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Modelling Page

January 1st 2010 Today is the start of what I hope will be something of interest for us all and I will add to it frequently. As with the other pages I hope it causes comment and above all let me know your comments through the usual channels. My idea is to add to it and not remove anything, space is not the priority it once was! So let’s hear from you.....

2nd Who would’ve thought it would be so difficult to get started with all that motivation! I opened the packet of the first set ( a pair of semi-detached houses with a shed and back yard) and read 2 pages on instructions which looked straightforward with a little (sorry, a lot!) of concentration and care. I found on checking the list of tools required I didn’t have (a) correct adhesive (b) tweezers (c) small sharp scissors. Even though for at least 30 years I’ve built what I thought was a pretty comprehensive range of tools. So off down the town I went and purchased what was needed. So I intend to start this afternoon.

3rd-4th Here’s the results so far:

For a first effort of modelling in pre-printed board, I’m pleased with it. Using the ‘00’ gauge which is a scale of 1:75 seems to be about right. Anything smaller and I’d be unable to manipulate the pieces at this stage and larger would use up valuable space which I don’t have! At the moment I’m following the instruction sheet closely and they appear quite clear. As well as glazing all the window openings the kit provides curtains which you can see clearly in the second photo, nets as well on the ground floor front windows. To start I’ve used both the red and blue front doors, the other colours available will be used when more are built. There’s confidence for you.....

Above are the photos of the completed terraced houses to begin the street scene. As you can see I realy must get a tripod to sit the camera on, about the clearest one is back 3 and even that has the ‘shakes’. The back is a detailed walled yard complete with shed, paving and a back door through the yard wall. The wall has been finished with ‘coping stones’.

The front has its glazed ‘dormer’ windows on a main roof finished with ridge tiles and flashing. Bay windows have been added with steps to the front doors and a individually laid paving stone frontage to complete the finish.

It looks as though I’ll have to hunt around for rainwater goods, fascia and barge boarding to complete closer to the prototype. They can come later now I’ve ‘broken the ice’ and started modelling which I enjoy.

The next project will be a ‘corner shop’ which will sit too the left of this terrace. Next weekend will be a starter but a new student arrives on Sunday so I’ll be busy

8th to 13th

As I thought, this model of the ‘corner shop’ is a little bit different from the previous ‘terraced houses’. As you can see from the following couple of photos; the shop windows and the corner shop entrance need some thinking about and there will also be an additional ‘bit’ on the side, window decoration and shop flooring and fitting out to consider, hey ho...... And I volunteered for this one!

If you look at the second photo and the fourth window from the right at the top. You can see as well as fitting the customary curtains I’ve ‘opened’ the lower sash to let some air into the room above the shop. You can just see the window in the gable wall has also been ‘opened’ in the same room. So already I’ve started using the imagination that plagues all modellers!

14th to 18th

Here’s some photos of the ‘corner shop’ finished and very pleasing it was to do. Just that little bit different from the house pair to ‘keep me on my toes’. The yard entrance through the gable at the side took time. Those of you that look at the photos and do comparisons will notice I’ve made the flashing between roof and walls; half the size. It seems to be more in scale than using the full width supplied!

The photos here when downsized as ‘thumbnails’ to publish on the site look a little ‘grainy’. When viewed on the machinery in their full glory. They show up any modelling faults; so I take many shots from different angles and this gives me the fine work to be done before final completion! Here are more detailed shots:

In the window detail shot you can see the sash window above has been ‘opened’. In the yard entrance shot, the shed is visable through the opening. Looks as though somebody has been lifting the pavers and kerbstones and not laid them back properly! See what I mean about the detail that shows when you photograph the just built models   

Just to finish off I thought you might be interested in my first two efforts: 1. Terraced Houses, 2. Terraced corner shop. Have put them next to each other as they will appear on a ‘scenic board’ in the future.I’ve sat them on the mantle shelf and the chimneys have been reflected through the glass-quite effective!   

19th to 22nd

While taking the attached photos I was very much aware how small the ‘cats and dogs’ are in this ‘00’ scale. I needed tweezers to handle them and when positioning them on the various points in the scenery a drop of glue is going to be needed to stop them ‘falling over’! I also find that I’m going to need some form of magnification with a positionable type of lighting before I attempt to work with small items which will be needed to give the diorama some interest and realisation. When I start to populate the street scenes with people, cars; all the paraphernalia  we take for granted when visiting towns, cities or countryside. I was able to pick up the gutters, drainpipes, fascias and barge boards which I’ll add to the buildings I’ve assembled at the moment. All future models will incorporate what I consider are essentials as they are built; now I know where to find them.

23rd to 25th

In my last posting; having ‘played’ with the very small ‘ready made’ pieces to give the scenery some realism. I thought I’d test my ‘fine’ skills to try modelling something different with some difficult techniques to master....

I chose to assemble a ‘Parish Church’. Having set aside most of yesterday, Sunday when I could concentrate on the task. I assembled most of the West tower, chancel and nave. The window glazing was the most difficult to master. Most churches consist of a lot of windows and the tracery which separates the glass be it plain (as in the model shown) or stained (maybe in the future!); is very intricate in the prototype. So modelling it; is equally trying and requires time and patience. One slip of the modelling knife and well lets not go there!

