Jim M
October 2019 edited July 2023 in O Scale Builds
I’ve not posted any pictures till now and I’ve admired everything I’ve seen on this forum. There sure are many great modelers here.
I’ve been working on my O’neills build so I thought I’d post a few pictures of what I’ve done so far on one of the interior walls of the welding shop. The back wall is just propped up on a 123 block at this time. Most of the tanks are not painted or “weathered” as yet but I just wanted to see how it would look. This kit has been a blast to build and I’ve learned so much. I love the techniques described in the manual, many are new to me. I’m trying to keep this build true to the manual and maybe I’ll be more original in my next kit but I love the “feel” of what was created in the pictures in the manual.
Boy, you sure can get carried away painting these details. Fun.
Jim
Dave_S
October 2019
Jim,
You are off to a great start. Really like what I am seeing of your detail paint work and placement. Nice photos as well. The reflective surface under the wall and details is really effective. On one of my structures I am using a polished concrete floor but it doesn’t have the same reflective patina as yours has in these sample photos.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
Jim M
October 2019
Dave,
Thanks. The reflective surface is just a 123 block I’m resting the walls on but it does look pretty cool. As far as the placement of the details, the credit goes to Brett as I’ve pretty much duplicated his pictures in the manual.
Joel
October 2019
Jim, love the detail work, nicely executed. The details look fantastic so far.
Jim M
October 2019
Joel,
Thanks, I spent lots of time studying your thread on the build. Thanks for your help.
brownbr
October 2019
Nice work.
TomMich
October 2019
Really like all the details you’ve added to the wall!
admin
October 2019
Looking awesome! Wonderful progress. Please keep us up to date and thanks for posting!
Robert.G
October 2019
Glad you started posting this. Looks good.
kebmo
October 2019
i think the welding shop was my favorite part of the build. you’re nailing it. looks great.
Jim M
October 2019
Thanks everyone, I appreciate the comments and I also welcome any suggestions and criticisms. I’m here to learn and want to get better at my skills. I’ll continue posting as I progress to points that are noteworthy. I’m sloooooooow at this modeling but plug away when I can. I’ve added a few of the main structure to show what I’ve done up till now. I have to go back and add some weathering to these when I get to that point. Thanks again.
Jim
TomMich
October 2019
Coming along nicely. The color and weathering of he siding is really great!
Dave_S
October 2019
Jim,
Great realistic feel for the color of the weathered siding and roofs. I really like your flashing detail work on the bump-out. Keep on keeping on.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
CarlLaskey
October 2019
Great job Jim you have it under control.
Robert.G
October 2019
Jim, you are doing just fine on this build. Roof and walls are very well done.
KKarns
October 2019
Hey Jim, wonderful work here and glad to see you posting your progress. Excellent attention to detail and such nice “fit & finish”, nice corners, flat walls, etc. Interior detailing is certainly top shelf material…well done.
Jim M
November 2019
Working on the details of the right wall of the welding shop. Have to improve on the painting of the grinder and buffing wheel.
brownbr
November 2019
I like the color on the grinder. Looks like a machine gray/green that has started to get spots of rust on it.
You could add a streak of spatter under each wheel…maybe some metal dust as well.
Jim M
November 2019
brownbr said:
You could add a streak of spatter under each wheel…maybe some metal dust as well.
Good idea, thanks.
engine909 said:
Nice warm colors. I like that.
I think that is just a function of the white balance on my camera. Sometimes the shots look warm, sometimes more of a bluish hue.
Jim M
November 2019
Moving right along but so slowly. Almost ready to put the walls together. I ordered some pico LED lights, I think I’m going to try to light up the interior.
brownbr
November 2019
Absolutely you should light the interior.
EricMG
November 2019
Jim, a really nice clean build, which is pretty much my vision as well. Cheers and thanks for the pictures. Fantastic roof rust color! Stellar.
Robert.G
November 2019
Great atmosphere . Agree with Bryan, do the lights…
Joel
November 2019
After all that beautiful interior work it would be a shame not to light it up. Go for it.
trains4ms
November 2019
Great job on the interior. Light it up and also make at least part of the roof removeable.
Mike S.
Jim M
December 2019 edited December 2019
Still plugging away at this welding shop. It’s going slow but I really am enjoying this kit.
