wheels look fantastic , I also noticed the graining/staining/detailing/variation of the siding boards in the second picture this time, last time I was focused on the interior, nice work on those boards.
After seeing your work on the cat, (among other things) I’m really looking forward to seeing your work on the boiler and horizontal engine…
Karl.A
March 2021 edited March 2021
I was going to comment on your working/displaying on a cardboard box, then in the last pic I noticed the glass, I’m guessing the box is to protect the table beneath, good thinking.
AlexR
March 2021
Karl,
This work area is actually the formal dinning room table.. i have a glass table upstairs as well.. But, for single strucutre level stuff i work on that stuff down stairs, then go upstairs afterwords.
My wife was grasious enought to agree to let me use half of the formal dinning room table. The deal we made was packing blanket->cardboard->glass. You can kind of see the layers in the below photo. I havent had to pack any of that stuff up yet.. If we host and use that table… Then, i’ll move everything upstairs. Or, when the little one grows enough that she can reach the diorama stuff on that table…
Karl.A
March 2021
Beautiful place to model in, and most importantly you can do it around the ones you love and not be locked away somewhere away from the family, lucky guy.
(That ‘ride on’ toy needs weathering and rusting up a bit… )
AlexR
March 2021
I made a bit of progress on the power area.. next will be the boiler and the associated plumbing.
Karl.A
March 2021
The horizontal engine looks great Alex, beautifully and precisely assembled. I’m eager for more.
Mountaingoat
March 2021
Fantastic job on the engine…Rick
Robert.G
March 2021
Agreed !!
mikemettelka
March 2021
Wow!
brownbr
March 2021
Then engine is awesome.
admin
March 2021
This is just wonderful modeling at all levels. Proud of you!
KCSTrains
March 2021
That is some very detailed modeling and you pulled it off very well. Congratulations. Phil
Joel
March 2021
Great modelling. The engine is beautifully finished.
TomMich
March 2021
Nice!
AlexR
March 2021
Thanks for the kind words everyone. I’ve made a bit more progress today on other things for this diorama (i’ll post some photos tomorrow). i have a few more items to finish, then i can start working on the layout of everything… One thing outstanding is the Bates tractor… i need to get to that next maybe? Or, I may start on the boiler.
This power area will basically become its own mini scene i think..?
AlexR
March 2021
For the sake of photo organization on my end, i’m posting 2 updates.
The one below is of the machine shop.. i think i’m almost done with this structure. Over the last several days i’ve been googling line shafts in the evenings when i wait for the baby to go to sleep..
I should point out. There is a flywheel on the line shaft, i came across several instances where there was a flywheel inside the building on the main lineshaft. This looked like a good idea to me. So, mine has a flywheel…
AlexR
March 2021
For the overall diorama, i’m thinking something like this maybe…?
brownbr
March 2021
I love the shots of the machines through the doors. Great work.
ALCO
March 2021
Highly detailed machinery and very realistically presented. Really takes diorama detailing to another level.
MuddyCreekRR
March 2021
Looking good…
KKarns
March 2021
Top notch work!
AlexR
March 2021
Thanks for the kind words.
Here are some special items i recently received. i think these will add a lot of character.
The hard part will be deciding how many to use…
kebmo
March 2021
they sure grunge up nice don’t they?
AlexR
March 2021
Kevin,
yeah. it will be intersting to see if i can paint these well enough to do them justice.
Here is a little progress from this evening. i got the drive belts connected. in the below overhead photo the bracing has been removed. I installed those as a temporary fix to keep everything secure while handling the structure.
brownbr
March 2021
I think 1 or 2 crushed barrels will look great in an area. Depending on the size of the diorama will determine how many of these areas you can have. A detail like that will look best when used sparingly.
AlexR
March 2021
I added a few details by the lathe and drill press.
I also tried something new to me with regards to weathering the wood at the door openings. i used an artis rubber eraser to literally erase some of the weathering. i think it came out decent for a worn entry way..?
AlexR
March 2021
Input please.