See the two pictures below showing a long shot of the model so far. I have to add the North and South transcepts, porch and the Lich gate. The other one showing a close up of the tower with the large West window and the buttresses that support the lateral weight in the prototype. The buttresses proved fun to build and then attach to the tower..... Just the battlements to cutomise!  

Already I’m thinking of all the ceremonies that will take place at the church. Weddings, Funerals and Christenings etc. Then the surrounding scenery of grass, weeds, trees. Tombstones in the Cemetery and my small dogs and cats would have a field day in the long grass...... Enough, finish the model and all those others that’ll be required to make our small environ.

But, I still managed to complete the Parish Church with it’s little additions including the little buttresses against the East wall, stones on the West tower battlements and the ‘icing on the cake’  the Lych gate at the end of a stone walkway entrance to the porch.I musn’t forget the West tower clock which unfortunately will stay at the time printed on it’s face. I have seen some working clocks with lights but that has to be a future project... I’m pleased with the results for the month: a pair of Victorian terraced houses, corner shop and the Parish Church. Let’s see if next month can be at least as productive.

Here are four photos of the completed Parish Church and the Lych gate:

February 1st to 5th 2010

Just in case you were worried about my ‘ non-appearance’ on this page. Yes it’s been a bit hectic here at 52 with the ‘comings and goings’, click on Newsletter for the latest news. While endeavouring to use the drainpipes, gutters for the models already built and adding ‘bargeboards’ to the gables of the existing houses and corner shop. I’ve been learning many different techniques which I’ll endeavour to pass on.

The basis of the models is printed card and this can be assembled using PVA glue. That doesn’t work with plastic (gutters, fascias and pipe work). You need glue that welds the plastic to ensure correct assembly. This means that all plastic items should be  built before attaching them to the models. Yes, I know another project! Fascia boards, gutters, pipes and clips must be measured and built seperately THEN attached to the models. This is best done as the structure is being built as it’s difficult to get under rooves and behind walls of a finished model! I’ve found the ‘bargeboards’ are best obtained by cutting the ‘waste’ from the model sheets when the various printed parts have been cut out or pushed through the ‘die cuts’. If you cut them 2mm wide they are the correct thickness and of course being card can be attached with the PVA glue. It’s also cheaper than buying plastic boarding which is too thick anyway. While on the subject of card versus plastic. I’ve found; rolling the chimney pots as supplied in pre-printed paper (once you’ve mastered the technique) is a lot more effective (you can make each pot shorter crenellated and different) than buying the plastic versions. It’s got to be a personal choice and what you feel about the finished model. Now you’re beginning to understand where the time is going! Just to finish this posting before I continue ‘building’. I thought you’d be interested in the following photo: 

It’s called ‘extra hands and magnifying glass’. I think that says it all. By the time I worked out what did what. I thought that’s got to be useful, even just to build the plastic pieces welding them together without melting the parts or my fingers! Just to prove I haven’t be idle you can see another ‘terraced shop’ complete with ‘curtains’ on the windows at the ‘building stage’ in the background. I intend to build in the extras as I’ve said above when I get some plastic adhesive and small paint brushes to apply it. So we’ll see and I’ll publish the results shortly.........

 6th to 11th  

Here are some pictures of my ‘2nd corner shop’ so practice makes perfect does it? I think not; all it does is make you realise how much you don’t know and what a lot there is to learn!

I started to ‘customise’ the earlier terraced houses and corner shop. Adding pipes as required and as I said finding it difficult on the built model. This is my first effort of incorporating certain items as building takes place. The plastic goods need to be built separately BUT there are items that are best left until completion. I mean those you can get at easily. In the prototype of the built house you wait until the roof is fitted before attaching the ‘barge boards’ ‘fascia boards and guttering’. In other words the front and gable ends are easily accessible but the ‘yards’ are not. Certainly the finished item looks more ‘realistic’ with rainwater goods and bargeboards, just like the prototype you’re replicating. The same goes for the ‘flashings’ between the roof and wall, I thought it needed to be that bit smaller to be in scale so I experimented with the house front bay. I cut the ridges and flashings supplied in half and half again! The magnifying gizmo came in handy here and the small very sharp scissors. I need lots of practice when welding the plastic pieces together-great fun when you drop a piece on the floor and have to crawl around to retrieve it!

Finally I was very pleased with the ‘paving’ laid; each slab laid individually with a tiny drop of glue and that goes for the ‘kerb stones’ as well.

You can see where the time is going but it’s great fun and extremely absorbing. My vistors think I’m crazy but they like the finished articles appreciating they’ll be part of a ‘townscape’ diorama. They start to imagine immediate completion where I’m thinking many years ahead. The next project is a ‘brewery’ then it’s back the housing for my imaginary inhabitants, that’ll see this month ending.......

 12th to 22nd 

I can’t believe it’s been 10 days since I last published my results here on the Modelling page! Here are some photos to show I’ve been ‘beavering’ away to ensure the month ends on a positive note.....

This is the start of a brewing complex which when completed will consist of a boilerhouse for power, a water tower to supply the aforementioned boilerhouse and a factory unit to use for whatever the fancy takes me at the time!