I made a resin casting of the stove and put in “flame effect” LED’s from Evan design. I think I have to lower the intensity of the flame a bit but I’m happy with the results. OSHA probably not gonna like the open flame.
Merry Christmas
Jim
Robert.G
December 2019
Very well done. I like the fire in the stove.
sdrees
December 2019
Very neat welding shop. Everything is in its place. Very well done
Joel
December 2019
Really nice effect. Love the detailing. It is a fun kit and something to be proud of.
TomMich
December 2019
Love the detail work! The flame really adds a lot to the scene!
KKarns
December 2019
With that wonderful detailing I’d want to light er up also! Stove is awesome as is the entire build. OSHA might not approve of the “ventless” stove!
Jim M
December 2019
KKarns said:
With that wonderful detailing I’d want to light er up also! Stove is awesome as is the entire build. OSHA might not approve of the “ventless” stove!
Thank you. Hopefully the “ventless” stove will be fixed in the near future. I’m in the process of building a stack from styrene.
brownbr
December 2019
Sure is looking nice
kebmo
January 2020
me too. very cool.
Jim M
April 2021
I have a stupid question. I’m working on the details of my build and I’ve gotten to the gas pump. It seems to me that the laser cut piece of mylar glass window is too small for where it is supposed to go. It seems too narrow and too long. Should this piece just go over the paper “this sale” insert or is it supposed to cover the entire section? I left the protective covering on so you could see what I’m talking about.
I tried to free hand cut a small piece to show where I thought it was supposed to go to fill in the entire section, looks a little crappy.
I hope my question is clear. Thanks
Karl.A
April 2021
The question is clear Jim, but I cant answer it, I have built this pump in the past and dont recall your situation.
With that said, I just went back and looked at your past work for the first time in this thread and I have to say it looks outstanding. I love your detail work and beautiful finishes throughout the welding shop, terrific job on everything so far.
I’m now going back for another admiring look at the pics…
Jim M
April 2021
Thank you so much Karl. I appreciate the nice comments. I learned much from looking at your work. I’m just following the instruction in the kit, which is amazing. I’m very happy with how it has turned out so far. I have to decide how I want to handle the roof of the welding shop. I’d like to be able to remove it but that seems like a difficult undertaking. I have LED lighting inside so I will be able to see the interior. I still have a lot of scenery and details to place.
KKarns
April 2021
Hey Jim, I’m sure Brett will weigh in here and answer your question regarding the gas pump…that last shot looks amazing!
brownbr
April 2021
Great looking scene. I seem to remember having the same problem when building this kit. Can’t remember exactly how I handled it, but think it was as you are doing.
admin
April 2021
Wonderful modeling Jim. As far as the pump, easiest to trim down the piece you cut so it sits flush in the opening. Will have to check the sheet and see if it needs resizing. Never had a report about this.
Jim M
April 2021
Thanks guys. I’ll try again and go for a better cut and see how it looks after that.
Jim M
April 2021 edited April 2021
I’m really enjoying doing the scenery around this building. This is such a great kit, I can’t believe how gratifying it has been to start to see this take shape. Thought I’d post a quick picture. Still have to paint a few drums and weather those tanks. Looks like I need to dirty up the concrete base too. Once I glue down the details I’ll start adding some greenery. I’m really happy for how this is turning out. I’ve learned so much by copying techniques I’ve learned here and following the instructions. I don’t post much but I do view and learn. Thanks for the lessons
KKarns
April 2021
Hey Jim, looks wonderful! I would detail a few more things and age up the concrete a bit and maybe some fuel/oil stains. Is it just the picture or is the post to the left in the background of the main building drive under canopy look a bit out of plumb?
You should post your progress from here on…great stuff, love seeing what you’re doing! What do you mean your “not responsible” for unclaimed tanks! Come on…lol.
Jim M
April 2021
That post is the frame for the roof over the loading dock. Not glued in at all and I didn’t notice it made it into the picture, good eye. Good idea about the oil stains. I was going to dirty up the deck once things are glued down. Maybe it would easier before. Thanks.
KKarns
April 2021
Figured it was something like that hence the Lol! I like to “dirty” up floors and decking after planting details as stains and grime can be placed more strategically.
