Finishing FOS Canal & Third diorama Pt.3

After I glued down the sidewalk, did some scenery and made rip rap I went into procrastination mode. In early stages of planning I envisioned the steps for a shortcut. That required getting on the computer and designing them in a CAD software. However, I spend all day working on the computer and I don't want spend even more time on it at home. Therefore, it took me some time to get the steps drawn up. Now that this task is behind I should move forward a little faster.

Building Bower's Brewery by Microscale Models Pt.2

The next update on this project will most likely be the last. All is left is to build the deck and make two water tanks. The deck is about 50% done. The water tanks are under way as well.  Other than broken pieces of the base casting I haven't had any issues so far. I don't expect anything to come up at this point either.

Building Gibley's Furniture Co by Bar Mills Pt.3

I am not a big fan of building the same kit twice. Usually I sell my own copy after I build one for someone. Since Gibley's is OOP now I may be able to get my money back if I sold it on eBay. However,  I may hold on to it for awhile. I still think I may build it some day. I may modify it in some way though. Or if someone is interested I can build it as designed for $300 plus what I paid for the kit which I think was $120. Just send me a message using contact form.

Building Bower's Brewery by Microscale Models Pt.1

It seems that just last week I was heading to the Fine Scale Model Railroader EXPO in Boston. In fact it was whole month ago and I don't have anymore 18 months left to build my next EXPO contest entry.
The main reason I went to the show this year was that George Sellios F&SM model railroad was open to the attendees. I couldn't miss the opportunity that doesn't come around very often by itself and even more rare when combined with the EXPO and several other model railroads available for viewing.
As far as modeling goes I have been working on the brewery for quite some time. This project is a little more time consuming because of the board by board construction method but that gives the structure more character if properly executed. Hopefully I am doing it right way.

Finishing FOS Canal & Third diorama Pt.2

Last time I mentioned that I made a batch of tufts. Few days ago I watched a video by Luke Towan on YouTube on how to make tufts. Two varieties shown there I have done in the past. The third requires a little more work but has a look of different type of plant. I may try making some when I get my static grass applicator out. The whole static grass thing is a little messy. It gets everywhere.
I have planted third building on the diorama. The next step is the sidewalk. The kit came with some of it but not enough to do what I want. Therefore I spent whole Sunday evening designing the sidewalk and then cutting it out of 1/16 inch basswood sheet. It is all primed and ready for painting. I even may start installing the sidewalks tonight.

Building Duffy's Coal by FSM Pt. 5

Around the same time last year I thought Jordan vehicles were going to disappear from the market. I bought a bunch back then since there is no other manufacturer that covers the 20s. Perhaps it is all just in my mind but I can't imagine later era vehicles along with FSM kits. This year it may be for real though. I don't know if that coincides with passing of the Jordan Products owner but Walthers has all of the remaining vehicles marked as "Discontinued". If the company is going out of business for real I hope someone eventually will acquire the molds. For now I may just go on shopping frenzy and stock up on Jordans.
My build of the third FSM kit has come to the end. It has been packed, shipped, and successfully delivered to its new home.To summarize it all I must say it has been most complex kit I have ever built. It has been fun though except for the handrails.

Freight House by Laserkit Pt.2

Few years back I made a batch of tufts with my static grass applicator. Although I have also commercial ones as well I tend to use home made tufts more often. The other day I wanted to "plant" few of them on Canal & Third diorama but I had nothing left from the first batch. It isn't difficult to make the tufts so I decided to make a new batch. I had two non-stick aluminum foil sheets and without thinking I made few more out of regular aluminum foil. The next day I tried removing the tufts from regular sheets and I couldn't. Only then I realized why did I use non-stick foil in the
first place. Eventually I came up with some kind of solution. I placed a drop of water on the tuft, let it sit for a little, and removed it with a tweezers. However, it wasn't as convenient as just light pull if non-stick foil was used. I'll try to remember that few years down the road.
I finished the freight house one week later than I said I was going. Like always my original estimate was too optimistic. I am late with the post as well. At the time of this writing it has already been sold and it will leave tomorrow for the new home.