At the moment these are freestanding units and when mounted on a ‘baseboard’ the connecting bridge will go between the ‘malt store’ and the ‘brewhouse’ for the transportation of malt between the two buildings to enable beer to be made. The finished product ‘ale’ is then stored in the other building for onward transmission to the pubs. clubs, shops where it is bought and tasted by you and me! When the buildings are set on the ‘baseboard’; drainpipes, gutters, paving and the occasional weeds and ‘greenstuff’ rubbish will be added as ‘customisation’. Plus some people of course..... This can then be moved as a building group from one end of town to the other.... imagineering again!

The next group of photos shows my efforts at building a village school. The kit is half the price of what I’ve been used to...... I’m afraid you only get what you pay for! I shall not be mentioning any names because I’m not like that. Just note that the instructions with their illustrations are poorly printed in a small font and rather vague. The printed card is thin and the pieces are grouped too close together for my liking and the ‘die cutting’ of the pieces is poor. Especially noted on the window and door apertures where they should just ‘pop out’. On principle, I’ll complete the kit ‘cos it’s a challenge! Before I start to attempt building the other offering purchased from them; I’ll go back to the better quality and not interest myself in purchasing anymore of their kits even if they’re cheaper!

 23rd to 28th 

It’s been raining for most of the week so I’ve been able to concentrate on what I’ve found the most difficult of all the models to complete! As I said before; so I won’t repeat myself; suffice to say things didn’t get any better but I stuck to the task and completed the Village School here’s the photos of the result:

The finished article looks OK but the work involved and additions in the way of customisation: ridge tiles, flashing, wall coping stones, extra re-enforcing at the corners and finally two cornflake packets on which to stick the two joined buildings before making the boundary walls to separate the children from the ‘traffic’. when I’d set the buildings and wallls etc. I added the paving around the institution. The ‘blue’ area is just to remind me not to pave but add ‘grass’ when I add the ‘greenery’ and ‘weeds’ at the base of the buildings and between the pavers.

Although there are drain pipes and a soil pipe printed onto the card, I’m going to add plastic pipes and guttering at a later date! And, what about the caretakers cat?

So that’s the month ended and apart from the odd ‘hiccup’ I’m looking forward to my next project. Which could be something substantial from my original supplier .............

March 1st to 4th 2010

Bet you can’t guess what this is going to be ........?

And, I’ve posted a nice large picture to help! Do you like the ‘scaffolding’.... 2 pairs of tweezers and a cigarette lighter! When I remember I must get a com[plete set of small ‘Bulldog’ clips which will help when it comes to holding stuff together while I’m getting on with something else. Although it doesn’t look like it I’m about a third the way through the construction but as I said previously; this one is a little bit complicated but very enjoyable to do. In the right hand top corner next to the ‘Sellotape’ is my one and only ‘Bulldog’ clip for those of you that don’t know what they are!

This particular model calls for the use of plastic weld as you’ll see from the completed result.I’ve got plenty with the assembly of the rainwater goods which have been added to the previous efforts.

I’d better get on and be assured I’ll publish the finished article to satisfy your curiosity....

5th to 12th

Did you guess correctly ?

As promised I’ve published the photos of my efforts so far! On the ‘front’ photo you’ll see a car in the showroom and it’s a Morris Oxford you don’t see them around now and those that you do are collectors items and the prototype is worth a fortune ! I picked up another 3 miniature cars for the service bay and the fuel pumps on the forecourt. I’ve started to lay the ‘tarmac’ sheets and the fuel pumps and canopy will sit in front of the main building. Those fuel pumps were somewhat difficult to make especially bending the hose to fit onto the pump. The ‘stores entrance’ shows my first efforts at assembling plastic i.e. the steps. The back of the building will be set on the scene overlooking the ‘railway line’ so I’ve tried to make it as colourful as possible !

I have picked up some ‘Bulldog’ clips and saw some miniature pegs which will make it easier to assemble future projects so I won’t be using anymore homemade ‘scaffolding’. I was at the model shop yesterday and got some acrylic paint for those little ‘touch up’ jobs, some ‘grass’ (the modelling kind....), more rainwater goods, kits and ‘tarmac’ sheets. I was able to get some plastic weld in a tiny bottle that dispenses the liquid by the ‘drop’ much more controllable than a paint brush... The rainwater goods look better already and I’m now able to join pipes and gutters with more precision !

I’ve spent today ‘welding’ plastic and customising the built models. The ‘brewery’ has taken up most of my rainwater goods. So that’s the next thing on my shopping list ! I’ll publish photos of the ‘brewery’ unit with it’s connecting bridge and set on ‘tarmac’ with paving round the buildings. No ‘weeds’ or stray ‘greenery’ yet. I’ll also ‘lay the grass’ on the patch by the school. Then of course there’s the service station to customise with it’s paving and the service area when I find some ‘garage junk’ ; tyres and tools etc...... and so it goes on !

13th to 19th

No...I haven’t been travelling click on Newsletter and you’ll see the answer to the first 3 photo’s here. Just to show I haven’t been neglecting expanding the ‘town stock’ the 4th photo of the 1930’s housing only depicts the frontage but the rest is coming ! I’m sorry about the 2 photo’s of the freight wagon, as you can see; the tripod to rest the camera on has still not been purchased. It’s hell when you’re trying to position delicate small pieces on the models...hmmm! It looks as though a room for the diorama will have to include space for even more railway toys !