Jim M
April 2021 edited April 2021
Worked on the pole lights. Using these microscopic LEDs.
On the bench
Jim M
April 2021
In place but not powered as yet.
Jim M
April 2021
Working on the bench for the loading dock.
Bench in place. Boy, pictures sure do bring out the ugly. The concrete looks good in person but it sure is bright in the picture. Guess I’ll have to dirty that up some more.
brownbr
April 2021
Great job picking out all of the details on the workbench
Jim M
April 2021
Thanks, credit for that goes to Brett. I just copied the pictures in the manual. I’m doing this build right out of the instructions to get a feel of how to do it. This is my first SW kit, maybe the next one I’ll do some things differently. The feel that is presented in the manual is perfect so I wanted to recreate that. The barrels on the dock are not glued down as yet and they will be changed.
KKarns
April 2021
Great methodology Jim, can’t go wrong following the manual and Brett’s suggestions! Your build is progressing wonderfully and you should be very proud of the work you’ve done thus far.
Jim M
April 2021
Working on the porch. Obvious that the guy building this didn’t have an O scale level. That top shelf is a little off but I counted it as a success that I was able to even get it hung. Lots of fingers in a small space, yikes.
brownbr
April 2021
It adds charm
KKarns
April 2021
Looks great Jim. Love the tank support timbers
Robert.G
April 2021
Jim, that top shelf a bit off just makes it more realistic to me. Don’t try to make everything to perfect. The real world isn’t perfect at all !!! Great work man !!
Alan_H
April 2021
Looks awfully good to me. I wouldn’t have noticed if you hadn’t pointed it out
EmeryJ
April 2021
I think it is just wonderful! Lots of great details going.
Jim M
April 2021
Thanks guys, it really is a fun kit to build. I’ve learned so much by looking at everyone’s progress pictures. This forum really is very helpful.
Dave_S
April 2021
Jim,
What is your source for the “microscopic” LED’s you are using? They look great as does your reflector shade.
Thanks, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
Jim M
April 2021
Dave,
Thanks, the LED’s were bought on the bay. They come pre-soldered with wires (about 6 inch) and a resistor. Depending on the power source, you might not need the resistor. I power the lights with a old 9Volt DC phone charger and then run that through a buck DC-DC converter which I also got on the bay. You can then dial in the voltage with the converter down to about 3 volts.
I 3-D printed the reflector.
Karl.A
April 2021 edited April 2021
Thanks for the process, materials and links, Jim,
Many of us new to lighting appreciate your detailed post and information.
I for one will be looking that stuff up.
Jim M
April 2021
Karl.A said:
Thanks for the process, materials and links, Jim,
Many of us new to lighting appreciate your detailed post and information.
I for one will be looking that stuff up.
Karl, I’m glad I could contribute something useful.
I also used SMD (surface mounted diodes) in my welding shop. These are very small too and lie somewhat flat. It takes some patience and a steady hand to solder. They seem to throw more light.
I wired them using twisted magnet wire, which is the wire they use to wrap the magnet in an electric motor. I got some fine wire from Evan Design.
There isn’t the typical insulation on this wire so it is very small and I was able to pass this through a 1/16 inch brass tube as a conduit. The insulation is a coating that must be scraped away.
brownbr
April 2021
I like that pre-twisted wire. Gonna need to get some. I’ve been using magnet wire that I have to twist myself.
EmeryJ
April 2021
Same here Bryan. Thanks for sharing Jim. What are those “conduit boxes”? That is a very nice clean install.
Jim M
April 2021
Conduit boxes I printed with a 3D printer. Here is the drawing I made. I printed one as just a pass though with no down tube just to attach to the peak.
Robert.G
April 2021
WOW, that’s pretty amazing stuff…
brownbr
April 2021
Very cool.
EmeryJ
April 2021
Great idea Jim. Time to fire up the printer again.
CraigH
April 2021
Jim, Are the conduit boxes as old as the building ?
Karl.A
April 2021
Electrical history…
“””” Some early electric lighting installations made use of existing gas pipe serving gas light fixtures which had been converted to electric lamps. Since this technique provided very good mechanical protection for interior wiring, it was extended to all types of interior wiring and by the early 20th century purpose-built couplings and fittings were manufactured for electrical use. “””
Jim M
April 2021
I just made them to mount and hide the wires. Not prototypical but I’ll go with what Karl posted. Great information there.
