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Carl B
Fireman
   
Premium Member
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Posted - 01/06/2021 : 08:59:33 AM
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Onto the next post....
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Country: USA
| Posts: 4091 |
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Carl B
Fireman
   
Premium Member
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Posted - 01/06/2021 : 09:10:31 AM
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Hello everyone.
My next project is for a modeler friend who recently moved, which required him to take down his old layout. I offered to help him rebuild with a scratch built HO scale structure of his choice..
During our discussion of possible subjects, he mentioned "Steam Era Structures," a now defunct kit company from Cincinnati Ohio. He had purchased "some paper plans only" of a few kits from the owner, who had agreed to sell them, after the company closed.
There were no building materials included, and just a few leftover cast details were thrown in. A structure called Opanskys Organ Works caught his eye, and we agreed I would tackle the task.
A few pictures still exist on-line of the built up versions...

Some of the 5 full scale sheets ..all wall & roof card templates were missing...

Measuring directly off the plans, I cut some mock up pieces, which will become the templates for cutting the actual wall sheet goods.

We thought the model a bit smaller than anticipated, so I made both units about 15% longer, but didn't change the width, or the height. Here's the 2nd mockup...

I started with the foundation, which is about 1/16" smaller than the wall perimeter. It's 4 scale feet high. I began with some 10" x 2" X 1/4" thick plaster of Paris blank sheets I'd poured months ago, and cut them into 1/2" high widths with a razor saw.

Before going any further, I glued thin card to the backs of each to resist cracking and failure. I need a total of 10 lengths. 4 for each structure and 2 for the connector area.

I began scribing blocks rows into the plaster with a dental pick, each about 3/32" high. Random stone sizes with no vertical joints lining up. Need basement windows openings too....
This is going to take a LONG time...one piece already broke on me....GRRR

Till next time....doors, windows & walls....
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Country: USA
| Posts: 4091 |
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Pennman
Fireman
   
Premium Member

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Posted - 01/06/2021 : 09:19:27 AM
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Carl, This task will be no problem for the experienced modeler that you are. Looks like you have a handle on this already and it looks good to me. I have done the same thing before in using the card to fortify the hydrocal walls. I will be following along with the build.
Rich
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Country: USA
| Posts: 4681 |
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Ensign
Fireman
   
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Posted - 01/06/2021 : 10:07:14 AM
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Carl, nice to see another modeler helping out a friend in need! I'll volunteer to keep the bellows pumped for you, while you work your magic again.
Greg Shinnie
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Country: Canada
| Posts: 8942 |
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jbvb
Fireman
   
Premium Member

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Posted - 01/06/2021 : 10:25:13 AM
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That looks like a good set of drawings, and the overall look of the structure has a more real-world look than some offerings. I'll be following along, good luck with the stonework.
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Country: USA
| Posts: 6711 |
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sgtbob
Fireman
   
Premium Member

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Bernd
Fireman
   

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Posted - 01/06/2021 : 10:39:58 AM
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Damm, fourth in line to get a front row seat.
I'm watching and taking notes.
Bernd
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New York, Vermont & Northern Rwy. - Route of the Black Diamonds |
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Country: USA
| Posts: 3899 |
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George D
Moderator
    
Premium Member

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Posted - 01/06/2021 : 11:21:42 AM
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That's a fascinating building design. I'm sure you'll please your friend with the build.
Nothing like starting with a hard task - carving plaster.
George
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Fly Army |
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Country: USA
| Posts: 16617 |
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TRAINS1941
Engineer
    
Premium Member

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Posted - 01/06/2021 : 11:46:54 AM
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Good way to start off the New Year Carl.
Looks like you have a good start here.
Dental pick I didn't realize you were a dentist before becoming a modeler!!
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Jerry
"And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." A. Lincoln |
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Country: USA
| Posts: 13075 |
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joakleaf
Engine Wiper
 
Supporting Member
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Posted - 01/06/2021 : 12:03:49 PM
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Carl -
Looks like a nice challenge for you. Always liked the SES kit designs, but have not see many built. Your friend is a lucky person.
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Country: USA
| Posts: 294 |
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Michael Hohn
Fireman
   

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Posted - 01/06/2021 : 2:40:53 PM
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Carl,
You’re starting with a splendid design. And you can tweak the design to make it even better.
Plaster (or hydrocal) is an excellent medium for stone. My favorite when there’s going to be a lot of foundation visible. Your stonework is going to look very realistic I’m sure.
Mike
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Country: USA
| Posts: 7023 |
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mark_dalrymple
Fireman
   
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Posted - 01/06/2021 : 3:03:13 PM
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A very neat structure, Carl.
I'll be following your progress.
Cheers, Mark.
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Country: New Zealand
| Posts: 1258 |
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Carl B
Fireman
   
Premium Member
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Posted - 01/06/2021 : 7:23:27 PM
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Rich, Greg, James, Bob, Bernd, George, Jerry, Jim, Mike and Mark, thank you for following along.
Interpreting the Steam Era Structure idea from just paper plans is a bit of a challenge, but what the heck?! It's on the small side, so it shouldn't drag out too long. 
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Country: USA
| Posts: 4091 |
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kebmo1
Engine Wiper
 
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Posted - 01/07/2021 : 06:59:13 AM
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i'm pulling up a chair.... this is always the best show in town.
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diplomacy is the art of saying 'nice doggie', until you can find a rock. |
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Country: USA
| Posts: 197 |
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BurleyJim
Fireman
   
Premium Member

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Posted - 01/07/2021 : 09:38:42 AM
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Carl, Deal me in! I'm sure your ability to 'upgrade' the original design will enter into this build.
Jim
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Take the red pill |
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Country: USA
| Posts: 6064 |
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Frank Palmer
Fireman
   

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Posted - 01/07/2021 : 09:45:28 AM
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Organ Works now that's music to my ears. Ready set go.
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Frank |
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Country: USA
| Posts: 6097 |
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