20th to 21st

Lovely quiet weekend click on Newsletter to see why. So I’ve been able to complete the pair of 30’s style semi-detached houses. Here’s some photos:

Very different to build from anything so far but very satisfying.... As you can see to building needs its pipes and gutters and I’ve now got the ‘flashing’ right for size I’m using a quarter of the size provided for the ‘ridge’ tiles.

When London expanded out to the suburbs due to efficient means of transport for the workers. People moved out and these houses were provided by developers for people to buy. Most of the ‘terraced houses’ in towns were rented by their occupants. ‘Suburbia’ started to become the place people wanted to be, ‘out in the country’ away from the City centre and only commuting in to work. These houses were built with garages for the family car (coming next week) and had front and back walled gardens.

My intention is to set these buildings and gardens onto a scenic setting representing a 30’s style estate with all the shops, pub, schools, a cinema and the paraphernalia that goes with the period. Already I can see the family pets (cats and dogs) being part of the scene ! Children with their parents and friends. I’m dreaming again but ‘watch this space’ to see it become a reality....

22nd

Spent a perfect couple of hours this evening completing the two garages to set next to the pair of 30’s style semi-detached houses built over the weekend. Here’s some photos:

I added the cars and put them in situ with their garages next to the houses; so you can get the idea of what they’ll look like on the diorama. Yes. the ‘big’ picture if you like no pun intended !

Hopefully, I’ll have some time to myself tomorrow so I’ll start another pair of the Victorian/Edwardian semis, complete with their sheds, walled back yards and bay windows. I’m firmly rooted in that period of architecture and they’re fun to build. It’s a shame the factories and work places they built haven’t stood the test of time like the houses. Those old mills and brewery buildings along with the railway buildings of that era evoke a sense of strength and quality which can’t be equalled in modern times...... Mind you, give me ‘constant’ hot water, central heating, fitted carpets and cinema sound and vision any day in my home !

23rd to 31st

Thought I’d finish the month off; with a completion of the first 30’s semi by adding some gutters and drainpipes:

Just adds that little correctness to the model but I’m learning patience! Sorry about the tea and baccy supplies in the back ground but at least you know they’re mine don’t you.

In my last posting I said I’ll start another Victorian/Edwardian semi. This time I used a slightly different way of building which worked for me. I made the main structure as far as the roof and then treated everything else as a separate project. The bay structures on the front, the dormer windows on the roof, the gutters and rain water pipes and built the yard walls and attached them when all was completed. The chimney stacks allowed me to put 8 pots on (2x4) and the back two were cut at the top to make diamond shapes. It may take longer but the result is better here’s so photos:

Sorry about the back ground junk. At the moment the dining room table is my modelling area but who knows what the future holds? Which reminds me the glue used to stick the card models is a PVA based adhesive. If you buy the small bottles it gets a bit expensive so I’m going to the DIY shop to pick up a 2.5 litre bottle and then decant it into the squeezy bottle I use to apply the little dots required for the models. It’s mighty strong so you don’t need too much as I’m learning. The same with the plastic weld, a liitle drop goes a long way with the gutters and downpipes etc. Eventually when I build some baseboards using 2”x1” supports, 9mm ply and insulation board, I’ll need the PVA as a wood glue to ensure tight fastening when the structure is screwed together! I’m moving far too fast ‘cos next month I’ll complete the customisation of the service station and build more housing both Victorian/Edwardian terraces and 30’s semis to create some estates within different time scales for the layout. No bad so far and we’re only 3 months into 2010.

April 1st to 5th 2010

With the Easter hols late this year, I decided to concentrate on building the baseboards. Firstly they don’t need so much concentration and fine work as in the modelling. With 4 guests at 52 see Newsletter, I need the dining room table at all times. Secondly I desperately need somewhere to sit the models temporarily as I’m running out of safe places to put them; when completed! The idea was to build one 2”x1” frame and set a small board 3ft x 4ft of 9mm plywood on it. All screwed and glued, put it on the floor in the cinema lounge (which isn’t completed yet) and that would keep the finished models safe until I’m ready to put them into the diorama. That was the plan........ I ended up building another Victorian/Edwardian terraced house complete with it’s gutters and downpipes (in one day!), all the 2”x1” frames and setting a small and large plywood top on two of them. They were heavy (or I’m getting weaker) and that’s without the 2”x1”, 900mm legs or the insulation board on top of the plywood top. I’ll complete the build when the units are in the room where they’ll ultimately end up; wherever and whenever that might be. Haven’t made my mind up yet! So with all the other jobs I’ve had a busy Easter ‘break’. Here’s some photos to keep you ‘in the picture’ so to speak:

For those of you that are interested here’s my shopping list for the basesboards, small: 4ft x 3ft top and 3ft high. Large: 4ft x 5ft and 3 ft high. These are approx in Imperial measurements, finished.