Karl.A
April 2021 edited April 2021
Indeed Jim,
By the way, I need 20 for my sawmill and 25 for my loco shop… haha
Wiring, and hiding it is what stalls so many of my builds. I love this solution.
Jim M
April 2021
Be glad to print you some.
Karl.A
April 2021 edited April 2021
Thanks Jim, I’ll be in touch privately to talk about the specifics.
The SierraWest forum, community and especially the members are absolutely the best.
OK, lets get back to this great build !!
(sorry for the diversion)
Robert.G
April 2021
Karl, no diversion at all. We all learn from each other. N’est ce pas ? 
Jim M
April 2021
I’ve been working on the “pallet tear down” scene. I’m definitely going to tweak some of the greenery but it’s coming along. Hard to believe how much time it takes to create a small scene. Sorry that the color on the pictures aren’t very good, no natural light.
Mountaingoat
April 2021
Love what you have created in this scene…Rick
Karl.A
April 2021
Looking good so far Jim, the scene is coming together so well, and natural. I know you’re up where things grow green and lush, so thats what you see every day, however if I may, you said you were going to ‘tweek’ the scenery, so I’ll share some things… they may not be applicable for you but just in general for us all…
Karl.A
April 2021 edited April 2021
I like to use chalks to ‘weather’ my scenery, darker chalks to add shadows, variation and depth to bare dirt.
408.3 is great with a soft make-up brush to dull down any greenery I feel is too bright and stands out to my eye.
Dry brushing the little tufties we all like to use with a light tan on the top 2/3’s of the stalks adds depth and realism, showing dead long grass with new growth below. Sawdust can also be added to the tips to simulate dead seed pods. (These steps are more easily done before ‘planting.’)
I also like to dab a 1/2" brush into my base ground dirt container (dry) to load up the brush, and tap it along the edge of any greenery to blend it and eliminate any hard transition/line and make it more natural looking.
These are just general scenic ideas and not directed at Jims pictures above.
Jim M
April 2021
Great suggestions, thanks
brownbr
April 2021
I like the paths you made.
KCSTrains
April 2021
Jim, a good looking build. I really like the detail you have put into each scene. Great job. Phil
Robert.G
April 2021
Very convincing, favorite, last pic. Great atmosphere .
Alan_H
April 2021
I like this one as well. Lots of great ideas for the castings!
Jim M
April 2021
Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments, encouragement and the suggestions. I’m really putting a lot of thought in Karl’s suggestion of using chalks on the scenery, I never would have thought to do that. Thanks so much.
Joel
May 2021
Really nice work Jim. I like the wonky shelve, adds a bit of character. Just be careful, too much and it becomes cartoony.
Jim M
May 2021
Thanks Joel. The shelf drives me a little crazy but if I tried to fix it, I’d probably make it worse so I’ll leave it alone.
I’m in a bit of a creative funk lately so no new progress to show.
admin
May 2021
Wonderful modeling and storytelling! Love following your build.
Jim M
January 2022
It’s been a while. My creative juices seemed to wane when the pandemic hit and I just hadn’t felt like do any modeling. I’m back at it now and hope to finish up in a week or so. I’ve painted 95% of all the details and have a couple scenes completed. Lighting was great today, so I took this photo which I thought was cool, so I decided to post. I’ll post the entire diorama when I’ve completed the build.
Karl.A
January 2022
Looks great Jim … just a little teaser pic huh… waiting keenly to see more.
Pappy
January 2022 edited January 2022
Jim, looking great! can’t wait to see your progress soon.
Love the color of the doors.
Jim M
January 2022
Thanks Karl and Pappy. I wouldn’t say it’s a teaser, I just thought the shadowing was cool. This kit is so amazing, in some ways it could go on forever. So easy to just keep adding to the scene. I’ve followed the manual pretty strictly since I’ve never done this before.
Pappy
January 2022
Keep up your fantastic work Jim. Love your 3D parts.
Pappy
January 2022
Jim, check your IBox
Jim M
January 2022
Pappy, all the details are from the kit. Other than the lighting junction box, which I posted to show how I wired the lighting in the welding shop, everything is from Brett’s kit. I do have some of my own 3D prints, but I don’t think it would be right to put them in any photos here. This kit has it all.
