Chloe's Cafe

Over the weekend I pumped out a new little structure that I have named after my daughter Chloe.  This little guy was a kit (this was the first kit i've made in about five years) made by Willmodels that you can only get off of ebay.  I was introduced to these from a post on the very good  N Scale Modeling Blog.  As of yet there are only three kits available and I chose his Millie's Cafe kit that will go on my mining town module that I will start on soon.

I basically stuck to the instructions on the assemblage, but I did the painting and signs how I wanted so it would be somewhat unique.  Kits are great but I wish more people would have some fun with them and stray from the picture on the box and make it their own.  While I am up on my soap box I want to say how much I dislike the "built ups" or factory finished structures that are becoming more popular today.  For the most part they look good, but you kill the creativity and uniqueness that is great about this hobby (okay off soap box).

  If you are wondering why the front steps are missing it is because when this get planted on the layout the front door will be level with the side walk and the ground will slope away from the front.  most of the signs I found online with exception to the yellow Chloe's Cafe sign, I made that one.

The Coke sign was forged from .010" sheet styrene, .015" brass wire and two copies of a Coke logo from the inter-web.  The little light is .015" brass wire and a Titchy Train Group shade.  I built the billboard from HO scale 3"x3" strip wood and .025" spacing siding from Northeastern Scale Lumber, and a add that I found ages ago.  

I fiddled about with the paint on the brick to get a fairly realistic look.  It turned out okay but next time around it should turn out better.  I weathered it with a wash of india ink / alcohol mix, then I added some dirt and rust effects and then toned down the whole thing with a diluted white paint mixture.  Between each coat I sealed it with Dullcote, if you don't you will be in a world of blah.

Chris

Section Houses

These little guys are section houses for the track gang to reside in.  This is about as far as I take these until they have a final resting place.  I knocked these out in about 8 hours, not used to structures going so fast.

The finished Co-op

Well I blitzed the Co-op so it will be ready to be judged at the NMRA show tomorrow.  I am a little scared to have them officially judged, if they do poor I will try not to take it personally and use it to better my self as a modeler.  Enjoy the pictures and let me know what you think.

Co-op #2

Just adding a picture of the almost finished Co-op.

Coaling Tower

Im tired of waiting to start the co-op so I moved on for now and planted the seeds for the coaling tower.  I decided the best way to make it look like concrete is to cast it out of plaster.  This is a first for me but it seems to be moving okay.  I reinforced the plaster in the same way you would concrete.  I used strips of plastic styrene as re-bar and it worked well.  So until I have more done.

The prototype

The first cast sections

Its Done! kinda

The windows and doors for the other side finally decided to show up.  I also added the glazing and the shades in the windows.  The only thing not yet done is the steps on the passenger platform and the front of the depot.  I cant decide what to do for the front steps.  Here is some photos of the depot, but this is the front which hasn't been shown until now.     

Depot Progress #3

The depot is about 95% done.  The windows for the other side should show up on Monday or Tuesday.  After they are painted and in place I will spray with a good coat of dullcote.  Then I can install the glazing and window shades.  I have a little work to do on the chimney and a few other roof details and finally  the steps off of the passenger platform and the main entry way.  In total only about two to three hours left and it is done.  Then its on to the Farmers Co-op / Grain Elevator. 

Depot Progress #2

This little depot is flying along.  I just need to finish some details under the roof and shingle the thing, but those are on order along withe rest of the doors and windows for the other side. 

Depot Progress

Just showing the progress of the depot.

Beginings of the Depot

Yesterday the wood I ordered decided to show up, so I went ahead and started construction of the depot.  So far everything is going smoothly.  This is the first scratch built building I have done using wood and so far I really like it.  When I start doing my module for the club most of the buildings will be wood, so I can't wait to start those.  The walls to the main waiting area is all that is up as of yet, I hope to have the freight house up soon.  Please enjoy the very pictures of the depot is it's infancy.   

The Plans

I have become involved with a group of shadowy individuals, we call our selves the Junction City N-Scalers. We have been hashing out plans for our club layout that we are planning to begin construction on in August. In the meantime I have been given the task of designing and building the structures on one of the modules. So far I have the elevations done for the depot & the co-op/grain elevator. I hope you can click on them to view a larger version other wise you wont be able to see much.