I’ve used rough sawn timber for the frame and legs ‘cos it’s half the price of planed timber. But, wear gloves when working with it otherwise you’ll be nursing ‘splinters’ in your hands! With the screws I used you don’t need to drill any holes in the frames before screwing and to make a solid job always use PVA glue before screwing the work together. Drill and countersink the plywood top otherwise you’ll have a rough finish to cover when setting the insulation board. Use the PVA liberally when attaching the insulation board to the plywood DO NOT SCREW TO THE PLYWOODTOP. Remember this will be the finish you’ll be setting your models on if it’s rough so will the levels be! Remember as I said previously the finished work will be heavy; that’s just the boards without legs or scenery; try to build everything ‘in situ’ if not, like me; take it in stages.....

Buy all your wood and accessories from a timber merchant they will cut it and deliver it for you (‘cos it’s VERY, VERY heavy) and it’s a fraction of the price you’ll pay from a DIY store; here’s the list:

2 x (8ft x 4ft) 9mm best quality plywood. Cut as 5ft x 4ft + 3ft x 4ft x 2

2 x (8ft x 4ft) insulation board (cheap ‘notice board’ stuff). Cut as above.

65 metres of 2” x 1” (50mmx25mm) rough sawn timber NOT planed. It will come in 5 metre lengths so make sure you have somewhere to store it flat. There will be 13 lengths of this which you cut as needed. I stored it on the lower stair case, ideal ‘cos there’s no carpet yet.

22 metres of 2” x 2” (50mmx50mm) rough sawn’ for the legs. Unless you have a mitre cutting device take my advice and get it cut into 24 lengths of 900mm each. The ends have to be cut straight....otherwise the structure will ‘wobble’ and you’ll have to prop up the legs with pieces of card from day one! Not very professional, hmmm!

Screws 4 x 40mm (8 x 1.5”) best quality zinc plated ‘pozidrive’ heads. 200 per box x 2

PVA wood adhesive 2.5 litres x 1 (the modelling glue for card models is PVA) so you’ll never run out of it!

As with the models little is good and when the timber is glued and screwed it’ll stay assembled for good. Just as an afterthought I hope you’ve got an electric screwdriver, without one you’ll never do it by hand.......

6th to 11th

Click on Newsletter, and here are some more photos of the work completed so far:

The first and second photos show my storage see the ‘shopping list’ with reference to having somewhere long and solid to store the lengths ‘flat’. This picture shows the timber after I’d reduced the lengths to make the baseboard support frames. The large boards have been filled and sanded in the next photo. I’ll use the next fine days to add further 2x1 to the inside/underneath of the plywood sheets before fixing the insulation board and making it far to heavy for me to manage. Hence the final top and legs are to be fitted ‘in situ’. The other 2 photos show the small baseboards on the floor of the cinema lounge and apart from extra reinforcing like their larger brothers, they’re complete.

As an aside; the plant life featured must like their position in the bay window ‘cos they’ve grown to twice their height. They have needed to be re-potted into large external pots and placed on castor wooden bases to move them around!

When setting the models on the small boards; I’m beginning to see what the town scape will look like and that’s without the railway, hills, fields, farms, hotel, industrial estate, canals and whatever my fancy tells me to build in the meantime.....what about the seaside?

11th to 22nd

If you go back to the end of February, you’ll see I built with some difficulty a primary school. I bought two kits from the same manufacturer and as I said they were half the price of what I’ve been used to. Buying two I got them even ‘cheaper’. I thought I’d give it some time before attempting assembling this version of a ‘Police Station’. Apart from the difficulty encountered as before ending with the assembly of the lamps on the outside front corners of the station. I thought the petrol pumps were ‘fiddly’, these were definitely a test of my patience and control of hand, eye co-ordination! Here’s the photos of the finished building:

It will be noticed that although paving and steps to the doors are provided they will not be fitted until the building is placed onto the scenic baseboard when all the customisation (rainwater goods, weeds and greenery) things that make it look like a ‘used’ building; will be added. Although I made a card base for the school, I feel that more can be achieved by waiting until the site is decided for this model!

To ensure my ‘sanity’ is returned I’m going to return to the ‘30’s’ semi detached buldings with their garages and then continue with more ‘old fashioned’ terraced houses and shops before the end of the month. So get ready for further photos......

23rd to 30th

I spent until the end of the month ensuring my ‘sanity’ returned by concentrating on building some semi’s and as I have detailed the assembly in previous posts I won’t bore you by repeating myself! I’ll publish the completed row of 5 when they’re all completed. I’ve made some ‘subtle’ changes to each one while ensuring they follow thebasic design. So more on that next month.....

To finish this month I thought I’d mention that it makes sense to save all the ‘extras’ you get when you buy the kits. I’ve used clear sandwich bags in which I store the bits that are not needed for that particular model. I’ve taken a couple of photos to give you the idea:

As you can see in the first photo is the large bag containing smaller bags which hold such items as: plastic rainwater goods, paving sheets, chimney pots, windows, walling sheets, wall/coping stones, ridge tiles, curtains, doors etc. This is just my collection saved during the last four months of modelling. Some of these I’ve already used to ‘customise’ models which otherwise would be similar. Such as the semi’s which will appear in May with their diffences achieved from utilising stuff from these bags. Later in my modelling career I’m going to ‘scratch’ build when I’ve more experience. This will mean literally building from ‘scratch’ anything that is required to make the scenes more realistic and interesting as we go along.

