Building the Small Station by Motrak Models Pt.1

The station is so small that I didn't plan on posting any progress pictures. It turned out, I had to do some extra work that introduced a delay and then I had camera out, so I took few shots. The issue with the kit is that corner posts are laser cut. I don't know what diameter laser beam is, but isn't zero. If it is set to cut two lines that are 1/16" apart, the final result will be narrower. The drawing has to account for laser path to get narrow or small parts right. Perhaps this, or the fact that cut line wasn't continuous, but more like laser shot, then step, and then shot again, what produced wave like cut line, which I smoothed by sanding, but I ended up with the corner posts that don't cover the edges of the clapboard walls. I decided to fill the gaps with scale 2 by 4 and I had to go through my standard wood preparation and painting procedure that takes about three days. Add few days before I even got to it, and here is the delay. And I thought it was going to be very quick project...
I have to mention this as well. Every three months I receive my eBay Bucks, which have very short  expiration. It also always happen that there is nothing to bid on at the time, or I don't win anything. Therefore, I am always forced to buy something I don't want, need or perhaps can live without just not to loose my eBucks. Here is what I figured this time. I can buy eBay gift card with them. I wasn't sure if I was going to be allowed, but I was. Don't let your eBucks to expire!!!

Building Clothespin and Broom Handle Factory by Micro-scale Models Pt.2

Last night I received an email from Bar Mills what initially I thought was their Christmas kit announcement. Instead it contained a link to their promo video. The video is nicely done and features some kind of Muppet. I can't really tell who it is since I haven't seen the show, but fans of it perhaps could recognize him. The video didn't reveal more info than I already knew though. The kit includes 7 buildings and only 100 kits will be made. In case you don't receive the newsletters form Bar Mills, the link is http://youtu.be/RVswgUFgD0E.
On the other note, my overconfidence in my experience in building Micro-scale kits has bit me. I was so sure that the plaster base was going to have 1/16" raise for the inside of the building that I didn't unpack the castings. I braced the walls leaving 1/16" at the bottom. Two days ago I finally unpacked the castings and found that raise goes all the way to the bottom of the freight doors, i.e. is about 1/2" high. Therefore, last night I had a lot of "fun" trimming the bracing and cut my finger in the process. What has made it a little easier is that the Clothespin factory is large and for the most part access to the inside is good. Anyway, I have completed this unpleasant task and I am ready to move on to more interesting things. I may not get to them until next week though. I have pretty busy weekend ahead of me. Cirque du Soleil tonight. Craft beer festival tomorrow and Halloween theme play on Sunday.

Building Clothespin and Broom Handle Factory by Micro-scale Models Pt.1

Here it is, my next step towards black belt in Micro-scale kit making. It will not be 100% build. I have been commissioned to make only main structure. I will build wind mill looking one for my own entertainment and will skip the rest. So far I have painted all walls and installed windows. And... Here is the proof.

 

Building McGee's Hotel by Micro-scale Models again Pt.2

I am one step closer to achieving black belt in Micro-scale kit building. So far I have made four of them and few more are coming in the nearest future. I even acquired one myself recently and have my eye on few more - new waterfront series in particular.
Building McGee's this time around was much easier. I knew what to expect and all hardest parts of the process. For example, I didn't use "L" shaped stripwood for small addition corners. I trimmed the wall pieces instead and used 1/16th stripwood. Also I didn't use provided in the kit tarpaper roofing material. Instead I used thinner painter's masking paper. All that said, I still had a little trouble figuring out how all those angled roof pieces come together. As you can see in the pictures, they did but it took me two tries.
On another note, quite few people have been telling me how I should try gator foam for my diorama bases. I have researched few possible options, but none of them have turned out to be very attractive. I either had to buy large quantity, or incur relatively high shipping cost. As was still weighing my options, on the way home from work I spotted a sign shop. The gator foam is used primarily for sign making, so I stopped by and asked if they had any leftovers. Guess what? I am proud owner of one 2 ft. by 4 ft. piece and two small ones! Also I paid very reasonable price.

Hurst Boiler and Welding by Bar Mills Pt. 3

The Hurst Welding is my 40th kit that I have finished since I picked up the hobby. 40 isn't exact number though. I have included two kits in it that I have built but still planning on making dioramas. Yet I haven't included a kit which I have built all structures of, but have started, but haven't finished diorama. I hope to straighten this out by the number 50.
While this copy is going to its rightful owner I have my own copy of it. Unlike few other kits I built for the others and also owned, I still see myself building the Hurst again, although it may take quite few years before I get to it. I am not sure, if I have mentioned it, but I see it as waterfront structure on some wharf. Perhaps, combined with few other buildings as well...