Pappy
January 2022 edited January 2022
Got it Jim. Going to sit on the fence for a while and zip my lip. Been spanked to many times for my vews…lol…btw you did post your 3D part here and looked great!
Jim M
January 2022
It was 20 below zero this morning in central Wisconsin but work still needs to be done in the welding shop tonight. So glad I’ve got a roaring fire going in the stove to keep me warm while I work on rehabbing the tanks.
Karl.A
January 2022
Thats a fantastic looking scene Jim !!
What a great shot. (and modeling obvly)
Pappy
January 2022
Jim keep up your fantastic work a usual. Haven’t seen better!
Robert.G
January 2022
Great scene !!! Can almost feel the heat from the stove !!
geoawelch
January 2022
What fantastic modeling, Jim.
George
Jim M
January 2022
Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments. I’ve finally finished my O’Neill’s. I’m now trying to get some pictures that I’m happy with and fix some flaws that those pictures bring to my attention.
KKarns
January 2022
Well done Jim, and look forward to seeing the finished product highlighted here.
admin
January 2022
Love it, great shot Jim. Looking forward to seeing more!
TomMich
January 2022
That scene really conveys the feeling of an early morning in WI! The detail highlights really add ambiance to the whole scene.
Joel
January 2022
Really like the moodiness of that last shot.
Jim M
January 2022
Thanks so much guys. I really appreciate the nice comments. I’ve learned so much while doing this kit and I’ve learned much by reading your threads as well. Criticism is always welcome too. I’ve tried to incorporate any and all suggestions into this model.
As I stated above, I’ve essentially finished my O’Neill’s so I thought I’d do a photo dump. I am really pleased with how this came out. I’ve essentially copied Brett’s manual for placing the items because the pictures in his manual are perfect.
Karl.A
January 2022
Firstly Jim I’m going to start of with saying what a fantastic job you have done with this amazing kit.
Secondly…
Jim M said:
… I really appreciate the nice comments…
ALL of those comments were very well deserved through-out.
Thirdly …
Jim M said:
… I’ve essentially copied Brett’s manual for placing the items because the pictures in his manual are perfect.
Yep, thats exactly what I do too when building one of Brett’s kit’s, everything is so well done, so well laid out and thought out, there’s really no need to change it.
Lastly …
I’m going back to enjoy and re-look at the great work in these photo’s for a while.
Really well done !!
Jim M
January 2022
Karl, thanks so much. Your comment means a lot.
Incidentally, the flat car in the first picture is scratch built. I first made one that was 27 scale feet, but it seemed too long, so I built another that is 20 scale feet long. That might not be prototypical, but it seems better to me. That is still a work in progress, I will load up the flat car as if a delivery is in progress.
Also, all the lights are operative as well as the burner barrel and the stove in the welding shop. The welding shop also is lit up and the roof is removable. I just glued the ridge cap to one side of the roof. One side can be lifted off.
Karl.A
January 2022
I’m still going back and looking at all the stuff I missed the first 10 times Jim, dont start with new stuff now.
20’ is good for NG, heck 8’ is good as long as it covered the trucks, those guys built what they needed, when they needed it…
geoawelch
January 2022
Jim, so many wonderful scenes beautifully modeled. You should be very proud of the completion of this great kit.
Cheers
George
Jim M
January 2022
George, thank you very much. Yes, I am proud of the results. Such a great kit
brownbr
January 2022
Excellent results
KKarns
January 2022
You did a wonderful job here Jim. Beautiful diorama.
admin
January 2022
Wonderful Jim, I am so enjoying the pics. I keep on going back to discover all the details and the beautiful job you did!
Jim M
January 2022
Brownbr, thank you sir, I appreciate it. I studied your O’Neill’s in depth, got some great ideas from you. Thanks
Ken, your dioramas are incredible. thanks so much. It means a lot to receive a compliment from someone as accomplished as yourself.
Brett, I really appreciate the comment, thanks so much. You laid down the bread crumbs, I just followed your lead. Thanks again. Great kit
ALCO
January 2022
Nice work!
TomMich
January 2022
Very nice! Thanks for sharing you work.
Jim M
January 2022
TomMich and ALCO, thanks very much.