May 1st

Birthday today so I’ll be celebrating with the family ‘cos I’m officially a ‘pensioner’!

2nd-12th

That’s it for another year but I’ve been a busy ‘bunny’ see Newsletter and here are some photos of the ‘semi’s’ completed as promised with their ‘subtle’ differences. Most obvious of which is they’ve all got curtains at the windows! In the excitement of completing the 1st example see 21st-22nd March above; I forgot them! 

The main difference you will notice with all four of the latest houses is their ‘flashings’ which are all matching the roofing tiles and ridges. On the first example I used ‘lead flashings’ which look fine on the slate roofs but don’t blend in with the more modern ‘concrete tiles’ used with this design of house. All the gutters and pipes have been fitted when building the individual model and makes for a more complete match with the prototype building.

The next 2 above show changes made in the 3rd one to the colour and style of the front door’s. In the 4th I’ve ‘opened’ the front door.

In the last one I’ve ‘opened’ the side door. Sorry about the focus of the last two photos; it’s me not your eyes! Still got a lot to learn about taking close ups of the various models I’m making.

These kits come complete with front and back walls which I’ll use when I set the buildings on the scene. That will include their front and back gardens complete with all the plants and sheds etc that they contain.... What about the roads and pathways, I hear you say? There’s no doubt that this particular hobby is going to be as time consuming as it is interesting, using modellers imagination and licence!

The next project will be some more Edwardian/Victorian terraces and shops. So watch this space!

13th-20th

Thanks for ‘watching this space’; sorry I’ve been so long but if you click on Newsletter you’ll see I’ve been rather busy with lots of other things as well as my ‘construction work’! Here’s the results so far:

The first photo shows the following idea in practice. Because I’ve decided to construct 3 buildings of the same type with customisation of each one to stimulate interest. I thought I’d build the main structures with their different front doors and curtains over windows ‘opened or closed’. Then model all the ‘add ons’ at once the dormer’s, chimney’s and bay’s these can be added along with the guttering and drainpipes before finishing off with their sheds and walls! Well. that’s the theory anyway.... The 2nd and 3rd photos show how useful elastic bands are along with ‘bulldog’ clips (not shown); to keep everything in place while I have a cup of tea or in this case. Update the Modelling page on the site.

In the last photo I’ve shown how things have spread around the house until I get a dedicated ‘hobbies’ room in which to build, play and exhibit the baseboards that will be part of the scenery in which to place a ‘live’ scenario.

Just a little tip you may find useful: When you’ve finished ‘glazing’ the window and door spaces and set the ‘curtains’ with the PVA, cover the whole area with clear sticky tape, ‘Sellotape’ for example. It stops me anyway; from putting my fingers through the openings and then having to re-PVA them. It all helps to strengthen the finished building but trim carefully with a fine hobby knife so it doesn’t stop any folds or floor/roof levels.

When I’ve completed  these 3 buildings I’ll take photos before moving on to another 5 shops!

21st-28th

As promised here’s the photos of the 3 terraced houses completed as a project and it made life easier as I’ll endeavour to describe. Here’s the photos:

Doing a project of 3 buildings all of the same build has its advantages of which time is not one. It enables you to concentrate on building (in this case) separate front doors of different colours; just as you would see in a street. The curtains have different colours both front (including the bays) and the back and gable windows. In 1 gable I’ve used ‘net’ curtains as well as the front of the second terraced house in the photo (with the green and blue doors). Sorry about the toaster but I’ve explained my need for a dedicated model and hobby room. Maybe one day......??

I’ve already mentiond about the walling in a previous posting on the 30’s style semi-detached buildings (2-12 May). I haven’t been able to complete the back yards and sheds ‘cos I ran out of rainwater goods. I haven’t got any more down pipes left to drain the attached gutters! I must be doing something! So I’ll add it to my shopping list!

29th-31st

To finish the month off I’ve started a further project of 5 corner shop buildings using the stages as descibed above, each job completed for the 5 buildings before moving on! In this case bulding the fronts with their different colour front doors, glazing and fitting the different colour curtains. With each build you’re able to correct any problems before they arise! I seem to remember earlier in the year wanting to complete a model to see what it looked like, no such thoughts when you’re duplicating ‘cos you’ve already seen a finished model. Here’s the photos showing all 5 fronts:

The photos show each building has a different colour front door; green (dark), blue, green (light), red, brown. Making use of the spares saved from other kits. When I finish the individual buildings I’ll take photos showing the different shop signs and windows. Using the customisation parts included; there will be a Co-op, Cafe, Fish & Chip shop, butchers and finally a bakers. Wish me luck .starting a new month as well, where does the time go?

June 1st-7th

The time is flying by as I said above. Here we are with the first week of the new month gone but I’ve been a ‘busy bunny’ both here and in the house click on Newsletter to see further ‘goings on’ at 52. Meanwhile here’s some photos of the latest project so far:

These top two show just one of the five terraced shop fronts with the rear gable ‘under construction’. Like my red elastic band ‘scaffolding’ to keep the floor attached to the outer walls. I thought you’d like a close up of the window signs which are truly ‘tiny’. The money quoted is in shillings and pence; which you’ll see on the menu in the cafe.