What are everyones thoughts on the “chips” This is metal dust collected from under my welding table. Thus, this is actual mill scale and sanded carbon steel particles.
None of it is glued down yet. So, if it’s not that great i can dump it and brush it off.
kebmo
March 2021
to my shitty eyes it’s perfect. i think it looks great. it sure lets the observer know that it’s an active machine shop.
mikemettelka
March 2021
I think that was a good idea!
Mountaingoat
March 2021
I love the idea and the look. However, I would probably pull it back a little. Personal opinion, the chips would be more localized to the equipment that created it and not spread quite so far out. Again, personal opinion, otherwise love it…Rick
brownbr
March 2021
I like the worn paths. I’ll have to try the artists eraser. I usually use sandpaper.
I like the dirt and debris that is accumulating in the corners and behind the machines. Like Rick, I think the metal shavings should be more localized. The coloring of the metal shavings is just right. I usually save some of the filings and drillings from the white metal castings for this detail. They turn out a bit on the bright side unless blackened a bit.
KKarns
March 2021
Great work Alex
AlexR
March 2021
Here is where i am currently at. i “redefined” the walk paths. again with the rubber eraser. i also cleard a bit of a walk way to the machines. These would be less worn than the main entrances ect i think?
I’ve also started on the roof.. I have no idea how this ended up. I really liked Bryans roof on his tractor repair v2.0… But, i have 2 other roofs besides this one..
I took a photo of the roof “framing” as to how i did that part.
For the chips ect, i gathered some of the dust ect under my welding table. A lot of the stuff under there had a layer of millscale grindings from weld prep.. So, that is what was used.
Karl.A
March 2021 edited March 2021
The two red items need to be chipped and dusted with some 408.3 to dull them down. Anything red always stands out too much. Hammer handle also needs some 408.3 to blend it in. Paint the top of the fire extinguisher brass and dust it with black chalk to dull it.
Try to ‘merge/blend’ the light floor to dark floor, it seems to be too defined and a harsh line between the two.
That’s what grabs my eye the most, everything at this early stage is coming along beautifully and I’m looking forward to more progress as it evolves.
AlexR
March 2021
The two red things…
That last photo one immediately sees the fire extinguisher and the c clamp..
K, i’ll do some painting and some blending
AlexR
March 2021
This morning i added a some oil and kerosene. You can see the tip of the craft needle that i used. i didnt use a brush becuase i wanted it to “flow” hopefully like the real world… this is the first layer, i may add more and blend it. But, wanted to get something down to for drying.
AlexR
March 2021
Dryed and blended. i almost want to say i think i’m done with the floor…
TomMich
March 2021
I think the floor is finished as well. Looks much better! Subtle blending.
Mountaingoat
March 2021
That floor looks fantastic. You pulled the shavings back some and blended everything perfectly. You toned down the C clamp too. Looks very natural now…Rick
Karl.A
March 2021
Much improved, looks great so far.
kebmo
March 2021
huge thumbs up on the floor!
brownbr
March 2021
Very nice finish on the floor.
AlexR
March 2021
Ok, i now i think i might be done with the floor. during this process i’ve done a decent amount of research. Evindely back in the day they used to use a lard/kerocene/sulfer mix as a cutting oil.. So, i the bucket at the end of the lathe has kerocene laquer in it and i also put some around it, because i almost always spill any liquid i’m using in the garage ect…
Next will be the roof i think? or, i may do the boiler and get that plumbed to the steam engine… not sure.
MuddyCreekRR
March 2021
Nice…
Joel
March 2021
Looks great. Everything is looking like it comes from the same shop. The layers of grime and grease and even metal shaving are nicely done.
AlexR
March 2021
I made a bit of progress on the boiler then incorporated it into the slab. As you can tell a lot of everything is drying..
AlexR
March 2021
i finally figured out how to turn the flash on..! i’ve only had this phone for 6 months?? Anyhow, this is the current status of the steam engine/boiler. I re-did the steam pipe..
brownbr
March 2021
The asbestos wrap looks good.
admin
March 2021
great job. love the concrete slab and the way everything is blended into it rather than looking like it was placed there yesterday. oil stain looks perfect as well.