KKarns
January 2022
Call em like I see em Jim…well deserved buddy!
EmeryJ
January 2022
Jim, that is some excellent work. Been looking at these pictures for quite some time now. I keep finding more and more goodies. A great build to be proud of.
Jim M
January 2022
Emery, Thank you so much. This was the first SW kit I’ve ever done, and I am really happy with the results. I’ve done other kits, but nothing this extensive. Everything about the kit is amazing. Thanks again.
Joel
January 2022
Wow, lots of photos and so much to digest. So many great shots. Very nice modelling and scene composition. It’ll take me a while to study all these.
Jim M
January 2022
Joel, thanks for the comment. I studied your awesome build as well. Lots of great modelers on this forum to learn from and get ideas.
Joel
January 2022
That’s what it’s all about Jim. Helping each other be better modellers. Love this site!
Jim M
January 2022 edited January 2022
I scratch built this flat car for the “delivery” scene. The objects on the car aren’t glued on as I’m not sure how I want to place them to stage the scene. I was thinking of a tarp but thought that might overwhelm the scene too much. All the components of the car (except the wood) were 3D printed. Karl A helped out with a link for dimensions of the wheels but everything else I drew up was just a guess.
Mountaingoat
January 2022
Love the flat car. Perfect addition to the scene. Great modeling for a scratch built…Rick
EricMG
February 2022
Really nice work. Might be my favorite of all. Cheers. Where in Wisconsin was it 20 below?
Jim M
February 2022
Rick, thank you so much, I appreciate that.
Jim M
February 2022
Eric, thanks for the nice comment. I really appreciate it. We live smack dab in the middle of the State. Many years we will go a month at a time where the temperature doesn’t get above zero. Twenty below is not unusual for here. The coldest I recall was about 30 below and that was without the wind chill factored in. It’s now about 30 here (positive numbers) and that feels like shorts weather for a Wisconsinite. I hope you are dug out from the big nor’easter. That was quite a storm.
EricMG
February 2022
Jim, I went to high school in Neenah. The wind riding my bike to school really was rough. That wind started at the Rockies and just plowed into Neenah.
EricMG
February 2022
Once in northern Vermont it was 35 below for a week. That was crazy cold.
Jim M
February 2022
I bet the wind in Neenah was fierce. Winnebago is a big lake. It seems like it is always windy here too.
brownbr
February 2022
Flatcar turned out nice. You can always fold up a tarp on the flat.
Jim M
February 2022
Thanks brownbr, that’s a great suggestion. For now, I’ve put the diorama on the layout and will wait to finish it until I build the neighboring structure. I have to tie all my SW kit’s together.
Jim M
July 2023
Since I wanted to add the Ford model TT truck onto my O’Neills, I thought I’d take the diorama outside to get some better daylight photos. This truck is right at home in many places on this, and any other, diorama.
KKarns
July 2023
Oh my!..that looks amazing Jim…talk about immediately dating the scene. Choice piece of work my friend.
Jim M
July 2023
Thanks Ken. Great point about dating the scene.
EmeryJ
July 2023
That looks great. Call me inspired now. I may have to alter my plans and work on O’neils next.
MuddyCreekRR
July 2023
Looks right at home…
Robert.G
July 2023
SUPER diorama and even better with the truck !!
brownbr
July 2023
Makes a fantastic addition
admin
July 2023
Outstanding, what an awesome addition to an already superb diorama.
KKarns said:
talk about immediately dating the scene.
This is such an important point. There are many cues we take from a diorama to immediately determine the era and vehicles are the most important. Think how out of place a cherry red 1970’s era sports car would look!
ALCO
July 2023
NIIIIIIIIIIICE! Very realistic!
TomMich
July 2023
Nice diorama! The truck really adds to it.
Jim M
July 2023
Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments. The truck really does add to making the scene come alive. I look forward to seeing more on your dioramas.
Karl.A
July 2023
What an amazing diorama Jim. The truck is really well done and adds much to the scenes.
Great work.
Jim M
July 2023
Thanks so much Karl. Very appreciated.
Joel
July 2023
Really nice Jim. What an amazing design and your execution is fantastic. So exciting to see all the details pop. Great work
Jim M
Thanks so much Joel, I really appreciate it.