The following are photos of the interiors before they go into the actual shop buildings:

Seems a shame to cover them in doesn’t it? You can tell my favorite, the ‘chippie’ complete with its fryer and keep hot counter. Notice the benches in the window space and you’ll be able to see right into the shop through the ‘windows’. Honest, those were the prices in ‘old money’, it was a cheap meal. Pictures and a fish supper and you got change out of 10/- (ten bob). The co-op interior is very fussy just like I remember it as a kid. Most small shops stocked everything they could, Ronnie Barker’s Open all Hours sit-com on  BBC TV portrayed the situation very well and they were ‘open all hours’!

8th-23rd

I know it’s been a long time since I’ve published anything on the ‘modelling’ page. It seems that the summer months with longer days mean I’ve been able to spend time outside! Click on Place Changes as well as the Newsletter to see what I mean! Even so, I’ve completed the 5 terraced corner shops as intended. Here are the photos; minus the gutters and downpipes. I need to invest in some rainwater goods kits to complete several structures to my satisfaction. Need to save more pennies......!!

One of the advantages of assembling a batch of the same type of kit is that you can make up several parts and put them on one side for fitting to the buildings later. For example: things like chimney pots and stacks or dormer windows. You will see some shops have more or less dormers than others a small example of customisation! Apart from the ‘corner’ cafe, the other shops can be part of a terrace with their entrances and exits both front, back and side facing in different directions. Something to be considered when setting the models on their base board with other scenic details.

I thought to end this month and start the next I’d think railway buildings and the first thing that came to mind was a station of some description. The smallest to practice on is a ‘country station’ so, here goes......

24th-25th

No pictures but don’t panic. I started on the Country station and have been setting all the pieces in their piles and then glazing the window frames and doors, ready to fit into the buildings! It made me think how important it is to add strength to the models where you can. I’ve found their most vulnerable points are the window and door openings. In the early days I found my fingers were pushing through the glazing acetate in both these points (the church was an example, with all it’s windows) on the structure because they were only fastened with ‘spots’ of PVA glue. When I was posting last month, May 13th-20th to be exact, I mentioned the use of ‘Sellotape’ or something similar to reinforce the glazing areas of both the doors and windows, making sure the tape is well pressed to exclude any trapped air bubbles. I found the last project of the 5 terraced shops took a little longer and the tape was ‘fiddly’ but the end result was stronger in the end and my fingers didn’t puncture the openings as before. Because this present structure (country station) has many windows and doors they will be built separately then added to the buildings; the advantage of this type of assembly will be obvious! Cut the acetate smaller than required leaving sufficient border for the glue spots and once centred, the tape can be added and will then cover the unprinted inside of the card. Trim the tape from the printed side of the door or window frame. When assembled, all the glue and tape are inside the building with the finished printed areas outside. Back to the fun, I’ll talk soon..............

July 1st

As there were no pictures in my last posting, here are the ones of the Country Station and Platform Shelter completed:

The first photo shows the scope of the building  showing how much is involved with the construction of the model. For example the amount of glazing (windows and doors) and how useful the use of ‘Sellotape’ has been in strengthening a weak point in any model construction. On the left hand side is the Station Master’s house and I’ve customised it by adding curtains to the windows; making it a seperate living space from the station itself. Later, I’ll add some garden pieces at the back which most station staff were able to do with their partners watering and tending the plants to add colour to their workplace! The next part of the building, is the ‘Booking Hall’ with its double doors ‘ajar’ and displaying railway posters on the right and left of the entrance. On the right is  the ‘General Waiting Room’ with half curtains at the tall windows. They were used from the ‘cafe’ building showing it’s worth hanging on to all those ‘bits’ you don’t  use at the the time of building a particular structure and fitting it out.

The second photo shows the rear or platform side of the same building. In addition to the areas already mentioned, you can see the canopy on which are attached the ‘Exit’, ‘Ladies’ and ‘Gents’ toilets signs, which in those days they called ‘rooms’! The ‘barge boards’ on both the front, sides and rear of the building add an ornate as well as practical touch. On all parts of this project I’ve cut the ‘grey ridging’ strips to 1.5 mm for the base of the chimney stacks. 3 mm for the roof ‘flashings’ and used full size (6 mm) red ridge tiles for the roof apex’s.

The third photo is of the platform shelter which occupies the opposite platform and as well as the obligatory ‘posters’. There are toilets and rooms to shelter from inclement weather and as you can see from the chimney stacks on each side to service the coal fires, they were ‘cosy and warm’ in the winter! The fourth is a view of the back of the same building which I will imagine will face some sort of ‘goods/parcels/freight’ area on the diorama board.

Again due to ‘lack of supplies’ the drainpipes and gutters will be fitted ASAP !..... Both of these buildings need to be set on platforms which I’ll complete in a future project.