Dave_S
March 2021
Alex,
I agree with Bryan that the asbestos wrap around the steam pipe is very realistic and era appropriate. Was one of the first things I noticed when I looked over your photos of the boiler build. Incredible how some modelers can incorporate fine details like that into their modeling. You have a great eye for that type of fine detail.
Later, Dave S Tucson, AZ
Mountaingoat
March 2021
I agree with all above. Some fabulous modeling Alex…Rick
Karl.A
March 2021
I like the new version of the insulation much better, greatly improved look to my eye.
Will you be adding some ‘duct tape’ bands holding it in place ?..
Slab is looking great, nice and nasty.
KCSTrains
March 2021
Boy is this some very intricate work. You’re doing a great job. Phil
AlexR
March 2021 edited March 2021
Thanks for the kind words everyone.
Karl, i might? i have material cut and painted.. if i can find it.. Otherwise, i can cut more. i think 3 straps on the top pipe and 2 on the bottom would be “correct” ish?
This is V.20 of the cover. the first version i used 10"x10" scale wood and made it much taller. i asked my wife as i was thinking it was a bit too much especailly next to the machine shop.. This version is using 6"x6" framing lumber. i will need to add some bolts to the cross members and bracing from the research i’ve done…
But, for right now, i’m trying to figure out what type of material to use as a roof… i could “borrow” the roof from the tractor repair. Or, do a metal or tar paper roof..
Not really sure, if anyone has an ideas or reference photos they’d like to share i would appreciate it.
Karl.A
March 2021 edited March 2021
I wouldnt do tar paper over the boiler… kinda askin for it to get burned down…
Shingle that sucker, one by one…
6x6 posts look the perfect size, proportionately it all looks good.
Some of that 45 bracing catches my eye, and detracts.
A perfect 45 is the easiest cut in framing, they are always right, esp on bracing for strength.
Looking great and I’m really liking those wood colours.
(Stop using the flash)
AlexR
March 2021
This is kind of what it will look like together. Please keep in mind, i’m still working on the machine shop roof..
brownbr
March 2021
Those structures will look good together. The lumber size is just right. The tarpaper or corrugated will look good in contrast to the shingles on the main building.
AlexR
March 2021
This is kind of where i am at right now. This is a temporary base for layout purposes. The size is 21.5" by 31.5". As everyont that has built the tractor repair and the truck repair knows, theres a bit more work to go. But, slowly i’m getting there. I will need to decide on the details.
I’m not sure if it’s legable or not. But, i was thinking about having a road behind the logging repair building.. Something to fill that space a bit. Not exactly sure yet.
brownbr
April 2021
Going to be impressive.
What’s the work relationship between the tractor repair and the machine shop? I would presume that one supports the other. What would you think about putting the power supply for the machine shop on the back side of the line shaft wheel or even turning this structure completely around? I’m only thinking about a connector road/path joining these 2 structures.
AlexR
April 2021 edited April 2021
I was wondering if anyone had any tricks to weathering tar paper roofs that i havent stumbled across?
This was what i was kind of thinking as a base for weathering.
Bryan, i was contemplating putting a pile of stuff in between the machine shop and truck repair as a staging area for parts to be machined.
brownbr
April 2021
If the tarpaper seen here is glued on, then chalks and/or washes to weather it. I have a 2oz bottle of alcohol that I keep refilling to color my wood. It has a lot of chalk settled on the bottom of it. Shake it up and you have a nice dusty wash. If not glued down, try putting a speck or 2 of glue on your workbench. When it’s completely dry put a strip of tarpaper over it and sand it. You will get some interesting worn holes in the paper.
That being said, I’ve gone completely with using tissue as worn tarpaper as it will show the outline of the wood underneath.
KKarns
April 2021 edited April 2021
Lightly sanding the leading edges of the paper strips before applying them will give the edge a lighter rough worn look…great work and enjoy seeing everything staged…