What's in the box: Reaghan Feed Mill by Railroadkits.com

I have acquired quite a number of RailroadKits.com kits lately. Although I could post all pictures at once but it is no fun this way. Therefore, I'll stretch out and possibly intermix with project updates. Stay tuned... so to speak.
First up is Reaghan Feed Mill. It is my favorite. I've been eying this for quite some time.

Project Update: Hooper's Fresh Oysters by FOS Scale Models

With no Raglan Road walls replacement yet I keep working on Hooper's. I started putting the walls together. This is my favorite part of model structure building. The progress is most noticeable and that helps keeping high level of motivation.

Project Update: Marilyn's Bar & Grille by Branchline

I have decided to end this day with happier note. Earlier this week I finished Marilyn's. It has turned out not bad at all. It is quite interesting structure. I haven't done a research but it is all possible that this kit is only HO scale mansard style kit in wood structure world currently in production .
While working on the roof I accidentally have created cracking tar effect. I suspect it is tarpaper roofing material that Branchline is using. I have have few pieces left from Dubois project. I'll try duplicating the effect. Who know I may be onto something.

Postal Service Horror

I received The Garment District kit from FOS Scale Models yesterday. When I saw the shipping box I immediately  became very concerned. One corner appeared to be crushed. I thought if some pieces got broken they could be repaired with some glue and patience. Unfortunately, I found that the box had been dropped in the water. When I opened it up I found some of the parts, roofing cardstock, manuals, roofing material, some stripwood and shingles wet. I am still assessing the damage. I may have to cut out roofing bases out. Some of them are to wavy even though I kept them under the weight until they dried. At first I thought that front wall of Seckler's had been damaged too much. When I measured it its height on one side was 92 mm and on the other 94 mm but then it shrank as it dried. One edge of it still isn't straight though. Resale value of the kit has been lowered significantly because of all this. Although I didn't intend to build TGD in the immediate future I may have to reconsider that given the fact that I may not recover the money I paid for when it sells out. Only I need to finish The Canal Street and Third and move it out. It is taking too much of my modeling space. Another big one just wouldn't fit.

Project Update: Hooper's Fresh Oysters by FOS Scale Models

I am in the process of installing window glass. I want dirty windows so I dunk clear acetate (or whatever clear material comes with a kit) in Model Master Flat Clear Acryl and place inside window frame. The paint acts as an adhesive. After "glass" dries I rub on some brown/gray chalk.

Project Update: Hooper's Fresh Oysters by FOS Scale Models

I had to stop working on the Raglan Road due to some issues with the laser cut clapboard parts. I needed to fill in suddenly opened modeling time slot. The Hooper's Oysters fit the bill. It isn't big and I didn't have to decide how to paint it so I could jump right in. Actually, I had some prep work done in anticipation of some available time after Marilyn's Grill.
Like always I painted walls with craft paints. To my surprise I found that Michael's brand paint has better coverage than lets say Delta Ceramcoat. Not so long ago Michael's had sale and although I didn't really need them but I still got quite a number of bottles for 29 cents or close to that. It proved to be a good deal.

Project Update: Marilyn's Bar & Grille by Branchline

I have been preoccupied over the past month trying to finish Fat Jimmy's and Marilyn's hasn't been getting much attention during that time. Despite that I have made some progress. I have installed front wall of the second floor with its turrets. The turrets were too tall so I had to trim them. I only wish I had noticed that before I glued them in. The turrets being too tall isn't necessarily bad thing. It is better than them being too short. I wish trim pieces were a bit too long. I don't mind trimming them. It is really hard to extend. Having them wider would be nice too. The wide they are they barely cover tab slots.
Before taking pictures I attempted to install upper floor turrets but realized that bottom formers were incorrect shape. It was getting late and I didn't have enough time to install turret walls properly. Therefore, I postponed installation to a latter time.

Project Update: Fat Jimmy's BBQ

After working on and off on Fat Jimmy's for the past nine months I am done. Since my last update I have been detailing the diorama. The process was quite slow because of real life intervention as well as because I was scratch building a number of the details. The main source of ideas and inspiration came from pictures I found on Shorpy's and Library of Congress web sites. When I started this project I didn't envision it the way it has turned out. It started as much less detailed diorama but then it kind of grew on its own. I am glad it is over. I can now focus on other projects that are on a back burner or simply start new one.

What's in the box: Weltyk Marine by FOS Scale Models

Last in series is Weltyk Marine. Although it is designed as boat repair shop it as well can be used as engine house.

What's in the box: Hooper's Fresh Oysters by FOS Scale Models

Next up is Hooper's Oysters. I like its painting scheme. A little skiff is a nice touch as well. The skiff used to be sold as a separate kit but it seems that after web site upgrade is no longer available.

What's in the box: Slim's Dogs & Burgers by FOS Scale Models

I have few FOS kits to post the content of. First up is 10th anniversary kit - Slim's Dogs & Burgers. It was free with $50 or more purchase and was selling for nearly $50 on eBay. I was really tempted to sell my as well but then I thought I would rather build it and then sell for $50 or so.