2nd-4th

While assembling my latest creation I allowed myself to dream and considered the following scenario. The Brewery complex built many years ago and of course now a ‘listed building’ meant that any work carried out to increase production or make some more money (profit) in the brewing business. Would be severely limited! Both the brewery and malt house are working at ‘near’ capacity and the storage and distribution building was now becoming too small for the business. Planning permission has been given to develop the land next door. A new warehousing and distribution complex is to be built. It’ll consist of not only increased storage for production at the moment, enhanced staff facilities. They have also managed to increase the number of people they employ; skilled, non-skilled and administration. But in the ‘forseeable’ future if the production capacity is increased; this building will cope. There will be extended railway sidings and facilities to service and garage the brewery lorries complying with all the latest regulations regarding industrial motor transport. The old premises were OK with horse and cart but became exceedingly dangerous with today’s modern drays. After all that preamble here’s some photos:

While The first 2 show three nice wide folding doors (I know I’ve got to adjust them!). If you look through the third entrance you can see the interior wall of the office/workshop building well lit by natural light from the gable windows and roof lights (windows) above, in the 2nd photo. The clock doesn’t work so it will always show 0910!

 The other 2 show the office/workshop building and one of three narrow shuttered doors on the rear elevation. The last one gives an overall view from above of the three roof sections with their glazed areas giving a view of the two truss beams inside. You can quite see why they got ‘planning permission’ for such a magnificent structure to accompany their old brewing site.

So now I have to assemble another similar but with subtle variations, couple of ‘industrial units’ to accomodate (1) bus garage and (2) distribution depot to receive the goods transmitted by our railway from all over the country, perhaps even ‘globally’!

See what I mean about modellers imagination... and I’ve only just started !!!

5th-11th

I purchased a kit entitled Village School with Outbuildings and proceeded in the usual way to start construction. The imagination started to work and because of the colouring it reminded me of the Parish Church built way back in February see the posting dated at the end of February on this page. The Church didn’t incluse an outbuilding (Church Hall) or a Rectory (the Vicar’s home). So instead of a second school I started thinking that it would look good in the Church grounds when finally positioned on the base board setting! But, of course between now and then things could change and I still have to find a Rectory with similar colouring if it’s to be in the Church grounds! Here’s the photos of the completed model:

The building of the kit while a little different was a pleasure. The first photo shows both a ‘left’ and ‘right’ elevated entrance and the second a little ‘customisation’ with this pair of ‘doors’ slightly open. The third shows something slightly different for me in the form of a ‘roof vent’ with a ‘turret’ to finish it off. Smaller than the malt house vents on the ‘Brewery’ model. The last photo here is a close up of the vent with a ‘tall chimney’. I bet they had problems with the smoke sometimes blowing into the vent in the winter! Here’s some more of the ‘outbuilding’:

The ‘out building’ while being totally unecessary to the ‘Village Hall’ was more practice for me. As you can see the doors are both ‘ajar’! It will be utilised in the end product of a Village/Town/City on the base board whenever that might be...!!!

12th-18th

If you go back to the beginning of this month. I assembled what turned into an extension for the ‘brewery’. It was such a versatile kit I thought another one wouldn’t go amiss, so here we are; completed as a storage warehouse and a haulage company! There’s method in splitting large industrial accommodation as it instantly divides all the costs by the number of businesses in the building and gives them all access to the facilities that todays industrial complexes provide. I’ve photographed the building from four sides and here’s the results:

What becomes immediately obvious in comparison is the lack of vehicular entrances in this building. They’ve been used as glazed walls for the maximum amount of storage/warehousing available. With only one gable used as a large and wide entrance with two narrower exits at the back. My thoughts are the back will be serviced by it’s own road with railway sidings available to facilitate effective distribution. The office/administration has been moved to the left gable end of the building. The office entrance is consequently now at the front with a small delivery entrance at the side.

As time goes on you’ll see more of these buildings in many different guises they are quite fantastic to assemble and I found myself experimenting without actually ‘glueing’ anything together.

I’ll probably spend the rest ofthe month using the bargeboards and gutters from the plastic kits of rainwater goods. I’ve run out of drainpipes so it’ll be some ‘modular assembly’ fixing these tiny pieces to alrealy assembled buildings and wait until I can afford some more ‘gear’ next month!

Provided my sanity holds out I’ll talk soon. The imagination is in overdrive about my next projects........

19th-29th

Here we are and still ‘holding it together’ after my venture into using the balance of the plastic fascia boards and gutters I had in stock. Haven’t taken any photos ‘cos it’s very boring and you’ve seen the models before but this time they are a little more like the actual buildings they represent. When I start setting them on their baseboards with the grass, trees, roads and people I’ll comment as usual.

If you click on Newsletter you’ll see it’s been busy here at 52; leaving little ‘spare’ time for modelling. It looks as though with the weather warmer and ‘English summer’ here I’m busy during the months of June/July and probably August/September catering for my visitors. We’ll see.... In the meantime with only rubbish and repeats showing on TV, I’ve taken the opportunity to catch up on my reading about the hobby. As well as the usual monthly magazine I receive: ‘Railway Modeller’; I’ve bought two books. The Hornby Book of Model Railways (2nd Edition) and The Metropolitan Line, London’s first Underground Railway. If you enter these titles into your book search engine they can be purchased from Internet suppliers at a cheaper price than the conventional bookshops! Some don’t even charge postage!

I’ll endeavour to start next month with a project that I can photograph, despite hopefully being busy with other jobs......